How Much Is a Good Salary?
A good salary generally means earning above the U.S. median of ~$62,400 a year.
For most single earners, $70K–$90K is comfortable; $100K+ is strong in nearly every city.
"How much is a good salary?" is one of the most common money questions — and the honest answer is "it depends." A salary that feels generous to a single renter in Memphis might barely cover the basics for a family of four in San Francisco. Still, there are clear benchmarks you can use to judge any number. This guide walks through the four that matter most: the national median, a living wage, your local cost of living, and your household size.
To turn any offer into per-hour, per-month, and after-tax figures, use the full salary converter or look up a specific number on the browse all conversions page.
Benchmark 1: The National Median
The U.S. median household income is roughly $62,400 a year, or about $30 per hour. Earning above the median is the simplest definition of a "good" salary because it means you out-earn at least half of working households. By that measure, common milestones look like this:
| Annual Salary | Per Hour | vs. Median |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $24.04 | Below |
| $62,400 | $30.00 | Median |
| $80,000 | $38.46 | +28% |
| $100,000 | $48.08 | +60% |
Dig into specific figures with our guides on whether $80K is a good salary and whether $100K is a good salary, or convert a rate with our $30/hour to salary page.
Benchmark 2: Location and Family Size
National numbers only get you halfway. The same paycheck delivers a very different lifestyle depending on where you spend it. A salary that is comfortable nationally needs to be larger in a high-cost metro like San Francisco and can be smaller in a lower-cost city like Houston. Apply your local cost-of-living adjustment before deciding whether an offer is good.
Household size matters just as much. A "good" salary for a single person may only be adequate for a family of four supporting childcare, a larger home, and health costs. Read our explainer on cost of living adjustments to see how to scale any salary to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is considered a good salary in the U.S.?
A salary above the U.S. median household income of about $62,400 is generally considered good. For a single person, $70,000–$90,000 is comfortable in most cities, while $100,000 or more is a strong income almost everywhere. The right benchmark depends on your location and household size.
What is a good salary for a single person?
For a single person, a good salary is typically anything above the local median wage that comfortably covers rent, expenses, and savings. In most U.S. cities that means roughly $60,000–$80,000; in expensive metros, closer to $100,000.
Is the median salary the same as a good salary?
Not quite. The median is the midpoint — half of workers earn more and half earn less. A 'good' salary usually means earning above the median for your area, with enough left after essentials to save and spend on goals.
How do I know if my salary is good for my city?
Adjust the national figures by your local cost-of-living index. A $75,000 salary that is comfortable nationally needs to be higher in San Francisco or New York and can be lower in Houston or San Antonio to deliver the same standard of living.