How Much Is 6, 7, 8, And 9 Figures? [How To Earn 9 Figures?]
You've probably heard the terms "six-figure income" or "seven-figure wealth" thrown around. It's bandied about in casual conversations, sparking curiosity and sometimes even a touch of envy.
But what exactly does it mean when someone says they have a six, seven, eight, or even nine-figure fortune?
If you're scratching your head trying to figure out the math, you're not alone — often, these designations can seem more cryptic than clear!
To shed some light on the matter and demystify these terms, we aim to answer the burning question: how much is 6, 7, 8, and 9 figures?
In the following paragraphs, we will clarify each category's numerical representation in simple English words.
As we walk through each figure, bear in mind that these are just rough guides to give you a better understanding of our common financial language. So, let's get into it and unpack those figures!
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How Much Is 6, 7, 8, and 9 Figures?
Here's the breakdown if you wonder how much these "figures" represent.
When we say "6 figures", it refers to amounts from $100,000 to $999,999. These are sums that have six digits.
A step up from that is "7 figures", which includes $1,000,000 (1 million) to $9,999,999. Continuing this pattern, "8 figures" signifies any sum from $10 million to just under $100 million.
Impressively enough, when we leapfrog to a "9 figure" income or wealth level, we truly are talking about the big guns —anywhere from $100 million upwards until just below 1 billion dollars! Be cautious while imagining those piles of cash!
In the context of finance and income, the terms "6 figures", "7 figures", "8 figures", and "9 figures" are commonly used to denote the amounts of money. These terms typically refer to the number of digits before the decimal point in dollar amounts.
- A 6-figure amount ranges from $100,000 (one hundred thousand) to $999,999 (nine hundred ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred ninety-nine).
- A 7-figure amount ranges from $1,000,000 (one million) to $9,999,999 (nine million, nine hundred ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred ninety-nine).
- An 8-figure amount ranges from $10,000,000 (ten million) to $99,999,999 (ninety-nine million, nine hundred ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred ninety-nine).
- Finally, a 9-figure amount starts at $100,000,000 (one hundred million) and goes up to $999,999,999 (nine hundred ninety-nine million), albeit these are considered huge sums.
It's important to understand that these categories only refer to gross income or earnings; they do not consider taxes or expenses.
How Much Is 6 Figures In Money?
When we say something is six figures, the amount falls between $100,000 and $999,999. In other words, there are six digits in the number.
Six-figure incomes are often seen as a significant achievement and a marker of success. They fall into the upper-income bracket in many parts of the United States.
When you reach this income level, you likely have a solid foundation for building wealth and financial security — you could be well on your way to saving or investing for the long haul.
How Much Is 7 Figures In Money?
As with six figures, "7 figures" refers to an amount between $1,000,000 (1 million) and $9,999,999.
Those with seven-figure incomes or assets have crossed into genuine millionaire status. A seven-figure salary or wealth often implies a high-paying job or a successful business venture.
Alternatively, it could mean you've been particularly savvy with investments or inherited wealth. Compared to six-figure earners, seven-figure earners typically own more substantial assets — like real estate holdings or sizable investment portfolios.
How Much Is 8 Figures In Money?
The term "8 figures" signifies amounts ranging from $10 million to just under $100 million. An eight-figure salary is relatively uncommon but not unheard of — individuals tend to hold high-ranking roles in large corporations or be successful self-employed entrepreneurs who've sold companies for lucrative sums.
People in this bracket might also be prolific investors who've made astute choices over time. Due to its complexity, individuals at this level frequently hire professionals (accountants and financial advisors) to help manage their wealth.
How Much Is 9 Figures In Money?
You're in an elite economic class if you deal with nine figures (between $100 million and just under 1 billion).
This nine-figure income or asset pool usually consists of ultra-high-net-worth individuals — think CEOs of large multinational corporations, successful tech entrepreneurs who've taken their companies public through IPOs (Initial Public Offerings), or prominent celebrities with multiple revenue streams from endorsements and media engagements.
It's rare to come across someone with this level of wealth due simply to salary; instead, what's expected is skillful entrepreneurship coupled with intelligent investments over time.
Jobs That Pay 6 Figures Salary
If you aim to break into the six-figure income bracket, you might be curious about what career paths could get you there.
Many jobs demand years of education and specialization but invariably offer hefty paychecks that make the sweat and late nights worth it. Dig in to find out more about these lucrative jobs.
1. Pharmacist
Pharmacists hold an essential place in our healthcare system. They are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the right medicines, providing advice on dosage, keeping track of prescriptions, and watching out for potential reactions or interactions with other medications.
- Median annual wage: $129,410 (as per Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- Educational requirements: Doctorate in Pharmacy (Pharm.D).
- Necessary skills: Attention to detail, excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Growth outlooks: An aging population means increased demand for prescription medications and more opportunities for pharmacists.
2. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health treatment. They diagnose and treat mental illnesses using various methods ranging from psychological therapy to prescribing medication.
- Median annual salary: $220,380 (according to BLS data).
- Educational requirements: Medical degree along with residency training.
- Essential Skills: Good listening and analytical thinking capabilities.
- Market trends: Increasing awareness & importance given to mental health implies steady job growth in this sector.
3. Aerospace Engineer
These engineers design aircraft and spacecraft; their work involves considerable ingenuity and precision.
The future holds a high scope for those interested in exploring aerospace niches like drone technology or space exploration.
- Median annual salary: $122,270 (Bureau of Labor Statistics data).
- Educational requirements: Bachelor's degree or higher in aerospace engineering or a related field.
- Desirable abilities: Strong mathematical skills coupled with a knack for problem-solving.
Industry predictions show a gradual but steady increase in job opportunities due to advancements in aerospace technology.
4. Data Scientist
Data scientists are the gatekeepers of business information—organizing vast amounts of data into comprehensible systems that help organizations make informed strategic decisions.
- Median income is approximately $120,000-$125,000 annually (as per BLS).
- Educational requirements typically include a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a quantitative field such as statistics or computer science.
- Key competencies involve strong analytical skills, programming expertise & knowledge of machine learning methodologies.
- As companies realize the importance of leveraging data for growth, labor demand for these roles keeps spiraling upwards.
5. Corporate Lawyer
Corporate lawyers aid businesses on the legal front, guiding them through legalities concerning contracts, equity structuring, and intellectual property matters.
- The median wage is approximately $ 126-$152K per year (based on Payscale's findings).
- Necessary education includes an undergraduate degree followed by completing law school & subsequently passing the bar exam.
- Valued skills encompass negotiation savvy timed with proficient research abilities.
- Despite economic fluctuations, businesses will always need legal guidance - hence assuring job stability within this profession.
These high-paying jobs require substantial effort, but they provide commensurate rewards – not just financially but also professionally as they bring along relevance, challenge & consequential societal impact.
Jobs That Pay 7 Figures Salary
As you venture into seven-figure salary territory, the game changes considerably. This bracket's jobs are often characterized by high stakes, higher educational or skill requirements, and often relentless dedication.
An undeniable level of passion for one's work is a common thread among seven-figure earners - individuals who have devoted their lives and time to embracing these positions fully. Let's explore some of those advantageous jobs.
Also Read: 50 Jobs That Will Make You a Millionaire In 2024 [Unique Jobs]
1. Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeons stand at the pinnacle of the medical profession. They diagnose and treat conditions affecting the nervous system, particularly brain and spinal cord disorders.
- Median salary: Neurosurgeons may earn an average salary of $616,823, according to Payscale, but top professionals in the field can make well over seven figures annually.
- Educational requirements: Bachelor's degree followed by a medical degree, then a residency in neurosurgery, which could take 6-8 years.
- Essential skills: Include superb manual dexterity and precise hand-eye coordination.
- Prospects: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that surgeon job opportunities will grow as the population ages.
2. Orthodontist
Orthodontists correct teeth and jaw alignment problems using braces, aligners, and other devices.
- Median salary: An experienced orthodontist can earn a hefty amount, up to mid-seven figures.
- Educational requirements: To become an orthodontist requires extensive education — a bachelor's degree, four years of dental school, and an additional 2-3 years of specialized orthodontic residency training.
Having outstanding interpersonal skills is crucial in this field, as one needs to interact frequently with patients (often children)and put them at ease.
As per BLS data projections, the job growth rate is estimated at around 3% between 2019-2029 (Equal to the national average.).
3. Professional Athlete
Building a professional athlete career takes immense talent and fierce determination.
- At the top tier levels, athletes often make multi-million dollar salaries thanks to endorsements, prize money, etc.
- Entering this profession requires top-notch athletic ability, long-term training & coaching, and incredible discipline toward maintaining peak physical form.
- Essential skills range from extreme fitness regimen adherence, teamwork ethos & mental toughness.
- Since sports popularity isn't waning anytime soon, there would always be visibility & demand here, although competitive entry might prove daunting.
4. Investment Banker
Investment bankers provide financial advice to corporations or governments looking for large-scale capital investments or project financings.
- Wages: Managing Directors /Partners at top investment banks reel in mid-to-high seven-figure sums aplenty annually
- Higher education: Generally ask for a Bachelor’s degree, but Master’s, especially MBA degrees, are prevalent among successful investment bankers
Highly valued traits encompass strong analytical thinking capabilities, prowess on the negotiation table & immersive knowledge of financial markets.
There's no shortage of hustle needed should you wish to take a plunge into investment banking; constant market shifts guarantee the necessity for strategic decision-making and opportunity identification matches.
5. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a large corporation
Chief Executives stand at the helm, steering businesses towards profitable futures — juggling managerial tasks while setting the company's strategic vision/goals.
- Average earnings: A CEO heading a large corporation efficiently manages to pull down hefty amounts playing within the seven-to-eight-figure range
Education-wise credentials typically include at least an undergraduate degree; however, graduate-level degrees such as an MBA or similar commonly adorn CEOs' resumes.
Essential leadership qualities here involve strong business acumen, excellent operational efficiency expertise, plus being master relationship builders/influencers/communicators.
CEOs face severe heat due to their high-demand roles but also bask in massive rewards from success.
Also Read: How Do Millionaires Make Their Money [Top 20 Investing Habits]
Jobs That Pay 8 Figures Salary
Breaking into the eight-figure salary realm is no small feat; it demands significant expertise and exceptional skills and often involves high-stake responsibilities. Here's a look at several roles that may command such formidable figures.
1. CEO of a Medium-Sized Corporation
Being the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in a medium-sized corporation generally means steering the ship of an organization with revenues between $10 million and $1 billion.
- An average CEO's annual compensation in medium-sized corporations ranges from $1 million to $10 million.
- Their responsibilities include strategic planning, business development, financial management, and relationship building with partners or investors, among other tasks.
- Breaking into this role commonly requires years of industry experience and business acumen honed at senior management levels.
- A Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) is often seen as a doorway to these roles.
2. Celebrity Actor/Actress
High-profile actors and actresses can command substantial salaries for their roles in blockbuster films — we're talking millions!
- Top-paid actors can make millions per film, add up endorsement deals and profit shares, and easily land into eight-figure territory.
- There's no specific path to success here: countless auditions, acting school training, or even a lucky break could get you underway.
- Exceptional talent and relentless determination are essentially must-haves!
3. Plastic Surgeon
Plastic surgeons may also be highlighted among those commanding an eight-figure salary.
- An accomplished Plastic Surgeon can earn between $1 million to $10 million. The earnings change based on years of experience, client base size, surgical specialty field(s), and geographical location.
- Proficient surgical skills, bedside manners, and business know-how are essential for success here.
- A plastic surgeon typically needs an undergraduate degree followed by medical school's successful completion—then come internships & residency programs specific to plastic surgery.
4. Corporate Lawyer for Large Corporations
Corporate Lawyers working exclusively for large corporations might cross over the eight-figure line if they climb up the ranks or have longstanding contracts with profitable clients.
- These lawyers provide legal guidance on mergers & acquisitions, corporate governance matters & SEC filings— essentially navigating complex legal waters for large business entities!
- Besides a law degree, they require extensive knowledge about finance & corporate matters that comes only through hands-on experience & continuous learning improvement.
- Legal specialties recognized worldwide (Corporate law specialization from Harvard Law School) can catapult their career further.
5. Successful Author
Although it's rare compared to other professions listed above, highly successful authors can earn eight figures from their books if they become best sellers or translate into movies/TV series, generating enormous royalties!
- The most conspicuous example is J.K Rowling, who became a billionaire through her Harry Potter empire.
- Curriculum vitae includes an impressive array - creating captivating tales and penning compelling manuscript drafts followed by dogged determination throughout the publishing process.
- An essential factor leading to phenomenal success lies in honing one's writing craft and effective marketing initiatives.
While all these professions hold promises of paving the way toward wealth attainment, they demand unwavering pursuit, dedication & proficiency level, leaving no room for mediocrity. Prepare to put your best foot forward towards securing these rewarding positions.
Also Read: What Are Your Chances Of Becoming A Millionaire?
Jobs That Pay 9 Figures Salary
It's no secret that nine-figure salaries that exceed an astounding $100 million are incredibly rare but not entirely unheard of!
These sky-high earnings often come from high-ranking executive positions, entrepreneurial ingenuity, and sheer acumen in playing the high-stakes financial game.
Ready to take a peek into the occupations of the ultra-wealthy? Let's explore six roles that could potentially land that dazzling nine-figure paycheck!
1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a Fortune 500 company
The chief executive officers (CEOs) of Fortune 500 companies are tasked with steering some of the most extensive and influential operations worldwide.
- Their income comes from lavish base salaries, bonuses, shares, and option grants.
- According to a report by Equilar for The New York Times, median CEO pay hit a record $15.7 million last year at companies on the S&P 500.
- However, for those at the very pinnacle - such as Musk at Tesla or Cook at Apple - total package compensation, excluding bonuses, can easily climb into nine figures.
This route entails rigorous work, decades-long climb on corporate ladders, and an uncanny strategy-building prowess to navigate volatile business landscapes while keeping shareholders happy.
2. Co-founder of a successful startup
Developing your successful startup could bring you massive wealth if its scale eventually grows or it gets sold to larger enterprises.
- Startups like Amazon, Facebook, and Airbnb saw their founders’ net worth catapult into billions once they went public.
- More than any other sector, tech startups have repeatedly demonstrated this trajectory.
- Thorough planning, relentless execution, and often unique innovation are non-negotiable requirements.
3. Top Real Estate Mogul
Top real estate moguls make extraordinary sums through savvy property investment maneuvers, often across international markets.
- Their earnings come from capital appreciation over time and recurring revenue via rent/lease agreements.
- Top players such as Sheldon Solow and Donald Bren saw their wealth explode into billions with strategic property-holding decisions.
- Expertise in assessing market trends paired with a sharp instinct for negotiation serves as crucial success drivers here.
4. Leading Technology Innovator or Inventor
Inventors or innovators credited with groundbreaking techs like Steve Jobs (Apple), Larry Page, and Sergey Brin (Google) indeed amass enormous fortunes through their creations’ commercialization.
- The patented technology can lead to income via royalties even after many years.
- Licensing or selling inventions can mean handsome returns with solid market demand.
5. High-grossing Film Director
High-grossing movie directors like James Cameron or Steven Spielberg have commanded significant fortunes because of their films' gigantic box-office success and associated revenue streams: DVD sales/ rentals, online platform streaming rights, etc.
This depends heavily on consistently churning out commercially hit content, demanding immense creative talent and a knack for understanding audience sentiment.
6. Financial Investment Guru
Leading investment gurus such as Warren Buffet manage huge asset portfolios & gain substantial wealth by masterfully playing the stock-market game.
Investment managers rake immense returns through management fees, profit percentage cuts known as carry, dividends & more.
Exceptional investment acumen, shrewd risk-analysis skills, and an insatiable appetite for finance & economic trends go hand in glove with achieving success here.
FAQs About 6, 7, 8, and 9 Figures?
At what point do you have a six-figure salary?
You'll be considered as having a six-figure salary when earning anywhere between $100,000 and $999,999 per year.
What range of wealth is typically referred to as 'seven figures'?
Seven figures refer to wealth ranging from $1 million to just under $10 million.
Are individuals who make eight figures considered billionaires?
Not entirely — individuals making eight figures earn between $10 million and $99,999,999, so they'd still fall into the millionaire category!
What's an example of a job that could potentially pay nine figures?
A job like CEO at one of the Fortune 500 companies could potentially pay a nine-figure salary, but it's admittedly quite rare.
Can having a seven-figure income qualify you as ultra-wealthy?
With seven-figure incomes ranging from $1 million to just under $10 million, you're well-off but wouldn't typically be classified as "ultra-wealthy" — that term usually applies to those with net worths far exceeding the millions!
Conclusion
Navigating the financial lexicon can get a bit mystifying at times, with terms like 'six-figure salary' or 'nine-figure net worth' causing more confusion than clarity.
Understanding these and being privy to the wealth they represent is crucial. Whether working toward achieving these numbers or dealing with individuals who've already scaled these heights, this knowledge better guides your strategic decisions.
From crafting financial goals to exploring lucrative career options to discussing high-stakes business moves - knowing what these 'figures' connote provides an insightful peek into the echelons of personal wealth and affluence.
Being conversant in this language ultimately paves the path toward a more adept financial future.
Michael Restiano
I support product content strategy for Salt Money. Additionally, I’m helping develop content strategy and processes to deliver quality work for our readers.