What income percentile is considered upper middle class?

Roughly the 70th to 90th percentile — individual incomes between $95,000 and $153,000 in 2026.

What is the top 1% income in the US in 2026?

The top 1% of individual earners make approximately $580,000 or more per year.

What is the median US income in 2026?

The median individual income is approximately $56,900. The median household income is approximately $80,610 according to Census Bureau estimates.

Does income percentile change with age?

Yes significantly. Median earnings peak for workers aged 45-54. A $60,000 income ranks higher at age 25 than at age 50 when compared to same-age peers.

Income Percentile & Wage Statistics 2026 — Where Do You Rank?

The median household income in the United States in 2026 is approximately $80,610. But the median tells only part of the story — where your income falls within the full distribution determines your real financial position.

2026 US income percentiles (individuals)

Percentile	Annual Income
10th	~$15,100
25th	~$31,200
50th (median)	~$56,900
75th	~$95,400
90th	~$153,000
99th	~$580,000+

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2026 estimates.

How to Use Income Percentile Data

Your income percentile is most useful as context, not a judgment. A 45th-percentile income in rural Mississippi goes further than a 70th-percentile income in San Francisco. Cost-of-living adjustments matter as much as the raw rank.

Key Facts for 2026

The federal minimum wage remains $7.25/hour ($15,080/year full-time).
A household income above $153,000 places you in the top 10% nationally.
The top 1% threshold for individuals is approximately $580,000/year.

Income vs. Wealth

Income percentile measures your annual earnings flow. Net worth percentile measures accumulated assets. High earners with poor savings behavior can rank in the 80th income percentile but the 40th net worth percentile. See the Net Worth hub for wealth percentile data.

Calculators

Income Statistics

Wage Benchmarks

Articles in This Cluster

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.

The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy