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The Median American Paycheck: $1,235 a Week Becomes $850 After Taxes and Deductions

The median full-time worker earned $1,235 in usual weekly pay during the first quarter of 2026. After federal taxes, state levies, health premiums, and 401(k) contributions, the take-home pay falls to roughly $850. Meanwhile, inflation is currently exceeding wage growth.

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What changed

New data shows a gap between gross and net weekly pay for the median American worker.

Live updates

  1. Median U.S. Weekly Pay Drops to $850 After Taxes and Deductions

    The median full-time worker earned $1,235 in usual weekly pay during the first quarter of 2026. After federal taxes, state levies, health premiums, and 401(k) contributions, the take-home pay falls to roughly $850. Meanwhile, inflation is currently exceeding wage growth.

    What's confirmed:

    • The median full-time worker earned $1,235 in usual weekly pay in the first quarter of 2026.
    • Taxes and deductions reduce the median weekly paycheck from $1,235 to roughly $850.
    • Average hourly earnings for private sector workers reached $37.53 in May 2026.
    • Average hourly earnings were $36.28 a year prior to May 2026.
    • Inflation is exceeding wage growth.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Real wages fell for the second month as price inflation surged.
    • Inflation has swallowed wage growth for the first time since 2023.
    confidence 90%