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We frequently see the words 6-figure salary or 6-figure income being bandied about. While they sound impressive, they are definitely not out of your reach and are, in fact, very realistic income goals that everyone should aspire to. So how much is a 6 figure salary gonna be like?
A 6 figure income typically means a salary of 6 digits a year (not including the cents). It means earning anywhere between $100,000 to $999,999 in gross income annually. For example, someone earning $180,000 yearly will be considered a 6 figure earner or as having an income within the 6 figure bracket.
This article will show you what 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 figure incomes are and some of the jobs associated with these income brackets. We will also talk about the people who have achieved these incomes and what they are currently doing.
How Much Is A 6 Figure Salary?
As mentioned previously, a 6 figure salary means earning anywhere between $100,000 to $999,999 annually. A 7 figure salary is an income that has 7 digits to it in total, meaning anywhere between $1,000,000 (a million) to $9,999,999 (a dollar short of $10 million). An 8-figure salary is anything that starts from $10,000,000 (note that there are 8 digits in this figure) to $99,999,999 (a dollar short of $100 million).
In the same trend, a 9-figure salary means hitting the $100 million dollar mark ($100,000,000) and going up all the way to $999,999,999 (a dollar short of a billion dollars). A 10-figure salary means touching the 1 billion dollar mark ($1,000,000,000) to $9,999,999,999 (a dollar short of $10 billion). An 11-figure salary will mean anywhere between $10,000,000,000 (ten billion dollars) to $99,999,999,999 (a dollar short of $100 billion). Finally, a 12-figure income depicts earnings between $100,000,000,000 and $999,999,999,999.
These numbers can include the monthly basic salary, allowances, bonuses, and other extra payouts or be from other streams of income.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for many professions has been steadily increasing, reflecting growth in the job market and the rising demand for new skills. For those aiming for higher salaries, understanding the types of jobs that offer six-figure salaries is a great way to plan your career path and achieve your financial goals.
How Much Are 6 Figures In An Hour
A 6 figure salary will range from a minimum of $11.14 to a maximum of $114.16 per hour.
How Much Are 6 Figures In A Month
A six-figure salary will range from a minimum of $8,333.33 to a maximum of $83,333 per month. Keep in mind that these figures are usually taken before tax deductions.
It’s important to note that your take-home pay may be significantly less after income tax and other deductions such as social security and contributions to retirement accounts. Managing your spending habits wisely can help you maintain a comfortable lifestyle and build a healthy bank account in the long run.
Is Getting 6 Figures Annually A Good Salary?
Earning a six-figure income yearly is nothing to sneeze at. Anyone who has a gross income of over $100,000 yearly will definitely have a much elevated social status and significantly bigger purchasing power compared to those in the five-figure income bracket.
A 5 figure income bracket means earning $99,999 and below yearly or below $8,333 monthly.
People who earn 6 figures yearly (regardless of whether they’re entrepreneurs, business owners, or employees at a company) are seen to have at least made it in life – because this amount allows you to afford more luxurious holidays, trips, bags, and a house in the more expensive areas of town. Their kids will be able to attend private schools or more expensive schools. They’ll be able to indulge in costlier activities such as private lessons (as opposed to group lessons) for horseback riding, violin playing, and so on.
However, it also largely depends on the city you’re staying in. A $100,000 may give you a really good life in smaller towns, but in places such as New York City, where the cost of living is significantly higher, you’d need double the amount to maintain the same lifestyle.
Cities like San Francisco and New York are known for their high cost of living, which means even a high salary might not stretch as far as it would elsewhere. Understanding these regional differences is crucial when setting your financial goals and planning your monthly income needs. If you want to learn more about managing expenses in expensive cities, check out this blog on budgeting in high cost of living areas.
If you want to learn more about managing expenses in expensive cities, check out this blog on budgeting in high cost of living areas.
How Do You Make 6 Figures Yearly?
If you’re currently working a 9-5 that brings you less than 6 figures in total gross income yearly, adding a $2,000 to $4,000 side hustle may just be what you need to join the six-figure earners group. It will allow you to pay off your debts and afford small luxuries such as more holiday trips and a mini home makeover.
Side gigs will require you to sacrifice some time from your weekend and after-work hours on weekdays, but they can be pretty lucrative if you get the right clients and are good at what you do. Check out this link to find out more about work-from-home jobs you can do to make some extra moolah on the side.
Examples include copywriting, blogging, website designing, funnel building, and even virtual assisting jobs such as Facebook group management, sorting emails, and responding to social media comments. Businesses are ready to pay between $25 and $75 per hour and will require you to work 20 to 30 hours weekly on a part-time basis.
Developing new skills such as digital marketing, coding, or project management can open doors to higher incomes and better life opportunities. For example, software developers with a computer science degree or a related field often command high-paying jobs with higher salaries than many traditional roles.
If you’re interested in exploring side hustles that complement your full-time job, this blog on side hustles for busy professionals offers practical ideas and tips.
Employees working in a professional capacity usually have an income that surpasses $100,000 yearly – details in the section below.
Six-Figure Jobs That Need A College Degree
These professions, more often than not, provide an annual income between $150,000 to $300,000, depending on the role and position you hold in the company. Here are some examples of six-figure jobs that will require you to have a college degree.\
Many of these roles require higher education and often lead to leadership roles that play a crucial role in company success and personal financial stability. If you want to explore how to transition into these careers, check out this blog on switching careers for higher income.
| Career | Degree Required | Average Annual Salary |
| Financial Manager | Bachelor’s Degree | $100,178 |
| Aeronautical Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | $102,520 |
| Electronics Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | $103,593 |
| Sales Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | $106,147 |
| Software Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | $114,644 |
| Architect | Bachelor’s Degree | $110,776 |
| Actuary | Bachelor’s Degree | $115,082 |
| Chief Operating Officers | Bachelor’s Degree | $119,979 |
| Senior Research Scientist | Master’s Degree | $133,001 |
| Chief Technology Officer | Bachelor’s Degree | $152,132 |
| Lawyers | Doctorate | $141,890 |
| Pharmacists | Bachelor’s Degree | $121,710 |
| Dentists | Bachelor’s Degree | $180,010 |
| Physicians and Surgeons | Bachelor’s Degree | $214,700 |
Six-Figure Jobs That Do Not Require A College Degree
If you don’t have a degree or have one but are not earning enough with it, fret not! Here are some jobs that do not require a degree to get you into the 6 figure income bracket.
Some high-paying jobs like commercial pilots, airline pilots, and air traffic controllers require specialized training but not necessarily a traditional college degree. Similarly, real estate agents with strong sales skills can achieve high income and build substantial net worth over time.
For more on non-degree career options that pay well, see this blog on jobs without a degree.
| Career | Income Potential |
| Business Owner | $100,000 to 7 figures |
| Real Estate Broker | $46,000 to $112,410 |
| Blogger | $30,000 to $180,000 |
| Writer | $30,000 to $125,880 |
| Commercial Pilots | $ 75,000 to $200,920 |
| Film or Video Editor | $60,000 to $152,720 |
| YouTuber | $0 to several millions |
| Social Media Manager | up to $121,710 |
| Coach/Consultant | up to $500,00 |
| Web Developer/Funnel builder | $30,000 to $110,000 |
The Percentage of Americans That Make Over $100,000 Yearly
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, approximately 33% of American households earned over $100,000 annually in 2022 (no newer data released yet), while about 12% earned above $200,000. This increase reflects shifts in the job market, rising median incomes, and the impact of higher salaries in key industries across the United States. For more insights on income trends and achieving your financial goals, check out this blog on navigating the American job market.
In the United States, american households earning higher incomes often report better quality of life, but this can be offset by factors like student loan debt and high-interest credit card balances. Young people especially face challenges paying off student loans and managing student loan debt while striving for financial health.
How To Be Successful With A 6 Figure Salary
A six-figure income should give you a comfortable life, allow you to have fewer debts, and provide you with more financial security.
Not everyone can handle this amount of money well, however. Many are still riddled with debt and fraught with worries despite a lucrative income simply because they tend to live beyond their means and do not have the ability to save or invest wisely.
Managing money correctly does not come naturally to everyone. In fact, most people I know went through years of debt and stress before finally getting the hang of saving and managing their income wisely. I’d go so far as to say more than 50% of the people earning this amount of money are still struggling with financial issues – credit card debt, unpaid mortgages, and missed car loan payments. It is incredibly easy to go out and shop your worries away and allow yourself to feel rich and luxurious, but these moments of joy do not come without a price.
Planning your budget, living within your means, and avoiding spending on unnecessary wants will take you a long way. Proper investments or continuing to diversify your income streams, such as investing in property and doing digital marketing, will only grow this figure and catapult you into the seven-figure income bracket one day. It is indisputable that digital marketing can be one of the best sources of income if one can adapt to the learning curves and pick up much-needed skills along the way.
Beware of lifestyle creep, where increased monthly salary leads to increased spending rather than saving. Focusing on long-term financial stability by paying off student loans, avoiding high-interest credit card balances, and contributing to retirement accounts is key to sustaining your net worth.
If you want tips on managing your money and avoiding lifestyle creep, check out this blog on budgeting and saving.
Is Making 6 Figures Something To Be Proud Of?
Oh, yes. Making 6 figures has been the trademark of a successful financial life for years now. A lot of people can make it, but not many can hold on to it.
It is an achievement in its own right, and hence, you will hear many self-made business owners, entrepreneurs, digital marketers, and others offering to coach, consult, or create digital courses for you to buy because being a six-figure earner allows you to have the authority and proof that you know what it takes to bring you to this level of financial success.
How Much Are 7 Figures?
A 7 figure income means earning anything between $1,000,000 (a million) to $9,999,999 (a dollar short of $10 million). Basically, there are 7 digits inside these numbers, hence the name 7 figures or a 7-figure income.
Jobs That Pay 7 Figures A Year
Professions that have a high potential to let you earn one million or more yearly include being an investment banker, a partner in a huge law firm, a high-profile attorney handling high-profile cases, and a doctor having his own practice.
Being a professional sportsman, such as an NBA player, and representing the country or state in national or state competitions also pay extremely well. The average NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA salary ranges between $2.4 and $6.5 million per year.
Being a makeup artist to celebrities may get you into this pay bracket, too. This article also talks about ways to earn 7 figures a year.
Many high earners in this bracket have reached their status through a combination of hard work, strategic career moves, and sometimes a bit of luck. Reaching a seven-figure income usually requires taking on pivotal roles in your industry or excelling in leadership roles that influence company revenue and growth. If you want to learn more about climbing the ladder to a higher salary, check out this blog on career advancement strategies.
How Much Are 8 Figures?
An 8-figure salary is anything from $10,000,000 to $99,999,999 (a dollar short of $100 million). These figures contain 10 digits, hence the name 8 digits or 8-figure salary.
Jobs That Pay 8 Figures A Year
Business owners and entrepreneurs who have the ability to scale their businesses to over $10 million a year are 8 figure earners. Actors who are paid $10 million per movie are also 8-figure earners. The Rock, A.K.A. Dwayne Johnson, is paid between $10 million to $25 million per movie. You can refer here for the breakdown.
Entrepreneurs who successfully scale their companies often achieve high income by leveraging multiple income streams and smart investments. In the United States, many business administration professionals aspire to reach this level by combining hard work with strategic business growth. For insights on entrepreneurship and scaling your business, read this blog on building a scalable business.
How Much Are 9 Figures?
A nine-figure salary is when you earn between $100,000,000 (note that there are nine digits inside this number) and $999,999,999 in gross annual income.
Jobs That Pay 9 Figures A Year
Entrepreneur Russell Brunson is worth over $50 million, but his company Clickfunnels made over $300 million in sales last year despite strong market competition. That’s an average of $25 million dollars in revenue every month.
At this income level, individuals often have significant net worth and influence in their industries. Maintaining financial health at this scale involves expert management of assets, taxes, and investments. If you want to learn about managing wealth at high income levels, check out this blog on wealth management.
How Much Are 10 Figures?
Earning 10 figures means anything between $1,000,000,000 to $9,999,999,999 yearly, which is between 1 billion to nearly 10 billion. This brings you into the billionaire category.
For example, Elon Musk’s estimated earnings in 2024 are around $4 billion, primarily from his stakes in Tesla, SpaceX, and other ventures, whereas Oprah Winfrey’s net worth is around $3 billion underscoring decades of diversified income streams through smart investments.
Reaching a billion-dollar income is rare and typically reserved for founders of major corporations, top professional athletes, or global celebrities. This level of income tax and wealth management requires a team of financial advisors and legal experts.
How Much Are 11 Figures?
Earning 11 figures a year will also place you in the billionaire category – however, you will be making anywhere between $10,000,000,000 to $99,999,999,999.
Many businessmen, actors, and athletes make it into this category.
How Much Are 12 Figures?
Some of the richest people in the world fall into this category. They earn between $100,000,000,000 ($100 billion) to $999,999,999,999 (nearly $1 trillion) annually.
Examples include Elon Musk, whose net worth is approximately $230 billion, Jeff Bezos, around $150 billion, and Mark Zuckerberg, about $120 billion in 2024.
These individuals have not only amassed incredible net worth but also have a massive impact on global markets and economies. For a deeper dive into how high earners manage and grow their wealth, see this blog on billionaire financial habits.
Final Thoughts on Getting A 6 Figure Income Yearly
A six-figure income is completely possible. However, maintaining it may be a challenge because the good life can go to your head, and you’ll end up spending more than what’s necessary.
Manage your time and find a side gig you’re comfortable doing, such as designing, writing, or blogging. It may take time, but it’ll bring you there. Within months of learning this skill, I started making consistent $5k months as a funnel designer and eventually made enough to leave my high-paying job as a pharmacist.
The course is currently closed, but you can jump on the waitlist here -we’ll be opening the doors soon! Not sure if digital marketing is for you? Read about finding your niche here.
Remember, achieving a six-figure salary or beyond is a combination of hard work, continuous learning, and smart financial decisions. Avoiding lifestyle creep and focusing on your financial goals will help you retain your financial stability and build a prosperous future. For more on digital marketing and career growth, explore this blog on finding your niche in digital marketing.
