In 1990, the average income for an american worker was $1,518 per month. in 2000, the average income for an american worker was $2,632 per month. during this time period, a basket of necessities (food, housing, etc.) increased from $657 per month in 1990 to $1,402 per month in 2000. the real value of income ▼ increased decreased over that 10-year period.