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Here's the Average Paycheck of American Boomers (How Do You Compare?)

See how much American boomers make by age, gender, and location.

By Ashley Donohoe, MBA, CFLP®, CFEI®, FPWMP® , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Nov. 10, 2026

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When you're reading about boomer finances, most of the coverage focuses on saving for retirement and making decisions about Social Security. However, many boomers are still working their usual full-time jobs or doing part-time work to boost a fixed income. Even around 19% of Americans aged 65 and older were still working or looking for a job in 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Whether you're a working boomer or just curious about how much this age group earns relative to younger workers, recent salary data can provide some interesting insights. Here's how much American boomers typically make, so you can see how your earnings compare.

Editor's note: All salary and employment data come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), unless otherwise stated.

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The median paycheck for Americans ages 55 to 64

Younger boomers tend to bring in bigger paychecks. In the first quarter of 2026, full-time workers ages 55 to 64 (which also includes some Gen X workers) earned a median weekly income of around $1,348. That adds up to roughly $70,096 per year.

For the same period, the median full-time weekly salary for Americans across all age groups was approximately $1,235. This shows that these late-career boomers, who can leverage higher earning power due to their experience and skills, are faring slightly better than half of all workers.

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The median paycheck for Americans 65 and older

Older boomers who work full-time earn slightly less than their younger counterparts.

The weekly median paycheck for workers age 65 and older (which also includes some of the Silent Generation) was around $1,246 in the first quarter of 2026, or $64,792 per year. While that's $102 less per week than those ages 55 to 64 make, it's still $11 more than the median weekly pay across all age groups.

However, keep in mind that these figures don't account for workers with part-time jobs. Plus, many receive monthly Social Security checks that supplement their income from work.

How boomers are doing compared to younger workers

Looking at the average salary by age, boomers are earning less than full-time workers aged 35 to 54. In the first quarter of 2026, workers ages 35 to 44 earned a median weekly wage of around $1,384, or $71,968 per year. Meanwhile, workers ages 45 to 54 earned the largest median paycheck of all age groups: about $1,435 ($74,620 per year).

Younger, less experienced workers usually make significantly less than boomers. Full-time workers aged 16 to 19 received the least, at $603 per week or $31,356 per year. Those aged 20 to 24 years came in just behind with a median weekly paycheck of $810, or $42,120 per year. Finally, the median weekly pay for those ages 25 to 34 was a higher $1,140, or $59,280 per year.

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How paychecks vary by gender

While there are exceptions, boomer men tend to make more than boomer women.

Men who worked full-time and were between the ages of 55 and 64 earned a median weekly paycheck of roughly $1,501 ($78,052 per year) in the first quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, men aged 65 or older earned less, at around $1,422 per week, or $73,944 per year.

However, full-time female workers aged 55 to 64 years earned a median weekly wage of around $1,158, or $60,216 per year. And women aged 65 and older made even less, at about $1,010 per week ($52,520 annually). So, these workers made about $343 and $412 less per week, respectively, than men did.

Why the gender wage gap matters

The wage gap between boomer men and women of the same age affects more than the ability to afford everyday expenses. The lifetime earnings gap may grow over many years, and smaller paychecks can make it harder to save enough for a comfortable retirement.

Plus, Social Security benefits depend heavily on the worker's highest-earning years. Therefore, boomer women with lower earnings can expect smaller monthly checks, which may impact their financial security.

How the median income varies by state

Where a boomer lives also significantly affects how much they earn.

According to data compiled by Scholaroo, Americans age 65 and older had the highest median yearly household income in Hawaii ($77,957) and the lowest in Mississippi ($41,013).

However, you should also consider the cost of living, which impacts how far a boomer's paycheck stretches in different locations. While Hawaii is one of the most expensive states, Mississippi has one of the lowest costs of living in the country.

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Reasons behind the boomer pay plateau

As the paycheck numbers show, earnings for working boomers tend to plateau or decline relative to their peak earning years, which are between ages 45 and 54, according to BLS median wage data.

As they near retirement, many Americans naturally shift to work arrangements that may mean lower wages but more work-life balance. For example, some cut back at their regular jobs as part of a phased retirement arrangement. Others might want more flexibility and turn to consulting or part-time jobs.

For boomers working and receiving Social Security before full retirement age (FRA), a lower earned income could actually help avoid a temporary benefit reduction due to the earnings test. The annual earnings limit is only $24,480 for those remaining below FRA for the full year in 2026.

Bottom line

While paychecks for American boomers can vary widely, knowing how your earnings compare to median figures by age, gender, and location can be a helpful metric. But don't assume you're doing something wrong if you earn less than these numbers. Plenty of other factors, such as work hours and job title, also influence what you make.

If you're still working close to retirement, use the time to make smart moves that may help you rely less on senior benefits and enjoy a more comfortable retirement. That includes taking advantage of catch-up contributions to your 401(k) or IRA, eliminating debt, and creating a realistic retirement budget. Plus, going over your retirement plans with a financial advisor may help you uncover gaps.

FAQs

What is the average retirement income for someone 65 and older?

Households headed by someone age 65 and older had a median income of about $56,680 in 2025, the lowest of any age group. That number combines Social Security, pensions, retirement account withdrawals, and any work income, so it usually runs lower than the paycheck a full-time older worker earns.

At what age do Americans earn the most money?

Full-time workers ages 45 to 54 earn the highest median pay of any age group, at about $1,435 per week in the first quarter of 2026. Earnings tend to rise through your 20s, 30s, and 40s, peak in your early 50s, then gradually decline as workers cut hours or shift to part-time and consulting roles.

Why do women earn less than men in retirement?

Women tend to earn lower paychecks throughout their careers, and that gap compounds over time. The Social Security gender gap is largely driven by differences in lifetime earnings. Because Social Security benefits are based on your highest earning years, lower lifetime pay generally leads to smaller monthly Social Security checks, which can affect financial security later in life.

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