If you want to get the maximum Social Security benefit of $5,108 per month, it’s important to understand how much you need to earn during your working years. Social Security benefits are based on your lifetime earnings, so the more you make—and the longer you work—the higher your monthly benefit will be when you retire. But there’s a limit to how much income Social Security counts when calculating your benefit. This is called the “maximum taxable earnings” or “maximum taxable wage base.”
For 2025, the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security taxes is $168,600. This means if you earn more than this amount in a year, only the first $168,600 counts toward your Social Security benefit calculation. Earning above this limit doesn’t increase your Social Security benefit. To qualify for the highest monthly benefit of $5,108 at full retirement age (which is usually 66 or 67, depending on your birth year), you need to earn at least this maximum amount every year for at least 35 years.
Your Social Security benefit is based on your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) over your 35 highest-earning years. If you work less than 35 years, zeros are added for the missing years, which lowers your average and reduces your benefit. This means consistent earnings at or above the maximum taxable wage base for 35 years can help you reach the maximum benefit.
Another key factor is the age at which you claim Social Security. The full retirement age lets you get your full benefit. If you claim earlier, the benefit will be reduced. Claiming later than full retirement age can increase your monthly benefit up to age 70. But to get the highest possible monthly payment of $5,108, you generally need to claim at your full retirement age after having earned the maximum taxable income for 35 years.
For those earning less than the maximum wage base, benefits will be smaller, but Social Security still provides valuable income in retirement. If your earnings are below the maximum, your benefit is calculated proportionally based on your actual income history.
It’s also good to know that Social Security benefits are adjusted yearly with a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to help keep up with inflation. So, while $5,108 is the maximum benefit for 2025, this number may change in future years.
To sum up, to get the maximum Social Security benefit of $5,108 in 2025, you need to earn at least $168,600 every year for 35 years and claim your benefits at full retirement age. If you earn less or claim early, your benefit will be smaller. Knowing these details can help you plan your career and retirement bet
