Are you curious about the specific amount that 6 figures entail in terms of weekly, monthly, and annual salary? Are you curious about the kinds of jobs that pay 6 figures (and more) and how to launch your career in order to reach that level?
This post will examine several aspects related to the query “How much is 6 figures?” including amounts in seven, eight, nine, and even ten figures.
6 figures is the word used to describe those who make 6 figures a year. This is expressed in terms of a range of $100,000 to $999,999. While $100,000 is certainly a respectable sum, there is a significant difference in what someone could be making on a 6-figure salary.
We’ll look at jobs and professions that pay this much, how to accumulate enough wealth to make a six-figure income (or more), and more.
Comprehending “Figures”
One word that frequently comes up while discussing money is “figures.” However, what does this actually mean? “Figures” is a phrase used informally in the finance industry to refer to income or net worth. Looking at the digits before the decimal point, each figure in a number represents a digit.
Let’s dissect this:
Sums ranging from $1 to $9. Single-digit incomes are rarely spoken, but we frequently use them when discussing the cost of tiny goods or bargains.
- Diagrams: This is in the $10 to $99. bracket. This phrase is rarely used while talking about salary, yet it may be used in reference to inexpensive goods or services.
- Figures: The range that we’re considering is $100 to $999. This may cover the price of a classy supper for two or a brand-new smartphone.
- Figures: We frequently start talking about significant expenses like a used car, a down payment, or even lower-end annual incomes in this range, $1,000 to $9,999.
- Figures: The range of values in this case is $10,000 to $99,999. This is the typical income range for many jobs, and in many areas, it’s also the range of costs for a down payment on a home or a new automobile.
- Figures: This threshold, which falls between $100,000 and $999,999, is frequently used to identify financial success. It’s a typical objective for personal income and is also used to analyze the price of upscale residences or luxuries.
- .Figures: You’re in the millionaire bracket if your total assets are between $1,000,000 and $9,999,999. This phrase is used to discuss things like net worth, upscale real estate, executive or successful entrepreneur salaries, etc.
The spectrum of multi-millionaires and billionaires is eight figures and higher.
Comprehending the notion of “figures” can streamline conversations concerning finances, income, and assets.
We’ll go into more detail about what it means to get a six-figure salary, how prevalent it is, and what kinds of employment pay this much in the parts that follow. We’ll also discuss what a 6-figure salary looks like and offer some advice on how you might be able to get one for yourself.
Compiling “FIGURES”
After defining “figures” in the financial context, let’s examine the methodology used to arrive at these numbers. We wish to specifically address two important questions:
Are “figures” determined before or after taxes, and do bonuses or benefits factor into the total amount?
It’s important to remember that when we discuss “figures” in relation to salaries, we usually mean gross revenue. In other words, it’s your entire income before deductions for taxes, perks, and other expenses are made.
Therefore, when someone claims to make a six-figure wage, they are talking about their income before taxes. Practically speaking, after taxes are subtracted, their net income, or real amount taken home, will be lower.
When talking about salary, bonuses and perks are typically excluded from the total number of figures. Therefore, even though a person’s total annual remuneration exceeds $100,000, they would typically still be seen as earning a 5-figure salary if they have a base salary of $95,000 and receive a $10,000 bonus each year.
Benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and corporate cars are nearly always excluded from discussions about “figures.” These benefits aren’t regarded as part of your pay, even if they surely increase your total package.
A DEEPER LOOK AT 6-FIGURES
Now that you know what “figures” imply in terms of money and how they’re determined, it’s time to learn more about 6-figure incomes.
A person who makes “six figures” is one who receives an annual wage that falls between $100,000 and $999,999.
That covers a wide variety of people, from those at the lower end of the high-income spectrum to those who are about to become billionaires.
Let’s dissect this a little more.
WHAT DOES SIXTY FIGRES ANNUALLY COST?
A 6-figure salary indicates that the annual gross income is at least $100,000 before taxes. This may sound like a big sum, and it really is. It is a varied category, though, with people in it barely making it over the 6-figure threshold and others coming close to reaching the 7-figure barrier.
WHAT DOES 6-FIGURES MONTHLY COST?
Monthly: If we were to break it down by month, someone making a six-figure salary would, at the very least, make $8,333.33 before taxes each month.
To calculate this, just divide the annual revenue by the calendar year. Naturally, the precise amount may differ based on where the pay falls in the six-figure bracket.
WHAT DOES A 6-FIGURES DAILY COST?
Daily: Putting $100,000 a year into perspective, somebody making that much would make about $273.97 a day if they worked 365 days a year. But if they put in a regular 5-day workweek and factor in vacation and holidays (about 250 days), their daily pay would be closer to $400.
WHAT DOES A 6-HOUR DAY COST?
Hourly: The amount based on the number of hours worked each week would be determined on an hourly basis. A 6-figure earner would make at least $50 per hour if they worked a standard 40-hour work week for 50 weeks (plus two weeks off).
Recall that these computations provide us with approximate values based on an exact $100,000 pay. It goes without saying that a person earning $200,000 or $700,000 year would make a lot more money every month, every day, and every hour.
It’s also critical to keep in mind that these are gross income estimates, which means they do not take taxes or other deductions into consideration. The precise amount would depend on the person’s tax status, benefit contributions, and other considerations. The real take-home pay would be lower.
WHAT IS THE RATE OF A 6-FIGURE SALARY?
A career consulting firm called Zippia estimates that 18% of Americans make over $100,000 annually. In the US today, this wage is regarded as upper-middle class, demonstrating the high bar that must be met in order to qualify as “rich.”
At the end of 2022, the median pay in the United States was $44,225. Therefore, an individual earning $100,000 would have more than doubled their average salary.
By the end of 2022, if you work an average of 40 hours a week and earn $100,000, you will be in the 78th income percentile. A top 1% earner in 2022 would, at the very top of the scale, be making at least $401,622.
Just two of the top 10 median annual salaries in the US in 2022 (arranged by major occupation) have a median salary of six figures, as you can see in the table below.
6-FIGURE WORK
Several conventional positions that pay six figures include:
- Hardware design engineer: The yearly salary for a hardware design engineer is $107,308. These people are in charge of developing and designing the hardware components of computers.
- Investment banking analysts assist their clients in managing their portfolios and constructing investments. They make, on average, $108,527 a year.
- Psychiatric nurses: Making an average of $119,381 a year, these professionals assist families and individuals in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
- An engineering manager oversees and organizes engineering procedures and projects. An individual working in this capacity should anticipate making about $118,338 annually.
- Chief financial officer: Managing a company’s financial operations falls within the purview of a chief financial officer (CFO). The average pay for someone in this position is $143,971.
CURRENT SECTION: 6-FIGURE EARNERS
SUBSISTING ON A 6-FIGURE PAYMENT
A six-figure salary typically evokes thoughts of opulent trips, spacious mansions, and fancy cars.
But it’s crucial to keep in mind that living in luxury isn’t always the result of earning a six-figure wage.
Your family size, cost of living, financial habits, and personal preferences will all have a big impact on your lifestyle.
WHAT IS THE LOOK OF A 6-FIGURE LIFESTYLE?
In most places, a 6-figure salary is sufficient to support a comfortable lifestyle. This can entail possessing a house of one’s own, a dependable vehicle, and the resources to engage in recreational activities and take frequent trips.
It can give you the freedom to support a family, indulge in hobbies, and go out to eat frequently. To put it briefly, this amount of money frequently allows for a standard of living that is on par with or better than that of the typical American.
But it’s important to remember that depending on where you live, a six-figure income can have quite different buying power.
Furthermore, a six-figure salary does not go as far as it once did due to increased inflation in recent years. According to a recent PYMNTS and LendingClub survey, a staggering 51% of Americans with incomes over $100,000 still live paycheck to paycheck.
The advantages and disadvantages of a Six-Figure Lifestyle
ADVANTAGES:
Security of finances:
A six-figure income frequently offers more financial stability. It may provide additional leeway for investments, savings, and unforeseen costs.
More Possibilities:
Greater options for travel, learning, and unique experiences can be found with higher incomes.
Improved Harmony Between Work and Life:
Six-figure jobs typically offer greater autonomy, flexibility, and a better work-life balance.
DISADVANTAGES:
Greater Stress and Responsibility:
Six-figure earnings are frequently associated with higher levels of stress, longer hours, and greater responsibility.
Lifestyle Inflation:
Spending more as you make more money might lead to less saving and investing, and it’s simple to slip into this trap when your income rises.
Increased Taxes:
Earning six figures may place you in a higher tax bracket, which means that a bigger percentage of your income is taxed.
6-FIGURES AND LUXURY CONSTRUCTION
Unquestionably, a six-figure salary may offer a strong basis for accumulating wealth. With more money at your disposal, you can save more, invest more, and even increase your wealth more quickly. But earning a six-figure salary is not necessary to accumulate wealth.
IS SIX-FIGURE EARNING REQUIRED TO BUILD WEALTH?
A higher salary will undoubtedly hasten the process, but the main ingredients for generating wealth are regularly spending less than you make, saving carefully, and making intelligent investments.
Several individuals with small incomes have amassed a substantial fortune by practicing frugal living and making astute investment decisions.
STRATEGIES FOR BUILDING WEALTH AT DIFFERENT LEVELS OF INCOME
There are a few essential methods for accumulating wealth regardless of your economic level:
Setting a budget
This makes it easier for you to grasp your earnings and outlays, allowing you to cut back on wasteful spending and optimize savings. Whatever your income range, practicing financial frugality is a wise practice.
Investing and Saving
Because of compound interest, prudent investments combined with regular savings can result in significant wealth accumulation over time. Many people who make six figures or more a year are investing their money sensibly in order to increase their assets and generate more passive income.
The act of diversification
Investing in a variety of asset types can provide growth potential and aid with risk management. This investment handbook is an excellent place to get started.
Lifelong Learning and Skill Improvement
Accelerating the process of accumulating wealth can also increase your income potential. This could entail going back to school, growing professionally, or even launching a side business.
A sizable fraction of folks making such six-figure salaries don’t depend just on one source of income.
COMPARING FIGURES 7, 8, 9, AND 10
We’re looking at an exclusive set of earners as we enter the realm of seven-, eight-, nine-, and ten-figure salaries. Celebrities, successful business owners, top executives, and those with sizable investment incomes all fall into these income groups.
OCCUPATIONS AND SECTIONS THAT PROVIDE THESE PAYMENTS
These enormous salary jobs are usually found in high-level executive positions in major organizations, as well as in the hands of incredibly successful entrepreneurs, elite sports, and celebrities.
Figures: These are usually attained by prominent business leaders, wealthy entrepreneurs, elite medical professionals, attorneys, and performers.
Figures: These are a select group of extremely successful businesspeople, CEOs of significant companies, and a few well-known actors and sportsmen.
Nine figures and above: This is mostly the territory of billionaires, who include the creators of significant tech businesses, elite managers of hedge funds, and a very exclusive class of athletes and entertainers.
The majority of people making these extremely high salaries won’t actually work for anyone; instead, they’ll frequently be business owners or partners who build their empires off the money they earn.
Working for someone else will make it difficult for you to make this kind of enormous income.
SAMPLES OF FIGURE EARNERS IN AGE 7, 8, 9, AND 10
Despite the fact that these salary levels might appear unattainable, there are many examples of people who have accomplished these remarkable feats.
As of the most recent report (in May 2023), there were about 2,640 10-figure earners worldwide, making these incredibly wealthy people billionaires. These include well-known businesspeople like Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon.com, and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, Space X, and Twitter.
The number of millionaires worldwide—those with incomes of seven, eight, and nine figures—increases dramatically. As of right now, there are an estimated 56.1 million millionaires worldwide.
It’s crucial to remember, though, that not everyone who qualifies as a millionaire makes seven, eight, or nine figures annually; instead, it might be the sum of their assets.
The fact that there is no official ranking of millionaires in the globe is very astounding. Rather, the people who are topping affluent lists worldwide are those incredibly wealthy billionaires.
METHODS TO GET A SIX-FIGURE PAY
A six-figure income may support a pleasant lifestyle, boost financial stability, and lay a strong platform for wealth accumulation. However, how can one attain this amount of income? The following tactics can help you raise your earning potential:
INSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
Your ability to make more money can be greatly impacted by making investments in your education and training. Think about professions that pay well, like IT, engineering, law, or medical. Seek out chances to advance your skills in your present position or field, as this will make you more valuable to employers.
Asking your company for chances to broaden your skill set shouldn’t be seen as a sign of weakness. They frequently prefer that you develop beside them rather than seizing alternative chances!
ADVANCEMENT OF CAREER
Seek advancements in your field through promotions or higher-level roles. This could entail managing bigger teams or accepting more responsibility. Your workload and stress level may go up as a result, but your income may go up dramatically as well.
Many very successful people will quickly go up and down the salary scale by zigzagging between jobs.
Sector Transition
Think about making the move to a field where salaries are reputed to be higher. For example, the tech sector is well known for offering high-paying jobs, particularly in fields like data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
If your sights are set on earning a six-figure salary year, you might need to consider if your present job path is truly feasible for you.
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT
A six-figure salary is possible with starting your own firm, and it may even be considerably more. But being an entrepreneur also has its own risks and difficulties, and success frequently calls for a great deal of perseverance and work.
Here, we go into great detail on online income opportunities because we think that being your own boss has many advantages beyond just the possibility of earning large sums of money.
TALK ABOUT YOUR PAY
Although it could be awkward for many, discussing your wages can result in a sizable pay boost. Investigate the salaries of persons in comparable positions and sectors of the economy, then utilize this information to support your claims.
PARTICIPATING
Even though this isn’t a typical paycheck, the money you make from investments can add a large amount to your total income. This could be achieved through investing in stocks, real estate, or other financial instruments.
HUSTLES ON THE SIDE
There are lots of ways to augment your income now that the gig economy is growing. The alternatives are almost endless, ranging from freelancing to selling your own houseplants (or even photos of your feet!). A profitable side project may someday even turn into a full-time career.
Recall that earning a six-figure wage frequently takes time to get. It requires patience, timing, and planning. Moreover, it’s not the sole indicator of financial achievement.
It is possible to accumulate money and become financially independent at a variety of salary levels. The secret is to make prudent investments, save regularly, and live within your means.
Observing smaller figures
Although six-figure wages and higher frequently make news, many people actually make between four and five figures. Gaining insight into these pay ranges, the occupations that pay them, and the lifestyles they may support can help one develop a more comprehensive understanding of personal finance and wealth accumulation.
WHAT DOES A 4- AND 5-FIGURE SALARY INCLUDE?
A four-figure annual wage falls between $1,000 and $9,999, and a five-figure compensation is between $10,000 and $99,999. These pay ranges may correspond to entry-level, part-time, or lower-paying jobs; depending on the cost of living, they may also be linked to more thrifty lifestyles.
If handled properly, these wages can nevertheless serve as a foundation for financial security even though they might not give the same level of financial independence as a six-figure salary. At these salary levels, prudent financial practices, diligent saving, and efficient budgeting are essential.
COMMON JOBS WITH FOUR AND FIVE-FIGURES
Four-figure salaries, which range from $1,000 to $9,999, are usually linked to temporary or part-time work. Jobs like store associates, servers in restaurants, and gig economy workers may fall under this category.
Five-figure incomes, however, can cover a wide variety of full-time positions ($10,000 – $99,999). Teachers, office managers, graphic designers, journalists, and a variety of specialized crafts could all fall under this category.
The majority of people with full-time work earn between five and six figures, and many of them lead incredibly affluent lives at the highest ends of this spectrum.
SALARY JUMPING FROM FIVE FIGURES TO SIX FIGURES
Several tactics can work well for people who are making four or five figures and want to make more money:
GO AFTER MORE LEARNING OR TRAINING
Paying occupations can frequently be attained through specialized training and higher academic levels. Getting a four-year degree isn’t the only way to do this; associate degrees, certifications, and vocational training can all lead to higher-paying jobs.
TALK ABOUT YOUR PAY
If you currently work, you can enhance your income by asking for a raise or by negotiating your current compensation. It’s critical to investigate typical pay for your position and make a compelling argument to your employer.
WORK ON YOUR SIDE HUSTLE
Many people take on side jobs or freelance labor to augment their income. This might have to do with your present line of work or something completely unrelated.
THOUGHT ABOUT A CAREER CHANGE
It could be useful to think about moving to a higher-paying area if you’re stuck in a low-paying industry. The long-term benefits could outweigh any additional training or education that may be needed for this.
PERSONALLY DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS
Continuous self-improvement can result in new chances and higher income, whether it’s learning a new language, mastering a particular software, or honing your leadership abilities.
Recall that while getting paid more can hasten the accumulation of wealth, it’s not the only determinant. Long-term financial success also largely depends on prudent investing, diligent saving, and smart money management practices.
FINAL VERDICT
What does six figures look like, and how can you get there? As we’ve shown, making six figures can lead to a wide range of outcomes, from a $100,000 salary to almost becoming a billionaire.
Above all, we have discussed some of the actions you can do if you are still determined to attract these kinds of people into your life. The keys to success are intensity, consistency, and persistence; if you set goals and follow them, you’ll succeed.
Did you find this post enjoyable? Check out our in-depth analyses of various incomes to see how much they vary, along with some fascinating ideas for increasing your income right now:
