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Americans Pursue Six-Figure Incomes as 77% Report Financial Insecurity

Persistent inflation has pushed many Americans to seek incomes well above the national median to keep pace with rising living costs

Overview

  • A Bankrate survey finds 77% of adults do not feel completely financially secure in 2025, up from 75% in 2024 and 72% in 2023.
  • Nearly half of respondents say they need an annual income of at least $100,000 to feel financially secure or comfortable.
  • Twenty-six percent of adults put their security threshold at $150,000 or more, including segments that require incomes between $200,000 and $499,999 or over $500,000.
  • Gen Xers lead income expectations, with 35% saying they need at least $150,000 compared to 26% of millennials and 20% of Gen Z.
  • Over half of participants report needing to earn more than their current salaries to keep up with rising prices and lifestyle changes.