Households earning more than $100,000

In 2025, an estimated 41.9% of US households earn more than $100,000, marking consistent growth from the prior year. This rise is supported by ongoing economic growth and a strong demand for highly skilled workers, especially in technology and related fields. Favorable labor market conditions, driven by upskilling efforts and post-pandemic economic momentum, have contributed to this trend. A relatively low unemployment rate and rising wages in high-skill occupations have bolstered the increase in high-earning households.

From 2020 to 2025, the share of households earning above $100,000 increased by 1.9 percentage points, from 40.0% to 41.9%. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused a 1.1-point decline due to business closures and job losses, impacting higher earners and leading some households below the $100,000 threshold. Conditions improved post-2020 with vaccine rollouts and eased restrictions, driving employment recovery, particularly among white-collar professionals. Wage growth in high-demand sectors like technology, finance, and healthcare accelerated as employers sought specialized skills. Upskilling and digital transformation trends also played a significant role in supporting household income growth.

Between 2021 and 2025, volatility persisted, with a slight decline in 2022 due to residual pandemic impacts. However, subsequent robust economic expansion reinforced household income growth. Wider macroeconomic factors, including inflationary pressures and monetary policy adjustments, affected wage trends, but employment opportunities for skilled workers remained a key driver.

The five-year period concludes with 41.9% of households earning more than $100,000 in 2025. While the pandemic temporarily reversed the trend, sustained skilled labor demand and economic recovery supported this upward trajectory.