A six-figure salary is a dream for many workers across the U.S., a symbol of the success and prosperity that can come with hard work. "I always thought making $100,000 was significant," says Claire, 27. "And when I reached it, that felt like a really, really big deal." But the reality has been, let's say, a bit different, according to Claire and five other millennials in her cohort, the high-earning but not rich yet (or HENRY) class of Americans that Fortune first identified in 2003. Just because you make six digits doesn't mean you don't feel a squeeze.
Breaking the $100,000 mark puts you well above the median U.S. household income, but as the cost of living creeps higher and higher, even high earners are finding it more difficult to reach their financial goals. In fact, a recent survey found 34% of households making at least $100,000 per year are spending as much as they earn. There isn't as much breathing room as some hoped.
