The six-figure club is larger than you might think. According to 2024 data from YouGov Profiles, nearly 18% of American adults earn more than $100,000 a year. Among those aged 35 to 44, the figure rises to 25% — one in four.
Across all age groups, members of this high-income bracket overwhelmingly point to one key factor behind their success: education.
Despite growing skepticism about the value of college degrees, the data suggests that higher education remains one of the most reliable paths to long-term financial success. Here’s why.
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Education’s impact on earnings
Americans have been steadily losing faith in higher education. According to Gallup, the share of U.S. adults with little to no confidence in the value of a college degree rose from 10% in 2015 to 32% in 2024.
Rising tuition costs are often cited as a key reason for this decline in trust. However, data consistently shows a strong correlation between education level and income — suggesting that many graduates earn a solid return on their investment.
According to a 2024 study by the National Center for Education Statistics, median earnings for individuals with a master’s degree or higher were about 20% greater than those with only a bachelor’s degree. In turn, bachelor’s degree holders earned roughly 59% more than those with only a high school diploma.
In short, higher education remains closely tied to higher pay. That may explain why 78% of six-figure earners surveyed by YouGov credited education as a critical factor in their success. Many also pointed to job satisfaction as another important indicator.
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Job satisfaction
Nearly 68% of high earners surveyed by YouGov said they loved their jobs, compared to just 51% of the general population.
A 2023 survey by Pew Research found a similar pattern: 57% of high-income earners reported being very satisfied with their jobs, versus 37% of middle-income and 36% for low-income workers.
This may reflect the advantages of higher education — better qualifications often lead to more job options, making it easier to find work that aligns with personal interests and values.
That said, a bigger paycheck isn’t always a cure-all for financial success.
A six-figure salary is not a financial silver bullet
Despite their higher income, only 55% of Americans earning more than $100,000 say they feel financially comfortable, according to YouGov. About 43% report they are just coping or struggling to manage their finances.
Earning six figures offers financial advantages, but it doesn’t guarantee security. Many high-income households still struggle with saving money, keeping up with inflation, or resisting lifestyle creep. Bigger homes, more cars, and luxury vacations can quickly consume a growing paycheck.
The key to avoiding this trap is living below your means. Spending even 10% to 20% less than you earn can help create a financial buffer. That extra cash can be used to build an emergency fund, which is especially critical if your high income suddenly disappears.
Many of these issues could be resolved with some professional advice. Unfortunately, only 44% of U.S. adults earning more than $100,000 work with a financial advisor, according to YouGov.
In other words, you can’t outrun poor financial habits. But with smart spending and the right advice, you can build lasting financial security — even if you never join the six-figure club.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.