21 Occupations Believed to be Elite But are Considered Upper-Middle Class

The line between upper-middle class and upperclass professions is misunderstood, with some careers appearing more elite than they really are. These jobs bring respect, influence, and good incomes, they come with challenges that prevent them from reaching true upper class status. Understanding the realities of these professions gives a clearer picture of the different levels of professional class.

Only about 19% of U.S. households earn more than $150,000 a year, which is a common marker for upper-middle class.

Below we’ll explore specific professions that, despite their prestige and high earnings, remain part of the upper-middle class.

Real Estate Developer

Real estate developers orchestrate the creation of entire residential or commercial areas, a power move that tags them as high earners. They deal with projects worth millions, involving high risk and high return on investments. Despite the potential for wealth, the fluctuating market and debt involved place them more in the upper-middle class.

Architect

Architects shape the spaces in which we live and work, blending art with engineering. Their work is pivotal and commands an average salary of around $82,320, but the road to licensure is long and arduous. The combination of rigorous training and the fluctuating nature of the construction industry positions them as upper-middle class.

Fashion Designer

Fashion designers wield influence over trends and styles, making their mark on cultural landscapes. Top designers might earn a lavish income, but the path there is paved with uncertain freelance work and highly competitive industry standards. This constant hustle to stay relevant and financially stable keeps many designers from reaching upperclass status.

Surgeon

Scrubbing in for surgery isn’t just about technical skills; it’s about years of sleepless nights and hundreds of thousands in student loans. Surgeons earn a substantial income, typically around $208,000 annually in the U.S. Despite this, the financial and personal sacrifices made during training can delay the upper class lifestyle they might eventually achieve.

Corporate Lawyer

Behind the prestigious facade of corporate law, there’s a grueling schedule filled with 60-hour work weeks. They are often involved in high-stakes negotiations and litigation, justifying their median annual earnings of approximately $126,250. The high stress and the continuous need for professional development keeps many from reaching upper class status until later in their careers.

University Professor

Academia is often romanticized as a realm of tweed jackets and intellectual debates, but it’s also a competitive battlefield for tenure tracks. Professors at top universities may earn decent salaries, usually in the low six-figure range, but they spend years earning degrees and working in lower-paying positions before securing a stable job.

Commercial Pilot

The life of a commercial pilot commands respect and is often associated with a glamorous lifestyle of international travel. Earning an average salary of $130,440, pilots manage the safe transport of thousands of passengers annually. The costs of training and certification, the irregular hours, and time away from home challenge the norms associated with an upper class lifestyle.

Investment Banker

The allure of investment banking comes with its high-pressure environment, where deals can be worth billions. Investment bankers typically earn about $100,000 to $150,000 in the early years of their careers. Despite their considerable earnings and influence, constant risk and stress keep many from the leisurely lifestyle associated with the upper class.

Pharmacist

Pharmacists are pivotal in healthcare, advising on and dispensing medications that saves lives. With a median annual wage of $128,710, they are well-compensated, but their work requires long hours. The educational and licensing requirements are stringent and expensive, placing them firmly in the upper-middle class.

Orthodontist

Creating perfect smiles across the nation, orthodontists are often perceived as wealthy due to their high earning potential. The average orthodontist in the U.S. makes around $208,000 annually. The extensive and costly dental schooling required to enter the profession balances out the perceived luxury.

Software Engineer

In the tech industry, software engineers are seen at the forefront of modern progress and high salaries. They command impressive salaries, exceeding $100,000 annually, but the demanding education and continuous learning can be a barrier.

Petroleum Engineer

Exploring and extracting oil and natural resources brings a certain prestige and significant financial rewards to petroleum engineers. With an average salary hitting around $137,720, their expertise is highly valued in the energy sector. The industry’s volatility and remote locations of work can detract from the upper class lifestyle.

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists provide essential mental health services, a noble and respected profession. Their median salary of about $82,180 reflects the specialized training and high responsibility of their work. Despite their crucial role and steady income, the long years of low-paid or unpaid internships during training make their social ascent slower.

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles, which is as cool as it sounds. They earn well—usually north of $116,500—reflecting their advanced technical skills and the critical nature of their work. The heavy investment in education and niche industry focus keep many within the upper-middle class.

Art Director

Art directors shape the visual aspects of advertising, publishing, and product packaging, influencing consumer perceptions globally. They pull a median annual salary of about $94,220, rewarding their creative vision and leadership. The freelance nature of their work can make financial stability a challenge.

Data Scientist

Data scientists are the new wizards of the tech industry, turning raw data into actionable insights. With a median salary of about $96,000, they are compensated well for their skills. The steep path to this career involves advanced degrees and constant skill upgrades, delaying more traditional indicators of upper class status.

Veterinarian

Veterinarians are often beloved in their communities, providing essential care to pets and livestock. They earn a respectable average of about $99,250 annually, reflecting the extensive training and emotional toll the job can take. The debt incurred from veterinary school is substantial, often overshadowing the financial benefits.

Marine Biologist

Marine biologists explore the mysteries of marine life, contributing to conservation and our understanding of the environment. Their work is important and fulfilling, yet not as financially rewarding, with average earnings of $68,000 a year. Coupled with the typical need for lengthy and specialized education, this keeps many marine biologists in the upper-middle class.

Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers power our homes, businesses, and so much more, ensuring they are integral to modern infrastructure. Their average annual salary of $101,600 reflects the high demand for their expertise. The extensive educational requirements and high responsibility level makes the pathway to upper class a lengthy process.

Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists play a critical role in surgeries, tasked with managing patient pain and vital functions. They are among the highest-paid in the medical field, often earning around $331,190 annually. The long and costly path to becoming an anesthesiologist, including extensive medical training, keeps them in the upper-middle class for a considerable part of their careers.

Fund Manager

Fund managers oversee vast sums of money, influencing the financial markets and potentially earning a fortune. Fund managers can expect to earn well into six figures, depending on the success of their portfolios. The high-stakes nature of their work and the constant pressure to perform place them in a state of professional peril, balancing precariously within the upper-middle class despite their earnings.