Average Salary in the USA – 2025 Snapshot

Wondering how much the typical American earns today? In 2025 the median yearly salary sits around $58,000, but the number jumps or drops a lot depending on where you live, what you do, and how much experience you have. Below you’ll find the most useful numbers and a few ideas to help you understand the picture and improve your own paycheck.

National average and the factors that push it up or down

The overall average includes full‑time workers in every sector, from retail cashiers to software engineers. A big part of the spread comes from education – people with a bachelor’s degree earn roughly $75,000, while those with only a high school diploma hover near $40,000. Age matters, too. Workers aged 45‑54 tend to earn the most, thanks to years of experience and senior roles.

Another driver is the type of job. Health care, tech, and finance are the top earners, regularly topping $90,000 a year. In contrast, hospitality, food service, and entry‑level retail often stay below $35,000. Benefits like health insurance, retirement matching, and bonuses also affect the take‑home pay, even if the base salary looks modest.

State and industry breakdown – where the money flows

Location makes a huge difference. States with high living costs, such as California, New York, and Massachusetts, also report higher averages – around $70,000 to $78,000. The Midwest and South, where housing is cheaper, show lower numbers, typically $48,000‑$55,000. If you’re thinking about moving, compare the cost‑of‑living index with the salary data to see if the change really adds up.

Industry specifics are worth noting. In tech, software developers now pull close to $115,000, and data scientists push past $130,000. Nursing and allied health roles sit near $80,000, while elementary teachers average $55,000. Construction trades, like electricians and plumbers, earn roughly $70,000, reflecting strong demand for skilled labor.

Gender and race gaps persist, but they’re slowly narrowing. On average, women earn about 94% of what men earn, and underrepresented minorities see a 10‑15% wage gap compared to white workers in the same roles. Companies that publish transparent pay data tend to have smaller gaps.

Want to boost your earnings? Focus on three things: upskill, negotiate, and consider geographic moves. Certifications in cloud computing, project management, or advanced analytics can add $10,000‑$20,000 to your salary. When you get a new offer, ask for a clear breakdown of base pay, bonuses, and benefits – most hiring managers expect some negotiation. Finally, if your current city caps salaries, a move to a higher‑pay metro (even temporarily) can fast‑track your growth.

Bottom line: the average salary in the USA is around $58,000, but real earnings depend on education, industry, experience, and location. Use the data above to benchmark your current pay, spot gaps, and plan the steps that will get you closer to the income you deserve.