SCHD Yield History: From 2011 to 2025
Introduction:
Dividend investors often look for consistency, stability, and long-term growth. The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) has gained a reputation as one of the most reliable dividend ETFs in the market. Since its launch in 2011, SCHD has provided not only attractive yields but also a strong track record of increasing distributions.
In this article, we’ll walk through the year-by-year yield history of SCHD from 2011 to 2025, highlight the key patterns, and show how you can use this data to project your own dividend income with the help of our free
Why Dividend Yield Matters in SCHD
Dividend yield represents the annual dividend income you receive compared to the price you paid for the ETF. For long-term investors, yield is critical because:
- It reflects passive income potential.
- It helps compare relative value versus other ETFs.
- When reinvested, dividends fuel the compounding effect that accelerates growth.
SCHD focuses on high-quality U.S. companies with strong fundamentals, making its yield data especially important for income-focused investors.
*Note: 2025 yield data is based on year-to-date distributions and may adjust slightly by year end.
Key Trends in SCHD Yield Over the Years
- 2011–2014: SCHD’s early years delivered a stable yield in the 2.8%–3% range, reflecting its conservative portfolio.
- 2015–2019: Yields edged higher, touching 3.25% in 2015 and holding steady above 3%.
- 2020 Pandemic Impact: Yield spiked to 3.64% due to falling ETF prices during market volatility, proving SCHD’s resilience.
- 2021–2024: Despite inflation and interest rate shifts, SCHD maintained yields around 3%, balancing payout growth with market valuations.
- 2025 Outlook: Current yield sits near 3.4%, signaling continued stability for income investors.
Why Investors Value SCHD’s Yield
- Reliable Income: SCHD rarely dips below a 2.8% yield.
- High-Quality Holdings: It screens for companies with strong fundamentals and consistent dividend records.
- Compounding Benefits: Reinvesting dividends (via DRIP) has historically multiplied returns over time.
👉 Want to see what these yields mean for your portfolio? Use our free [SCHD Calculator] to model your future dividend income.
Imagine you invested $10,000 in SCHD in 2015 at an average yield of 3.25%.
- First-year income ≈ $325.
- By reinvesting dividends annually, the value and income would both grow over time.
- Today, that investment could be generating over $500+ in annual dividends, depending on reinvestment and share price growth.
🔗 Try your own numbers with our SCHD Calculator]
SCHD vs Other Dividend ETFs
How does SCHD’s yield stack up against competitors?
| ETF | Average Yield (2024) | Focus Area |
| SCHD | 3.5% | High-quality U.S. dividend stocks |
| VYM | 3.1% | Broad high-dividend market |
| DGRO | 2.6% | Dividend growth companies |
SCHD often leads in consistency + quality, making it a preferred choice for long-term dividend investors.
Final Thoughts
SCHD’s yield history from 2011 to 2025 shows a clear pattern of resilience and consistency. Whether during economic expansions or market downturns, SCHD has remained a trusted source of dividend income.
For investors focused on building long-term passive income, SCHD continues to be a powerful option.
👉 Ready to calculate your own dividend income potential?
Use our free [SCHD Dividend Calculator] and see how SCHD’s historical yields could shape your financial future.
FAQs About SCHD Dividend Yield
Q: What is SCHD’s average dividend yield since inception?
A: Around 3%, with stability across market cycles.
Q: Has SCHD’s yield increased over time?
A: Yes, yields have generally risen since 2011, especially during market dips when prices fell.
Q: Is SCHD better than VYM or DGRO for yield?
A: SCHD typically offers a slightly higher and more consistent yield, while VYM and DGRO focus on broader or growth-oriented strategies.