Defined by birth years between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z encompasses individuals aged 13 to 28 in 2025. Raised in the era of smartphones and social media, this generation is known for having high salary expectations. However, actual earnings often paint a different picture. According to a July 2025 survey by Self Financial, the average Gen Zer earns approximately $2,100 per month, totaling about $25,204 annually. Other estimates vary: Boldin suggests an annual income between $30,000 and $45,000, while a 2023 GOBankingRates survey places the median at $35,050. These lower average figures are largely attributable to the fact that many in this demographic—including high school, college, and early-career professionals—are not yet fully established in the workforce.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for the third quarter of 2025 offers a more detailed breakdown by age group. The median weekly income for workers aged 16 to 19 translates to roughly $32,344 annually, while those aged 20 to 24 earn about $41,392. The highest earners within the Gen Z cohort fall into the 25–34 age bracket (which includes both Millennials and older Gen Zers), where the median annual income rises to $59,800. Earning above these figures puts you ahead of the average Gen Zer, while the generation generally defines an annual salary between $75,000 and $200,000 as "upper class."
Despite these numbers, Gen Z faces significant economic hurdles, often described as "money-phobia," stemming from student debt and a difficult financial climate. TransUnion reports that 22- to 24-year-olds in late 2023 were earning less—when adjusted for inflation—than Millennials did at the same age a decade prior. Income potential also depends heavily on geography; according to Scholaroo, Alaska offers the highest average Gen Z income at $60,279, while West Virginia offers the lowest at $27,380.
To combat these financial challenges, Gen Z differentiates itself from previous generations through its approach to income generation. Unlike older counterparts who may rely on a single job, many Gen Zers utilize side hustles to supplement their earnings. A Harris Poll indicates that more than 57% of the Gen Z population is currently focused on a side project alongside their primary employment.