What is the average salary by age in the US?

According to BLS data, median weekly earnings by age are: 16-24 ($700/week), 25-34 ($1,078/week), 35-44 ($1,224/week), 45-54 ($1,208/week), 55-64 ($1,143/week), 65+ ($1,002/week). Annual equivalents range from ~$36,400 (young workers) to ~$63,600 (peak earners ages 35-44).

At what age do you earn the most money?

Peak earning years for most Americans are between ages 35-54. Median earnings peak in the 35-44 age range. However, high earners in professional roles (law, medicine, finance, tech) often see their highest earnings in their 50s as they reach senior leadership.

Is $50,000 a good salary for a 25-year-old?

Yes — $50,000 is above the median for 25-34 year olds (~$56,000 median annual for full-time workers in that range). It depends on location and field, but $50,000 in your mid-20s is a solid start, especially if you're building skills that will grow the number significantly.

How much does the average American salary increase by age?

Average salaries typically grow 3-5% per year in early career, slow to 1-3% in mid-career, and often plateau or decline slightly after 55. Over a career, salaries often double from first job to peak — from $45,000 to $90,000+ is a common trajectory for college-educated workers.

Average Salary by Age in the US (2026 Data)

Your salary at 25 is a starting point, not a ceiling. Understanding how earnings typically evolve by age helps you benchmark your progress and identify whether you’re on track.

Median Weekly Earnings by Age (Full-Time Workers)

Age Group	Median Weekly Earnings	Median Annual Salary
16-19	$620	$32,240
20-24	$700	$36,400
25-34	$1,078	$56,056
35-44	$1,224	$63,648
45-54	$1,208	$62,816
55-64	$1,143	$59,436
65+	$1,002	$52,104

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey. Full-time wage and salary workers.

Average (Mean) vs. Median Salary by Age

The mean is higher than the median because top earners skew the average:

Age Group	Median Annual	Average Annual	Top 10% Threshold
25-34	$56,056	$68,200	$110,000+
35-44	$63,648	$84,500	$140,000+
45-54	$62,816	$89,800	$155,000+
55-64	$59,436	$82,400	$145,000+

Salary by Education Level and Age

Education dramatically affects earnings trajectories:

Age 25-34

Education	Median Annual Salary
High school diploma	$40,500
Some college	$46,800
Associate degree	$50,400
Bachelor’s degree	$67,600
Master’s degree	$80,200
Professional/doctoral	$102,000+

Age 35-44

Education	Median Annual Salary
High school diploma	$46,800
Associate degree	$55,600
Bachelor’s degree	$78,500
Master’s degree	$96,400
Professional/doctoral	$130,000+

Salary Growth Trajectory

Typical Career Earnings Progression

Career Stage	Age Range	Annual Growth	Key Driver
Early career	22-30	4-7%	Skill building, job hopping
Mid-career	30-45	2-4%	Promotions, specialization
Late career	45-55	1-3%	Seniority, leadership
Pre-retirement	55-65	0-2%	Plateau or decline

The Job-Hopping Salary Boost

Workers who change jobs earn 10-20% more on average than those who stay — making strategic moves in your 20s and 30s a major driver of long-term earnings.

Strategy	Typical Salary Impact
Stay at same employer	+2-3%/year
Change jobs (same field)	+10-20% per move
Change industry (upward)	+15-30%
Promotion to management	+15-25%

How Your Salary Compares

Am I On Track?

Your Age	You Earn	Assessment
25	$40,000	Near median, room to grow
25	$65,000	Above average for age
35	$60,000	Near median
35	$90,000	Above average
45	$70,000	Near median
45	$120,000	Top quartile

Income Percentiles by Age

Age Group	25th %	50th %	75th %	90th %
25-34	$38,000	$56,000	$85,000	$110,000
35-44	$44,000	$64,000	$100,000	$140,000
45-54	$43,000	$63,000	$100,000	$155,000