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Data & Research March 11, 2025
Gen Z Total Income Reaches $1.1T
Those age 16 to 26 are cautious with money: 52% of those working say they save at least one-quarter of their income.
Reported by PLANADVISER staff
As a result of the growing number of Generation Z members in the workforce, its total (pre-tax) income has reached an estimated $1.1 trillion, including earnings from full- and part-time jobs, parental support and income from side hustles, according to a recent study.
After taxes, Gen Zers (age 8 to 26 in this study) have $950 billion at their disposal, according to Gen Z Planet, a research, training and advisory firm. This is 2.5 times more than what they had in 2021, the company reported.
The number of Gen Zers employed full time now number 18.1 million, generating $823 billion in annual income. Although the majority of the money lies with those age 16 to 26, Gen Z Planet’s report even included those age 8 to 15, who contribute additional power through regular allowances (averaging $11.50 per week).
“With more Gen Zers in the workforce, it’s no surprise this figure is growing fast,” said Hana Ben-Shabat, founder of Gen Z Planet. “But this big number tells only part of the story.”
Despite the significant spending power, the study found that many are still relying on their parents for support. More than four in 10 (42%) of Gen Z adults (aged at least 18) still live with their parents, compared with 29% of Baby Boomers, 32% of Generation X and 38% of Millennials at the same age.
Although optimistic about their futures, Gen Zers are “cautious and calculated” with money, emphasizing saving, according to Gen Z Planet. More than half (52%) say they save between 25% and 30% of the money they earn—or receive from their parents—while 28% save at least half.
As far as what to do with their money, only 28% seek financial advice from traditional financial institutions or professional advisers; 68% rely instead on family or friends. About one-third look to online research (37% of respondents) or social media influencers (30%).
Gen Z Planet analyzed employment, earnings and population data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Census, alongside a survey of a representative sample of 1,000 Gen Zers (aged 16–26).