Gen Z wants to make over $100K by 30. Here's how they plan to do it

The state of the economy may be complicated, but Gen Z aren't letting it get in the way of their financial goals. 

More than half of Gen Z workers think a range of $50,000 to $100,000 would provide financial stability, according to a recent report from educational platform EduBirdie. Many are aiming even higher, with one in four saying they need $100,000 to $200,000 to live a comfortable lifestyle. What's more is that despite economic challenges, 83% remain optimistic about achieving their financial goals, with 38% aiming to make over six figures by 30.

"Every generation is different in terms of what they consider important to their happiness," says Ksenia Hubska, data lead at EduBirdie. "This generation doesn't waste time on fantasies — they understand that money is a part of life and they feel they need money in order to be happy. They don't romanticize; they analyze and they're practical because they want to be able to live their life." 

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Financial independence is a major driver for this cohort, as  41% still rely on financial support from their parents. While 19% are comfortable with the arrangement, 22% admit to feeling guilty. As a result, it's made Gen Z more flexible with how they make their money and where they find their resources. For example, 26% of young talent admit to considering online gambling while another 18% are open to making an OnlyFans as a means to disposable income.  

 While these solutions may sound silly or extreme to older generations, they're actually indicators to how resilient  younger generations tend to be, Hubska says. 

"[They're facing] economic turbulence and they understand the need for flexibility because they don't know what's coming next," she says. "Gen Z knows they want to earn and invest in the long run, but that they have to adapt in order to do it. That instability has made them ready to face insecurities and made them stronger." 

Gen Z is also unafraid to discuss compensation and their saving strategies, often taboo topics for older generations. Seventy-one percent of Gen Zers believe salaries should be openly discussed at work, and 58% avoid job listings that aren't transparent about compensation.  

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"It's not all about money; it's also about their relationships and how they feel — they want to feel good at work and for that they need to earn enough to stay," Hubska says. "They already know what they want to do and how much they want to earn which helps them thrive."

Gen Z's financial goals may seem ambitious, but they're also attainable, according to Hubska. Fifty-three percent of all Gen Z workers consistently save portions of their paychecks, pointing to healthy money habits already. They know what they want, they're willing to take the little steps necessary to get it and they're firm in their beliefs when it comes to what they deserve. 

"Younger generations are going to be more open, they're going to talk about money without it being taboo," Hubska says. "Gen Z are going to teach the generations after them how to live with money instead of living for money."