U.S. citizens with a professional degree had the highest median household income in 2023, at 172,100 U.S. dollars. In comparison, those with less than a 9th grade education made significantly less money, at 35,690 U.S. dollars. Household income The median household income in the United States has fluctuated since 1990, but rose to around 70,000 U.S. dollars in 2021. Maryland had the highest median household income in the United States in 2021. Maryland’s high levels of wealth is due to several reasons, and includes the state's proximity to the nation's capital. Household income and ethnicity The median income of white non-Hispanic households in the United States had been on the rise since 1990, but declining since 2019. While income has also been on the rise, the median income of Hispanic households was much lower than those of white, non-Hispanic private households. However, the median income of Black households is even lower than Hispanic households. Income inequality is a problem without an easy solution in the United States, especially since ethnicity is a contributing factor. Systemic racism contributes to the non-White population suffering from income inequality, which causes the opportunity for growth to stagnate.

United States Median Wage Growth: 3-Mo Mov Avg: College Degree data was reported at 4.800 % in Apr 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 4.600 % for Mar 2025. United States Median Wage Growth: 3-Mo Mov Avg: College Degree data is updated monthly, averaging 3.900 % from Mar 1997 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 338 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6.700 % in Nov 2022 and a record low of 1.500 % in Jan 2010. United States Median Wage Growth: 3-Mo Mov Avg: College Degree data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.G113: Atlanta Fed Wage Growth Tracker: 3-Month Moving Average.