Peak earning years refers to the time in life when workers earn the most money
per year.
US perspective
Given their initial lack of experience, workers' earnings start out low.
Earnings peak when workers hit middle age, then begin to fall as retirement
approaches. But peak earnings now occur later in life and reach a higher level.
Two decades ago, the peak earning years were between 35 and 44. Now they occur
ten years later. Twenty years ago, those in their peak earning years took home
about twice as much as workers between the ages of 20 and 24. Now they earn
more than three times as much.
In the past, muscle power was an important factor in earnings, but that falters
with age. Today, people are paid for working smarter and doing so for a longer
period of time.