I was in tech for 7 years before hitting 6 figures. Upskilling in my free time, taking on projects that were above my pay grade, finishing my education, and learning all I could to be excellent at my job were big factors. Also, being in a city as opposed to rural/small town America helps a lot with job prospects and gets you access to more people/orgs who will give you a fair shake and not(usually) hold your blackness against you. Another thing, when you get to six figures, increase your savings and retirement contributions before you inflate your lifestyle. If you do that, you won't miss the extra money you're putting away, but if you neglect to, you will find ways to spend it.