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In 2024, the median hourly earnings of wage and salary workers in the United States was 20.3 U.S. dollars. This is an increase from 1979, when median hourly earnings were at 4.44 U.S. dollars. 

Hourly Workers

The federal minimum wage in the United States has remained at 7.25 dollars per hour since 2009, although states and some cities have the power to set higher minimum wages. Many people argue that this amount is no longer enough to support a basic standard of living, which led to the Fight for 15 movement in the early 2010s. While there has been little change at the federal level, have raised their minimum wages. As of 2026, the District of Columbia has the highest minimum wage in the country at 17.95 dollars per hour, followed by Washington at 17.13 dollars, with New York also setting minimum wages of 17 dollars. 

Salary Workers

On the other hand, salaried workers in the United States are paid a fixed amount rather than by the hour. Since 1979, the have increased steadily. have consistently earned the highest median hourly pay in the country.