US Income Percentile Calculator
See where your income ranks among Americans. This calculator uses the latest IRS and Census Bureau data to show your percentile ranking and compare your earnings to the national income distribution.
Demographics (Optional - for more accurate comparison)
Your Income Percentile
Percentile Rank:
0th
Income Higher Than:
0%
Income Status:
Enter income
Income Comparison
Median Income:
$0
Your Income vs Median:
0%
Top Earners:
0%
Income Distribution
Bottom 50%:
$0 - $0
Top 10%:
$0+
Your Bracket:
N/A
Understanding US Income Percentiles
Income percentiles show where your earnings rank compared to the entire US population. The 50th percentile represents the median income, meaning half of Americans earn more and half earn less.
How Income Percentiles Work
Percentile = (Rank ÷ Total) × 100
Where Rank is your position when incomes are ordered from lowest to highest
Key Percentiles:
- 50th Percentile: Median income
- 75th Percentile: Top 25% of earners
- 90th Percentile: Top 10% of earners
- 95th Percentile: Top 5% of earners
- 99th Percentile: Top 1% of earners
What They Mean:
- You earn more than X% of Americans
- Higher percentile = higher relative income
- Percentiles change with economic conditions
- Based on current income distribution
2024 US Income Percentiles
| Percentile | Individual Income | Household Income | Family Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $12,880 | $15,600 | $18,900 |
| 25th | $25,000 | $32,000 | $40,000 |
| 50th (Median) | $45,000 | $75,000 | $85,000 |
| 75th | $80,000 | $125,000 | $140,000 |
| 90th | $130,000 | $180,000 | $200,000 |
| 95th | $200,000 | $250,000 | $280,000 |
| 99th | $500,000+ | $500,000+ | $500,000+ |
Factors Affecting Income Distribution
Demographic Factors:
- Age (earnings peak in 40s-50s)
- Education level
- Work experience
- Occupation and industry
- Geographic location
Economic Factors:
- Economic growth and inflation
- Unemployment rates
- Industry shifts
- Technological changes
- Government policies
Income Inequality Trends
US Income Inequality Statistics
Wealth Concentration:
- Top 1% owns 30% of wealth
- Top 10% owns 70% of wealth
- Bottom 50% owns 2.5% of wealth
- Gini coefficient: 0.41 (moderate inequality)
Recent Trends:
- Inequality increased since 1980s
- Top earners gained most from growth
- Middle class incomes stagnated
- Technology and globalization factors
Using Percentile Information
Financial Planning:
- Set realistic financial goals
- Compare to appropriate peer groups
- Understand relative financial position
- Plan for retirement adequacy
Career Decisions:
- Evaluate job offers
- Consider career changes
- Negotiate salaries effectively
- Plan education investments
Limitations of Percentiles
Data Limitations:
- Based on reported income only
- Doesn't include unreported income
- Geographic cost differences ignored
- Household size variations
Context Missing:
- Living costs vary by location
- Taxes and benefits not considered
- Assets and debts excluded
- Lifestyle choices not factored
Key Takeaways for Income Percentiles
- Income percentiles show your relative position in the earnings distribution
- The median (50th percentile) represents typical American income
- Higher percentiles indicate higher relative earnings compared to the population
- Percentiles vary by income type (individual, household, family)
- Demographic factors like age, education, and location affect percentile rankings
- Use percentiles for context, not as the sole measure of financial success
- Consider cost of living and personal financial goals alongside percentile rankings
- Percentiles change over time with economic conditions and policy changes