43k for the typical worker explained $23,962 in 2005 the average annual wage is only about $39,000. http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/central.html Social Security Administration http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/central.html explained median wage statistics http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/central.html http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/central.html explained explained http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/central.html explained median pay of all U.S. workers.