“Is my salary good?” is the most common personal finance question — and the answer is never just a number. It depends on where you live, your age, your debts, and what “good” means to you. This guide gives you the real data to know exactly where you stand.
US Income Distribution (2026)
| Percentile | Individual Income | Household Income |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% | $400,000+ | $500,000+ |
| Top 5% | $175,000+ | $250,000+ |
| Top 10% | $130,000+ | $190,000+ |
| Top 25% | $90,000+ | $130,000+ |
| Median (50%) | $59,000 | $80,000 |
| Bottom 25% | Under $35,000 | Under $45,000 |
If you earn $60,000, you make more than half of American workers. At $100,000, you’re in the top 25%.
Is $X a Good Salary?
| Salary | Verdict | Reality Check |
|---|---|---|
| $35K | Below average | Tight in most cities, manageable in rural/low-cost areas |
| $40K | Below average | OK in low-cost areas; requires strict budgeting |
| $50K | Average | Comfortable in affordable areas; tight in expensive cities |
| $60K | Above average | Solid in most mid-cost cities |
| $70K | Good | Comfortable in most US cities except top-tier metros |
| $80K | Very good | Top 30% nationally, comfortable almost everywhere |
| $90K | Very good | Strong position; can save aggressively |
| $100K | Excellent | Top 25%; comfortable in all but most expensive cities |
| $120K | Excellent | Significant comfort and savings capacity |
| $150K | Top earner | Comfortable everywhere; accelerated wealth building |
| $200K+ | Upper income | Top 5-10%; high lifestyle + high savings possible |
See detailed breakdowns: Is $35K Good?, Is $40K Good?, Is $45K Good?, Is $50K Good?, Is $55K Good?, Is $60K Good?, Is $65K Good?, Is $70K Good?, Is $75K Good?, Is $80K Good?, Is $85K Good?, Is $90K Good?, Is $95K Good?, Is $100K Good?, Is $105K Good?, Is $110K Good?, Is $120K Good?, Is $125K Good?, Is $130K Good?, Is $140K Good?, Is $150K Good?, Is $160K Good?, Is $175K Good?, Is $180K Good?, Is $200K Good?, Is $225K Good?, Is $250K Good?, Is $300K Good?, Is $400K Good?, Is $500K Good?.
Salary Needed by City
What you need to live comfortably (afford housing, save 15%+, no financial stress):
| City | Single Person | Family of 4 | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson, MS | $40,000 | $70,000 | Most affordable |
| Kansas City, MO | $50,000 | $85,000 | Very affordable |
| Dallas, TX | $58,000 | $95,000 | Affordable |
| Chicago, IL | $62,000 | $105,000 | Mid-cost |
| Denver, CO | $65,000 | $110,000 | Above average |
| Austin, TX | $62,000 | $105,000 | Above average |
| Seattle, WA | $75,000 | $130,000 | Expensive |
| Boston, MA | $80,000 | $140,000 | Very expensive |
| New York City | $95,000 | $170,000 | Extremely expensive |
| San Francisco | $110,000 | $190,000 | Most expensive |
What “Good” Actually Means
A salary is genuinely “good” when you can:
| Financial Benchmark | Healthy Target |
|---|---|
| Cover all basic needs (housing, food, transport) | Without stress |
| Save 15-20% of gross income | For retirement |
| Have 3-6 months expenses saved | Emergency fund |
| Make progress on financial goals | Debt payoff, investing, savings |
| Have some discretionary spending | Without guilt or anxiety |
If you’re saving 20%+ and living comfortably, your salary is good — regardless of the number.
Average Salary by Age
| Age Range | Average Salary | Median Salary | “Good” Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-24 | $36,000 | $32,000 | $40,000+ |
| 25-34 | $55,000 | $48,000 | $60,000+ |
| 35-44 | $68,000 | $58,000 | $75,000+ |
| 45-54 | $72,000 | $60,000 | $80,000+ |
| 55-64 | $68,000 | $57,000 | $75,000+ |
| 65+ | $55,000 | $45,000 | Depends on retirement savings |
Peak earning years are typically 45-54. Source: BLS.
Hourly Wage to Annual Salary
| Hourly Rate | Annual Salary (40 hrs/wk) | Monthly Take-Home (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| $15/hr | $31,200 | $2,250 |
| $20/hr | $41,600 | $2,900 |
| $25/hr | $52,000 | $3,500 |
| $30/hr | $62,400 | $4,150 |
| $35/hr | $72,800 | $4,750 |
| $40/hr | $83,200 | $5,350 |
| $45/hr | $93,600 | $5,900 |
| $50/hr | $104,000 | $6,500 |
Quick Reference Table
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| US median individual salary | ~$59,000 |
| US median household income | ~$80,000 |
| “Comfortable” salary (nationally) | $75,000-$100,000 (single) |
| Top 10% income | $130,000+ individual |
| Top 1% income | $400,000+ individual |
| Best indicator of financial health | Savings rate (aim for 20%+) |
The Bottom Line
Your salary is “good” if it lets you live without financial anxiety, save 15-20% for retirement, and make progress on your goals. A $65,000 salary with a 25% savings rate beats a $130,000 salary with zero savings every time. If your number feels low, focus on the controllable: reduce housing costs (the biggest lever), eliminate debt, and increase your income through skills, certifications, or strategic career moves. Don’t compare your salary to influencers on social media — compare it to the real data in this guide.
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