<P> In addition to having autonomy in their work, above - average incomes, and advanced educations, the upper middle class also tends to be influential, setting trends and largely shaping public opinion . Overall, members of this class are also secure from economic down - turns and, unlike their counterparts in the statistical middle class, do not need to fear downsizing, corporate cost - cutting, or outsourcing--an economic benefit largely attributable to their graduate degrees and comfortable incomes, likely in the top income quintile or top third . Typical professions for this class include professors, accountants, architects, urban planners, engineers, economists, pharmacists, executive assistants, physicians, optometrists, dentists, and lawyers . </P> <P> While many Americans see income as the prime determinant of class, occupational status, educational attainment, and value systems are equally important . Income is in part determined by the scarcity of certain skill sets . As a result an occupation that requires a scarce skill, the attainment of which is often achieved through an educational degree, and entrusts its occupant with a high degree of influence will usually offer high economic compensation . There are also differences between household and individual income . In 2005, 42% of US households (76% among the top quintile) had two or more income earners; as a result, 18% of households but only 5% of individuals had six figure incomes . To illustrate, two nurses each making $55,000 per year can out - earn, in a household sense, a single attorney who makes a median of $95,000 annually . </P> <P> Sociologists Dennis Gilbert, Willam Thompson and Joseph Hickey estimate the upper middle class to constitute roughly 15% of the population . Using the 15% figure one may conclude that the American upper middle class consists, strictly in an income sense, of professionals with personal incomes in excess of $62,500, who commonly reside in households with six figure incomes . The difference between personal and household income can be explained by considering that 76% of households with incomes exceeding $90,000 (the top 20%) had two or more income earners . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Th> Data </Th> <Th> Top third </Th> <Th> Top quarter </Th> <Th> Top quintile </Th> <Th> Top 15% </Th> <Th> Top 10% </Th> <Th> Top 5% </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Th_colspan="10"> Household income </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Lower threshold (annual gross income) </Td> <Td> $65,000 </Td> <Td> $80,000 </Td> <Td> $91,705 </Td> <Td> $100,000 </Td> <Td> $118,200 </Td> <Td> $166,200 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Exact Percentage of households </Td> <Td> 34.72% </Td> <Td> 25.60% </Td> <Td> 20.00% </Td> <Td> 17.80% </Td> <Td> 10.00% </Td> <Td> 5.00% </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th_colspan="10"> Personal income (age 25 +) </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Lower threshold (annual gross income) </Td> <Td> $37,500 </Td> <Td> $47,500 </Td> <Td> $52,500 </Td> <Td> $62,500 </Td> <Td> $75,000 </Td> <Td> $100,000 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> Exact Percentage of individuals </Td> <Td> 33.55% </Td> <Td> 24.03% </Td> <Td> 19.74% </Td> <Td> 14.47% </Td> <Td> 10.29% </Td> <Td> 5.63% </Td> </Tr> </Table>

What is the percentage of upper middle class in america