Gen Z Hourly Workers Defy Stereotypes with Ambition and Discipline

Gen Z is redefining the hourly workforce through career ambition and financial discipline. While 68% feel happy and fulfilled in their current roles, they remain hungry for growth and hopeful to meet traditional milestones like homeownership.

A hotel staff member stands outside an entrance, pushing a luggage cart loaded with blue suitcases. A valet parking sign and a digital display are visible in the background.

Three circular icons: a piggy bank with a coin, sunglasses and a passport beside a palm tree, and a house with a coin on the roof represent saving, travel, and homeownership.

Gen Z is navigating the current economy with remarkable pragmatism and discipline. Currently, 43% of these workers identify as “savers.” To build their future, they are investing an average of $163 monthly toward retirement and $113 toward homeownership.

Optimism in the Face of Economic Complexity

Gen Z remains confident in their ability to achieve traditional milestones and significant career growth.

63% of Gen Z hourly workers expect a raise in their current trajectory.

51% believe they will eventually earn a six-figure annual income.

50% are confident they will successfully transition from hourly to salaried roles.

A young woman in an orange jacket smiles at the camera while standing on a busy city street with people in the background.

A woman in a uniform smiles while placing folded white towels on a cart in an indoor setting.

Thinking about your current job, how happy and fulfilled do you feel in this role?

68%

of Gen Z hourly workers report feeling happy and fulfilled in their current roles.

How would you describe your spending habits?

How much money, if any amount at all, do you contribute to each of the following savings categories per month?

Gen Z remains confident about hitting life’s major milestones, despite the challenging economic climate.

A graphic shows that 58% of people, or nearly 3 in 5, expect to buy a home, with an icon of a house and a progress bar visualizing the percentage.

An icon of a wedding cake with a heart, next to text reading "58% get married" on a peach and orange background.

A circular graphic with a teddy bear icon and a heart shows "56% start a family" in bold text.

Three circles display statistics: 63% expect a raise, 51% believe they’ll earn a six-figure income, and 50% are confident they’ll transition to salaried roles.

Infographic showing 58% expect to buy a home, 58% expect to get married, and 56% expect to start a family, with relevant icons for each.

A quarter circle in orange positioned in the bottom left corner of a green background.

Which of the following best describes how frequently you get paid at your job?

41%

of Gen Z workers must wait two weeks to access their earned pay.

Do you wish your employer provided access to your earned pay every day?

63%

want their employers to provide daily access to their earned pay.

On-Demand Pay can be a game-changer for Gen Z

88%

of Gen Z, On-Demand Pay would be a life-changing benefit that directly impacts their well-being.

Survey Methodology

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Gen Z workers who are paid hourly who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by DailyPay and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Nov. 21 and Dec. 1, 2025. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

The DailyPay Solution

DailyPay’s On-Demand Pay Platform boosts employee financial wellness and keeps them more engaged, motivated and happier at work. For employers, this translates to improved retention and increased productivity.