Global Income Comparison
How does your income compare to the rest of the world? The estimated global median income is just $24,073 per year. See where 35+ countries stack up.
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Compare Your Income Globally - FreeMedian Income by Country
| Rank | Country | Median Income (USD) | GNI Per Capita |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | $83,445 | $98,170 |
| 2 | Switzerland | $71,415 | $95,220 |
| 3 | Luxembourg | $63,488 | $84,650 |
| 4 | Denmark | $61,659 | $72,540 |
| 5 | Iceland | $61,650 | $82,200 |
| 6 | Ireland | $60,488 | $80,650 |
| 7 | Singapore | $56,063 | $74,750 |
| 8 | United States | $54,269 | $83,490 |
| 9 | Netherlands | $53,142 | $62,520 |
| 10 | Sweden | $49,462 | $58,190 |
| 11 | Australia | $47,010 | $62,680 |
| 12 | Belgium | $46,997 | $55,290 |
| 13 | Finland | $43,903 | $51,650 |
| 14 | Hong Kong | $42,803 | $57,070 |
| 15 | Germany | $41,318 | $55,090 |
| 16 | Austria | $41,070 | $54,760 |
| 17 | Canada | $40,050 | $53,400 |
| 18 | Israel | $39,683 | $52,910 |
| 19 | United Arab Emirates | $38,663 | $51,550 |
| 20 | United Kingdom | $37,103 | $49,470 |
| 21 | New Zealand | $35,685 | $47,580 |
| 22 | France | $33,870 | $45,160 |
| 23 | Italy | $28,943 | $38,590 |
| 24 | South Korea | $27,563 | $36,750 |
| 25 | Japan | $27,000 | $36,000 |
| 26 | Spain | $25,163 | $33,550 |
| 27 | Czech Republic | $22,170 | $29,560 |
| 28 | Portugal | $20,183 | $26,910 |
| 29 | Poland | $16,193 | $21,590 |
| 30 | Hungary | $15,578 | $20,770 |
| 31 | Russia | $9,958 | $15,320 |
| 32 | China | $8,879 | $13,660 |
| 33 | Mexico | $8,353 | $12,850 |
| 34 | Brazil | $6,455 | $9,930 |
| 35 | South Africa | $3,972 | $6,110 |
| 36 | India | $927 | $2,650 |
Source: World Bank Open Data, OECD Statistics, IMF (2024). Figures in nominal USD. Data is updated automatically when new figures are released.
Putting It in Perspective
$24,073
Global Median Income
Half of the world's population earns less than this per year.
Top 1%
~$60,000/year globally
An income that's below the U.S. median puts you in the global top 1%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rich am I compared to the rest of the world?
If you earn over $35,000 per year, you are likely in the top 10% of earners globally. The global median income is estimated at roughly $8,500 per year. Even a modest American salary places you among the highest earners worldwide. Use the Wealthile comparison tool to see your exact global percentile.
Are these incomes adjusted for purchasing power (PPP)?
The figures shown are in nominal USD, not adjusted for purchasing power parity. This means $50,000 buys much more in Mexico than in Switzerland. Nominal comparisons show raw earning power, while PPP adjustments reflect local buying power. Both perspectives are valuable.
Why is median income so different from GNI per capita?
GNI (Gross National Income) per capita divides total national income by population, including corporate profits, government spending, and investment income. Median income reflects what the typical person actually earns. Countries with high inequality (like the US) have a bigger gap between GNI per capita and median income.
Which country has the highest median income?
Among countries with reliable data, Iceland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland consistently rank among the highest median incomes globally. However, after adjusting for cost of living and taxes, the rankings shift significantly.
Where does this data come from?
Country income data is sourced from the World Bank Open Data, OECD Statistics, and national statistical agencies. GNI per capita uses World Bank Atlas method figures. Data is updated automatically when new figures are published.
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