Research Data
Average Social Security Benefits by State
State-by-state comparison of average Social Security retirement benefits, based on SSA data.
Key Finding
The average Social Security retirement benefit in 2025 is approximately $1,976 per month nationally. Benefits vary by up to 37% between states, primarily driven by differences in career earnings, industry composition, and claiming age patterns.
| Rank | State | Avg. Monthly Benefit (All) | Avg. Retired Worker |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey | $2,143 | $2,298 |
| 2 | Connecticut | $2,108 | $2,265 |
| 3 | Maryland | $2,056 | $2,210 |
| 4 | New Hampshire | $2,034 | $2,186 |
| 5 | Minnesota | $2,011 | $2,162 |
| 6 | Virginia | $1,989 | $2,140 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $1,975 | $2,125 |
| 8 | Washington | $1,968 | $2,118 |
| 9 | Colorado | $1,952 | $2,101 |
| 10 | California | $1,940 | $2,089 |
| 11 | Alaska | $1,925 | $2,073 |
| 12 | Hawaii | $1,910 | $2,058 |
| 13 | Illinois | $1,898 | $2,044 |
| 14 | Michigan | $1,875 | $2,020 |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | $1,868 | $2,012 |
| - | National Average | $1,827 | $1,976 |
| 25 | Texas | $1,790 | $1,928 |
| 28 | Florida | $1,772 | $1,910 |
| 38 | Georgia | $1,698 | $1,830 |
| 48 | Louisiana | $1,598 | $1,720 |
| 50 | Mississippi | $1,560 | $1,680 |
Source: Social Security Administration, Annual Statistical Supplement. Data reflects 2024-2025 averages.
Why Do Benefits Vary by State?
- 1. Career Earnings: States with higher average wages produce higher lifetime earnings records, which drive benefit calculations.
- 2. Industry Mix: States with more professional, financial, and tech industries tend to have higher benefits.
- 3. Claiming Age: States where workers delay claiming tend to have higher average benefits.
- 4. Employment History: States with longer average careers and fewer employment gaps produce higher benefits.
Social Security Guide
Optimization strategies
AI SS Optimizer Tool
Calculate your optimal age
Best Age to Claim
Research data
Optimize Your Social Security Strategy
Our fiduciary advisors help you maximize your lifetime Social Security benefits through optimal timing and claiming strategies.
Schedule no-obligation consultation