The income it takes to be part of the top 1% in the USA depends on several factors including age and state.
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Income needed to be in the top 1% for each U.S. state
The income needed to join the top 1% varies based on the state that you live in. While all states require that you have a salary in the six-figure range, some states demand even more as the salary with the income of some households surpassing the seven-figure mark.
What is the top 1% individual income?
To reach the top 1% of individual income in the U.S. you need to make at least $430,000 a year. The state with the lowest individual income to reach the top 1% is New Mexico with an individual income threshold of $256,000. The most expensive state in the U.S. is Connecticut which demands an income of $761,957 to join the top 1%.
The income that it takes to join the top 1% is heavily impacted by age. This chart breaks down what it would take to join the top 1% by age:
| Age | Top 1% Income |
|---|---|
| 25 | $201,005 |
| 35 | $550,001 |
| 45 | $517,050 |
| 55 | $483,429 |
| 65 | $571,700 |
If you want to find out the exact percentile that you fall into you can use this income percentile calculator or income percentile by age calculator to see how you compare to your peers at your income level.
What is the top 1% of household income?
To be considered in the 99th percentile or top 1% of U.S. households you must earn at least $631,500 a year. The state with the lowest salary threshold is Mississippi with a household income of $353,876. The state with the highest barrier to entry to join the top 1% is Connecticut with a household income of $1,135,999 needed to be part of the elite top 1%.
Top 1% of income vs. top 1% of net worth
While income and net worth are related, they measure different things. A high income does not always translate into a high net worth — and vice versa. To be in the top 1% of net worth requires at least $13.7 million which is accumulated over time through savings, investments, and asset appreciation. High income earners who spend rather than save may not build substantial wealth, while those with moderate incomes who invest consistently can accumulate significant net worth.
Related: Median Household Income by State | Average Income by State | Median Income by State
