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Whether you’re deciding on a new career path or wondering if you’re being paid enough, it can help to know what the typical American worker earns per year.

Based on the latest data available from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average annual pay in the U.S. in 2022 was $63,795 — a 5.32% jump from the previous year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates the average worker made closer to $69,986 that same year. The amount you make may depend on a number of factors, including your occupation, where you live, your gender, and your level of education.

Key Findings

Let’s take a closer look at how the average annual pay in the U.S. has changed over a three-year period based on data from both the SSA and BLS.

It can also be helpful to look at median earnings, which represent the midpoint of salaries in the U.S. In other words, half of the salaries fall below the median, and half are higher than the median.

The following table shows the median annual salary for a three-year period.

As you can see, average and median incomes have risen each year. However, average salaries can be affected by various factors such as your occupation, age, and gender. Note that the numbers above also don’t include unearned income.


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Examples of High-Salary Jobs in the US

Some industries tend to pay more than others, which means the career you choose may affect how much you earn. Here’s a sampling of high-paying jobs and their average annual salary, according to the BLS:

•   Cardiologist, $421,330

•   Dentist, $172,290

•   Aircraft pilots and flight engineer, $225,740

•   Lawyer and judicial law clerk, $161,680

•   Public relations manager, $150,030

•   Air traffic controller, $130,840

Recommended: How to Reduce Taxable Income for High Earners

Average American Income by Occupation

While salaries tend to vary based on geography, seeing how much certain types of jobs pay can be informative. Let’s take a look at different occupations and how much they typically pay.

Keep in mind that average salaries may differ depending on the specific occupation you have. For example, although claims adjusters fall under the business and financial operations category, their average salary is around $72,040.

US Income by Gender

Demographics, specifically gender, are another factor to consider. By and large, men tend to outearn women throughout their career. The median annual salary for a 16- to 24-year-old man is $38,688; a woman of the same age earns $36,088, per the latest data available from the BLS. Likewise, the median annual salary for a man aged 25 and older is $64,376; a woman of the same age earns $52,520.

Median Income by State

Wages often vary based on where you live. In many cases, states with higher costs of living also have higher wages. For example, the median annual income in Hawaii is $104,704 — much higher than Mississippi’s median annual income of $70,950.

Below is the median income by state for a household of three people, according to data compiled by the Census Bureau between April 1 and May 14, 2023.

US Income by Race

As the BLS data below shows, there is often a pay disparity among workers of different races and ethnicities.

•   Asian, $79,456 per year

•   White, $60,164

•   Black or African American, $50,284

•   Hispanic or Latino, $45,968

How Does Your Income Stack Up?

Now that you’ve seen some of the average and median annual salaries by occupation, location, gender, and race or ethnicity, how does yours compare? If you’re not making as much as you’d like, you may want to research wages in your industry and region, and use that information to help you negotiate a higher salary. If you’re ready to make a bigger change, you can use this data as you consider whether to switch to a more lucrative field or relocate to a higher-paying region.

Recommended: Cost of Living by State

How to Stretch Your Income

Here are some different strategies to help you make the most of the money you make:

Track Your Spending

Understanding exactly where your money is going can help you keep tabs on where your money is going and identify areas where you can cut back. Consider using a spending app to track your spending and saving.

Negotiate Bills

Want to lower monthly expenses, such as your cell phone or internet services? Consider calling up various providers to see if you’re able to get a better deal or if there are promotions you can take advantage of.

Cut Back on Large Expenses

Housing, food, and transportation tend to be the largest line budget items. Explore ways to trim your biggest costs. Examples include refinancing your mortgage, negotiating your rent, shopping at discount grocery stores, and taking public transportation when possible.

Sharpen Your Marketable Skills

Accepting networking opportunities and taking professional development courses could help you become more marketable as an employee. This in turn could set you up to earn more in the long run. If you’re on a tight budget, look into no- or low-cost ways to cultivate high-income skills, and ask your employer if there are any free resources available.

Pros and Cons of a High Salary

A high income can be great, but it does come with some downsides.

Pros:

•   Improved quality of life: With more money, you can afford a higher standard of living and be able to afford different amenities such as better access to healthcare and food.

•   Financial security: The more you earn, the more you can feel secure you have enough money to afford the things you want and need.

•   Ability to achieve financial goals faster: Having more disposable income could mean you can set more money aside for long- and short-term savings goals, like retirement or going on a family vacation.

Cons:

•   Higher taxes: Earning more can put you in a higher tax bracket. However, there are ways to reduce your taxable income.

•   Pressure to maintain income: If you’re accustomed to a certain living standard, you may feel like you need to keep earning the same amount or more to maintain it.

•   More work stress: In many cases, higher-paying jobs come with more responsibilities and, at times, longer hours.


💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

The Takeaway

Understanding what the average American worker makes in a year can come in handy, especially if you’re considering a new career path, negotiating a higher salary, or looking for a new place to live. According to the latest data from the Social Security Administration, the average annual pay in the U.S. is $63,795. But the amount you earn may depend on a wide range of factors, such as the industry you work in, where you live, your gender, and your race or ethnicity.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

What is a good salary in the US?

There’s no one set amount that would be considered a good salary in the U.S. However, the average salary is around $63,795, according to the Social Security Administration.

What is the real average wage in the US?

The average wage in the U.S. is $69,986 according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What is the top 10 percent income in the US?

According to the Economic Policy Institute, the top 10% of workers in the U.S. earn $135,605.

How much should you be making at 30?

While there is no definitive amount you should earn by the time you’re 30, the average salary for U.S. workers aged 25 to 34 is $56,160, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Photo credit: iStock/VAKSMANV

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Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Most people who live and work in the U.S. need to file an annual tax return. Depending on your financial situation, your tax return may be simple or complex. If your tax return or financial situation is complicated, with many forms of income, deductions, or credits, you may end up making mistakes on your tax return. Even with a simple return, it’s possible that you might make a mistake that could cause the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to impose fees, interest, or additional payments.

What follows are 15 of the most common tax filing mistakes — and how to avoid making them.

How Common Are Mistakes on Tax Returns?

The IRS does not release detailed statistics about how common mistakes on tax returns are, but they do say that mistakes are much more common when filing paper returns. The agency suggests that taxpayers use software to prepare their returns or work with a reputable tax preparer. This can help eliminate some of the common mistakes that occur with tax returns.

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Does the IRS Care About Small Mistakes?

Yes, the IRS definitely cares about small mistakes on tax returns, though the penalties may not be as large as they are for substantial mistakes. The IRS potentially levies two different kinds of accuracy-related penalties:

•   Negligence or disregard of the rules or regulations penalty

•   Substantial understatement of income tax penalty

In cases of negligence or disregard of the rules or regulations, the penalty is 20% of the amount that was underpaid due to negligence or disregard. For a substantial understatement, the penalty is 20% of the amount that was underpaid due to the understatement on the return.

These potential penalties are on top of still having to pay the tax that you owe.

Recommended: How to File Taxes for Beginners

16 Common Tax Mistakes

Here are a few of the most common tax mistakes.

1. Not Filing Your Taxes on Time

Each year, the IRS sets the deadline for filing your federal income tax return. This date is usually April 15, though it can be extended sometimes if April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday. Not postmarking or e-filing your return by the tax filing deadline can lead to a penalty.

2. Not Putting in the Right Social Security Number

The IRS uses Social Security numbers to match up information it receives from you with information it receives about you from your employer, bank, and other entities. Messing up even a single digit in your Social Security number will disrupt this process and could cause the IRS to reject your return.

Be sure to enter your Social Security number exactly as it is shown on your Social Security card. Do the same with your spouse and anyone else listed on your tax return.

Recommended: Guide to Understanding Your Taxes

3. Not Filing Your Taxes at All

Generally, most people who work in the U.S. and have income over the filing threshold are required to file an annual income tax return. The penalty for not filing is 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month that a tax return is late, not to exceed 25% of your unpaid taxes.

4. Filing Too Early

While you don’t want to file your taxes too late (after the deadline), you also don’t want to file them too early. You want to make sure that you have received all the W-2, 1099, and other tax forms that are due to you. If you get additional forms after you’ve already filed your taxes, you may need to file an amended return.

5. Inputting the Wrong Bank Information

The IRS encourages people to e-file and choose to have their refund sent via direct deposit. But if you put in the wrong bank routing and account information when filing your tax return, you may delay your refund.

6. Incorrect Information

It’s not only your bank account and routing information that needs to be correct — you need to make sure that all of your other numbers and details are correct. This includes any information from your W-2 or 1099 forms you manually input into your tax return. Using software or a reputable tax preparer can help to minimize the chances you enter incorrect information.

7. Missing Information

If you have more than one bank account and/or a number of investment accounts, you may forget to report income (or losses) from one, or more, of these financial accounts. This is an immediate red flag to the IRS. Keeping track of all your financial paperwork throughout the year can help avoid this problem.

8. Forgetting to Sign the Forms

The IRS says that your return is not valid unless it is signed. If you file a paper return, you (and your spouse, if you’re filing a joint return) must sign the return. E-filed returns can be signed electronically by selecting an electronic PIN.

Recommended: The Fastest Ways to Get Your Tax Refund

9. Forgetting Important Paperwork

If you are working with a tax preparer, make sure to bring, or electronically send, all of your tax-related paperwork. This includes all income statements (such as W-2s and 1099s) and all tax deduction documents (such as Form 1098 for mortgage interest and Form 1098-T for college tuition paid). This will help prevent errors stemming from missing information.

10. Not Taking Advantage of Tax Breaks

You are legally allowed but not required to take any tax deductions or tax credits that you are eligible for. The IRS generally does not care if you pay more tax than necessary. But not taking advantage of tax breaks you’re eligible for can cost you money.

11. Writing the Check to the Wrong Entity

If you owe money to Uncle Sam, be sure to make the check out to the U.S. Treasury. If the check isn’t filled out correctly, the IRS likely won’t cash it. This can result in a late payment — and a penalty. Keep in mind that you can also pay any owed taxes online via IRS Direct Pay or use the electronic payment options in your tax software.

12. Math Errors

The IRS says that math errors are among the most common tax filing mistakes. This is especially true when filling out your tax return on paper, since tax software will generally do all the math for you.

13. Not Claiming All Streams of Your Income

Even if you are paid in cash or don’t receive a W-2 or 1099 form, you are legally required to report all income received in a tax year. Not claiming an income stream, even if it was part-time or “gig work,” may open you up to additional taxes, interest, and/or penalties.

14. Filing Your Taxes Under the Wrong Status

There are requirements that come with the different filing statuses that are available to you, and filing under the wrong status is a common tax filing mistake. For example, you can’t use the “head of household” status just because you make the most money in your family — this tax filing status is only for unmarried people who have to support others. If you’re married, you have a choice of two different types of filing status, and one will likely be more advantageous to you than the other.

15. Not Getting Help When You Need It

If you have a relatively simple tax return, you may feel comfortable filing your tax return on your own. But as your taxes get more complicated, it may make sense to work with a reputable tax professional. Not getting help when you need it may end up costing you a significant amount of money.

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16. Name/Misspelling Errors

Our final tax filing mistake that is common is, yes, name spelling errors. Make sure that you are checking and double checking all of the names entered into your tax return. Misspelling a name may cause the processing of your return to be delayed.

Tips on Avoiding Tax Mistakes

If you’re looking to avoid tax mistakes, here are a few things to keep in mind:

•   Consider using tax software that can do the math for you and automatically select the right forms for your situation.

•   If your financial situation becomes even more complicated, consider working with a tax professional.

•   Include all the information and tax documents you’ve received from all sources.

•   Make sure to wait to file until you’ve received all your documents, but early enough that you don’t go past the April filing deadline.

The Takeaway

In life, mistakes happen. However, you generally want to avoid them when you’re filling your tax return. Even a small misstep could hold up your return, delay any refund, and lead to interest and penalties. It’s wise to take time to understand your taxes or rely on a tax professional for help. Getting it right the first time around can help you save time — and money.

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FAQ

Does the IRS penalize you for tax filing mistakes?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) charges penalties for certain — though not all — tax filing mistakes. Mistakes that can lead to penalties include:

•   Not filing your return and paying your tax by the due date

•   Failure to pay proper estimated tax

•   Substantially understating your tax liability

•   Understating a reportable transaction

•   Filing an erroneous claim for a refund or credit

Even if you don’t get hit with a penalty, you may still get an unexpected (and unwelcome) tax bill, either right away or possible years later.

How often does the IRS make mistakes with tax returns?

The IRS does not release statistics about how often they make mistakes, but it is almost certainly less often than taxpayers make mistakes. If you think that the IRS has made a mistake when processing your return, you can either contact the IRS directly or work with a reputable tax professional to rectify the situation.

How do I know if I filed my taxes right?

The IRS generally will accept your tax return within a few days. This means they’ve received it and scanned it for basic errors, like missing information or major red flags.

Once your return is accepted, the agency will begin a more detailed process of examining your return — they’ll check your income reports, verify the deductions and credits you’ve claimed, and ensure everything aligns with the tax laws.

If you’re due a refund, the IRS will approve it once they are satisfied your return is accurate. Typically, you can expect a refund within 21 days after you’ve e-filed.

Keep in mind, though, that the IRS has three years from the date you filed your return (or April 15, whichever is later) to perform an audit and potentially charge you additional taxes. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep your tax records around for at least three years.

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SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

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Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.