Trends in Median Earnings of Men by Education

The Great Recession was devastating to men's earnings. But their earnings were in decline well before the Great Recession, regardless of educational attainment. They hit bottom in 2012.

Percent change in median earnings of men, 2000 to 2012 (in 2015 dollars)
High school graduate only: –14.2%
Some college, no degree: –14.1%
Associate's degree: –11.5%
Bachelor's degree or more: –7.7%

Since 2012, the median earnings of men have grown. Men with no more than a high school diploma are among those who have made the biggest gains.

Percent change in median earnings of men, 2012 to 2015 (in 2015 dollars)
High school graduate only: 2.5%
Some college, no degree: 1.0%
Associate's degree: 0.1%
Bachelor's degree or more: 3.9%

Among non-Hispanic white men, those without a college degree have seen their earnings grow much faster than men with a college degree.

Percent change in median earnings of non-Hispanic white men, 2012 to 2015 (in 2015 dollars)
High school graduate only: 6.6%
Some college, no degree: 6.2%
Associate's degree: 2.5%
Bachelor's degree or more: 3.8%

Source: Census Bureau, Current Population Survey