The average retired worker collects around $1,925 per month in Social Security benefits, according to the most recent data from the Social Security Administration. But it's possible to earn far more, with the maximum benefit capped at a whopping $5,108 per month in 2025.
Earning the maximum payment isn't easy, and there are a few important requirements you'll need to meet to qualify. Your annual salary will directly affect your benefit amount, and this is the exact amount you'll need to earn in 2025 to have a shot at the maximum payment.
The strict salary requirement for Social Security
Your benefit amount is calculated by taking an average of your earnings throughout the 35 years of your career that you earned the most. That number is then run through a complex formula and adjusted for inflation, and the result is the amount you'll collect at your full retirement age.
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The higher your salary, the more you'll earn from Social Security -- up to a limit. This cap is the maximum taxable earnings limit, and it's the highest income subject to Social Security tax. Any income you earn above this limit won't be subject to the tax, but it also won't increase your monthly payments.
Most years, the maximum taxable earnings limit will increase slightly to account for changes in inflation. In 2025, that limit is $176,100 per year -- but that's only part of the story.
To earn the maximum benefit amount, you'll need to have been consistently reaching the earnings limit throughout your career. Meeting the limit just one or two years can give your benefits a small push, but it probably won't be enough to max out your payments.
For context, if you began your career 35 years ago in 1990, the earnings limit back then was $51,300 per year. Since then, it's steadily increased by usually a few thousand dollars per year.
Other (slightly more attainable) ways to boost your benefit
Most people won't be able to reach the maximum taxable earnings limit consistently for decades, and that's OK. The max benefit isn't designed for the typical worker, so it's normal to fall short of the salary requirements.
That said, there are other ways to increase your Social Security that may be more attainable for many people:
- Delay claiming benefits: For every month you delay filing past age 62, you'll earn slightly larger checks. If you have a full retirement age of 67, filing then will earn you 30% more than what you'd receive at 62. Delaying up to age 70 will result in an even bigger boost of at least 24% on top of your full benefit amount. The average retiree collects around $740 per month more at 70 compared to 62, making delaying benefits one of the most effective ways to increase your monthly income.
- Take advantage of spousal or divorce benefits: If you're currently married and your spouse qualifies for retirement or disability benefits, you could collect up to 50% of your partner's full benefit amount in spousal benefits. Divorced spouses can also receive benefits based on an ex-spouse's work record, as long as the marriage lasted for at least 10 years.
- Increase your income (even slightly): Even if you can't reach the $176,100 annual earnings limit, boosting your income by even a little bit can still result in larger monthly payments. Small amounts can go a long way, and you don't necessarily need to reach the wage cap to see a difference in your benefit.
Social Security is a critical source of income for millions of Americans, so it's wise to make the most of your benefits. Whether or not you're on track for the $5,108 monthly payment, taking small steps to increase your checks can result in a more financially secure retirement.
