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How much do you earn in the USA?
Are you planning to live and work in the USA? Then, you should know the average income in the United States. The latest data from the US Census provides some insight.
- Average household income in the USA
- How much of an impact does education have on income in the US?
- Influence of age on income
- Effect of origin on income in the US
- Regional income disparities in the US
- Which professions earn the best in the USA?
- Salary negotiation in the USA
- 1. Research thoroughly!
- 2. Pay attention to the timing!
- 3. Show your success mindset
- 4. Get everything in writing!
- Good employment development in the USA
Take the chance of living in the USA and apply for the official US Green Card Lottery!
Average household income in the USA
Based on data from the new census, the average real household income in the United States in 2023 was $ 80,610. However, it is crucial to remember that these are national averages, and incomes can vary widely depending on where people live, their occupations, and their education.
How much of an impact does education have on income in the US?
Education is also a decisive factor for income in the USA. Census data shows that households with bachelor degrees or higher had the highest median income ($ 126,800) in 2023.
In contrast, the median income of people without a degree was $ 55,810. This large discrepancy underscores how important it is for long-term financial success in the US to invest in one's education.
Influence of age on income
An important determinant of income levels in the United States is age. We look at median income as a function of the age of the "head of household:"
| Age of head of household in the US | Median income |
|---|---|
| 15 to 24 years: | $ 54,930 |
| 25 to 34 years: | $ 85,780 |
| 35 to 44 years: | $ 101,300 |
| 45 to 54 years: | $ 110,700 |
| 55 to 64 years: | $ 90,640 |
According to the US Census, households between the ages of 45 and 54 tend to have the highest median income.
Effect of origin on income in the US
According to the US Census, the origin of the head of household, i.e., whether they were born domestically or abroad, also plays a role in income inequality:
| Region in the USA | Average income |
|---|---|
| Northeast: | $ 86,250 |
| Midwest: | $ 81,020 |
| South: | $ 73,280 |
| West: | $ 88,290 |
These statistics show, for example, that naturalized US citizens with immigrant backgrounds have higher median incomes than those who are not naturalized. Therefore, if you are planning to immigrate to the US, your citizenship status can significantly affect your earning potential.
Tip
Your first step on the path to US citizenship is to obtain a Green Card! The US immigrant visa allows you to live and work in the US indefinitely. The easiest way to get a Green Card is through the annual Green Card Lottery organized by the US government!
Regional income disparities in the US
Depending on the region, incomes vary widely across the United States. The US Census survey provides a breakdown of average income by region:
| Region in the USA | Average income |
|---|---|
| Northeast | $ 80,360 |
| Midwest | $ 73,070 |
| South | $ 68,230 |
| West | $ 82,890 |
If you are currently planning your move to the US, then it is important that you know these regional differences. They play a big role in salary negotiations with your future US employer.
Which professions earn the best in the USA?
In the complex web of the US labor market, there are some high-demand occupations that are better off than others in terms of earnings. At the top of the list, for example, are healthcare professionals.
Finance and IT managers are also among the winners at present. The perennial favorites among high-earning jobs are software developers and data scientists.
Salary negotiation in the USA
When starting a new career in the US, salary negotiation is a crucial step in getting compensation that matches your skills. We present the most important rules for salary negotiations in the USA:
1. Research thoroughly!
Before you start negotiating, find out the typical salary range for your position and experience in your industry and location in the United States. Websites such as Glassdoor, Salary.com, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics can provide valuable salary information.
Don't forget to look for additional benefits! In addition to base salary, benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, bonuses, and stock options are essential in the US.
2. Pay attention to the timing!
Ideally, you should wait to ask about salary until the employer brings up the subject during the job interview. If this is not the case, ask about salary once the employer has expressed interest in hiring you
3. Show your success mindset
Be enthusiastic about the job and the company. Make it clear that your primary goal is to reach a mutually beneficial agreement when discussing your salary.
Highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications that make you valuable to the company. Be specific about your accomplishments and contributions in previous positions.
4. Get everything in writing!
Once you have reached an agreement with the employer, ask for a formal offer letter that lists your salary, benefits, and other agreed-upon terms. Read it carefully before accepting.
Good employment development in the USA
The US Census data shows an overall positive trend in employment. The number of full-time, year-round employees rose by 1.3 % in 2023.
This suggests a shift towards more stable employment in the US. Ideal conditions if you want financial security while pursuing your American dream.
