The data only includes the types of compensation that are subject to FICA. This includes only salaries, wages, bonuses, profit sharing and tips. It does not i

The data only includes the types of compensation that are subject to FICA. This includes only salaries, wages, bonuses, profit sharing and tips. It does not include dividends, capital gains (includes things like options) and interest income. The data does include part time workers, including students. There aren't that many teens and college students in the US (only about 10% of the population). It also includes some retired people working part time jobs. I think the IRS and the US Census publishes similar data but uses total compensation. IIRC, the median moves up a bit (but still under $30k) while the top end skews upwards dramatically.