A salary is considered upper-income if it is greater than $169,800. This threshold is based on data from 2022, defining income tiers in the U.S. relative to the national median household income.
Understanding Upper-Income Households
According to analyses of U.S. household income data, upper-income households are those with an income significantly exceeding the national median. This classification helps in understanding economic stratification and how different income brackets are defined.
Specifically, in 2022:
- Upper-income households had incomes greater than $169,800.
- Middle-income households had incomes ranging from about $56,600 to $169,800.
- Lower-income households had incomes less than $56,600.
These figures are derived by classifying middle-income as those earning two-thirds to double the U.S. median household income. Households falling outside this range are then categorized as either lower or upper income.
Income Tiers in the U.S. (2022 Data)
To provide a clear overview, here's a breakdown of the income ranges for different household tiers:
| Income Tier | Annual Household Income (2022) |
|---|---|
| Lower-income | Less than $56,600 |
| Middle-income | $56,600 to $169,800 |
| Upper-income | Greater than $169,800 |
It's important to note that these figures represent national averages and can vary based on factors like household size, geographic location, and local cost of living. However, they provide a standardized benchmark for understanding income classifications across the United States.
For further details on income tiers and their methodology, you can explore resources from the Pew Research Center.
