Income by Age Group Across America: Which State Pays You Best at Your Career Stage?

Your paycheck isn’t just about the job you do—geography plays a massive role in determining how much you actually earn. Whether you’re just starting your career, hitting your prime earning years, or approaching retirement, the state you call home can make a difference of tens of thousands of dollars.

According to data from Scholaroo, the income landscape varies dramatically across the nation. Generation X currently commands the highest salaries overall, yet even they face significant wage compression in certain states. Gen Z earners bring in the lowest incomes across the board, while baby boomers’ retirement-era earnings show considerable state-by-state variation.

The High-Earning States: Where Your Paycheck Goes Furthest

Some states have consistently outperformed others across multiple age brackets. Maryland emerges as a standout performer for mid-career professionals aged 45 to 64, with a median income of $119,307. Massachusetts and New Jersey round out the top tier for this crucial earning phase, at $115,864 and $117,412 respectively.

For younger professionals in their prime earning years (25 to 44), Massachusetts leads with $108,536, followed by California at $100,620 and New Jersey at $106,274. These northeastern and western hubs offer significantly higher compensation than the national average.

Workers aged 45 to 64 in Connecticut ($107,844) and California ($107,236) enjoy robust earning potential, while Washington state stands out for workers aged 25 to 44 with $102,996 in median income.

The Struggling Markets: Where Wages Tell a Different Story

Not all states offer the same earning potential. West Virginia presents a particularly challenging income environment, with those aged 15 to 24 earning just $27,380—the lowest starting wage in the nation. Even as workers age, West Virginia residents remain below national averages, with 25 to 44-year-olds earning $64,761.

Mississippi shows similar constraints across all age groups. Young workers (15 to 24) earn $36,457, while mid-career earners (25 to 44) make $58,641—nearly $50,000 less than their peers in Massachusetts.

Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma also rank among the lower-income states, with Louisiana particularly struggling for young workers at just $34,407 in median income for the 15 to 24 age bracket.

Peak Earning Years: The 45-64 Age Group Dominance

The age cohort spanning 45 to 64 represents the prime earning years across America. In Hawaii, this group achieves a median income of $108,693, benefiting from the state’s unique economic positioning. Maryland workers in this stage earn $119,307, while New Hampshire residents reach $114,313.

The contrast between high and low-income states becomes most pronounced at this life stage. Compare Maryland’s $119,307 to Mississippi’s $60,998 for the same age group—a difference exceeding $58,000 annually.

Geography-Based Disparities for Young Earners

Early-career workers (15 to 24) show the most dramatic state-by-state variation. Alaska tops this category with $60,279, while New Hampshire follows at $58,255. These rates reflect both cost-of-living adjustments and regional job market dynamics.

Meanwhile, West Virginia ($27,380) and New Mexico ($30,195) represent the lower bound, suggesting early-career workers in these states earn less than half what their peers make in high-paying states. This gap can have lasting implications for long-term wealth accumulation and career trajectory.

Retirement Income: The 65+ Picture

For seniors aged 65 and older, Hawaii again leads with $77,957, reflecting the state’s position as a retirement destination for higher-income individuals. Maryland seniors earn $69,070, while Virginia offers $61,447.

Retirees in Mississippi ($41,013) and West Virginia ($41,438) face substantially tighter budgets, earning roughly half what Hawaii retirees bring in. These disparities underscore the importance of strategic career location and retirement planning.

The Takeaway: Your Age and Your Address Matter

Your earning potential isn’t determined by age alone or geography alone—it’s the intersection of both. Professionals in their 45-64 earning peak positioned in states like Maryland, Connecticut, or New Hampshire can expect six-figure incomes, while similar workers in lower-income states may earn half that amount.

For young professionals, the choice of where to launch your career can set the tone for decades of earnings differences. For mid-career workers, understanding regional salary benchmarks helps inform relocation decisions or remote work opportunities. And for retirees, state selection significantly impacts purchasing power during golden years.

The data reveals that America’s income geography remains highly stratified, with northeast and west coast states generally outpacing southern and mountain states across nearly all age demographics. Whether you’re evaluating a job offer, considering a move, or planning your retirement, these median income figures by state and age group offer a concrete benchmark for where your earnings stand nationally.

Data sourced from Scholaroo research, accurate as of May 29, 2024.