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Understanding the average salary in the U.S. and the monthly income levels is an important factor in preparing for your journey to immigrate or work there. In this article, we provide detailed information about average wages in the United States, the factors that influence them, and immigration opportunities suitable for Vietnamese applicants.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report for the first quarter of 2024, the average annual salary for full-time workers in the United States is approximately USD 59,228 per year, equivalent to USD 4,935 per month or USD 1,139 per week. The average hourly wage is USD 28.34 per hour. Compared to 2023, this reflects a 3.5% increase, highlighting economic growth and rising labor demand.
The average annual full-time salary in the United States is approximately USD 59,228 per year
However, the average salary in the U.S. varies significantly depending on several factors:
Geographic location: States such as California (USD 73,220/year), Massachusetts (USD 7,000/month), and New York (USD 1,972/week) offer higher salaries, while states like Mississippi (USD 879/week) are lower.
Industry: Healthcare (doctors: USD 150,000–250,000/year), Information Technology (IT: USD 70,000–150,000/year), and Finance (USD 80,000–120,000/year) are among the top-paying sectors.
Education level: Individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of USD 10,000/month, while those with a master’s or doctoral degree can make up to USD 12,000/month.
Experience and age: Workers aged 45–54 typically earn the highest salaries, averaging USD 63,214/year.
Average monthly earnings in the U.S. vary depending on occupation and qualification:
Healthcare: Specialists (e.g., cardiologists, surgeons) can earn around USD 35,000/month, while registered nurses average USD 5,000–8,000/month.
Information Technology: Software developers or engineers make approximately USD 5,833–12,500/month.
Finance: Financial analysts earn around USD 6,667–10,000/month.
Manual labor: Jobs such as retail staff or construction workers pay about USD 1,667–2,500/month.
Service industry: Restaurant or hotel employees earn roughly USD 2,000–3,000/month, excluding tips, which can significantly increase income.
Cardiologists and surgeons in the U.S. can earn up to USD 35,000 per month
Notably, the Asian American community—including Vietnamese Americans—has the highest average income, around USD 87,243 per year (USD 7,270 per month), largely due to higher educational attainment and concentration in technical professions.
According to statistical sources, the average monthly income of Vietnamese Americans ranges from USD 2,500–4,000, depending on occupation, location, and work experience.
General labor: Jobs such as farm work, fast-food restaurants, or processing plants typically pay about USD 1,500–2,000 per month.
Professional careers: Individuals with degrees and specialized skills (e.g., doctors, engineers, IT professionals) may earn between USD 5,833–16,667 per month.
Supplementary income: Overtime pay, bonuses, and tips (especially in the service industry) can sometimes double monthly earnings during peak seasons.
Vietnamese communities are concentrated in states such as California (1.1 million people), Texas (200,000), and Washington (150,000), where “Little Saigon” neighborhoods provide cultural support and employment opportunities.
Farm work in the U.S. typically pays about USD 1,500–2,000 per month.
Although the average salary in the U.S. is relatively high, the cost of living is also significant, especially in major cities:
New York: Average living expenses range from USD 3,000–4,000 per month for a single person, requiring an annual income of about USD 138,570 to live comfortably.
California (San Francisco, Los Angeles): Living costs are around USD 2,500–3,500 per month, with a comfortable income ranging from USD 70,000–100,000 per year.
Florida: Expenses are lower, about USD 2,000–2,500 per month, making it manageable with an annual salary of USD 50,000–70,000.
Basic monthly expenses:
Housing: USD 700–3,500.
Utilities (electricity, water, internet): USD 100–200.
Food and transportation: USD 300–500.
To live comfortably under the 50/30/20 budgeting rule (50% essentials, 30% discretionary spending, 20% savings), a single person would need an average annual income of USD 93,933 (USD 7,828 per month).
Balancing salary and living costs in the U.S
The United States offers a variety of immigration programs for both workers and investors, enabling them to take advantage of the country’s relatively high average incomeao:
EB-3 Visa (Skilled Workers): For occupations such as nurses and construction workers, with annual salaries ranging from USD 30,000–80,000.
EB-5 Visa (Investment): Requires a minimum investment of USD 800,000, with no English requirement—ideal for entrepreneurs seeking long-term residency.
H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations): Targeted at fields like IT, engineering, and healthcare, with salaries from USD 70,000–150,000 per year.
Family-Sponsored Immigration: Does not require specific qualifications, suitable for those with relatives in the U.S.
States such as California, New York, and Texas have a high demand for labor, particularly in healthcare, IT, and service industries, creating strong opportunities for Vietnamese immigrants to secure competitive salaries.
To fully benefit from attractive earning potential in the U.S., careful preparation of application documents and choosing the right immigration program is essential. Partnering with a trusted immigration consultancy will save time and significantly increase your chances of success.
Quốc Tịch Thứ Hai provides comprehensive support—from selecting the right visa (EB-3, EB-5, H-1B), preparing documentation, to job placement guidance in cities such as San Francisco, New York, or Houston. Visit https://quoctichthuhai.com/ for expert consultation today!
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