Average Salary in US: 2025 Industry Insights
Introduction
In 2025, professionals across the United States are more curious than ever about salary benchmarks. Whether you’re a recent graduate entering the job market, a seasoned professional negotiating a raise, or an international worker planning a move, knowing the average salary in US can be the difference between a confident career move and a financial misstep. With economic shifts, evolving job markets, and new remote work models, understanding how salaries compare across states, industries, and experience levels is essential. This knowledge not only informs your earning potential but also helps you plan your future with clarity and purpose.
In this blog, we will break down the average salary in US across industries, states, education levels, and job roles, using the latest 2025 data. We’ll explore the impact of cost of living, industry growth, and regional pay disparities. Whether you’re a business looking to stay competitive or a professional aiming for your next big career step, these insights will help you navigate salary negotiations and career decisions. If you’re an employer seeking expert payroll management and hiring solutions, 1EOR is here to ensure you stay compliant, competitive, and confident. Explore our global employment solutions here.
Things to Know Before Checking Average Salary in US
Before diving into the numbers, it’s important to understand the factors that shape average salaries across the country. These insights provide context for interpreting salary data and help you assess how applicable certain figures are to your specific situation.
Cost of Living Impact on Salaries
- The cost of living varies dramatically between states and even within cities, directly influencing salary levels. For instance, a $70,000 salary in New York City may not stretch as far as $55,000 in a smaller Midwestern town. Employers often adjust compensation to match the local cost of housing, transportation, and everyday expenses.
- Additionally, professionals relocating from high-cost areas to more affordable regions—particularly in remote roles—often find that salary negotiations shift in unexpected ways. While companies may offer location-based pay adjustments, the real benefit often comes from lower living expenses without sacrificing lifestyle quality.
Industry Trends and Economic Changes
- Certain industries experience faster wage growth due to demand, skills shortages, or innovation. For example, technology and healthcare salaries have surged in recent years, while hospitality and retail sectors are seeing slower growth. Economic changes, such as inflation or market disruptions, also shape these trends.
- In 2025, industries tied to digital transformation, clean energy, and healthcare are projected to see the highest salary growth. Understanding your industry’s trajectory can help you anticipate pay trends and position yourself for roles that match both your skills and financial goals.
Regional Salary Disparities
- Geography remains a major determinant of income. States like California, New York, and Massachusetts typically offer higher average salaries than states in the South or Midwest, but they also come with higher living costs.
- The rise of remote work has blurred these differences somewhat, yet many companies still anchor pay to regional benchmarks. Professionals in lower-cost areas may receive slightly lower offers, but when paired with reduced expenses, their real purchasing power can be substantial.
Experience and Education Influence
- Experience level and education have always played a critical role in salary determination. Entry-level employees can expect lower compensation, but as skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities grow, salaries increase accordingly.
- Advanced degrees, professional certifications, and specialized technical skills often command premium pay. Employers recognize that higher qualifications reduce training costs and boost productivity, making these employees more valuable in the long term.
Remote Work Salary Adjustments
- Remote work has redefined the salary conversation. Many organizations now adopt location-based pay structures, where compensation reflects the employee’s home region rather than the company’s headquarters.
- While some companies maintain uniform pay scales, others reduce salaries for remote workers in low-cost areas. Balancing flexibility with financial expectations has become a crucial negotiation point for both employers and employees in 2025.
Average Salary in US by Industry
Industry-specific salary differences are significant, with certain sectors offering far higher earning potential than others. For instance, in 2025, tech and healthcare continue to dominate the top-paying industries, with finance, engineering, and energy also holding strong positions.
Professionals in software development, AI engineering, or medical specializations often earn well above the national average. On the other hand, creative, retail, and non-profit sectors, while rewarding in other ways, may offer more modest salaries, making passion and mission alignment key decision factors.
Average Salary in US by State
The variation in salaries across states is striking. California, Massachusetts, and New York often top the list for high pay, but they also feature some of the highest living costs. In contrast, states like Texas, Florida, and North Carolina offer competitive salaries paired with more affordable living, attracting both individuals and businesses.
For professionals considering relocation, balancing gross salary with net savings potential is crucial. Employers recruiting nationwide must also weigh competitive pay offers against budget constraints to attract talent in different regions.
Average Salary in US by Education Level
Education remains a powerful driver of earning potential. High school graduates may start at entry-level wages, while bachelor’s degree holders see a significant jump. Master’s and doctoral degrees often bring the highest returns, especially in fields like medicine, law, and engineering.
However, specialized technical training and certifications can rival or even surpass some traditional degree-based earnings, especially in IT, skilled trades, and emerging tech fields. In 2025, alternative education pathways are increasingly recognized for their value.
Average Salary in US by Job Role
Different roles within the same industry can carry vastly different pay scales. Senior leadership positions like CEOs, CFOs, and VPs often earn several times more than entry-level roles in the same organization.
Meanwhile, highly specialized technical roles—such as data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, and advanced healthcare practitioners—can command premium pay even without traditional management responsibilities.
Average Salary in US for Remote vs. Onsite Jobs
Remote roles have opened opportunities for professionals to work for top companies without relocating. In some cases, remote salaries match onsite pay, particularly for in-demand skills.
However, certain companies apply cost-of-living adjustments, meaning remote workers in lower-cost regions might see slightly reduced compensation. For many, the trade-off comes in the form of greater flexibility, work-life balance, and reduced commuting expenses.
Average Salary in US: Entry-Level to Senior Positions
The salary trajectory from entry-level to senior roles can be steep. Entry-level positions in many industries start between $40,000 and $60,000, while mid-level professionals often earn $70,000 to $100,000. Senior roles can easily exceed $150,000, particularly in high-demand sectors.
Progressing along this path requires skill development, networking, and often strategic career moves between companies or industries. Employers willing to invest in employee growth tend to retain talent and justify higher pay scales.
Why Choose 1EOR for Employment and Payroll Solutions
At 1EOR, we understand that competitive salaries are key to attracting and retaining top talent. Our Employer of Record services help businesses hire globally, navigate complex employment laws, and manage payroll seamlessly. Whether you’re expanding your workforce within the US or across borders, we ensure compliance with local regulations while optimizing compensation strategies.
By partnering with 1EOR, businesses can confidently offer fair, market-aligned salaries without getting tangled in administrative complexities. Our expertise enables companies to focus on growth, while we handle the details that keep employees satisfied and operations smooth.
Conclusion
Understanding the average salary in US in 2025 requires more than just glancing at national figures. Industry, geography, education, and work arrangement all play critical roles in shaping earnings. For professionals, this information empowers smarter career decisions. For employers, it provides the benchmarks needed to stay competitive in talent acquisition and retention.
As workplaces continue evolving—driven by technology, globalization, and shifting workforce expectations—staying informed is the key to success. Whether you’re negotiating your own salary or designing compensation packages for a diverse team, accurate, current salary insights are essential. And with 1EOR’s expertise in global hiring and payroll, you can ensure every compensation decision is informed, compliant, and strategically sound.
Ready to optimize your workforce strategy? Connect with 1EOR today and make competitive, compliant hiring a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Average Salary in US
- What is the average salary in US in 2025?
In 2025, the average salary in US is approximately $65,000 per year. However, this figure varies significantly by state, industry, and job role. For instance, technology, healthcare, and finance roles often exceed the national average, while service and retail industries may fall below it. - Which industry has the highest average salary in US?
The technology sector currently leads with some of the highest salaries, followed closely by healthcare, finance, and engineering. Specializations like AI development, cybersecurity, and advanced medical roles often see annual salaries above $100,000. - Do salaries in the US differ by state?
Yes, salaries vary widely by state due to differences in cost of living, local economies, and demand for certain skills. States like California, New York, and Massachusetts typically offer higher pay, but they also have higher living expenses. - How does education level impact the average salary in US?
Higher education generally leads to higher earning potential. A bachelor’s degree can increase earnings significantly, while master’s and doctoral degrees often command premium salaries, particularly in specialized fields like medicine, law, and engineering. - What is the average salary in US for remote jobs?
Remote job salaries vary based on industry, company policy, and location-based pay structures. While some companies offer uniform salaries regardless of location, others adjust compensation based on the employee’s cost of living. - Is the average salary in US increasing in 2025?
Yes, many industries have reported moderate salary increases in 2025 due to inflation, talent shortages, and economic growth. Sectors like tech, renewable energy, and healthcare have seen some of the most notable increases. - How does cost of living affect salaries in the US?
Cost of living heavily influences salary offers. Employers in high-cost areas typically offer higher pay to offset housing, transportation, and daily expenses, while lower-cost regions may offer less but still provide strong purchasing power. - What is the average entry-level salary in US?
Entry-level salaries in the US vary by industry but generally range between $40,000 and $60,000 in 2025. Fields like technology and engineering tend to start higher, while hospitality and retail may start lower. - Does experience affect the average salary in US?
Absolutely. Experience is one of the strongest factors in determining pay. Professionals with several years of experience, specialized skills, or leadership roles can earn significantly above the national average. - Where can I find reliable salary data for US jobs?
You can access up-to-date salary data from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reputable salary comparison platforms, and professional industry reports. For tailored insights and hiring strategies, partnering with companies like 1EOR ensures data-driven, competitive compensation planning.
