Latest index
The national average wage index for 2021 is 60,575.07. The index is 8.89 percent higher than the index for 2020.

Indexed earnings used to compute initial benefits
When we compute a person's retirement benefit, we use the national average wage indexing series to index that person's earnings. Such indexation ensures that a worker's future benefits reflect the general rise in the standard of living that occurred during his or her working lifetime.

When indexing an individual's earnings for benefit computation purposes, we must first determine the year of first eligibility for benefits. For retirement, eligibility is at age 62. If a person reaches age 62 in 2023, for example, then 2023 is the person's year of eligibility. We always index an individual's earnings to the average wage level two years prior to the year of first eligibility. Thus, for a person retiring at age 62 in 2023, we would index the person's earnings to the average wage index for 2021, or 60,575.07. We would multiply earnings in a year before 2021 by the ratio of 60,575.07 to the average wage index for that year; we would take earnings in 2021 or later at face value. (See two examples of indexed earnings.)

Indexed program amounts
We use the average wage indexing series to update several amounts that are important to the operation of Social Security's Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program.

• OASDI contribution and benefit base (also known as the taxable maximum)
• Retirement earnings test exempt amounts
• Formulas for a primary insurance amount and maximum family benefits
• Amount of earnings needed to earn a quarter of coverage ("credit")
• "Old-law" contribution and benefit base (as determined under the law as in effect before the 1977 amendments)
• Coverage thresholds for both domestic employees and election workers
• Substantial gainful activity amounts for disabled beneficiaries and earnings that trigger a trial work period

In addition, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation uses the national average wage index to compute premium rates for PBGC-insured plans, as required by section 4006 of ERISA.

Determination of the National Average Wage Index for 2021
To determine the national average wage index for calendar year 2021, we multiplied the 2020 national average wage index of 55,628.60 by the percentage change in average wages from 2020 to 2021, as measured by annual wage data we tabulated. The wage data are based on wages subject to Federal income taxes and contributions to deferred compensation plans.

The complete average wage indexing series is shown below.