In These 23 U.S. States, Earning $150,000 Still Counts as Middle Class

In the 1990s, making six figures was widely seen as a symbol of upper-class status. Today, however, it’s often simply the benchmark for a middle-class lifestyle.

According to a 2023 analysis by SmartAsset using U.S. Census Bureau data, the upper limit for middle-class income now surpasses $100,000 in every U.S. state. The study applies Pew Research’s definition of middle class, which includes households earning between two-thirds and twice the median income in their state.

A $150,000 salary, once considered a sign of wealth, now falls within the middle-class bracket in almost half of the United States.

Although wages have increased in recent years, much of that growth has been eroded by rising costs for essentials like housing, food, and transportation. Since early 2020, home prices have surged by 52%, food prices have risen 30%, and overall inflation is up 25%, according to consumer price index data.

This financial pressure is being felt even by high earners. A 2024 survey from the National True Cost of Living Coalition found that two-thirds of middle-class Americans are struggling, with most not expecting their circumstances to improve anytime soon.

To illustrate how far a $150,000 salary can go today, here’s a look at the 23 states where that income still qualifies as middle class.