<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article cites its sources but does not provide page references . You can help to improve it by introducing citations that are more precise . (October 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> In sociology, the upper middle class is the social group constituted by higher status members of the middle class . This is in contrast to the term lower middle class, which is used for the group at the opposite end of the middle - class stratum, and to the broader term middle class . There is considerable debate as to how the upper middle class might be defined . According to sociologist Max Weber the upper middle class consists of well - educated professionals with postgraduate degrees and comfortable incomes . </P> <P> The American upper middle class is defined similarly using income, education and occupation as the predominant indicators . In the United States, the upper middle class is defined as consisting mostly of white - collar professionals who not only have above - average personal incomes and advanced educational degrees but also a higher degree of autonomy in their work . The main occupational tasks of upper - middle - class individuals tend to center on conceptualizing, consulting, and instruction . </P> <P> The American middle class (and its subdivisions) is not a strictly defined concept across disciplines, as economists and sociologists do not agree on defining the term . In academic models, the term "upper middle class" applies to highly - educated, salaried professionals whose work is largely self - directed . Many have postgraduate degrees, with educational attainment serving as the main distinguishing feature of this class . Household incomes commonly may exceed $100,000, with some smaller one - income earners earning incomes in the high five figures . Typical professions for this class include lawyers, physicians, physician assistants, military officers, psychologists, nurse practitioners, certified public accountants, pharmacists, optometrists, financial planners, editors, dentists, engineers, professors, architects, school principals, urban planners, civil service executives, and civilian contractors . </P>

Who defines the difference between the upper limit and lower limits