Nearly 60% of six-figure earners report they no longer feel financially successful, with women slightly more likely (60%) than men (56%). Many say they would need about $500,000 to feel comfortable; 24% selected that figure. Only roughly 0.8% of U.S. jobs pay $500,000 or more, making that target unattainable for most. Around 85% of six-figure earners feel stressed by rising prices. Social media-driven displays of luxury amplify lifestyle envy and pressure, hitting Gen Z (79%) and women (63%) hardest. High incomes no longer ensure financial peace of mind for many.
More than half of six-figure earners no longer feel financially successful-and they revealed that they'd need a sky-high salary of $500,000 to feel comfortable in today's economy. Just 20 years ago, those making $170,000 were considered upper-class. But today, even top earners are anxious about rising prices and feeling the pressure to keep up lifestyles that their salaries can't support anymore.
It wasn't too long ago when earning six figures felt like achieving the American Dream: luxury sports cars parked in front of mansions, fridges stocked with food, and enough money in the bank to feel secure. But now even top earners are feeling the pinch in a cost-of-living crisis, and sparkly $100,000 salaries have lost their shine. Nearly 60% of six-figure earners no longer feel financially successful, according to a recent report from Clarify Capital.
And now, for these high-paid professionals to feel comfortable with their finances, they have to bring in a staggering $500,000-the most common figure chosen by 24% of six-figure earners. Unfortunately, these sky-high salaries are not easy to come by. Only one in 127 jobs in the U.S. pays $500,000 or more, representing about 0.8% of roles, according to an analysis from ADP.
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