My $.02
My base salary is less than $100K, (But Expenses and Benefits put it far over, heck, I don't even have to pay for gas or food!)
But, on location: I live in a "Minimum Wage" town. Most employers pay minimum wage or slightly above for skilled labor, such as Construction or Welders. (For instance: Skilled Masons w/10 years experience: $8:00 Hr.!)
(FYI: I have always worked away from that town for the extra pay.)
$100K will buy you a 6+ Bedroom, 3 Bath, 2 car Garage home on a 1.5 acre lot in a Restricted subdivision.
So, my wages put me in the upper 5% of income in my town, though I don't live in a McMansion.
Edit: BTW, I am almost 50, and the closest I've ever came to $100K is about $93K while self employed. (What I paid myself,not gross)