U.S. Census Bureau ($USCB) revealed that the average income for 35–44-year-olds surged to $84,637 in 2025, sparking debate over wage growth and financial security. With the average income for 35–44-year-olds now outpacing inflation, are most households actually getting ahead—or just treading water?
U.S. Income for 35–44-Year-Olds Hits $84,637: Growth Outpaces Inflation
The latest Current Population Survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau ($USCB) shows the average income for Americans aged 35–44 has climbed to $84,637 in 2025, up 4.8% from $80,781 in 2024. Median income for this age group sits at $78,900, highlighting a rising gap between the median and mean. More notably, wage growth in this bracket outpaces the national average income increase of 3.9% among all workers.1 The data also indicates the gender pay gap persists: men in this age group report an average income of $90,520, while women average $77,640—a $12,880 difference.2
Why Wage Growth for 35–44-Year-Olds Is Shaping U.S. Consumer Trends
Growing incomes among mid-career professionals are reshaping consumer spending and housing trends. According to Bank of America Research (April 2025), discretionary spending among 35–44-year-olds has risen 5.2% year-over-year, outperforming other age groups. This segment’s improved earnings are driving higher mortgage application volumes—up 8% from January to September 2025, per Mortgage Bankers Association.3 Economists at Moody’s Analytics note that incomes for this cohort often correlate closely with national retail sales, a key component of GDP growth. Historically, when average incomes in this bracket rise more than the Consumer Price Index (CPI), consumer confidence and borrowing also trend higher.
How Investors Can Leverage Demographic Income Shifts in Portfolios
Investors tracking income trends among 35–44-year-olds are rebalancing portfolios toward sectors poised to gain from increased spending power. The consumer discretionary sector, led by retailers like Target Corp. ($TGT) and Amazon.com ($AMZN), has seen a 6.5% gain YTD, according to S&P 500 Index data.4 Financial institutions are also benefitting, as higher mortgage volumes support banks such as Wells Fargo ($WFC). For those interested in targeting demographic-driven trends, stock market analysis highlights exchange-traded funds (ETFs) like SPDR S&P Retail ETF ($XRT), which have outperformed broader indices in 2025. Meanwhile, readers seeking a broader perspective on economic influences can explore latest financial news for deeper insights.
What Analysts Expect Next for Mid-Career Income and Spending
Industry analysts observe that further wage gains for 35–44-year-olds may moderate in 2026 as the labor market cools and Federal Reserve policy remains cautious. Investment strategists at Goldman Sachs forecast U.S. wage growth to slow to 3.2% next year, narrowing the gap versus inflation. Nonetheless, market consensus suggests income levels in this group will remain elevated versus historical norms, continuing to buoy sectors tied to discretionary consumption through at least mid-2026.
Average Income for 35–44-Year-Olds Signals New Era for Investors
Rising average income for 35–44-year-olds points to a new era in consumer-driven market growth. Investors should watch this demographic’s spending patterns for signals of sector rotation or credit expansion. As the average income for 35–44-year-olds continues to climb, sector-specific opportunities—and potential risks—will remain prominent themes in 2025 and beyond.
Tags: average income, wage growth, 35-44 age group, consumer discretionary, $USCB
Sources:
1. U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, September 2025
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Usual Weekly Earnings of Wage and Salary Workers: Second Quarter 2025”
3. Mortgage Bankers Association, “Weekly Applications Survey,” October 2025
4. S&P Dow Jones Indices, S&P 500 Sector Performance Report, October 2025
