When we hear $100K, it might not mean what it used to. A social media post by an Indian-origin man has led to wider discussion about whether a six-figure salary still carries the same weight. The phrase “$100K salary” might sound impressive at first. But his post has challenged that assumption.
On November 2, Milan Singh shared a breakdown on Threads (@milansinghhh) explaining why he believes a $100,000 salary in 2025 isn’t the milestone it once was.
What does the post explain?
“Stop pretending $100K is a big deal, it’s just not anymore,” he wrote. Singh says the number looks big on paper but does not go far in today’s economy.
According to Singh, $100,000 in 2025 is roughly equal to earning $54,000 in the year 2000. And on the flip side, a $100,000 salary in 2000 would be worth about $187,000 today.
“$100,000 in 2025 is only worth about $54,000 in 2000 because of inflation,” Singh said.
He points to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). “In 2000, the CPI was about 172, and in 2025, it’s around 317. When you adjust $100,000 from 2025 using those numbers, you find that it has the same buying power as roughly $54,000 in 2000. In other words, the dollar has lost almost half its value over the last 25 years.”
Even though a six-figure salary may seem above average, Singh says the reality is very different when you consider rent, taxes, childcare, groceries, debt, and other daily expenses.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that median earnings for full-time workers are around $62,192 a year, Singh believes many people earning much more than that still feel financial pressure.
“$100K varies significantly depending on location, cost of living, taxes, and individual financial obligations (like debt or family size). Many people in this income bracket also have to save and spend mindfully, budget rigorously, and invest their way to financial freedom,” he told NewsWeek.
Singh stresses that $100,000 is still a helpful base for “building financial freedom,” but it should not be seen as an ultimate dream number anymore.
‘You really need to do a reality check’
Netizens also responded to him on Threads. A user noted, “Its worth less than it was back then sure, but I know tons of people living on 50-60k, they’d take that 100k in a heartbeat lol.”
Another added, “Last year was the first year I made the elusive “six figures”. Now that I’m here, it sure is being minimized. You should look up how many people are making much less than $100k. It’s the vast majority. If the $100k club is struggling, guess how it’s going for those living on a fraction of that.There are problems, absolutely. But stop shitting on people when they get their first big win or are still working towards it.”
“Better to factor in cost of living. $100k in NYC or San Francisco is a lot different than $100k in Mississippi,” added a user.
“Crazy because less than 20% of the population make that,” noted a netizen.
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