Economic Mobility
Upward Mobility
Probability that workers who start in the bottom quartile reach the top half of earners by mid-career.
SalaryScope's Upward Mobility model combines BLS, Census, and Statistics Canada inputs to estimate the probability that a worker starting in the bottom income quartile reaches the top half by age 40 — by metro, occupation, and education path.
Top-quartile reach
Tech, healthcare, energy transition, and skilled trades produce the highest top-quartile reach for entry-level workers.
Education vs occupation
Occupation choice explains 2-3x more upward mobility than 4-year degree completion.
Geography multipliers
Top opportunity cities boost upward mobility by 35–55% versus declining metros.
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