How much more do college graduates earn than high school graduates?

BLS 2023 data: median weekly earnings for bachelor's degree holders ($1,432/week) are 74% higher than for high school diploma holders ($823/week). Over a 40-year career, this translates to a cumulative pre-tax earnings premium of approximately $1.2 million (nominal).

Does the earnings premium apply immediately after graduation?

The education earnings premium widens with experience. Recent graduates face a smaller initial premium (20–30%) that grows to 70–80% by mid-career as graduates are promoted into roles that require degrees. Starting salaries are also influenced heavily by field of study.

Salary Percentile by Education Level and Field

How It Works

Calculate where a salary falls relative to national distribution by education level and occupation, using BLS Current Population Survey data. Compare earnings across degree levels from high school diploma to doctoral degree

Each component has a specific meaning:

BLS Current Population Survey data — The bls current population survey data recorded for the patient or scenario being assessed.

Note: Interpret the salary by education result against the clinical thresholds and context described above.

How to Use

Enter the BLS Current Population Survey data for the patient or scenario you are assessing. Calculate where a salary falls relative to national distribution by education level and occupation, using BLS Current Population Survey data. Compare earnings across degree levels from high school diploma to doctoral degree. Use the salary by education result to inform your clinical assessment.

Glossary and Definitions

Salary by education: A key concept in Salary by Education: Calculate where a salary falls relative to national distribution by education level and occupation, using BLS Current Population Survey data. Compare earnings across degree levels from high school diploma to doctoral degree.
Wage percentile: A key concept in Salary by Education: Calculate where a salary falls relative to national distribution by education level and occupation, using BLS Current Population Survey data. Compare earnings across degree levels from high school diploma to doctoral degree.
Education wage premium: A key concept in Salary by Education: Calculate where a salary falls relative to national distribution by education level and occupation, using BLS Current Population Survey data. Compare earnings across degree levels from high school diploma to doctoral degree.
BLS earnings: A key concept in Salary by Education: Calculate where a salary falls relative to national distribution by education level and occupation, using BLS Current Population Survey data. Compare earnings across degree levels from high school diploma to doctoral degree.
Degree income: A key concept in Salary by Education: Calculate where a salary falls relative to national distribution by education level and occupation, using BLS Current Population Survey data. Compare earnings across degree levels from high school diploma to doctoral degree.
Occupational wage: A key concept in Salary by Education: Calculate where a salary falls relative to national distribution by education level and occupation, using BLS Current Population Survey data. Compare earnings across degree levels from high school diploma to doctoral degree.

Related Calculators

Lifetime Earnings by Education

Education