In the second quarter of 2025, full-time workers in the U.S. earned a median of $1,196 per week. When we compare by gender, men still earn more than women. Men earned a median of $1,330 per week, while women earned $1,078 — about 81 cents for every dollar men make. By age, the 45–54 group earns the most ($1,362 per week), showing how experience and seniority increase pay.
Key Takeaways
- Earnings in the united states rise with age, peaking in the 45 to 54 years group.
- In every category, men earn more than women. Even among the youngest workers, this difference is visible, which shows that the gap begins early and continues across careers.
- Earnings for older workers (65 years and above) in the united states decline compared to prime-age groups.
U.S. Median Weekly Earnings by Age Group
The table shows how much money full-time workers in the U.S. usually earned each week, on average, during the second quarter of 2025. The data is divided by age group and gender, based on official figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Age Group | Total ($) | Men ($) | Women ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 years and over | $1,196 | $1,330 | $1,078 |
| 16 to 19 years | $640 | $700 | $594 |
| 20 to 24 years | $782 | $816 | $738 |
| 25 to 34 years | $1,139 | $1,198 | $1,055 |
| 35 to 44 years | $1,351 | $1,502 | $1,190 |
| 45 to 54 years | $1,362 | $1,520 | $1,189 |
| 55 to 64 years | $1,296 | $1,417 | $1,134 |
| 65 years and over | $1,198 | $1,393 | $1,031 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
16 to 19 Years
Young workers aged 16 to 19 earn the least, with a median of $640 per week. Men earn slightly more at $700, while women earn $594. At this age, many workers are just entering the workforce through part-time or entry-level jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, teen employment often includes retail, food service, and hospitality industries, which are traditionally lower-paying sectors.
20 to 24 Years
For those aged 20 to 24, median weekly earnings rise to $782, with men earning $816 and women $738. At this stage, many young adults have completed high school or some college, while others are entering the job market after graduation. A report from the Federal Reserve also notes that young workers with a college degree can expect significantly higher earnings over time.
US Average Hourly Earnings by State in 2025: Which State Pays the Highest?
25 to 34 Years
The 25 to 34 age group earns a median of $1,139 per week. Men earn $1,198, while women earn $1,055. This is the stage when careers begin to stabilize, with workers gaining professional experience and many entering mid-level roles. According to Census Bureau data, educational attainment plays a major role as workers with bachelor’s degrees earn about two-thirds more than those with only high school diplomas.
35 to 44 Years
Earnings continue to rise in the 35 to 44 years category, reaching a median of $1,351. Men earn $1,502, while women earn $1,190. This is often the period of peak career advancement, with many holding managerial or specialized roles.
Workers in this age range also tend to have the most financial responsibilities, such as mortgages or family expenses, which makes higher earnings critical. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights that this age range usually records one of the highest labor force participation rates.
45 to 54 Years
The highest median weekly earnings appear in the 45 to 54 years group, at $1,362. Men in this category earn $1,520, while women earn $1,189. This age group shows the result of decades of experience, senior positions, and stronger bargaining power. Still, even though they earn the most, the gap between men and women is large. One reason is that fewer women hold executive or top leadership roles.
55 to 64 Years
Workers aged 55 to 64 earn a median of $1,296 per week. Men make about $1,417, while women earn $1,134. In this age group, pay is a bit lower than the 45–54 age group, as some people move into less demanding jobs before retirement or face age-related challenges at work. Research from AARP shows that older workers can have a hard time finding new jobs after being laid off, which also affects their earnings.
65 Years and Over
Among workers 65 and older, median weekly earnings fall further to $1,198. Men earn $1,393, while women earn $1,031. Many older employees at this age are either semi-retired, working part-time, or staying employed for health insurance and additional income. The Social Security Administration reports that older workers are more likely to stay in jobs that offer flexibility, even if they pay less.
Conclusion
The U.S. data on weekly pay shows that weekly pay starts low for teenagers and rises as people move into adulthood. It reaches the highest level between ages 45 and 54, then drops as retirement nears.. In every age group, men earn more than women, with women making a little over 80 cents for every dollar men earn.
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