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Average Salary in the US (2026 Data)

How does your paycheck stack up? The average US salary in 2026 is $65,000 — but where you live, what you do, and how old you are can swing that number by more than $100,000.

The national average salary in the United States for 2026 is $65,000 per year, with a median of $56,000. While the average is pulled up by high earners, the median tells us that half of workers earn less than $56,000. Understanding these benchmarks helps you negotiate raises, choose careers, and set financial goals.

Average Salary by Age

  • 20–24: $32,000 — Entry-level roles and part-time work keep this bracket low.
  • 25–34: $48,000 — Career progression begins; median rises sharply with experience.
  • 35–44: $62,000 — Peak earning years start; management roles become common.
  • 45–54: $68,000 — Experience and seniority drive continued growth.
  • 55–64: $72,000 — Earnings plateau slightly but remain high.
  • 65+: $52,000 — Partial retirement and reduced hours lower the average.

Average Salary by State

  • Massachusetts: $85,000 — Highest state average, driven by education, tech, and healthcare.
  • New York: $78,000 — Financial services and media push incomes higher.
  • California: $76,000 — Tech hubs in San Francisco and Silicon Valley skew averages up.
  • Washington: $74,000 — Amazon and Boeing anchor strong earnings.
  • Texas: $58,000 — Lower cost of living offsets moderate salaries.
  • Mississippi: $45,000 — Lowest state average; predominantly agricultural and service economy.

Average Salary by Industry

  • Technology: $110,000 — Software engineers, data scientists, and product managers lead all sectors.
  • Finance & Insurance: $95,000 — Investment banking, wealth management, and fintech.
  • Healthcare: $75,000 — Physicians ($220k+), nurses ($82k), and administrators ($70k).
  • Professional Services: $72,000 — Law, accounting, and consulting.
  • Manufacturing: $55,000 — Skilled trades and production supervisors.
  • Retail: $35,000 — Often hourly, with limited advancement opportunities.

Average Salary by Education Level

  • Less than high school: $30,000
  • High school diploma: $38,000
  • Associate degree: $48,000
  • Bachelor’s degree: $68,000
  • Master’s degree: $85,000
  • Professional degree (MD, JD): $120,000
  • Doctorate: $105,000

Gender Pay Gap

  • Women earn 82% of men’s median earnings — For every $1 a man earns, a woman earns $0.82.
  • By age: The gap is small (3–5%) for workers under 25 and widens to 20–25% for those 45+.
  • By industry: Finance and legal have the widest gaps; healthcare and education have the narrowest.

Real-World Scenarios

  • Software Engineer in San Francisco: $150,000 — High salary but steep rent ($3,500+/mo for a one-bedroom).
  • Registered Nurse in Houston: $78,000 — Solid income with a reasonable cost of living (median home ~$290k).
  • High School Teacher in Dallas: $55,000 — Below national average, but Texas has no state income tax.
  • Marketing Manager in Chicago: $82,000 — Competitive for the Midwest; rent averages $1,800/mo.

Related Resources

Average Net Worth by Age

See how your net worth compares to national averages across every age group.

Cost of Living in Major US Cities

Compare housing, food, transport, and taxes across the most expensive and most affordable US cities.

FAQs

What is considered a good salary in the US in 2026?

A good salary depends on location. Nationally, $75,000+ puts you above the average. In high-cost cities like New York or San Francisco, a six-figure income is often needed for a comfortable lifestyle, while $55,000 may suffice in cities like Houston or Atlanta.

Which US state pays the highest average salary?

Massachusetts leads at $85,000 per year, followed by New York ($78,000) and California ($76,000). These states have strong economies in tech, finance, and education, though they also have higher costs of living.

How much more do college graduates earn than non-graduates?

Workers with a bachelor’s degree earn a median of $68,000 — nearly 80% more than the $38,000 median for high school graduates. Over a lifetime, a bachelor’s degree is associated with roughly $1.2 million in additional earnings.

Does the gender pay gap vary by state?

Yes. The gap is smallest in Vermont and Maine (women earn ~90% of men) and largest in Utah and Wyoming (women earn ~72–75%). Factors include industry composition, occupational segregation, and state-level equal pay policies.