Gen Z earning more than millennials did at the same age

6 hours ago

Gen Z (born 1997-2012) is experiencing a mini pay rebound early in their careers, with real weekly pay at age 24 12% higher than for late-1980s cohorts.
Millennials (born early 1980s-mid-1990s) faced lower disposable incomes due to the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent wage stagnation, unlike Gen Z.
The lowest-paid workers (bottom 10%) saw a 36% real wage increase from 2012 to 2025, largely due to minimum wage rises since 2016.
Median hourly pay for workers aged 22-29 grew 15% over the same period, compared to 4% for those in their 30s and 11% overall.
Despite gains, Gen Z's wage progress is threatened by potential real wage falls from inflation, weak growth, and Middle East war impacts.
Britain faces a Neet (not in employment, education, or training) crisis, with about 1 million 16-24-year-olds affected, risking a rise to 1.25 million by the 2030s.
The Resolution Foundation urges government action to tackle the Neet crisis and prevent a 'lost generation' among Gen Z.

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