Why People Making Six-Figures Are Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck (2024)

FAQs

What is a reason for why so many people live paycheck to paycheck? ›

Respondents to our 2023 survey cited high monthly expenses—including rent or mortgage, insurance, utilities and more—as the primary cause of living paycheck to paycheck. Yet examining the data by generation highlights some age-related patterns.

It appears that a six-figure salary isn't even enough to stave off feelings of discomfort. What used to be a signal of financial success is no longer making the bank, as 48% of those earning $100,000 or more a year say they're living paycheck to paycheck.

A majority, 65%, say they live paycheck to paycheck, according to CNBC and SurveyMonkey's recent Your Money International Financial Security Survey, which polled 498 U.S. adults. That's a slight increase from last year's results, which found that 58% of Americans considered themselves to be living paycheck to paycheck.

Those living paycheck to paycheck devote their salaries predominantly to expenses. The phrase may also mean living with limited or no savings and refer to people who are at greater financial risk if they were suddenly unemployed or faced another financial emergency.

Living paycheck to paycheck demographics

According to a recent PYMNTS report, as of November 2022, 76 percent of U.S. adults who make less than $50,000 are living paycheck to paycheck, compared to 65.9 percent of those making $50,000 to $100,000 and 47.1 percent making more than $100,000.

Considering that the median household income in the United States is around $68,703, a six-figure salary is significantly higher than the median. This suggests that earning a six-figure income places individuals or households above the average income level and allows for a higher standard of living.

To make matters worse, the cost of housing, utilities, groceries, and more has reached new heights. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that the shock to food and energy prices, supply chain issues, and an increased demand for products all contributed to the sharp rise in inflation.

One possible explanation is that they may have less incentive to save than the average consumer as they are more confident about their job prospects and are less likely to switch jobs. As inflationary pressures have subsided from their July 2022 peak, high-income consumers have rapidly increased discretionary spending.

Based on that figure, an annual income of $500,000 or more would make you rich. The Economic Policy Institute uses a different baseline to determine who constitutes the top 1% and the top 5%. For 2021, you're in the top 1% if you earn $819,324 or more each year. The top 5% of income earners make $335,891 per year.

What is upper class income? ›

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.

More than half of Americans earning over $100,000 a year live paycheck to paycheck. So what's going on? Many experts point to a phenomenon called lifestyle inflation as one of the culprits. Lifestyle inflation, or lifestyle creep, is the pattern of spending a little more as a person's income increases.

You're not alone. A majority of Americans (59 percent) report that they live paycheck to paycheck. Stressing about finances can go far beyond the wallet. It can seep into every aspect of your life and manifest itself as generalized anxiety, guilt, panic attacks, or trouble sleeping at night.

These include: No money is saved to handle emergencies. Interest costs from borrowing money to cover unexpected expenses adds to the financial burden and monthly budget.

The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings.

About 65% of working Americans say they frequently live paycheck to paycheck, according to a recent survey of 2,105 U.S. adults conducted by The Harris Poll, asking questions supplied by Barron's.

In December 2022, 51% of people who earn more than $100,000 reported living paycheck to paycheck, which is 7% more than the previous year, according to a survey from financial insight and advising companies PYMNTS and Lending Club.

“With a nest egg of $100,000, that would only cover two years of expenses without considering any additional income sources like Social Security,” Ross explained. “So, while it's not impossible, it would likely require a very frugal lifestyle and additional income streams to be comfortable.”

14% of Americans Have $100,000 Saved for Retirement

Most Americans are not saving enough for retirement. According to the survey, only 14% of Americans have $100,000 or more saved in their retirement accounts. In fact, about 78% of Americans have $50,000 or less saved for retirement.

How rare is a six-figure salary? ›

What Percent of America Makes Six Figures? When you remove demographics such as infants, students, and stay-at-home spouses and focus only on full-time workers, around 18% of all earners in the US make at least six figures. Conversely, the median American household income in 2023 was approximately $44,225.

Six figures can be anywhere between $100,000 – $999,000. Depending on where you live, six figures is considered rich by many people's standards. A top 1% income earner in America makes about $470,000 a year nowadays. Further, it takes at least $3 million to be a real millionaire now thanks to inflation.

$100,000 a year is how much an hour? If you make $100,000 a year, your hourly salary would be $48.08.

You get paid more when you have more experience doing the job. DOCTOR WEIRD: Or maybe someone's really good at their job in a way that can be measured. Like you're a baker who, in one hour, can make twice as many loaves of bread than the other bakers.

What you earn (based on your wages or salary) is called your gross income. Employers withhold (or deduct) some of their employees' pay in order to cover payroll taxes and income tax. Money may also be deducted, or subtracted, from a paycheck to pay for retirement or health benefits.