Average Salary by Industry
How does your industry pay compare? See median salaries across all major U.S. industries, ranked from highest to lowest using official Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
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Compare Your Salary - FreeMedian Salary by Industry — All Major Sectors
| Rank | Industry | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utilities | $99,480 |
| 2 | Information / Technology | $92,030 |
| 3 | Professional & Technical Services | $83,060 |
| 4 | Finance & Insurance | $74,590 |
| 5 | Government | $66,880 |
| 6 | Mining, Quarrying & Oil/Gas | $63,250 |
| 7 | Construction | $60,320 |
| 8 | Educational Services | $59,440 |
| 9 | Manufacturing | $51,670 |
| 10 | Transportation & Warehousing | $50,660 |
| 11 | Real Estate | $49,970 |
| 12 | Health Care & Social Assistance | $48,250 |
| 13 | Other Services | $44,710 |
| 14 | Arts, Entertainment & Recreation | $37,650 |
| 15 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting | $36,720 |
| 16 | Retail Trade | $36,200 |
| 17 | Accommodation & Food Services | $34,440 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (2024). Data is updated automatically when new figures are released.
Key Takeaways
- 1.The pay gap between industries is massive. The highest-paying sector (Utilities, $99,480) pays nearly 3x the lowest (Accommodation & Food Services, $34,440).
- 2.Industry medians hide huge variation. A software engineer in tech earns very differently from a support rep in tech. Your specific role matters more than the industry average.
- 3.Base salary isn't everything. Industries like tech and finance often add significant compensation through bonuses, stock options, and commissions that don't appear in BLS data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest-paying industry in the United States?
The utilities sector consistently ranks as one of the highest-paying industries, followed closely by information/technology and finance. However, individual salaries within any industry vary widely based on specific role, experience, location, and company size.
Why is the healthcare industry median salary lower than expected?
The healthcare industry includes a huge range of roles — from home health aides earning around $33,000 to surgeons earning over $300,000. The industry median reflects the middle of all workers, and healthcare employs a large number of support staff, which pulls the median down. Specialized roles like physicians, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners earn well above the industry median.
Does this data include bonuses and benefits?
The BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) data reflects base wages and salaries. It does not include bonuses, stock options, commissions, or benefits. Total compensation in industries like tech and finance can be significantly higher than base salary alone.
How often is this salary data updated?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases updated OES data annually, typically in the spring. Wealthile updates its data automatically when new figures are published.
How can I see where my specific salary ranks?
Use the free Wealthile comparison tool to enter your income, industry, and occupation. You will see your exact percentile ranking compared to others in your field, your state, your age group, and nationally.
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