Simone Lawson
The upper middle class in the United States is a socio-economic group that constitutes roughly 15% of the population. The term is ambiguous and subjective, but it generally refers to highly educated, white-collar professionals with specialized skill sets. These individuals often strive for graduate or undergraduate degrees and hold occupations such as physicians, lawyers, economists, scientists, and managers. Household incomes for the upper middle class typically exceed $100,000, but this varies based on location and the number of income earners. While income is a key factor, other aspects such as education, aspirations, and social influence also contribute to defining this social class.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Household income | $106,000 to $150,000 |
| Household income in Mississippi | $91,841 |
| Household income in Maryland | $170,666 |
| Median household income in 2022 | $74,580 |
| Median household income in 2025 | $75,580 |
| Household income range for the middle class | $49,715 to $149,160 |
| Lower-income households | less than $56,600 |
| Upper-income households | greater than $169,800 |
| Percentage of Americans identifying as "upper-middle class" | 14% |
| Perception of the upper middle class | highly educated salaried professionals |
| Examples of upper-middle-class professions | physicians, dentists, lawyers, economists, business analysts, university professors, architects, psychologists, scientists, managers, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Upper middle class income
The upper middle class in the United States constitutes roughly 15% of the population. Household incomes for this class commonly exceed $100,000, with some smaller one-income earner households having incomes in the high five-figure range. Based on national averages, a household income between $106,000 and $150,000 would put you in the upper-middle class in most states. However, this range varies depending on the cost of living in your city and state. For example, in Mississippi, a household income of $91,841 would be considered upper-middle class because the median income is $52,985. On the other hand, in Maryland, where the median household income is $98,461, a household would need an income of $170,666 to be considered upper-middle class.
The upper-middle class is often comprised of highly educated white-collar professionals with graduate or undergraduate degrees. These individuals usually have high-paying jobs due to their specialised skill sets. Examples of professions in this class include physicians, dentists, lawyers, economists, business analysts, university professors, architects, and more.
Education is a crucial aspect of the upper-middle class, as they highly value higher education and prepare their children to succeed in school. This group tends to be influential, setting trends and shaping public opinion. They are also relatively secure from economic downturns due to their high incomes and advanced educations.
It is important to note that the definition of the upper middle class in the United States is ambiguous, and perceptions of this social class vary. While income is a significant factor, other aspects such as occupational status, educational attainment, and value systems also play a role in determining one's place in the social strata.
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Upper middle class professions
Upper middle-class professions in the United States are typically considered to be white-collar jobs held by highly educated professionals. These individuals often have graduate degrees and their work tends to centre on conceptualizing, consulting, and instruction. While the definition of the upper middle class is ambiguous and subjective, it is estimated that this group constitutes roughly 15% of the US population.
Income is a key factor in determining one's social class in the US, and upper-middle-class households generally earn between between $106,000 and $150,000 per year, though this varies depending on the cost of living in a particular city or state. For example, in Mississippi, a household income of $91,841 would be considered upper-middle class due to the lower median income in that state, whereas in Maryland, a household would need to bring in $170,666 to be considered upper-middle class.
Professions that are typically considered upper middle class in the US include:
- Physicians
- Dentists
- Lawyers
- Military officers
- Economists
- Business analysts
- Urban planners
- University professors
- Architects
- Supervisors and proprietors of sales jobs
- Psychologists
- Scientists
- Managers
- Accountants
- Engineers
- Actuaries
- Statisticians
- Pharmacists
- High-level civil servants
- Software engineers
- Commercial pilots
- Real estate developers
- Fund managers
Education is highly valued by the upper middle class, and they strive to obtain graduate or undergraduate degrees from top-tier universities for themselves and their children. This group is often seen as a force for positive social change, with various progressive movements throughout history being attributed largely to their influence.
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Upper middle class education
Education is a key factor in determining social class in the United States. While the term "upper middle class" is ambiguous and subjective, it generally refers to highly educated salaried professionals with graduate degrees and household incomes exceeding $100,000.
Upper-middle-class families place a strong emphasis on education, particularly higher education at top-tier institutions. They strive for themselves and their children to obtain graduate or at least four-year undergraduate degrees, recognising the role of higher education in economic mobility and success in an increasingly competitive economy.
The link between education and social class is evident in various statistics. For example, among Americans ages 25 and older in 2022, 52% of those with a bachelor's degree or higher lived in middle-class households, while 35% lived in upper-income households. In contrast, only 5% of Americans without a high school diploma were in the upper-income tier, and 42% were in the middle class.
The specific income thresholds for the upper-middle class vary depending on location. For example, a household income of $91,841 would be considered upper-middle class in Mississippi, while a household in Maryland would need an income of $170,666 to be considered upper-middle class due to the higher cost of living in that state.
Overall, the upper middle class in the United States is characterised by a strong focus on education as a means to achieve economic success and a higher social status.
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Upper middle class political power
The upper middle class in the United States constitutes roughly 15% of the population and is often regarded as the dominant group that shapes society and spearheads social movements. This class is primarily defined by income, education, occupation, and associated values. While income is a significant factor, it varies across states and is influenced by factors like the cost of living. For instance, a household income of $91,841 would be considered upper-middle class in Mississippi, while in Maryland, this figure rises to $170,666. In most states, a household income between $106,000 and $150,000 is typically indicative of the upper middle class.
The upper middle class is predominantly comprised of highly educated white-collar professionals with advanced degrees, such as physicians, lawyers, economists, university professors, and high-level civil servants. They tend to place a strong emphasis on education, particularly from prestigious institutions, and often strive for graduate or undergraduate degrees for themselves and their children. This group's political power is reflected in their ability to drive social movements and influence public opinion. They are often seen as a force for positive change, contributing to movements like civil rights, feminism, LGBT rights, and environmentalism.
While political ideology is not strictly correlated with social class, educational attainment can influence political leanings. The upper middle class tends to be politically diverse, with a mix of Democrats, Republicans, and independents. However, they may lean more conservative on fiscal issues and liberal on social issues. During the 2000, 2004, and 2006 elections, a majority of households with incomes above $50,000, including some upper-middle-class households, supported the Republican Party.
The upper middle class's political influence also stems from their economic security and high income. Their skills and influence in their occupations often grant them greater job satisfaction and economic stability. As a result, they are less vulnerable to economic downturns, downsizing, or corporate cost-cutting measures. This financial security can translate into political power, as they may have greater resources to influence policy or support causes they believe in.
Additionally, the upper middle class tends to set trends and shape societal norms. Their lifestyles and opinions gradually become the standard for the rest of society. This influence can impact political discourse and policy-making, as their values and priorities may gain prominence and shape the direction of the country.
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Upper middle class social movements
The upper middle class in the United States constitutes around 15% of the population and is often regarded as a dominant group that shapes society and spearheads social movements. This class is typically defined by a combination of factors, including income, education, occupation, and associated values. While income thresholds vary across states, households with incomes between $106,000 and $150,000 are generally considered upper middle class.
Upper middle-class individuals tend to be highly educated white-collar professionals with advanced degrees and comfortable incomes. They often occupy influential positions and play a significant role in shaping public opinion and trends. This group's economic security and high degree of autonomy in their work contribute to their ability to drive social change.
Over time, the upper middle class in the United States has evolved. Salaried managers and professionals have replaced individual business owners and independent professionals within this group. This shift underscores the increasing importance of educational credentials and the growing normativity of upper-middle-class lifestyles and opinions across society.
The upper middle class has been associated with various social movements throughout history. Notably, they have played a significant role in the Peace Movement, the anti-nuclear movement, the civil rights movement, feminism, LGBT rights, environmentalism, and the anti-smoking movement. Some attribute this activism to their perceived political power for positive change.
While the upper middle class is often at the forefront of social progress, it is worth noting that their influence also extends to more restrictive social movements. For instance, the temperance movement, which advocated for restrictions on alcohol consumption, was partly driven by this class.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2025, a household income between $106,000 and $150,000 would likely put you in the upper-middle class in most states. However, this range may shift upward due to factors such as inflation and rising costs of living. Additionally, the income range varies depending on where you live and the size of your household.
The upper middle class is often associated with a high value placed on education, particularly higher education. They strive for themselves and their children to obtain graduate or undergraduate degrees.
Certain professions are often categorized as upper middle class, including physicians, lawyers, economists, business analysts, university professors, architects, psychologists, scientists, managers, and accountants. These occupations typically involve scarce skills and offer high economic compensation.
The cost of living in your city and state can significantly impact whether you are considered upper middle class. For example, in Mississippi, a household income of $91,841 would be upper-middle class due to the lower median income, while in Maryland, a household would need an income of $170,666.
Household size is a factor in determining social class. A larger household may need a higher income to be considered upper middle class, while a smaller household could fall into this category with a lower income.
