Here’s how much you need to make in salary alone to be part of the 1% in America, plus how much you need to make to be in the top 5% and top 10% of wage earners. But if you make six figures, there’s a chance you’re in the top 10% of wage earners in the U.S. — or even the top 5%. Being a top 1% income earner in the U.S. doesn’t necessarily make you part of the top 1% wage earners in your state.