What’s the Income of the Top 10%, 5%, and 1%?

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Incomes vary quite a bit throughout the United States. The median income is $70,260, according to the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). But households in the top 10% make significantly more.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
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Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. It’s interesting to see how much money the wealthiest Americans make — and how your own income compares. Of Dollars and Data published research that explores the household incomes of the top 10%, 5%, and 1%. Read on to what kind of salary it takes to join those groups.Incomes of the top 10%, 5%, and 1%Here are the household income thresholds for the top 10%, 5%, and 1%:Top 10%: $248,610Top 5%: $390,209Top 1%: $1,199,812As you can see, you need an income well over three times the national average to crack the top 10%. It takes another $140,000 on top of that to make the top 5%. And the 1% is making beaucoup bucks.While a high income is helpful, it’s not just about what you make. It’s also about what you keep and invest for the future. If you aren’t investing yet, consider an account with a reputable brokerage. Click here for a list of our favorite stock brokers to get started today.Those are also nationwide numbers, covering all demographics. They don’t account for age, which is an important factor in how much you earn. The average income increases until the 45-to-54 age range. Here’s what the top incomes look like for different age groups.Income of the top 10% by ageIf you’re under 35, you can break into the top 10% with an income of $146,000. The income threshold jumps up after that, though. It also peaks later with high earners, in the 55-to-64 age group. Here’s the full breakdown:Age Range90th Percentile Household IncomeUnder 35$146,00035-44$249,00045-54$310,00055-64$316,00065-74$254,00075 and older$170,000Data source: Survey of Consumer Finances, Of Dollars and Data (2023).Income of the top 1% by ageIf you want to break into the top 1%, then once again, your best chance is while you’re young. It still takes an income well above average. And peak income comes even later for the 1%, all the way in the 65-to-74 age range. Here’s the full breakdown:Age Range99th Percentile Household IncomeUnder 35$465,00035-44$1,066,00045-54$1,384,00055-64$1,481,00065-74$1,545,00075 and older$812,000Data source: Survey of Consumer Finances, Of Dollars and Data (2023).Income matters — but there’s much more to being successfulEarning an above-average income can certainly help you financially. It’s not everything, though. There are many other important factors, including your net worth and your savings rate. After all, a high salary doesn’t do you much good if you spend it all.If you’re trying to assess how you’re doing with money, here are the signs that you’re in a good financial position:You save money every month. Make sure you’re getting the most out of your savings, too, with a high-yield savings account. If you don’t have one yet, check out our list of the best savings accounts with the most competitive APYs.You’re investing for retirement. You can do this automatically by contributing to a 401(k) plan at your work. Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are another good option.You have an emergency fund, or you’re working on it. It’s recommended that you have enough in your emergency savings to cover three to six months of living expenses.You have money left over to spend on yourself. Saving and investing is important, but don’t forget to set aside some fun money to use however you want.A high income can be an impressive achievement, and an income in the top 10% sounds amazing. Remember that income alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Someone earning $500,000 per year could be working 80 hours a week and feel miserable. It’s good to look for ways to raise your income, while also making sure your money brings you a high quality of life.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Incomes vary quite a bit throughout the United States. The median income is $70,260, according to the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). But households in the top 10% make significantly more.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

It’s interesting to see how much money the wealthiest Americans make — and how your own income compares. Of Dollars and Data published research that explores the household incomes of the top 10%, 5%, and 1%. Read on to what kind of salary it takes to join those groups.

Incomes of the top 10%, 5%, and 1%

Here are the household income thresholds for the top 10%, 5%, and 1%:

Top 10%: $248,610Top 5%: $390,209Top 1%: $1,199,812

As you can see, you need an income well over three times the national average to crack the top 10%. It takes another $140,000 on top of that to make the top 5%. And the 1% is making beaucoup bucks.

While a high income is helpful, it’s not just about what you make. It’s also about what you keep and invest for the future. If you aren’t investing yet, consider an account with a reputable brokerage. Click here for a list of our favorite stock brokers to get started today.

Those are also nationwide numbers, covering all demographics. They don’t account for age, which is an important factor in how much you earn. The average income increases until the 45-to-54 age range. Here’s what the top incomes look like for different age groups.

Income of the top 10% by age

If you’re under 35, you can break into the top 10% with an income of $146,000. The income threshold jumps up after that, though. It also peaks later with high earners, in the 55-to-64 age group. Here’s the full breakdown:

Income of the top 1% by age

If you want to break into the top 1%, then once again, your best chance is while you’re young. It still takes an income well above average. And peak income comes even later for the 1%, all the way in the 65-to-74 age range. Here’s the full breakdown:

Income matters — but there’s much more to being successful

Earning an above-average income can certainly help you financially. It’s not everything, though. There are many other important factors, including your net worth and your savings rate. After all, a high salary doesn’t do you much good if you spend it all.

If you’re trying to assess how you’re doing with money, here are the signs that you’re in a good financial position:

You save money every month. Make sure you’re getting the most out of your savings, too, with a high-yield savings account. If you don’t have one yet, check out our list of the best savings accounts with the most competitive APYs.You’re investing for retirement. You can do this automatically by contributing to a 401(k) plan at your work. Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are another good option.You have an emergency fund, or you’re working on it. It’s recommended that you have enough in your emergency savings to cover three to six months of living expenses.You have money left over to spend on yourself. Saving and investing is important, but don’t forget to set aside some fun money to use however you want.

A high income can be an impressive achievement, and an income in the top 10% sounds amazing. Remember that income alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Someone earning $500,000 per year could be working 80 hours a week and feel miserable. It’s good to look for ways to raise your income, while also making sure your money brings you a high quality of life.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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