What is your ideal salary? For some people, there’s a vague idea of an earning bracket they want to be in. Others will have researched roles and salaries in their particular field and have a very clearly defined target they would like to hit. The average American wage is $19.33 per hour, which translates into about $40,000 per year for a full-time, full-year worker.

So how close or far away are you from that median figure? We spend so much of our lives at work and give so much of our energy, passion, and creativity, it's only natural to want to be compensated well for that. And while different sectors have different pay levels, with the cost of living a spiraling year on year, homeownership getting ever harder and the dreams that most of us have about an eventual retirement, or being able to help our kids out financially, it's little wonder that most of us feel like we should be paid a little more than we are. The key is really not to be unrealistic with your dreams.

You may never be paid into six figures, but how much would it take to make your life comfortable, and your life goals a reality? Could you achieve that with a career move, perhaps being recruited for your dream role? What monthly take-home pay would allow you to cover the bills, save a fair amount for the future, and still have cash for treats like holidays and new clothes?

Most people aren’t excessive, they just want financial security in life. So perhaps it's time to look for a change of job and kickstart your earning potential. If you’re interested in starting your search with an idea of what salary to expect, check out this infographic: