Average Monthly Salary in America 2025
The landscape of compensation in America continues to evolve as workers navigate through economic shifts, industry changes, and evolving workplace dynamics. Understanding average monthly salary in the US 2025 provides essential insights for professionals evaluating their earning potential, businesses benchmarking compensation structures, and policymakers addressing economic equity. The data reveals fascinating patterns across demographics, education levels, industries, and geographic locations that shape the financial realities of American workers.
Based on the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average monthly salary reaches approximately $5,174 when calculated from median weekly earnings, while the mean average climbs to around $5,625 per month. These figures represent significant wage growth compared to previous years, with earnings increasing by 4.6 percent year-over-year as of the second quarter of 2025. This growth outpaces inflation, which stood at 2.4 percent during the same period, indicating real gains in purchasing power for American workers. The distinction between median and average salaries is crucial—while the average can be skewed by exceptionally high earners, the median represents the true midpoint where half of all workers earn more and half earn less, providing a more accurate picture of typical American earnings.
Interesting Facts About Average Monthly Salary in the US 2025
| Key Fact | Data Point | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Median Weekly Earnings Q2 2025 | $1,196 per week | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
| Median Monthly Salary 2025 | $5,174 per month | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
| Average Monthly Salary 2025 | $5,625 per month | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
| Year-Over-Year Wage Growth | 4.6% increase | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
| Total Full-Time Workers Q2 2025 | 121.5 million workers | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
| Average Hourly Earnings September 2025 | $36.67 per hour | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
| Highest State Monthly Salary (DC) | $9,933 per month | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
| Lowest State Monthly Salary (Mississippi) | $4,886 per month | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
| Gender Pay Gap | Women earn 81% of men’s earnings | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
| Unemployment Rate September 2025 | 4.4% | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey and Current Employment Statistics, Q2 2025 and September 2025 reports
The statistics presented in this table reflect the most current verified data available from official government sources. The median monthly salary of $5,174 represents what a typical full-time American worker earns, calculated from the weekly median of $1,196. This figure has shown steady improvement, with the 4.6 percent year-over-year increase surpassing inflation rates and demonstrating meaningful wage growth. The total workforce of 121.5 million full-time workers represents a substantial portion of the American labor market, providing a robust sample size for these calculations. The hourly earnings figure of $36.67 translates to competitive monthly compensation when combined with standard 40-hour workweeks. Geographic disparities remain pronounced, with Washington DC commanding the highest monthly salaries at nearly $10,000, while Mississippi sits at the lower end with approximately $4,900 monthly. The persistent gender pay gap continues to show that women earn only 81 cents for every dollar men earn, highlighting ongoing equity challenges in the American workforce. The unemployment rate of 4.4 percent in September 2025 indicates a relatively stable labor market, though it represents a slight increase from previous months.
Average Monthly Salary in the US by Gender in 2025
| Gender Category | Median Weekly Earnings | Median Monthly Earnings | Median Annual Earnings | Percentage of Male Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | $1,330 | $5,763 | $69,160 | 100% |
| Women | $1,078 | $4,671 | $56,056 | 81% |
| All Workers | $1,196 | $5,174 | $62,192 | — |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Usual Weekly Earnings Summary, Q2 2025
The gender-based earnings data from the second quarter of 2025 reveals a persistent and substantial wage gap that continues to affect millions of American workers. Men earn a median of $1,330 per week, translating to $5,763 monthly and $69,160 annually, while women earn $1,078 weekly, resulting in $4,671 monthly and $56,056 yearly. This means women earn approximately 81 percent of what their male counterparts make, leaving a gap of $252 per week or roughly $13,104 annually. This disparity compounds over time, affecting long-term financial security, retirement savings, and overall economic mobility for women across all industries and education levels.
The implications of this 19 percent earnings gap extend far beyond immediate paychecks. Over a 40-year career, this difference can result in women earning over $500,000 less than men in similar positions, significantly impacting lifetime wealth accumulation and retirement readiness. The gap persists across virtually all occupational categories, though it narrows somewhat among younger workers aged 25 to 34, where women earn approximately 95 cents for every dollar earned by men. Factors contributing to this disparity include occupational segregation, with women disproportionately represented in lower-paying sectors, career interruptions for caregiving responsibilities, discrimination in hiring and promotion decisions, and differences in salary negotiation outcomes. Addressing this gap requires comprehensive policy interventions, organizational commitment to pay equity audits, transparent salary structures, and cultural shifts that value work traditionally performed by women at rates comparable to male-dominated fields.
Average Monthly Salary in the US by Age Group in 2025
| Age Group | Median Weekly Earnings | Median Monthly Earnings | Median Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-19 years | $679 | $2,942 | $35,308 |
| 20-24 years | $784 | $3,397 | $40,768 |
| 25-34 years | $1,136 | $4,923 | $59,072 |
| 35-44 years | $1,356 | $5,876 | $70,512 |
| 45-54 years | $1,336 | $5,789 | $69,472 |
| 55-64 years | $1,268 | $5,494 | $65,936 |
| 65+ years | $1,159 | $5,022 | $60,268 |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Usual Weekly Earnings by Age, Q4 2024
Age represents one of the most significant determinants of earning potential in the American workforce, serving as a proxy for experience, skill development, and career advancement. The data demonstrates a clear earnings trajectory that rises steadily through early and middle career years before plateauing and eventually declining in later stages. Workers aged 16-19 earn the lowest median monthly salary of $2,942, reflecting their typical employment in entry-level, part-time, or seasonal positions. Earnings jump substantially as workers enter their twenties, with 20-24 year-olds earning $3,397 monthly as they complete education and enter full-time employment. The most dramatic increase occurs in the 25-34 age bracket, where monthly earnings reach $4,923, representing the period when workers establish careers and develop specialized skills.
Peak earning years occur between ages 35-44, when workers command $5,876 monthly or $70,512 annually, benefiting from accumulated experience, established professional networks, and leadership responsibilities. Interestingly, earnings decline slightly for the 45-54 age group to $5,789 monthly, potentially reflecting increased competition from younger workers, shifts in industry demand, or workforce disruptions. The trend continues downward for 55-64 year-olds, who earn $5,494 monthly, as some workers transition to part-time arrangements, face age discrimination, or strategically reduce hours approaching retirement. Those 65 and older working full-time earn $1,159 weekly or $5,022 monthly, though this group represents a smaller portion of the workforce as many have exited to retirement. Understanding these age-based earnings patterns helps workers set realistic salary expectations, plan for career transitions, and make informed decisions about education investments and retirement timing.
Average Monthly Salary in the US by Education Level in 2025
| Education Level | Median Weekly Earnings | Median Monthly Earnings | Median Annual Earnings | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than High School Diploma | $743 | $3,219 | $38,636 | 6.2% |
| High School Graduate | $953 | $4,130 | $49,556 | 6.2% |
| Some College or Associate Degree | $1,096 | $4,749 | $56,992 | 3.8% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $1,603 | $6,946 | $83,356 | 3.5% |
| Advanced Degree (Master’s+) | $1,961 | $8,497 | $101,972 | 1.1% |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Usual Weekly Earnings by Educational Attainment, Q1 2025
Education remains one of the most powerful determinants of earning potential in the United States, with each additional level of educational attainment correlating with substantial increases in monthly salary and improved employment stability. Workers without a high school diploma earn the lowest median monthly salary of $3,219, face the highest unemployment rate of 6.2 percent, and have limited access to career advancement opportunities. High school graduates see improved earnings at $4,130 monthly, though they still earn nearly $2,000 less per month than workers with associate degrees and face similar unemployment rates. Those who complete some college or earn an associate degree reach $4,749 monthly while cutting their unemployment risk nearly in half to 3.8 percent, demonstrating the value of postsecondary education even without a four-year degree.
The earnings premium for a bachelor’s degree proves substantial, with degree holders earning $6,946 monthly or $83,356 annually—representing nearly $27,000 more per year than high school graduates. These workers also enjoy significantly lower unemployment at 3.5 percent and greater access to professional positions with advancement potential. The highest earners hold advanced degrees, commanding $8,497 monthly or approximately $102,000 annually, with the lowest unemployment rate of just 1.1 percent. The gap between bachelor’s degree holders and those with advanced degrees amounts to roughly $18,600 annually, though this must be weighed against the time and financial investment required for graduate education. These statistics underscore education’s role as a pathway to economic mobility, higher lifetime earnings, and greater job security, though individual outcomes vary by field of study, institution quality, and labor market conditions in specific occupations.
Average Monthly Salary in the US by Race and Ethnicity in 2025
| Race/Ethnicity | Median Weekly Earnings | Median Monthly Earnings | Median Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asian | $1,759 | $7,622 | $91,468 |
| White | $1,245 | $5,395 | $64,740 |
| Black or African American | $1,040 | $4,507 | $54,080 |
| Hispanic or Latino | $947 | $4,104 | $49,244 |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Usual Weekly Earnings by Race and Ethnicity, Q2 2025
Racial and ethnic wage disparities persist as one of the most significant equity challenges in the American labor market, reflecting systemic barriers, educational access differences, occupational segregation, and discrimination. Asian workers command the highest median monthly earnings at $7,622, significantly exceeding the national median and reflecting high concentrations in technology, healthcare, and professional services sectors, as well as generally higher educational attainment levels within this demographic. White workers earn $5,395 monthly, closely tracking the overall national median and maintaining a substantial advantage over Black and Hispanic workers. The gap between Asian and White workers amounts to approximately $2,227 monthly or nearly $27,000 annually, highlighting intra-racial economic stratification.
Black or African American workers earn $4,507 monthly, representing approximately 83.5 percent of what White workers earn and highlighting persistent racial wealth gaps rooted in historical discrimination, residential segregation, and unequal access to quality education and professional networks. Hispanic or Latino workers face the largest earnings disadvantage, earning just $4,104 monthly—only 76 percent of White workers’ earnings and $3,518 less monthly than Asian workers. This amounts to an annual gap of over $42,000 compared to Asian workers. These disparities compound over careers, contributing to significant differences in homeownership rates, retirement security, and intergenerational wealth transfer. Addressing these gaps requires multifaceted approaches including expanded educational opportunities, anti-discrimination enforcement, criminal justice reform, affordable housing initiatives, and workplace diversity programs that move beyond representation to ensure equitable advancement and compensation across all racial and ethnic groups.
Average Monthly Salary in the US by State in 2025
| State | Average Hourly Earnings | Average Weekly Earnings (est.) | Average Monthly Earnings | Average Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $52.89 | $2,116 | $9,169 | $110,028 |
| Massachusetts | $42.50 | $1,700 | $7,367 | $88,400 |
| Washington State | $41.82 | $1,673 | $7,250 | $87,000 |
| California | $40.93 | $1,637 | $7,093 | $85,116 |
| New York | $39.50 | $1,580 | $6,847 | $82,160 |
| Connecticut | $38.75 | $1,550 | $6,717 | $80,600 |
| New Jersey | $38.20 | $1,528 | $6,621 | $79,456 |
| Colorado | $37.80 | $1,512 | $6,552 | $78,624 |
| Alaska | $37.45 | $1,498 | $6,491 | $77,896 |
| Virginia | $37.10 | $1,484 | $6,431 | $77,172 |
| National Average | $36.67 | $1,467 | $6,357 | $76,284 |
| Alabama | $30.15 | $1,206 | $5,226 | $62,712 |
| Arkansas | $29.85 | $1,194 | $5,174 | $62,088 |
| West Virginia | $29.40 | $1,176 | $5,096 | $61,152 |
| Louisiana | $29.17 | $1,167 | $5,057 | $60,684 |
| Mississippi | $28.25 | $1,130 | $4,897 | $58,760 |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Average Hourly Earnings by State, September 2025
Geographic location profoundly impacts earning potential across the United States, with state-level variations reflecting differences in cost of living, industry concentration, education levels, and local economic conditions. Washington, DC stands far above all states with average monthly earnings of $9,169, driven by high concentrations of federal government positions, lobbying firms, professional services, and technology companies that pay premium wages to attract talent to the nation’s capital. The $110,028 average annual salary in DC exceeds the national average by over $33,000, though this must be considered alongside significantly higher housing costs and living expenses.
Massachusetts ranks second with $7,367 monthly earnings, benefiting from dense clusters of biotechnology firms, prestigious universities, financial services companies, and healthcare institutions concentrated in the Boston metropolitan area. Washington State and California round out the top four, with monthly averages of $7,250 and $7,093 respectively, reflecting the transformative impact of technology sector dominance, with companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Apple, and Meta driving up regional wages. These West Coast powerhouses demonstrate how industry specialization shapes state-level compensation patterns. New York maintains its position as a high-wage state at $6,847 monthly, sustained by Wall Street financial services, media companies, and diverse professional industries, though cost of living challenges persist.
At the lower end, Southern states generally show more modest earnings. Mississippi records the lowest average monthly salary at $4,897, followed closely by Louisiana ($5,057), West Virginia ($5,096), Arkansas ($5,174), and Alabama ($5,226). These states face structural economic challenges including lower educational attainment rates, limited high-wage industry presence, and higher poverty rates. The gap between the highest-paying location (DC) and lowest-paying state (Mississippi) exceeds $4,200 monthly or over $51,000 annually, illustrating dramatic geographic inequality. However, lower-wage states often feature substantially reduced costs of living, particularly for housing, which can partially offset raw wage differences. Workers considering relocation must evaluate the complete economic picture, including state income taxes, housing affordability, healthcare access, and quality of life factors alongside salary differences.
Average Monthly Salary in the US by Industry Sector in 2025
| Industry Sector | Average Hourly Earnings | Average Weekly Earnings | Average Monthly Earnings | Average Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $51.25 | $2,102 | $9,109 | $109,308 |
| Information | $48.90 | $1,885 | $8,168 | $98,016 |
| Financial Activities | $45.75 | $1,737 | $7,527 | $90,324 |
| Professional and Business Services | $43.20 | $1,663 | $7,206 | $86,472 |
| Manufacturing | $38.15 | $1,522 | $6,595 | $79,140 |
| Construction | $37.80 | $1,512 | $6,552 | $78,624 |
| Mining and Logging | $36.90 | $1,476 | $6,396 | $76,752 |
| Wholesale Trade | $36.55 | $1,462 | $6,335 | $76,020 |
| Total Private Average | $36.67 | $1,467 | $6,357 | $76,284 |
| Education and Health Services | $34.85 | $1,394 | $6,041 | $72,492 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $32.40 | $1,296 | $5,616 | $67,392 |
| Retail Trade | $27.65 | $957 | $4,147 | $49,764 |
| Leisure and Hospitality | $22.15 | $664 | $2,877 | $34,524 |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Average Hourly Earnings by Industry Sector, September 2025
Industry sector selection represents perhaps the single most impactful career decision affecting earning potential, with wage variations exceeding $6,200 monthly or $75,000 annually between highest and lowest-paying sectors. Utilities workers command the highest average monthly salary at $9,109, reflecting the technical expertise required for power generation, transmission, and distribution systems, strong union representation, and critical infrastructure importance. The Information sector, encompassing software development, telecommunications, data processing, and media production, ranks second with $8,168 monthly, driven by technology industry dominance and the premium placed on digital skills in the modern economy. Financial activities workers earn $7,527 monthly, benefiting from banking, insurance, real estate, and investment services that generate substantial revenue and require sophisticated expertise.
Professional and business services—including legal services, accounting, consulting, engineering, and computer systems design—provide $7,206 monthly compensation, reflecting educational requirements and specialized knowledge demands. Manufacturing maintains middle-tier earnings at $6,595 monthly, varying significantly by sub-sector, with advanced manufacturing and aerospace commanding higher wages than traditional production. Construction workers earn $6,552 monthly, with skilled trades like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians often exceeding this average. Education and health services provide $6,041 monthly, though this broad category masks substantial variation between physicians earning well over six figures and teachers or nursing assistants earning significantly less.
The lowest-paying sectors face chronic compensation challenges. Retail trade workers average just $4,147 monthly or under $50,000 annually, reflecting part-time work prevalence, limited skill requirements, and thin profit margins in competitive markets. Leisure and hospitality sits at the bottom with only $2,877 monthly, heavily impacted by tipped positions, seasonal employment, and high turnover. The $6,232 monthly gap between utilities and leisure/hospitality sectors demonstrates how industry choice fundamentally shapes lifetime earnings, retirement security, and economic mobility. Workers seeking to maximize earnings should prioritize industries offering higher compensation while considering job satisfaction, work-life balance, and long-term career sustainability.
Average Hourly Earnings Growth Trends in the US in 2025
| Measurement Period | Average Hourly Earnings | Month-Over-Month Change | Year-Over-Year Change | Real Earnings Growth (Inflation-Adjusted) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | $36.67 | +$0.09 (+0.2%) | +$1.35 (+3.8%) | +0.7% |
| August 2025 | $36.58 | +$0.11 (+0.3%) | +$1.33 (+3.8%) | +1.1% |
| Q2 2025 Average | $36.45 | — | +$1.61 (+4.6%) | +2.2% |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Real Earnings and Employment Situation Reports, 2025
Wage growth trends in 2025 demonstrate meaningful improvements in worker compensation that outpace inflation for the first time in several years, providing genuine purchasing power gains for American workers. Average hourly earnings reached $36.67 in September 2025, representing a 0.2 percent increase from August and a robust 3.8 percent gain compared to September 2024. The $1.35 year-over-year increase exceeds the inflation rate measured by the Consumer Price Index, which has moderated to approximately 2.4 to 2.7 percent annually, resulting in real wage growth of about 0.7 to 1.1 percent after accounting for price increases. This reverses several years of negative real wage growth when inflation consistently outpaced nominal wage increases, eroding workers’ standard of living.
The second quarter of 2025 showed particularly strong performance with 4.6 percent year-over-year growth, translating to $1.61 more per hour compared to Q2 2024. This acceleration reflects tight labor market conditions, increased worker bargaining power, and employer responses to recruitment and retention challenges. Monthly gains have been steady if modest, with increases ranging from $0.09 to $0.11 per hour representing 0.2 to 0.3 percent growth. These incremental improvements compound over time, and when sustained across multiple years, generate substantial lifetime earnings gains. The real earnings growth ranging from 0.7 to 2.2 percent represents the most important metric for workers, as it measures actual improvements in purchasing power and living standards. Continued wage growth that exceeds inflation enables workers to save more, reduce debt, and improve financial security—key components of economic wellbeing that extend beyond nominal compensation figures. Maintaining this positive trajectory requires sustained economic growth, productivity improvements, and labor market conditions that empower workers to command competitive compensation.
Labor Force Participation and Employment Status in the US in 2025
| Employment Metric | Value | Change from Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| Total Full-Time Wage and Salary Workers | 121.5 million | +1.2 million |
| Labor Force Participation Rate | 62.4% | No change |
| Unemployment Rate (September 2025) | 4.4% | +0.3 percentage points |
| Long-Term Unemployed (27+ weeks) | 1.8 million | No significant change |
| Average Workweek (All Employees) | 34.2 hours | No change |
| Average Workweek (Manufacturing) | 39.9 hours | No change |
| Underemployment Rate (U-6) | 8.0% | -0.1 percentage points |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Situation Summary, September 2025
The broader employment picture in 2025 reveals a labor market that remains generally healthy but shows signs of softening from peak tightness observed in recent years. Full-time wage and salary workers totaling 121.5 million represent a substantial workforce, with growth of 1.2 million workers over the previous year demonstrating continued labor market expansion. The labor force participation rate held steady at 62.4 percent, indicating stable workforce engagement despite demographic challenges from an aging population. This rate remains below pre-pandemic levels, reflecting ongoing debates about labor market slack and whether discouraged workers might re-enter under favorable conditions.
The unemployment rate of 4.4 percent in September 2025 represents the highest level since October 2021, marking a notable increase from the 4.1 percent rate one year prior. While still historically low by many standards, this upward trend warrants monitoring as it could signal cooling economic conditions. Long-term unemployment—those jobless for 27 weeks or more—remained stable at 1.8 million workers, representing 23.6 percent of all unemployed individuals. The average workweek for all employees held at 34.2 hours, with manufacturing workers averaging 39.9 hours, suggesting stable labor demand without significant cuts to employee hours. The underemployment rate (U-6 measure), which includes discouraged workers and those working part-time for economic reasons, improved slightly to 8.0 percent, indicating that while headline unemployment rose, alternative measures showed some improvement. These mixed signals suggest a labor market in transition—no longer characterized by extreme worker shortages but not yet showing signs of significant distress. For workers, this environment requires strategic career management, skill development, and financial preparedness to navigate potential economic shifts while capitalizing on still-favorable employment conditions.
Median Salary Comparison: Monthly vs. Annual Earnings in the US in 2025
| Time Period | Median Earnings | Equivalent Monthly | Equivalent Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly | $1,196 | $5,182 | $62,192 |
| Monthly | — | $5,174 | $62,088 |
| Quarterly | — | $5,167 | $62,004 |
| Annual | — | $5,174 | $62,088 |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, Multiple Reporting Periods 2025
Understanding salary conversions across different time periods helps workers accurately compare job offers, budget effectively, and set realistic financial goals. The median weekly earnings of $1,196 translates to $5,182 monthly when multiplied by the standard conversion factor of 4.33 weeks per month, resulting in an annual median of $62,192. These calculations assume 52 weeks of full-time employment, though actual earnings may vary based on unpaid time off, seasonal employment patterns, or part-year work. The median monthly salary of $5,174 represents the most commonly referenced figure for budgeting and financial planning purposes, as most recurring expenses like rent, mortgages, utilities, and loan payments operate on monthly cycles.
The close alignment between weekly-based calculations ($62,192 annually) and direct monthly measurements ($62,088 annually) demonstrates the consistency of BLS data collection methodologies across different reporting frequencies. The slight variations of approximately $100 annually fall within normal statistical margins and reflect different sampling periods and methodologies. Workers earning at the median level can expect monthly take-home pay of approximately $3,900 to $4,200 after accounting for federal income taxes, Social Security and Medicare contributions, state taxes (where applicable), and benefit deductions. This net income serves as the foundation for household budgets, with financial advisors typically recommending that housing costs not exceed 28 to 30 percent of gross income, or roughly $1,450 to $1,550 monthly for median earners. Understanding these conversions and their after-tax implications enables workers to make informed decisions about job opportunities, negotiate effectively, and plan spending and savings strategies aligned with actual financial capacity rather than gross salary figures that overestimate available resources.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
