What is considered a good household income?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average salary in 2021 was $58,260. Although wages above the average could be seen as a good salary, there are no hard and fast rules regarding how to determine a good salary since there are many factors involved.
In 2020, according to Pew Research Center analysis, the median for upper income households was around $220,000 and the median for middle income households was slightly above $90,000.
The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the typical American makes between $62,000 and $73,000 a year. One estimate found that the median U.S. household income is $77,397. Only 18% of individual Americans make more than $100,000 a year, according to 2023 data from careers website Zippia.
RANK | STATE | LIVING WAGE |
---|---|---|
45 | Maryland | $110,244 |
46 | Alaska | $113,079 |
47 | New York | $118,127 |
48 | California | $130,239 |
On average, an individual needs $96,500 for sustainable comfort in a major U.S. city. This includes being able to pay off debt and invest for the future.
Many have graduate degrees with educational attainment serving as the main distinguishing feature of this class. Household incomes commonly exceed $100,000, with some smaller one-income earners household having incomes in the high 5-figure range. "The upper middle class has grown...and its composition has changed.
Middle-class households have an income that is two-thirds to double that of the U.S. median household income, after it has been adjusted for household size, which in 2021 was $70,784, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
On the other side of that, the states where you need the most money to earn a living wage for four people all require an income of more than $100,000. These are all coastal states known for high real estate prices, including Hawaii, Massachusetts, California, New York and Alaska.
Out of all 99 cities SmartAsset examined, a family of four would need a median of $226,886 to live comfortably.
If you had an income of $200,000, that would put you in the top 12% of household incomes or the top 5% of individual incomes in 2022. Though I prefer household income over individual income, no matter how you cut it, $200k a year puts you on the higher end of the income spectrum.
What is a comfortable salary for a family of 3?
1 ADULT | 2 ADULTS (BOTH WORKING) | |
---|---|---|
0 Children | 3 Children | |
Required annual income after taxes | $48,163 | $142,920 |
Annual taxes | $8,661 | $24,496 |
Required annual income before taxes | $56,825 | $167,415 |
According to Curbed LA, the median family income in Los Angeles County is $69,300 per year as of 2018. To have any chance of buying a condo or house, you need at least $200K, which could be two incomes combined. now. If you want a home in a good neighborhood, you will need $300K.
For most individuals and small families, the answer to “Is $100,000 a good salary?” is a resounding “yes.” Cost of living and family size can affect how far $100,000 will go, but generally speaking, you can live comfortably on $100,000 a year. Are you hoping to make the most of your salary?
Generally, an income that comfortably covers living expenses, allows for savings, and provides for leisure activities is considered good. In the United States, median household income is around $68,700 according to recent data.
According to the latest figures by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average salary in USA per month is $5,677 or $68,124 per year. As of 2023, the gross minimum salary in the USA is $32.75 per hour. Salaries range from $32,916 to $112,268 per year and include housing, transport, and other benefits.
Living on $1,000 per month is a challenge. From the high costs of housing, transportation and food, plus trying to keep your bills to a minimum, it would be difficult for anyone living alone to make this work. But with some creativity, roommates and strategy, you might be able to pull it off.
- Lower class: less than or equal to $30,000.
- Lower-middle class: $30,001 – $58,020.
- Middle class: $58,021 – $94,000.
- Upper-middle class: $94,001 – $153,000.
- Upper class: greater than $153,000.
There are three U.S. cities where people making a $150,000 income qualify as lower middle class and two of them are in California, according to recent research from GOBankingRates.
Most Americans consider the lower end of that range, $75,000 and $100,000, to be middle class, according to the Post poll.
Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | |
---|---|---|
Top Earners | $86,000 | $41 |
75th Percentile | $68,500 | $33 |
Average | $44,910 | $22 |
25th Percentile | $24,500 | $12 |
What is considered middle class for a married couple?
In 2021, the U.S. Census Bureau said this median household income $70,784. Using these numbers, a middle-class income would be any household that makes approximately $47,190 to $141,568. Put another way, if you're making less than $47,190 in your household, you are probably considered a low-income family.
The national median household income is $74,580, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau Current Population Survey data for 2022. It's a 2.3% decline from 2021 estimates of $76,330. » MORE: What is the minimum wage?
On a salary of $36,000 per year, you can afford a house priced around $100,000-$110,000 with a monthly payment of just over $1,000. This assumes you have no other debts you're paying off, but also that you haven't been able to save much for a down payment.
The 30% rule for home buyers
If your annual salary is $100,000, the 30% rule means you should spend around $2,500 per month on your house payment. With a 10% down payment and a 6% fixed interest rate, you could likely afford a home worth around $350,000 to $400,000 (depending on the cost of taxes and home insurance).
$100,000 a year is how much an hour? If you make $100,000 a year, your hourly salary would be $48.08.
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