Experts reveal which former presidents did the most to grow jobs, raise wages, and strengthen the middle class.
You might think all U.S. presidents care about the middle class, but history tells a different story. Some leaders made life easier for everyday Americans—boosting wages, creating jobs, and keeping inflation in check—while others let the gap between the rich and everyone else widen.
Economists have studied the numbers, and their rankings might shock you. Which presidents actually looked out for hardworking families and delivered real economic growth? Here are the top ten who made a lasting impact.
1. Franklin D. Roosevelt pulled the middle class out of the worst economic disaster in history.
When the Great Depression hit, FDR didn’t just sit back—he got to work. His New Deal programs created millions of jobs, strengthened workers’ rights, and gave struggling Americans the safety net they desperately needed. Social Security? That was him. Minimum wage? He made it happen. He transformed what it meant to be middle class in America, proving that government action could lift people up when times got tough.
2. Lyndon B. Johnson made sure middle-class Americans had healthcare and a fighting chance.
LBJ wasn’t just about big speeches—he made real changes that still impact everyday Americans. His Great Society programs brought us Medicare and Medicaid, ensuring millions could afford healthcare. He also pushed for education funding, job training, and civil rights reforms that expanded opportunities for the middle class. His goal was simple: to eliminate poverty and level the playing field. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying he left a lasting mark.
3. Bill Clinton oversaw a booming economy that lifted millions into the middle class.
The ‘90s were a golden era for the middle class, and Clinton’s policies helped fuel that economic boom. Unemployment dropped, wages rose, and the country saw one of its longest economic expansions ever. His mix of pro-business policies and tax reforms led to budget surpluses and job growth. While some criticize his free trade policies, it’s hard to argue with the numbers—millions of Americans saw their financial situations improve during his presidency.
4. Dwight D. Eisenhower built the highways that fueled middle-class prosperity.
You might not think of highways as an economic game-changer, but Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway System created millions of jobs and transformed American life. Suddenly, businesses could expand, families could move to affordable suburbs, and the middle class thrived. He also supported Social Security expansion and balanced economic policies that kept inflation low. A steady hand and a focus on infrastructure made him one of the most impactful presidents for everyday working Americans.
5. John F. Kennedy’s tax cuts and space race fueled middle-class jobs and innovation.
JFK may have had a short presidency, but his impact on the middle class was huge. His push for tax cuts helped boost economic growth, and his investment in science and technology—especially NASA—created thousands of jobs. His support for civil rights also helped pave the way for economic opportunities that many Americans had previously been shut out of. He believed a thriving middle class was key to a strong America, and his policies reflected that.
6. Ronald Reagan cut taxes and helped fuel an economic recovery.
Reagan’s policies are still hotly debated, but there’s no denying his economic impact. His tax cuts put more money in Americans’ pockets, and his pro-business approach spurred job growth. While his policies did lead to some wealth inequality, the middle class benefited from a stronger economy and lower inflation. His presidency marked a major shift in economic policy, and for many Americans, it was a time of financial growth and opportunity.
7. Barack Obama pulled the middle class out of the Great Recession.
When Obama took office, the economy was in free fall. Banks were collapsing, unemployment was soaring, and the middle class was struggling. His stimulus package helped stabilize the economy, saving millions of jobs. He also passed the Affordable Care Act, giving millions of middle-class Americans access to healthcare for the first time. While not everyone agreed with his policies, there’s no doubt that he helped prevent an even worse financial disaster for everyday Americans.
8. Harry S. Truman made sure returning soldiers had a shot at the American Dream.
After World War II, millions of soldiers returned home, and Truman made sure they didn’t get left behind. His GI Bill helped them buy homes, go to college, and start businesses—laying the foundation for the post-war economic boom. He also pushed for fair wages and tried to expand healthcare. His presidency set the stage for one of the biggest periods of middle-class growth in U.S. history.
9. Calvin Coolidge cut taxes and kept the economy booming for the middle class.
Coolidge believed in letting businesses thrive—and during his presidency, they did. He slashed taxes and kept government spending low, which led to rising wages and a booming economy. The Roaring Twenties saw incredible growth for the middle class, with more people buying cars, homes, and modern appliances. While the Great Depression came later, during his time in office, middle-class Americans enjoyed a period of unprecedented prosperity.
10. William McKinley set the stage for America’s middle-class economic dominance.
McKinley wasn’t flashy, but he understood the power of a strong economy. He boosted manufacturing, supported tariffs that protected American jobs, and helped stabilize the economy after a financial panic. His leadership helped grow the middle class and set the stage for the economic powerhouse the U.S. would become in the 20th century. His policies helped build a foundation of economic strength that benefited workers and businesses alike.