Overview
Studies show that workers with college education tend to make more than workers without it. Refer to the following charts to see the average earnings for workers with different levels of education.
| Level of Education | Unemployment Rate | Median Weekly Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| All Workers | 3.5% | $1,350 |
| Less than High School or High School Diploma/GED | 4.5% | $880 |
| Some College or Associate Degree | 3.4% | $1,096 |
| Bachelor's Degree | 3.4% | $1,690 |
| Master's Degree or Higher | 2.2% | $1,980 |
*Note: Median weekly earnings are for full-time wage and salary workers aged 25 and over. Unemployment rates are for all individuals aged 25 and over.
*October 2025 Current Population Survey (CPS) data is unavailable due to the federal government shutdown. Estimates will utilize an 11-month average instead of the standard 12-month average. Caution is recommended when comparing these estimates to prior years' 12-month averages.
Source: Current Population Survey
Funded by U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration.