Ethiopian migrants in the United States are making notable economic strides, with an average household income of around $72,000 in 2023, according to the US Census Bureau.
African immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa’s largest economies continue to achieve some of the highest median household incomes in the US, often surpassing native-born Americans. The latest data reveals that South Africans lead African migrant communities, earning a median household income of nearly $108,000. Kenyans, Cameroonians, Ghanaians, and Nigerians also report median household incomes exceeding $77,000—well above the US national average and significantly higher than incomes in most African countries.
The Ethiopian migrant population in the US stands at approximately 372,000, with men making up 49.5% of the total. Among Ethiopians aged 25 and older, education levels are notably high, with only 12.8% lacking a high school diploma. This emphasis on education has likely contributed to their economic success and upward mobility in the United States.
Beyond their achievements in the US, Ethiopian migrants actively contribute to initiatives back home and play a significant role in the global Ethiopian diaspora community. During the 2023/24 fiscal year, the Ethiopian Diaspora Service reported that Ethiopia received over $6 billion in remittances—a 50% increase from the previous year—highlighting the diaspora’s crucial economic impact on their home country.
