The graph and table illustrate the unemployment rate of citizens in the United States in 2005 based on educational attainment, along with a further comparison of average weekly earnings.
Overall, it is clear that higher levels of education are associated with lower unemployment rates and higher income. Individuals with less education tend to face higher unemployment and earn significantly less than those with advanced degrees.
In 2005, people with less than a high school diploma experienced the highest unemployment rate, at approximately 8%, and earned the lowest average weekly income of $538. Similarly, high school graduates had a relatively high unemployment rate of about 5.5%, with average weekly earnings of $701. Those with some college education but no degree showed moderate figures, earning $840 per week while facing an unemployment rate of around 4%.
In contrast, individuals holding higher academic qualifications were in a better position. Holders of professional and doctoral degrees recorded the lowest unemployment rates, ranging from 1.5% to 2%, and received the highest earnings, at $1,800 and $1,740 per week respectively. Bachelor’s and Master’s degree holders occupied the middle range, with unemployment rates below 3% and weekly earnings between $1,246 and $1,560.