Arab and Muslim Immigrants’ Wages in the U.S. (2025–2026): A Comprehensive Salary Guide

Arab and Muslim immigrants in the United States represent a diverse and dynamic population. As of 2022–2023, households headed by Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) immigrants had a median annual income of approximately $67,000, compared to $75,000 for the broader immigrant and U.S.-born populations migrationpolicy.org+1Bureau of Labor Statistics+1. About 46% of Muslims hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, exceeding the general U.S. average—yet income distribution is uneven, with both high-earning professionals and a significant share earning under $30,000 per year Justice For AllPew Research Center.

1. Median Household Income by Group

• All Arab ancestry households: ~$72,943 per year

• Lebanese origin: ~$100,406

• Egyptian: ~$74,848

• Palestinian: ~$75,521

• Jordanian: ~$65,607

• Iraqi: ~$57,067Census.gov

These figures reflect broad variation by ancestry and other factors like education and years in the U.S.

2. Income Tiers: Low, Median, and High

According to Pew Research (2023–25), 22% of American Muslims earn $100,000 or more, close to the national rate of 23% migrationpolicy.org+15SoundVision.com+15Nationwide Visas+15. On the other hand, 33% live in households with annual incomes below $30,000, more than the national proportion at 32% Pew Research Center.

3. Common Occupations & Salary Estimates

Healthcare Professionals

• Arab and South Asian Muslim doctors, nurses, and pharmacists frequently earn:

  • Physicians: median salaries around $200,000–$250,000+

  • Registered Nurses: $75,000–$90,000

  • Pharmacists: $120,000–$140,000
    Notably, Pakistani American physicians alone number over 20,000 in the U.S. Pew Research Center.

Engineers & IT Specialists

• Many Arab and Muslim immigrants work in tech or engineering via H‑1B or advanced degrees. The median compensation for H‑1B visa holders in FY 2023 was $118,000 Pew Research Center+4uscis.gov+4migrationpolicy.org+4.

Arabic Language Specialists (Translators & Teachers)

• Average pay for Arabic-related jobs is approximately $23.12/hour, or $48,000/year. Ranges from $15–37/hour depending on skill and location ZipRecruiter.

Small Business Owners & Self-Employed

• Arab and Muslim immigrant entrepreneurs operate in sectors like food services, retail, and professional services.

  • In NYC, over 96,000 Muslim-owned businesses exist; in Michigan, about 36,000 Pew Research Center+4Justice For All+4SoundVision.com+4.

• Income varies widely but often translates to middle-income household earnings in the $60,000–$90,000 range.

4. Key Drivers of Income Variation

Education & Credentialing

• Immigrants with U.S.-validated degrees or recognized foreign credentials earn significantly more.

• Credentialing barriers can push skilled professionals into lower-wage jobs.

Immigration Path & Length of Residence

• More recently arrived individuals tend to earn less; full parity with native-born income often takes 20+ years according to assimilation studies wol.iza.org.

• Naturalized citizens typically earn more and have better employment stability.

Discrimination and Name Bias

• Studies show Arab or Muslim-sounding names receive 25% fewer callbacks for job interviews than Anglo names, even with identical résumés.

• Hijab-wearing women and visibly Muslim applicants may face more hiring barriers.

5. Occupational Summary Table

The U.S. labor market offers meaningful opportunity for Arab and Muslim immigrants—particularly in professional, medical, and technical fields. However, income levels are highly variable and influenced by education, citizenship, immigration status, and systemic bias. While a notable portion achieve six-figure incomes, many still earn under $30,000 annually. Over time, integration and credential validation can significantly improve earning potential.