Do you feel like you\u2019re falling behind financially? You\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n
A survey by Navigator found that 53% of U.S. adults feel behind where they expected to be financially, and 28% say they are falling \u201cfar behind\u201d (1). If you\u2019re experiencing this kind of financial anxiety, it\u2019s completely normal.<\/p>\n
To get a more accurate perspective, it helps to compare yourself with peers in your age group. Younger workers haven\u2019t had as much time to develop the skills or experience needed for higher pay, while older workers often have more time to climb the corporate ladder.<\/p>\n
With that in mind, here\u2019s the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on median earnings by age groups (2).<\/p>\n
Your 20s are the early stages of your career, so it\u2019s no surprise that most workers in this age group earn less than older counterparts.<\/p>\n
According to BLS data from the third quarter of 2025, the median salary for workers aged 21\u201324 is $41,392, while for those aged 25\u201334, the median is $59,800.<\/p>\n
In other words, if you earn more than $60,000 a year and were born in the 2000s, you are earning more than half of your peers.<\/p>\n
Read More: The average net worth of Americans is a surprising $620,654. But it almost means nothing. Here\u2019s the number that counts (and how to make it skyrocket)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re fortunate, your 30s are prime years for a career boost. You have enough experience to negotiate higher pay and still have plenty of energy to handle the additional responsibilities.<\/p>\n Economists expect steady pay growth during this stage. According to the Tax Foundation, this period represents the early ramp-up in the inverted U curve of income across age groups (3). This is when your paycheck typically starts expanding.<\/p>\n For workers aged 35\u201344, the median salary is $72,020, according to the BLS. This is the highest median of any age cohort, making it the stage when many experience peak earnings.<\/p>\n For most people, the 40s are more about stability than growth. You may not have reached the top of your career ladder, but you\u2019re likely approaching it.<\/p>\n The median annual salary for those aged 45\u201354 is $71,604, roughly the same as the 35\u201344 cohort, according to the BLS. Earning six figures at this age puts you well ahead of many peers.<\/p>\n If your income is below the media, there\u2019s still time to catch up. Alternatively, you can focus on controlling expenses and saving aggressively, potentially putting yourself in a stronger position for retirement than higher-earning peers.<\/p>\n The data paints a clear picture for people in their 50s: this is often a period of declining earnings but peak wealth.<\/p>\n Many workers at this age are approaching retirement and considering reducing work hours. In fact, most millionaires in the U.S. reach seven-figure net worth in their 50s and 60s, according to Empower\u2019s analysis of government data (4). This allows many older Americans to shift from active income to passive income around this age.<\/p>\n For some, declining income is more about health and energy limitations than a lack of personal assets. About 52% of retirees reported leaving work earlier than expected, usually for health reasons, according to Manulife John Hancock Retirement\u2019s Financial Resilience and Longevity Report (5).<\/p>\n This trend is clearly reflected in the BLS income data. The median salary for those aged 55\u201364 is $68,744, only slightly higher than workers in their late 20s and early 30s. The decline is more noticeable for those over 65, with a median salary of $62,036.<\/p>\n In other words, if you\u2019re in your late 50s or 60s and still working full-time at peak earnings, you are likely earning more than half of your peers.<\/p>\n Join 200,000+ readers and get Moneywise\u2019s best stories and exclusive interviews first \u2014 clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines<\/a>.<\/p>\n Naviagtor (1<\/a>); U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2<\/a>); Tax Foundation (3<\/a>); Empower (4<\/a>); Manulife Retirement (5<\/a>).<\/p>\n This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Do you feel like you\u2019re falling behind financially? You\u2019re not alone. 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