MINIMUM AND AVERAGE SALARY IN THE UNITED STATES

The United States is a large, diverse nation with many regions that vary widely in socioeconomic and cultural terms. In general, the local population has a high standard of living, and a steady paycheck for the average American is considered one of the main indicators of well-being and confidence in the future. The country has complex tax and labor laws and this should definitely be taken into account when planning to immigrate to the United States for a long period of time.

The world's most powerful economy offers migrant workers from all over the world a high income and great career prospects. Mostly only experienced skilled specialists and holders of professions in short supply for the local labor market are invited to work in the USA. An impressive number of different types of U.S. work visas make it possible to attract workers from abroad in a very effective way. Next, learn about the level of salaries in the U.S. in 2024.

Minimum salary in the United States

U.S. law provides for a national minimum hourly wage at the federal and local level. Under the Minimum Wage Act, employers are required to be guided by the rate that is currently higher. According to official information from the local Department of Labor, the U.S. federal minimum wage in 2024 is $7.25 per hour. The rate has not increased since 2009.

The Fair Labor Standards Act singles out certain categories of workers who are not guaranteed a minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. For example, this includes students at U.S. universities and other educational institutions, part-time workers in service, retail and agricultural jobs while studying, and workers with mental or physical disabilities that affect productivity. In addition, the U.S. federal minimum hourly wage is not available for the following professionals:

• Nannies (in some cases).

• Caregivers caring for the elderly.

• Federal investigators.

• Fisheries professionals.

• Workers who make wreaths at home.

• Couriers employed by newspaper delivery services and employees of newspapers with limited circulation.

• Seafarers employed on foreign ships.

• Telephone operators.

• Agricultural workers employed on small farms.

• Employees of seasonal entertainment establishments.

Young professionals under the age of 20 may be paid $4.25 per hour for the first 90 days of employment. After a 3-month period or turning 20 (which comes sooner), an employee should be paid at least $5.85 per hour. According to research by influential U.S. publications, some 20.6 million wage earners in the U.S. today have incomes near the minimum wage. The restaurant service industry leads in the lowest rates.

Twenty-nine U.S. states plus the District of Columbia, Guam and the Virgin Islands have higher minimum hourly wages than the federal level. Sixteen states plus Puerto Rico have a similar rate of $7.25. The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has special rates. Five other regions have no mandatory minimum wage fixing legislation.

The highest U.S. minimum wage is in the District of Columbia ($16.50), Washington ($15.74), California ($16), New York ($16) and Connecticut ($15.69). In addition, 12 states adjust their rates annually for the Consumer Price Index.

TOP 10 STATES WITH THE HIGHEST MINIMUM WAGE

No.	State	Minimum wage (per hour)
1	District of Columbia	17
2	Washington DC	17
3	California	16
4	New York	16
5	Connecticut	15.69
6	New Jersey	15.13
7	Massachusetts	15
8	Maryland	15
9	Arizona	14.35
10	Maine	14.15

For more details on the U.S. minimum wage, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's official website – dol.gov.

Average salary in the United States

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the official average U.S. wage in 2024 is $1,145 per week. That means about 120.8 million full-time workers and employees in America earn an average of $4,960 a month before taxes. And women's incomes are 16.2 percent lower than men's. In terms of ethnic groups, Hispanics have the lowest wages at $884 a week. African Americans earn $967, whites $1,157 and Asians $1,528.

Important. Compared to 2023, the average U.S. wage has increased by $60 a week or 5.5%, with an inflation rate of 3.2%.

Depending on age, the highest incomes are recorded for male Americans from 35 to 44 years – 1,403 dollars per week. Men and women aged 16 to 24 years receive only 761 and 707 dollars respectively. Among professional groups in terms of weekly average wages in the U.S., top-level executives and managers lead the way – $1,778 (men) and $1,380 (women). Workers in the service sector have a noticeable income gap – $821 (men) and $678 (women).

The U.S. unemployment rate in 2024 will not exceed 3-4%. Tens of thousands of new jobs are created each month in the local labor market. The construction industry alone generates 40,000 to 60,000 jobs each month, the best rate in 10 years. The average wage in the U.S. depends on many factors, including gender, education, skill level, experience, occupational demand, and the particular state.

For example, a seasonal job in Alaska in the fishing industry, given the harsh conditions and irregular hours, will bring at least $4,000 to $5,000 per month. In the case of employment in New York, you can count on a salary of $5,500 or more. In fact, in any major American city, hired labor is paid quite decently. Traditionally low salaries are typical for southern states – Mississippi, Arkansas, and high for northeastern states – Maryland, New Jersey.

Detailed information about the average wage in the United States can be found on the official website of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – bls.gov.

WAGES IN THE U.S. BY OCCUPATION

Occupation	Dollars per hour
Physicians (surgeons)	121.38
Dentists	85.47
Lawyers	71.17
Engineers	49.28
Programmers	46.53
Policemen	33.66
Electricians	29.59
Firemen	27.09
Carpenters	26.06
Truckers	21.91
Hairdressers	18.29
Carpenters	17.24
Bus drivers	17.44
Cashiers	15.85
Wipers	13.51

AVERAGE WAGES IN THE U.S. BY SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY

Economic sector	Wages (dollars per week)
Utilities	2,056.16
Information Technology	1,749.02
Mining and quarrying	1,684.96
Financial activities	1,590.85
Professional activities and business services	1,455.22
Wholesale trade	1,403.01
Construction	1,394.64
Manufacture	1,274.29
Transport and warehousing	1,093.40
Education and health services	1,089.84
Retail trade	716.68
Recreation and hospitality	531.17
Other services	953.17

HIGHEST SALARIES IN THE U.S.

Salary	Dollars per year
Anaesthetist	271,440
Surgeon	251,650
Gynaecologist	239,120
Orthodontist	237,990
Psychiatrist	217,100
Company manager	197,840
Dentist	194,930
Nurse anaesthetist	189,190
Pilot in an airline	186,870
Lead programmer	161,730
Architect	158,100
Petroleum Engineer	154,330
Financial Manager	151,510
Orthopaedist	151,110
Lawyer	148,910

Salaries in US cities and states

TOP 5 CITIES WITH THE HIGHEST SALARIES IN THE USA

No.	City
1	San Francisco
2	New York
3	Boston
4	Washington
5	Seattle

TOP 5 CITIES WITH THE LOWEST WAGES IN THE USA

No.	City
1	Brownsville-Harlingen
2	McAllen
3	Hot Springs
4	North Myrtle Beach
5	Laredo

TOP 3 STATES WITH THE HIGHEST SALARIES

No.	State
1	Massachusetts
2	New York
3	California

TOP 3 STATES WITH THE LOWEST WAGES

No.	State
1	Mississippi
2	Arkansas
3	West Virginia

Income tax in the United States

The above salaries in the US are before taxes (gross) and other mandatory payments. For example, the country has a progressive income tax rate - from 10 to 37%. That is, the more you earn, the higher the rate. At the same time, low-income families receive various exemptions and tax credits. Summing up all taxes (federal, local), on average, American workers pay about 31.7% of their annual salary to the state.

U.S. INCOME TAX IN 2024

Annual income	Rate
From 0 to $11,600	10%
From $11,600 to $47,150	12%
From $47,150 to $100,525	22%
From $100,525 to $191,950	24%
From $191,950 to $243,725	32%
From $243,725 to $609,350	35%
Over $609,350	37%

Cost of living in the US

Compared to most countries in the world, living in the US is quite expensive. The most expensive major American cities are Los Angeles, Miami and New York.

Basic costs in the USA:

• Rent: $1,700-1,800 per month for a one-bedroom flat in the centre.

• Utility bills: $200-250 per month.

• Food: $200-300 per month per person.

• Transport: $70-80 per month by public transport or $200-300 per month by car.

• Internet/mobile phone: $120-130 per month.

• Clothing and leisure activities: $500-700 per month.

Frequently asked questions about salaries in the US:

1. What is the average salary in the US?

• Before taxes, the average salary in the US in 2024 is $1,145 per week.

2. What is the minimum wage in the US?

• The minimum wage in the US in 2024 is $7.25 per hour.

3. What is the highest earning job in the US?

• The highest paying occupations in the US are doctors, CEOs of large companies, commercial pilots, and computer programmers.

4. What is the lowest paying job in the US?

• Representatives of unskilled labour – cleaners, waiters, cook's assistants, loaders, salesmen, maids and so on – earn the least in the USA.

5. What is the average salary of programmers in the USA?

• The average income of programmers in the US is $96,630 per year.

6. What is the payroll tax in the US?

• The income tax rate in the US depends on annual income and ranges from 10% (income up to $11,600) to 37% (income over $609,350).

7. What is the salary of a physician in the US?

• The average salary for a physician in the US in 2024 is $84,430 per year.

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