Making a six-figure income is the dream of many people. It sounds like a lot of money, and it is! But what does that really mean? How much is 6 figures, and how do you go about making that kind of money? Is it even possible for the average person? This post will explore what it takes to make a six-figure income. We will look at the pros and cons, and we will discuss how you can achieve this goal in your own life!
There is no doubt that making a six-figure income is a great accomplishment. It means that you are earning more than the average person, and it can provide you with a lot of financial stability. However, there are also some downsides to making this much money.
For one thing, it can be very stressful! If you are not used to managing a large income, it can be difficult to budget and save money. Additionally, you may find yourself working long hours and sacrificing your personal life to maintain your income.
Tell Me the Meaning of Figures as it Relates to Money
The word “figure” usually refers to the amount of money made in a year or an annual salary. For example, if someone says they make six figures, that means they make between $100,000 and $999,999 in a year. If someone says they make a seven-figure salary, that means they make $1 million or more in a year.
The word “figure” can be used to describe the amount of debt someone has. For example, if someone has a lot of debt, they might say they have “six figures” worth of debt. This means they owe between $100,000 and $999,999. If someone owes $1 million or more, they would say they have “seven figures” worth of debt.
Finally, the word “figure” can refer to someone's net worth or the value of their assets. For example, if someone has a lot of assets, they might say they have a net worth of “six figures.” This means they have between $100,000 and $999,999 in assets. If someone has assets totaling $1 million or more, they would say they have a net worth of “seven figures.”
How Much is 6 Figures
When people talk about six figures, they refer to an amount of money that falls between $100,000 and $999,999. This is considered a good amount of money to make annually, as it puts you well above the average income.
However, it is important to remember that this is not a set salary. Some people who make six figures may only bring in $120,000 annually, while others may bring in $900,000. The key is to consistently make more than $100,000 per year. This can be accomplished through a high-paying job, investment income, or a combination of both.
While six figures may not make you rich, it can provide you with a comfortable lifestyle and a good financial foundation.
How Common is a Six-Figure Salary?
There's no denying that a six-figure salary is a significant amount of money. But just how common is it? According to the latest data from IBIS World, 34.4% of households in the United States earn more than $100,000 per year, and nearly 6.68% of households earn over $200,000 per year.
That means that just over one-third of American households bring in a six-figure income. That's up from 29.3% in 2000. Given the current state of the economy, it's not surprising that this number has been on the rise in recent years.
After all, many families have two wage-earners these days, and more people are working longer hours. But it's still noteworthy that nearly one-third of American households make six-figure salaries. That's a pretty impressive feat, especially when you consider the fact that the median household income is $87,864.
How to Earn a Six-Figure Salary
While there are no guarantees when it comes to earning a six-figure salary, there are certainly some steps you can take to increase your chances of reaching this financial goal.
1. Get a college degree in a high-paying field.
One of the most important things you can do is to get a college degree in a high-paying field. While there are many important factors to consider when choosing a college and major, focusing on fields that offer high salaries is a good place to start. Some examples of high-paying majors include engineering, computer science, and business. With the right education and a little hard work, you can position yourself for a six-figure salary.
2. Start your own business and become a successful entrepreneur.
There are several ways to earn a six-figure salary, but one of the most reliable methods is to start your own business. Of course, not every business is equally likely to succeed, but if you choose an industry with good potential and put in the hard work required to build a successful enterprise, you can achieve your financial goals.
Real estate is one sector with particularly strong earning potential. By investing in property and renting it out, or flipping houses, you can generate a healthy return on investment. With careful planning and execution, it is possible to create a six-figure income through real estate investing.
If you have the drive and determination to achieve financial success, starting your own business may be the best way to make your dream a reality.
3. Negotiate a higher salary with your current employer
Negotiating a six-figure annual income may seem daunting, but it is possible to earn a high salary if you are willing to put in the hard work. The first step is to do your research and find out what the average salary is for your position and region. Once you have a good understanding of what you should be earning, you can start to negotiate with your boss.
It is important to be confident when asking for a raise and to have a solid justification for why you deserve more money. If your employer is unwilling to meet your demands, then you may need to look for a new job that pays what you are worth. However, with some perseverance and determination, earning a six-figure annual income is definitely possible.
4. Invest money wisely and watch it grow over time.
For most people, earning six-figures is the ultimate financial goal. And while it may seem like a tall order, it is actually achievable if you take the right steps. One of the key things to remember is that you need to invest your money wisely. That means putting it into assets that will grow in value over time, such as stocks, real estate or mutual funds.
It also means avoiding debts, which can affect your savings and prevent you from reaching your goal. Another important tip is to start saving early. The sooner you begin putting money away, the longer it has to grow. Compound interest can make a big difference over the course of several decades.
Finally, remember that it takes discipline and perseverance to reach any financial goal. If you're committed to earning a six-figure salary, you'll find a way to make it happen.
5. Choose a career that offers the potential to earn a high salary.
There are many six-figure jobs out there, but some of the most common include:
- lawyers
- doctors
- investment bankers
- software developers
- hedge fund managers
- CEOs.
While it's certainly possible to earn a six-figure salary without working in one of these fields, it's much more likely if you choose a career path that offers high potential earnings. So if you're serious about making big money, start by evaluating your career options and choosing one that has the potential to pay off in a big way.
6. Learn new skills that will make you more valuable to employers.
If you want to earn a six-figure salary, you'll need to make yourself more valuable to employers. One way to do this is by learning new skills to help you stand out from the competition.
For example, if you're in the marketing field, learning how to use data analytics can make you more attractive to potential employers. Or, if you're in sales, gaining experience with CRM software can help you close more deals and earn a higher commission.
By continuously learning new skills and keeping up with the latest industry trends, you can position yourself as an indispensable asset to any organization – and command a six-figure salary in return.
Professions Earning Six Figures
Many different professions earn six figures. Some of these require a lot of training and experience, while others may be less demanding. Here is a list of some professions that earn six figures:
1. Physician Assistants
- Annual mean wage: $104,760
- Typical education needed: Master's degree
A physician assistant is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a licensed physician. Physician assistants provide various services, including taking medical histories, conducting physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications. There are currently 109,220 physician assistants in the U.S., and the field is projected to grow 37.7% by 2026. To become a physician assistant, you will need a master's degree from an accredited PA program.
2. Dentists
- Annual mean wage: $180,010
- Education needed: Doctoral or professional degree
Dentists are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat problems with patients' teeth and gums. They may also provide preventive care, such as cleaning teeth and teaching patients how to brush and floss properly. There are currently 125,300 dentists in the U.S., and the field is projected to grow 19.1% by 2026. To become a dentist, you will need a doctoral or professional degree from an accredited dental school.
3. Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Annual mean wage: $149,730
- Typical education needed: Bachelor's degree
Computer and information systems managers are responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing an organization's computer-related activities. They may oversee the development of computer hardware and software, as well as network systems. There are currently 365,690 computer and information systems managers in the U.S., and the field is projected to grow 12.0% by 2026. To become a computer and information systems manager, you will need a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or a related field.
4. Sales Managers
- Annual mean wage: $127,490
- Typical education needed: Bachelor's degree
Sales managers are responsible for leading and motivating a sales team to achieve sales goals. They may also be responsible for developing sales strategies, setting quotas, and analyzing data. There are currently 453,800 sales managers in the U.S., and the field is projected to grow 7.0% by 2026. To become a sales manager, you will need a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field.
5. Marketing Managers
- Annual mean wage: $140,600
- Typical education needed: Bachelor's degree
Marketing managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing plans. They may also be responsible for managing a team of marketing professionals, conducting market research, and overseeing advertising and promotional campaigns. There are currently 590,380 marketing managers in the U.S., and the field is projected to grow 8.4% by 2026. To become a marketing manager, you will need a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field.
6. Financial Managers
- Annual mean wage: $143,530
- Typical education needed: Bachelor's degree
Financial managers are responsible for the financial health of an organization. They may develop financial plans, monitor cash flow, and prepare financial reports. There are currently 569,380 financial managers in the U.S., and the field is projected to grow 18.7% by 2026. To become a financial manager, you will need a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field.
7. Human Resources Managers
- Annual mean wage: $123,510
- Typical education needed: Bachelor's degree
Human resources managers lead and coordinate an organization's human resources department. They may develop policies, oversee employee relations, and manage payroll and benefits. There are currently 136,310 human resources managers in the U.S., and the field is projected to grow 9.1.0% by 2026. To become a human resources manager, you will need a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field.
8. Pharmacists
- Annual mean wage: $121,710
- Typical education needed: Doctoral or professional degree.
Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who dispense medication and advise patients on the proper use of prescription drugs. They may also provide immunizations and health screenings. There are currently 309,330 pharmacists in the U.S., and the field is projected to grow 5.6.0% by 2026. To become a pharmacist, you will need a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy school.
9. Software Developers and Programmers
- Annual mean wage: $102,470
- Typical education needed: Bachelor's degree
Software developers and programmers create and test code that enables computer applications and software programs to function. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing software solutions. There are currently 1,617,400 software developers and programmers in the U.S., and the field is projected to grow 17.8% by 2026. To become a software developer or programmer, you will need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.
10. General and Operations Managers
- Annual mean wage: $123,460
- Typical education needed: Bachelor's degree
General and operations managers are responsible for leading and coordinating the work of other managers. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures. There are currently 2,212,200 general and operations managers in the U.S., and the field is projected to grow 9.1.0% by 2026. To become a general or operations manager, you will need a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field.
11. Ethical Hacker
- Annual mean wage: $105,765
- Typical education needed: Bachelor's degree
Ethical hackers are information security experts who use their skills to find and fix security vulnerabilities. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing security policies. There are currently 1.7 million cyber security experts in the U.S., and the field is projected to grow rapidly. To become an ethical hacker, you will need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.
Other professions earning a six-figure salary include:
- Actuary – $108,350
- Project Management Specialists – $135,220
- Medical and Health Services Manager – $100,980
- Nurse Practitioners – $117,670
- Architecture and Engineering Manager – $144,830
- Petroleum Engineers -$137,330
- Airline and Commercial Pilot – $121,430
- Aerospace Engineers -$118,610
- Big Data Engineer – $118,965
- Nuclear Engineers – $116,140
- Economics Professor – $104,370
- Computer Hardware Engineers – $119,000
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager – $103,320
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers -$103,390
- Surgeon – $252,040
- Chemical Engineers – $108,540
- Anesthesiologist – $261,730
- Computer and Information Research Scientists – $126,830
Bridging the Income Gap to Six Figures with Side Hustles
According to a recent study, nearly half of American workers live paycheck to paycheck. This means that they are one unexpected expense away from financial disaster. For many people, the only way to make ends meet is to take on a second job, or what is commonly known as a side hustle.
While having a side hustle can be a great way to boost your income, it can also be a lot of work. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your side hustle and bridge the income gap to a six-figure salary:
- First, finding a side hustle that matches your skills and interests is important. This will make it more enjoyable and less of a chore.
- Second, don't be afraid to start small. You can always scale up your side hustle as you get more comfortable with it.
- Finally, remember to set realistic goals. Don't try to bite off more than you can chew. By setting realistic goals, you will be more likely to achieve them and see success with your side hustle.
There are many different types of side hustles that you can pursue, depending on your interests and skillset. If you enjoy writing, you could start a blog and sell advertising space or write sponsored content.
Or, if you have a knack for design, you could start your own freelance graphic design business. If you're looking for a more hands-on side hustle, you could become a pet-sitter or dog-walker. And, if you love to take pictures, you could sell feet pics or become a photographer. The possibilities are endless!
Is a Six-Figure Salary Good
A six-figure salary may seem like a lot of money, but it's not necessarily good or bad. It all depends on your individual circumstances. If you live in an expensive city and have a family to support, a six-figure salary may not be enough to cover your living costs.
On the other hand, if you live in a more affordable area and have few financial obligations, a six-figure salary could provide you with a comfortable lifestyle. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether or not a six-figure salary is good for you. Just remember that there's no right or wrong answer – it all comes down to your own personal situation.
Is a Six-Figure Salary Worth It
Are six figures worth it? It depends. A six-figure salary can buy many things: a big house, a fast car, and a luxurious lifestyle. But it doesn't always buy happiness. In fact, six-figure jobs can be very stressful. They often come with long hours, demanding bosses, and high expectations.
So if you're considering a six-figure job, ask yourself if you're really up for the challenge. But if you are, know that the rewards can be great. Six figures can provide you with financial security and a sense of accomplishment. So ultimately, the decision is yours to make.
What Are Seven and Eight-Figure Salaries?
Most people know that a six-figure salary pays between $100,000 and $999,999 yearly. But what about salaries that are seven or eight figures?
A seven-figure salary pays between $1 million and $9,999,999 per year, while an eight-figure salary pays $10 million or more per year.
While salaries of this magnitude are relatively rare, they do exist in certain professions, such as investment banking, venture capital, and private equity. In general, a seven-figure income and an eight-figure salary are reserved for executives and other high-level employees who have a significant impact on their company's bottom line. For most people, though, a six-figure salary is more than enough to live a comfortable lifestyle.
Who Earns a Seven or Eight-Figure Salary
Many famous people earn eye-popping salaries. While the average person might struggle to comprehend how someone could possibly need or spend that much money, for the ultra-wealthy, it's simply a matter of math. For them, earning a seven or eight-figure salary is simply a matter of supply and demand.
Consider someone like George Clooney. He's been one of Hollywood's most bankable stars for over two decades. Not only is he a highly sought-after actor, but he's also an accomplished director, producer, and screenwriter. Given his impressive resume and a long list of credits, it's no wonder he commands such a high salary.
Then there are professional athletes like LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo, who bring in eight figures per year in salary and endorsements. In their cases, it's simply a matter of being the best in the world at what they do. When you consider the vast amounts of money that are generated by professional sports, it's not surprising that the top athletes can earn such staggering salaries.
Finally, there are business titans like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos, who earn billions of dollars per year. In their cases, it's simply a matter of being at the helm of some of the most successful companies in the world.
Famous People Who Earn Seven or Eight Figures or More
- Kylie Jenner – $590 million
- Kanye West – $170 million
- Roger Federer – $106.3 million
- Cristiano Ronaldo – $105 million
- Lionel Messi – $104 million
- Tyler Perry – $97 million
- Neymar – $95.5 million
- Howard Stern – $90 million
- Lebron James – $88.2 million
- Dwayne Johnson – $87.5 million
Final Thoughts
So is a six-figure salary really all it’s cracked up to be? The answer, as with most things in life, is complicated. It depends on your personal definition of success, the cost of living in your area, and how you spend your money.
But a six-figure income is definitely within reach if you want to make more money and are willing to work for it. Check out our tips for making more money and see where you can start increasing your earnings today. How much do you think it takes to make a six-figure income?