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Jun 22, 2026
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Gen Z Earnings Surpass Millennials' at the Same Age

AI Summary
Gen Z's early careers are more financially rewarding than those of millennials, with real weekly pay at age 24 for those born in the late 1990s being 12% higher than for cohorts born in the late 1980s.

The Shift in Generational Earnings

Gen Z’s early careers are more financially rewarding than those of millennials, research suggests. Those typically born between 1997 to 2012 are experiencing a mini-rebound in pay packets, according to the research by the Resolution Foundation, in a seeming contrast to how the previous generation entered the job market.

Comparing Generational Pay

Millennials – those born between the early 1980s and mid-1990s – are the first generation not to have enjoyed higher disposable incomes than previous generations, according to the thinktank. The researchers added that this setback was partly driven by millennials’ careers kicking off at around the time of the 2008 financial crisis, and the long stagnation in real wage growth that has taken place ever since.

The Data Analysis

However, a preview of a report due on Thursday show the Resolution Foundation’s latest numbers suggest that real weekly pay at age 24 of those born in the late 1990s was 12% higher than for cohorts born in the late 1980s. At the age of 24, those born in the early 2000s are also earning more than any other generation going back to those born in the 1950s, according to the study.

The Impact Analysis

Charlie McCurdy, senior economist of the Resolution Foundation, said: “The living standards stagnation of the millennial generation has been well documented over the past decade. Many have speculated that the breakdown of generational progress has continued for gen Z too. But with the oldest members of gen Z now several years into their working lives, the good news is that they’ve enjoyed a mini pay rebound.”

The Prediction

The study cautioned, however, that the “good news story for gen Z is already under threat”, as real wages may be about to fall because of pressures including the higher prices and weaker economic growth resulting from war in the Middle East. Also, the number of 16- to 24-year-olds not in employment, education or training – the so-called Neets – has now reached about 1 million.