<P> The American middle class ( and its subdivisions ) is not a strictly defined concept across disciplines , as economists and sociologists do not agree on defining the term . In academic models , the term `` upper middle class '' applies to highly - educated , salaried professionals whose work is largely self - directed . Many have postgraduate degrees , with educational attainment serving as the main distinguishing feature of this class . Household incomes commonly may exceed $100,000 , with some smaller one - income earners earning incomes in the high five figures . Typical professions for this class include lawyers , physicians , psychologists , certified public accountants , pharmacists , optometrists , stockbrokers , editors , dentists , engineers , professors , architects , school principals , urban planners , civil service executives , and civilian contractors . </P>
<P> The American middle class ( and its subdivisions ) is not a strictly defined concept across disciplines , as economists and sociologists do not agree on defining the term . In academic models , the term `` upper middle class '' applies to highly - educated , salaried professionals whose work is largely self - directed . Many have postgraduate degrees , with educational attainment serving as the main distinguishing feature of this class . Household incomes commonly may exceed $100,000 , with some smaller one - income earners earning incomes in the high five figures . Typical professions for this class include lawyers , physicians , psychologists , certified public accountants , pharmacists , optometrists , stockbrokers , editors , dentists , engineers , professors , architects , school principals , urban planners , civil service executives , and civilian contractors . </P>
how much money to be upper middle class
how much money to be upper middle class
incomes commonly may exceed $100,000
incomes commonly may exceed $100,000