Six figures used to mean "you’ve made it." Today, even high earners feel one paycheck away from a reset.
A Pew Research analysis shows 60% of Americans now identify as working class—up from 54% in 2024. Most surprisingly, half of adults earning above $155,600 claim the label too.
Here is why the six-figure "working class" is growing:
- The Definition Has Shifted: The label no longer just means blue-collar trades or lower wages. For many, "working class" now simply means relying on a paycheck to live, rather than coasting on investments or inherited wealth.
- The Middle-Class Squeeze: Middle-income earners ($51,900 to $155,600) feel increasingly alienated from the ultra-wealthy. Instead of feeling financially secure, 67% align their day-to-day anxiety with lower-income reality.
- Vibes vs. Stats: Even though real wages rose 8.3% since 2024 (outpacing 5.5% inflation), high living costs mean a $155k salary no longer translates to effortless financial comfort.
If you have to clock in to pay your bills, America increasingly considers you working class—no matter how many zeroes are on your W-2.