"Am I being paid enough for my age?" is one of the most common salary questions. BLS data provides clear benchmarks by age group, which we combine with after-tax analysis to show real purchasing power at each stage.
Median Weekly Earnings by Age (BLS, 2024)
| Age Group | Median Weekly | Annualized | Est. Take-Home (TX) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16–24 | $707 | $36,764 | ~$30,000 |
| 25–34 | $1,040 | $54,080 | ~$42,500 |
| 35–44 | $1,232 | $64,064 | ~$49,000 |
| 45–54 | $1,248 | $64,896 | ~$49,500 |
| 55–64 | $1,176 | $61,152 | ~$47,000 |
| 65+ | $1,024 | $53,248 | ~$42,000 |
Source: BLS Current Population Survey. Take-home estimates assume single filer, Texas (no state tax).
What "Above Average" Looks Like
Earning above the 75th percentile for your age group is a strong signal of financial progress. For ages 25–34, the 75th percentile is approximately $75,000–$85,000. For ages 35–44, it rises to $95,000–$110,000 depending on industry and location.
High-Earning Occupations
Software engineers, physicians, lawyers, and financial analysts consistently earn above the 75th percentile for all age groups by their mid-30s. Median salaries for these roles at peak earning years (40–54) often exceed $120,000–$200,000.
Beyond the Median
Salary is only part of total compensation. Employer 401(k) matching, health insurance (valued at $7,000–$15,000/year for families), RSUs, and bonuses can add 20–40% to the value of a compensation package. When comparing offers, always calculate total compensation, not just base salary.