The average salary in the US | Factors and job types

What is the average salary in the US?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are currently 117.5 million full-time workers in the United States. Some of these people receive pay on an annual basis, while others do on an hourly basis. While salary varies significantly depending on job type, education level, and social and economic factors, the average weekly earnings for a person working in the United States is $1,037. Let’s find the factors that affect the average salary in the US.

The state-wise average salary in the US

Every state has its average wage. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, geographic location, age, professional experience, job profile, and cost of living determine individual compensation or salary.

The Northeast is the most prosperous region in the United States. In 2019, Maryland, New Jersey, and Massachusetts had the highest median household incomes. You will find the highest average salaries in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington.

The average salary in each state in the United States, according to alphabetical order, is as follows-

• Alabama- $59,956
• Alaska- $68,172
• Arizona- $66,612
• Arkansas- $55,328
• California- $93,808
• Colorado- $77,168
• Connecticut- $83,772
• Delaware- $69,524
• Florida- $67,444
• Georgia- $67,184
• Hawaii- $63,908
• Idaho- $57,772
• Illinois- $76,596
• Indiana- $59,956
• Iowa- $60,164
• Kansas- $58,864
• Kentucky- $57,720
• Louisiana- $59,384
• Maine- $60,476
• Maryland- $77,948
• Massachusetts- $95,264
• Michigan- $67,132
• Minnesota- $71,656
• Mississippi- $49,088
• Missouri- $61,308
• Montana- $57,616
• Nebraska- $59,488
• Nevada- $64,792
• New Hampshire- $82,160
• New Jersey- $81,276
• New Mexico- $57,044
• New York- $95,108
• North Carolina- $64,532
• North Dakota- $61,984
• Ohio- $63,492
• Oklahoma- $56,160
• Oregon- $69,264
• Pennsylvania- $70,304
• Rhode Island- $68,380
• South Carolina- $57,252
• South Dakota- $57,616
• Tennessee- $65,416
• Texas- $71,552
• Utah- $64,012
• Vermont- $61,828
• Virginia- $74,048
• Washington- $87,516
• West Virginia- $54,756
• Wisconsin- $62,504
• Wyoming- $59,436

Factors 

Below are the factors that affect the average salary in the US

Geographic region

Geographic regions are areas with distinct natural or artificial features and physical characteristics. Highly populated metropolitan areas are frequently industry hubs for high-paying jobs. As a result, these areas reflect detailed economic statistics.

Education 

Their educational qualifications determine the average salary of a person. A high school graduate, for example, can earn up to $40 612 per year, whereas a college graduate can earn a minimum of $73 892 per year. Furthermore, those with a master’s or a doctorate earn an average of $179 036 per year.

Gender 

The wage discrepancy between men and women is currently 16.8% on average. Men reportedly earned $1,128 per week, or $58,656 per year, in the first quarter of 2022. Women were said to earn an average of $939 per week, or $48,828 per year. Numerous factors contribute to the percentage difference in pay between men and women. However, job type, ethnic group, and age account for the most significant disparities in pay between men and women.

Age

Those between 16 and 64 see their pay rise gradually. However, experience, skill set, industry, and educational qualifications all play a role.

According to the data, age influences salary just as much as gender. Men’s salaries rise as they get older. According to research, men’s weekly wages are 4.7% higher than women’s.

Men between 16 and 24 earn an average salary of $625, while women earn $596. On the other hand, those aged 25 to 34 make a weekly wage of $909 for men and $980 for women.

Race

According to national average salary statistics, income disparity links inextricably to the racial divide in the United States. Poverty is widespread among African-Americans and Hispanics. In 2019, approximately 18.8% of black Americans and 15.7% of Hispanics were poor, compared to 7.3% of non-Hispanic whites. Furthermore, white households earned a median household income of $76,057 in 2019, while Black and Hispanic families earned $45,438 and $56,113, respectively.

Job roles

The salary depends on the profession and industry. Those working in software development or with a medical degree frequently earn six times the national average. Entry-level positions in retail and recreation pay 50% less. Take a look at the following job roles.

1. Retail sales associate

Average salary- $29,180 per year

A retail sales associate, also known as a retail clerk, works in a retail establishment. They provide face-to-face customer service and assist customers in making purchasing decisions. They organize merchandise for sale, conduct inventory, replenish, and operate point-of-sale machines.

2. Carpenter

Average salary- $48,260 per year

Carpentry is a skilled trade that involves designing and constructing buildings or structures. People in this field frequently use blueprints, power tools, hand tools, and building materials to complete their work. To become carpenters, people regularly complete courses, certificate programs, or apprenticeships.

3. Mechanical engineers

Average salary- $95,300 per year

A mechanical engineer is a person who creates machines. They use mathematical and physics principles to design electric generators, gas turbines, engines, and other devices. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology is necessary for this career.

Software architect

Average salary- $110,140 per year

Software architects are computer software designers and developers. They usually have a bachelor’s or higher degree in computer science or engineering. They write and review code regularly to implement software systems.

Physician

Average salary- $195,600 per year

A physician is a medical doctor or an Osteopathic doctor. They are medical professionals licensed to diagnose, treat, and manage illness, injury, and disease. Physicians complete eight to twelve years of post-secondary education to prepare for their careers, including a four-year medical residency.

Key takeaways

• According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the country currently has 117.5 million full-time workers.
• The factors influencing the average salary in the US include gender, age, education, and geographic reasons.
• Research says men’s weekly wages are 4.7% higher than women’s.
• The average salary in the US for a Software Engineer and a Physician is higher than most job roles in the country.

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FAQs

Q1. What percentage of Americans make over 100k?

Answer- Over 34% of American households earn more than $100,000 annually. American families earning more than $100,000 per year increased by 2.9% over the five years to 2022.

Q2. What is the average monthly salary in the US?

Answer- The average monthly salary in the US is around $6,228.

Q3. What is the average salary of a data scientist in the US?

Answer- The average salary of a data scientist in the US is around $100,431 annually.