$1,214 per week, but not for everyone: who earns more in the US, and who earns significantly less

Wage growth in the United States in 2025 looks impressive, but behind the dry figures lie noticeable disparities between men and women, different professions, age and level of education. New data shows who really benefits from economic growth and who, as before, is left behind. Find out how income is distributed in the US, where the highest salaries are paid, and why the wage gap still persists

Legal consultation on employment abroad

GET

The median wage for full-time American workers reached $1,214 per week, or approximately $63,128 per year, at the end of 2025. This is 4.2% more than a year earlier. These figures are contained in a recent report by the US Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS).

The statistics are based on the Current Population Survey, a national sample survey of households in which workers are asked about their usual weekly earnings.

The gender gap persists

Despite the overall increase in wages, the income gap between men and women remains significant. In the third quarter of 2025, the median weekly earnings for women were $1,076, equivalent to 80.7% of the median for men ($1,333).

The earnings ratio varies by race and ethnicity. White women earned about 81% of the income of white men. For black women, this figure was higher — 89.8%, for Hispanic women — 89.5%, and for Asian women — 78.7%.

Income by race and ethnicity

Among the main groups, the highest median earnings were recorded among Asian workers — $1,620 per week. White Americans earned an average of $1,238. At the same time, the incomes of Hispanic ($944) and Black ($970) workers remained significantly lower.

The median earnings of Hispanic men were $994, or 73% of the earnings of white men. Hispanic women earned an average of $890, which corresponds to 80.7% of the earnings of white women.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

At what age do people earn the most

The highest incomes are traditionally recorded among men aged 35 to 64. The median weekly earnings of men aged 35–44 were $1,504, in the 45–54 age group — $1,497, and among workers aged 55–64 — $1,481.

Among women, the highest figures are also observed in the 35–54 age group. Women aged 35–44 earned an average of $1,226 per week, and those aged 45–54 earned $1,192. The lowest incomes were among young women aged 16–24 — from $715 to $802 per week.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Which professions in the US are the highest paid

There is also a significant difference in income between professional groups. The highest earnings are among workers employed in management, professional and related activities. Here, the median weekly income was $1,912 for men and $1,466 for women.

In the service sector, the figures are significantly lower — $897 for men and $747 for women.

The role of education

The level of education directly affects income. Workers without a complete secondary education earned an average of $777 per week. High school graduates without college earned $980. Having a bachelor's degree or higher increased the median income to $1,747 per week.

At the top of the pay scale are college graduates with higher degrees. About 10% of men with master's, professional or doctoral degrees earned $4,809 per week or more, while their female counterparts earned $3,697 or more.

It is important for Ukrainians who are planning to work or are already working in the United States to understand their legal status and possible legalisation scenarios in advance. That is why more and more migrants are turning to employment lawyers who can help them assess the risks, prepare documents and choose a safe option for legal employment. Ukrainians can also obtain such advice through Visit Ukraine, which brings together verified specialists in migration and labour law.

Reminder! Poland is preparing changes that may restrict the employment of Ukrainians and affect business. Find out what new rules the government is proposing, who they will affect, and what risks arise for Ukrainian workers and employers.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.