1 in 4 Americans Need an Annual Income of $150,000 to Feel Comfortable

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More Americans are losing faith that their current paycheck will ever deliver financial peace of mind. A new Bankrate survey finds 26% of U.S. adults now believe they need at least $150,000 annual income to feel comfortable, nearly double the average national salary of $81,515.

This growing gap between perceived financial security and actual wages reflects the broader struggles across the job market. Many Americans report rising expenses and stagnant pay, especially after inflation stripped away purchasing power. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it takes $124,353 today to match the buying power of a $100,000 salary in early 2020.

High Annual Incomes Are Concentrated in Certain Fields

Jobs that offer $150,000 annual income do exist, but they are concentrated in specific industries. Technology, finance, law, healthcare, and some executive roles consistently offer salaries in that range. For example, experienced software engineers, investment bankers, doctors, and lawyers often surpass that income level.

However, those positions usually require advanced degrees, certifications, or years of experience. Entry-level jobs or those in retail, hospitality, or public service rarely come close. That leaves a large share of Americans feeling left behind, especially those without college degrees.

For dual-income households, reaching $150,000 combined income is more common but still far from guaranteed. Even two working adults earning the national average would still fall short, totaling just over $160,000 before taxes. And in high-cost cities like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, even that sum stretches thin.

Can the U.S. Economy Deliver More High-Paying Jobs?

The question remains whether the economy can provide enough six-figure jobs to meet growing expectations. Right now, the outlook is mixed. On one hand, the technology sector has seen renewed growth after last year’s layoffs, with AI-related jobs commanding large salaries. Finance, biotech, and certain engineering fields are also hiring at strong wages.

On the other hand, overall job creation has slowed. White-collar hiring is cooling, and wage growth has been uneven, favoring higher earners. Meanwhile, inflation, tariffs, and economic uncertainty continue to weigh on households.

Many businesses, especially small and medium-sized companies, say they cannot afford to dramatically raise wages across the board. Costs for materials, transportation, and taxes remain elevated. While some large corporations offer competitive salaries for top talent, smaller firms often operate on tighter margins.

Economists warn that the $150,000 income benchmark may be an aspirational target more than a realistic one for the majority. Despite modest improvements in inflation and selective job growth, most Americans will struggle to achieve financial comfort, let alone feel wealthy.

Is $150,000 the New Minimum Annual Income for Financial Comfort?

The Bankrate survey highlights that nearly half of Americans feel they need at least $100,000 annually to live comfortably. But with average earnings well below that threshold and real wages still recovering from inflationary shocks, many workers feel trapped.

The rising cost of living, healthcare, housing, and education contributes to that sense of insecurity. Even in households earning above-average wages, expenses can easily erode financial stability. While some Americans are pursuing side gigs, higher education, or specialized training to boost their income, others face barriers like childcare costs or limited job prospects in their region.

The reality is that reaching $150,000 annual income remains out of reach for most individuals. But that has not stopped many from adjusting their expectations and finding creative ways to stretch every dollar.

Do you agree that an annual income of $150,000 is necessary to live comfortably today? Tell us what you think!

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