Is 120000 per year a good salary?

Asked by: Keira Hauck  |  Last update: June 12, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (28 votes)

Is $120,000 a good salary for a single person? Generally speaking, yes. It's more than what a typical American worker earns and, depending on where you live, can provide you with a comfortable life. But even with a six-figure salary, you may want to consider ways to maximize your money.

Can you live comfortably on 120K a year?

Get started. In most parts of the country, a $120,000 annual salary can afford you a very comfortable, and even luxurious home. But mortgage rates are high, which hampers your buying power. So consider whether now is the right time to buy a house, based on your current life and financial circumstances.

How much house can I afford if I make $120000 a year?

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. With a $120,000 annual salary, you could potentially afford a house priced between $450,000 and $500,000, depending on your financial situation, credit score, and current market conditions.

Is $120,000 a high salary?

We've identified 10 cities where the typical salary for a 120K job is above the national average. Topping the list is Green River, WY, with San Mateo, CA and San Francisco, CA close behind in the second and third positions.

Am I rich if I make 120k a year?

In the United States, the median household income is about $67,500. This means that 120k a year is well above the average. In fact, it is in the top 20% of earners. This means that you would be able to afford a comfortable lifestyle, including a nice home, a new car, and plenty of discretionary spending money.

What Is Considered a “Good Income”?

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Is 120k considered middle class?

The Pew Research Center defines the middle class as households that earn between two-thirds and double the median U.S. household income, which was $80,610 in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 22 Using Pew's yardstick, middle income is made up of people who make between $43,350 and $130,000.

Can I afford a 500K house if I make 100k a year?

That monthly payment comes to $36,000 annually. Applying the 28/36 rule, which states that you shouldn't spend more than around a third of your income on housing, multiply $36,000 by three and you get $108,000. So to afford a $500K house you'd have to make at least $108,000 per year.

How much money an hour is 120k a year?

If you make $120,000 per year, your hourly salary would be $57.69. This result is obtained by multiplying your base salary by the amount of hours, week, and months you work in a year, assuming you work 40 hours a week. How much tax do I pay if I make $120,000 per year?

What is a good salary?

A good salary is one that enables you to comfortably support your desired lifestyle. Often, to determine the monetary value of a good salary, you need to consider a few additional factors, such as where you live, the number of people you're supporting, or your industry.

How common is a 6 figure salary?

It may surprise you to know that making 6 figures is hardly the norm in the US—even on the lower end of the range. According to the US Census, about 16% of American households make between $100,000 and $149,999, 9% of households make between $150,000 and $199,999, and another 12% earn $200,000 or more.

How rare is a 100K salary?

A $100,000 salary is considered good in most parts of the country, and can cover typical expenses, pay down debt, build savings, and allow for entertainment and hobbies. According to the U.S. Census, only 15.3% of American households make more than $100,000 annually.

Can I retire on 120K a year?

Let's say you consider yourself the typical retiree. Between you and your spouse, you currently have an annual income of $120,000. Based on the 80% principle, you can expect to need about $96,000 in annual income after you retire, which is $8,000 per month.

How much should my rent be if I make 120K a year?

To calculate, simply divide your annual gross income by 40 - if you make $120,000 a year, you can spend $3,000 on rent. An equivalent is the 30% rule, meaning that you can put 30% of your annual gross income in rent. If you make $90,000 a year, you can spend $27,000 on rent, and so your monthly rent will be $2,250.

Is 100k a year good for a single person?

Generally speaking, $100,000 is a good six-figure salary for a single person. Before taxes, $100,00 works out to roughly $8,333 per month. Whether that's enough for you depends largely on where you live. Savings, property ownership, and discretionary funds may be achievable in an area with a low cost of living.

Is 120K a good salary for a single person?

Is $120,000 a good salary for a single person? Generally speaking, yes. It's more than what a typical American worker earns and, depending on where you live, can provide you with a comfortable life. But even with a six-figure salary, you may want to consider ways to maximize your money.

How much is $120 000 a year per month?

$120,000 yearly is how much per month? If you make $120,000 per year, your Monthly salary would be $10,000.

What is $50 an hour annually?

If you make $50 an hour, your yearly salary would be $104,000.

How much should I spend on a house if I make 120k?

If your annual income is $120,000, you should be able to afford a house between $373,000 and $633,000. Why the sizeable difference? Because lenders look at more than just your income when approving you for a mortgage.

What is the 28/36 rule?

According to the 28/36 rule, you should spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing and no more than 36% on all debts. Housing costs can include: Your monthly mortgage payment. Homeowners Insurance. Private mortgage insurance.

Can a family of four live on 100K a year?

If you're raising a family of four in 2024, you'll need a six-figure income in 26 U.S. states. That's more than half of America where you'll need to earn $100,000 or more annually to budget for and comfortably raise a family.

What percent of us makes over 120k?

Yeah, in the US probably around 15% of people make 120k+. The part that a lot of people miss is that a significant percentage of that 15% are not college graduates, or work in a field/job unrelated to their degree.

What class are you in if you make 120k a year?

Middle-income households – those with an income that is two-thirds to double the U.S. median household income – had incomes ranging from about $56,600 to $169,800 in 2022. Lower-income households had incomes less than $56,600, and upper-income households had incomes greater than $169,800.

What salary is upper-middle class?

The Minimum Salary To Be Upper-Middle Class

To be part of the top 20% of the middle class, you need to earn $106,092 and $149,160, — depending on your geographic location — according to a recent study by GOBankingRates.