The question sounds simple but the answer is anything but. A $70,000 salary in Austin, Texas puts you comfortably in the middle class. That same salary in San Francisco barely covers rent. Context is everything — and that's exactly what this guide gives you.
The National Baseline
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly earnings for full-time US workers in 2026 is approximately $1,165, which translates to roughly $60,580 per year. That's your baseline — anything above it means you're earning more than half of all American workers.
Good Salary by City in 2026
Where you live changes everything. Here's what you need to earn to live comfortably as a single professional in major US cities:
| City | Comfortable (Single) | Comfortable (Family) | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $120,000+ | $200,000+ | Very High |
| New York City, NY | $110,000+ | $185,000+ | Very High |
| Seattle, WA | $95,000+ | $160,000+ | High |
| Boston, MA | $90,000+ | $155,000+ | High |
| Austin, TX | $70,000+ | $120,000+ | Moderate-High |
| Chicago, IL | $68,000+ | $115,000+ | Moderate |
| Denver, CO | $72,000+ | $125,000+ | Moderate-High |
| Phoenix, AZ | $60,000+ | $100,000+ | Moderate |
| Dallas, TX | $62,000+ | $105,000+ | Moderate |
| Remote (US-based) | $75,000+ | $130,000+ | Varies |
Good Salary by Age in 2026
Your age and career stage matter too. Here's what's considered on track at each life stage:
| Age Range | Median Salary | "Good" Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 22–25 (Entry Level) | $42,000 | $55,000+ |
| 25–30 (Early Career) | $55,000 | $70,000+ |
| 30–35 (Mid Career) | $68,000 | $85,000+ |
| 35–45 (Senior Level) | $82,000 | $105,000+ |
| 45–55 (Leadership) | $95,000 | $130,000+ |
| 55+ (Executive) | $105,000 | $150,000+ |
Good Salary by Industry in 2026
| Industry | Median Salary | Top 25% Earns |
|---|---|---|
| Technology / Software | $130,000 | $175,000+ |
| Finance & Banking | $95,000 | $150,000+ |
| Healthcare (Physicians) | $250,000 | $500,000+ |
| Engineering | $95,000 | $130,000+ |
| Legal | $120,000 | $200,000+ |
| Marketing | $72,000 | $110,000+ |
| Education | $58,000 | $75,000+ |
| Retail / Hospitality | $38,000 | $55,000+ |
Health insurance, retirement matching, PTO, remote work, and bonuses can add $10,000–$40,000 in real value to your total compensation package. Always calculate the full offer — not just the headline number.
The Right Question to Ask
Instead of "is this a good salary?" ask "is this a good salary for me — in my city, in my industry, at my experience level, with these benefits?" That's the only question that actually matters when you're evaluating an offer.
Use OfferVault to calculate the true value of any offer — including taxes, benefits, and commute costs — so you can compare apples to apples before making one of the biggest financial decisions of your year.
🧮 Is Your Offer Actually Good?
Enter your offer details and OfferVault calculates your real take-home pay, compares it to market rates, and tells you if it's worth accepting.
Check My Offer Free →Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a good salary in the US in 2026?
The US median salary is approximately $60,580 in 2026. A salary above $80,000 is generally considered good nationally, though this varies significantly by city. In San Francisco or New York, you need $110,000+ to live comfortably as a single person.
What salary puts you in the top 10% in 2026?
Earning $150,000 or more per year puts you in roughly the top 10% of US earners in 2026. The top 1% starts at approximately $500,000 annually.
Is $70,000 a good salary in 2026?
It depends on where you live. $70,000 is above the national median and a solid salary in cities with moderate cost of living like Phoenix, Dallas, or Columbus. In San Francisco or New York, $70,000 is below what most people need to live comfortably.
How do I know if my job offer is at market rate?
Check Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and Bureau of Labor Statistics data for your specific job title, city, and years of experience. If the offer falls below the 50th percentile for your role and location, it is likely below market rate.