Top 1% Income in United States (2026)
To be in the top 1% of earners in United States, you need approximately $750,000 gross per year.
Key estimate: top 1% threshold ≈ $750,000 gross/yr vs an estimated median of $60,000.
Main caveat: thresholds are modeled national estimates — high-cost cities shift both what ranks highly and how far the salary goes.
United States income thresholds (estimated)
| Income level | Gross salary / yr (est.) |
|---|---|
| Median salary | $60,000 |
| Top 10% threshold | $150,000 |
| Top 5% threshold | $250,000 |
| Top 1% threshold | $750,000 |
Directional estimates modeled from IRS SOI / Census 2025 — not official microdata. Thresholds vary by year and source.
How United States taxes top earners
US federal top rate 37%. New York City residents pay federal, NY state, and NYC income tax.
Other income tiers in United States
FAQ
What salary is top 1% in United States?
To be in the top 1% of earners in United States, you need approximately $750,000 gross per year. This is a directional estimate modeled from IRS SOI / Census 2025, not official microdata.
What is the median salary in United States?
The estimated median salary in United States is $60,000. Your city-adjusted lifestyle rank can differ from your national rank because local costs vary.
Source: IRS SOI / Census 2025. Modeled estimate. Use this for general guidance, not as professional tax or legal advice. Last updated: July 2026.