The upper middle class is a debated concept constituted by higher-status members of the middle class

. It is often defined by income, education, and occupation

. Indicators of belonging to the upper middle class:

• Income Income ranges vary based on location and cost of living. Some sources state that an upper-middle-class income in the U.S. ranges from $106,000 to $150,000

. To be in the top 20% of the middle class, you need to earn between $106,092 and $149,160

. Household incomes commonly exceed $100,000 (equivalent to $160,998 in 2024)

. An income between $94,001 and $153,000 may also be considered upper-middle class

• Education Many people in the upper middle class have postgraduate degrees, with educational attainment serving as a main distinguishing feature

• Occupation The American upper middle class consists mostly of white-collar professionals with above-average personal incomes and a high degree of autonomy in their work

. Typical professions include lawyers, physicians, military officers, psychologists, certified public accountants, pharmacists, optometrists, financial planners, dentists, engineers, scientists, professors, architects, urban planners, civil service executives, and civilian contractors

• Other Indicators The upper middle class tends to be influential, setting trends and largely shaping public opinion

. They are more secure from economic downturns than the statistical middle class because of their postgraduate degrees and comfortable incomes

. Upper-middle-class individuals can afford a comfortable home, drive newer vehicles, provide childcare, and take at least one family vacation each year without compromising on college savings or retirement funds