Despite entering the workforce during a period of economic prosperity, Gen Z is instead facing a landscape where nearly one in ten are unemployed, underemployment is rampant, and job satisfaction is plummeting.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, the unemployment rate for Gen Z (ages 16-25) in the US was 8.6%, higher than the national average of 3.8%
- Gen Z labor force participation rate stood at 55.2% in 2023, down from 56.1% in 2022
- 14.4% of employed Gen Z workers were involuntary part-time in 2023, compared to 4.2% for all workers
- 41% of Gen Z workers are in service sector jobs like retail/food in 2023
- Tech sector employs 12% of Gen Z vs 8% of all workers in 2023
- Healthcare jobs hold 15% of Gen Z workforce in 2023, growing 22% projected
- Gen Z median weekly earnings $850 in 2023, 75% of prime-age average
- College grad Gen Z earns $1,200 weekly vs $650 HS grads in 2023
- Gen Z women earn 92% of men's wages at $810 vs $880 weekly 2023
- 68% Gen Z job satisfaction low due to pay in 2023 Gallup
- 47% Gen Z plan to quit within 2 years per 2023 Deloitte survey
- Gen Z turnover rate 24% annually vs 15% average 2023
- 45% Gen Z upskill independently for satisfaction 2023
- 65% Gen Z have some college but only 30% bachelor's in workforce 2023
- Digital skills gap affects 40% Gen Z employability 2023
Gen Z faces high unemployment and underemployment compared to national averages.
Employment by Industry/Sector
- 41% of Gen Z workers are in service sector jobs like retail/food in 2023
- Tech sector employs 12% of Gen Z vs 8% of all workers in 2023
- Healthcare jobs hold 15% of Gen Z workforce in 2023, growing 22% projected
- Construction employs 7% of Gen Z men but <1% women in 2023
- Education sector 9% Gen Z employment, mostly entry-level in 2023
- Finance/insurance 6% of Gen Z jobs in 2023 US data
- Manufacturing down to 8% Gen Z share from 12% in 2010
- Leisure/hospitality 22% of Gen Z jobs, highest sector in 2023
- Professional services 14% Gen Z employment in 2023
- Retail trade 18% of Gen Z workforce in 2023
- UK Gen Z 25% in wholesale/retail in 2023
- EU Gen Z 30% in services excluding public admin in 2023
- Canada Gen Z 28% in accommodation/food services 2023
- Australia Gen Z 19% in retail trade 2023
- Gig platforms like Uber employ 15% Gen Z as primary job in 2023
- Green jobs sector attracts 11% Gen Z preference but only 4% employment 2023
- Remote work sectors like IT hold 20% Gen Z in 2023
- Public administration 5% Gen Z jobs, low due to experience reqs 2023
- Transportation 9% Gen Z employment, rising with delivery gigs 2023
- Arts/entertainment 3% Gen Z but high aspiration 18% in 2023 surveys
- Agriculture <2% Gen Z US employment in 2023
- Utilities 1% Gen Z share, stable but low entry 2023
- Mining 0.5% Gen Z employment 2023 US
- Information sector 4% Gen Z jobs, media heavy 2023
- Real estate 2.5% Gen Z in 2023
- Waste management 1.2% Gen Z employment 2023
Employment by Industry/Sector Interpretation
Gen Z is forging a career landscape where serving lattes is statistically more likely than landing in tech, yet their aspirations are painting a greener, more creative, and remote-friendly future that the current job market hasn't quite caught up to.
Job Satisfaction and Retention
- 68% Gen Z job satisfaction low due to pay in 2023 Gallup
- 47% Gen Z plan to quit within 2 years per 2023 Deloitte survey
- Gen Z turnover rate 24% annually vs 15% average 2023
- 75% Gen Z value work-life balance over pay for satisfaction 2023
- Mental health support boosts Gen Z retention by 30% 2023
- Flexible hours increase Gen Z satisfaction 82% in 2023 surveys
- 59% Gen Z dissatisfied with career progression 2023
- Hybrid work preferred by 81% Gen Z for retention 2023
- DEI programs raise Gen Z satisfaction 25% 2023 Deloitte
- UK Gen Z 52% considering job change in 6 months 2023
- 66% Gen Z would stay for mentorship programs 2023
- Burnout affects 76% Gen Z leading to low satisfaction 2023
- Purpose-driven work satisfies 70% Gen Z 2023 Gallup
- 40% Gen Z rate boss as poor factor in satisfaction 2023
- Company culture impacts 89% Gen Z retention decisions 2023
- Learning opps increase loyalty 65% Gen Z 2023 LinkedIn
- 55% Gen Z unhappy with recognition frequency 2023
- Wellness benefits retained 62% Gen Z 2023 survey
- 73% Gen Z seek jobs with social impact for satisfaction 2023
- Quiet quitting prevalent in 50% Gen Z due to dissatisfaction 2023
- Feedback frequency desired weekly by 78% Gen Z 2023
- 49% Gen Z loyal if growth provided 2023 Randstad
- Toxic culture drives 60% Gen Z exits 2023
- Autonomy boosts satisfaction 85% Gen Z 2023
- 67% Gen Z value sustainability for job stay 2023
Job Satisfaction and Retention Interpretation
Gen Z is telling employers loud and clear: pay us fairly and respect our time, but to truly earn our loyalty, you must offer growth, purpose, a healthy culture, and the flexibility that allows us to have a life beyond our job title.
Skills and Education Impact
- 45% Gen Z upskill independently for satisfaction 2023
- 65% Gen Z have some college but only 30% bachelor's in workforce 2023
- Digital skills gap affects 40% Gen Z employability 2023
- AI literacy needed by 85% Gen Z jobs by 2030
- Soft skills like adaptability valued over tech by 72% employers for Gen Z 2023
- Vocational training grads have 15% higher Gen Z employment 2023
- 52% Gen Z lack financial literacy impacting career 2023
- Coding bootcamps boost Gen Z tech jobs by 70% 2023
- Emotional intelligence training retains 55% more Gen Z 2023
- Green skills demand up 50% for Gen Z hires 2023
- 70% Gen Z self-taught via YouTube/TikTok skills 2023
- Apprenticeships fill 25% Gen Z skill gaps 2023 US DOL
- Critical thinking deficiency in 60% Gen Z per employers 2023
- Multilingual Gen Z 20% more hirable 2023
- Data analysis skills held by 35% Gen Z workforce 2023
- Leadership training early boosts Gen Z promo 40% 2023
- Gig experience builds resume skills for 48% Gen Z 2023
- Mental resilience training needed by 80% Gen Z 2023
- Cybersecurity skills shortage hits 30% Gen Z roles 2023
- Creative skills like design 42% Gen Z strength 2023
- Project mgmt certs increase Gen Z salary 12% 2023
- Sustainability certs held by 18% Gen Z applicants 2023
- Networking skills weak in 55% Gen Z per surveys 2023
Skills and Education Impact Interpretation
Gen Z is hustling to learn everything from AI to emotional intelligence on TikTok, yet employers are still waiting for them to master the ancient arts of networking, critical thinking, and balancing a checkbook.
Unemployment and Labor Force Participation
- In 2023, the unemployment rate for Gen Z (ages 16-25) in the US was 8.6%, higher than the national average of 3.8%
- Gen Z labor force participation rate stood at 55.2% in 2023, down from 56.1% in 2022
- 14.4% of employed Gen Z workers were involuntary part-time in 2023, compared to 4.2% for all workers
- Gen Z youth (16-24) not in labor force but wanting a job rose to 2.1 million in 2023
- Black Gen Z unemployment rate was 14.2% in 2023, over twice the white rate of 6.8%
- Hispanic Gen Z unemployment was 9.1% in 2023, higher than Asian at 5.4%
- Gen Z men unemployment at 8.2%, women at 9.1% in 2023 US data
- 2023 summer youth unemployment for 16-19 year olds hit 13.1%
- Discouraged Gen Z workers numbered 240,000 in 2023, up 10% YoY
- Gen Z marginal labor force attachment was 1.3 million in 2023
- UK Gen Z (16-24) unemployment rate was 14.2% in Q2 2023
- EU Gen Z unemployment averaged 13.8% in 2023, highest in Spain at 26.6%
- Canada Gen Z unemployment 12.5% in 2023 for 15-24 age group
- Australia 15-24 unemployment 9.8% in 2023
- India urban Gen Z unemployment 18.4% in 2023 per PLFS
- South Africa Gen Z (15-24) unemployment 59.7% in Q3 2023
- Brazil 18-24 unemployment 18.9% in 2023
- 22% of Gen Z were NEETs in OECD countries in 2022
- US Gen Z NEET rate 10.5% in 2023
- Female Gen Z NEET rate higher at 12.3% vs male 8.7% in 2023 US
- Gen Z participation rate declined 1.2% from 2019 to 2023 due to education
- 28% of Gen Z delayed job search due to mental health in 2023 survey
- Post-COVID Gen Z unemployment peaked at 18% in 2020, now 8.6% in 2023
- College-educated Gen Z unemployment 5.2% vs high school 12.1% in 2023
- Gen Z gig economy participation 36% in 2023, affecting official rates
- Rural Gen Z unemployment 10.2% vs urban 7.9% in 2023 US
- Gen Z veterans unemployment 6.8% below non-vet 8.7% in 2023
- Pandemic-scarred Gen Z long-term unemployed 15% of total in 2023
- Gen Z underemployment rate 20.1% in 2023 per BLS
- Global Gen Z youth unemployment 13.8% in 2023 ILO estimate
Unemployment and Labor Force Participation Interpretation
While statistically outworking their viral dance moves, Gen Z is navigating an economic landscape where wanting a job doesn't guarantee a good one, and where being young, educated, and online still means facing an unemployment rate over twice the national average.
Wages and Earnings
- Gen Z median weekly earnings $850 in 2023, 75% of prime-age average
- College grad Gen Z earns $1,200 weekly vs $650 HS grads in 2023
- Gen Z women earn 92% of men's wages at $810 vs $880 weekly 2023
- Black Gen Z earnings $720 weekly, 85% of white $850 in 2023
- Hispanic Gen Z $780 weekly vs Asian $950 in 2023 US
- Part-time Gen Z average $25/hr vs full-time $28/hr in 2023
- Gig work median $20/hr for Gen Z in 2023 Upwork data
- Entry-level Gen Z salary $45,000 avg in 2023 Glassdoor
- UK Gen Z hourly wage £11.50 avg in 2023
- Canada Gen Z avg $28/hr in 2023 for 15-24
- 62% Gen Z feel underpaid relative to inflation in 2023 Deloitte
- Real wages for Gen Z down 2.1% since 2021 due to inflation
- Tech Gen Z avg $70k starting salary 2023
- Retail Gen Z $15/hr median 2023
- Service Gen Z $16.50/hr avg 2023 BLS
- Bonus receipt 35% Gen Z vs 50% boomers 2023
- Student debt reduces Gen Z take-home by 15% avg 2023
- Overtime pay Gen Z 22% participation low 2023
- Commission-based 8% Gen Z sales roles 2023
- Tip income boosts service Gen Z by 20% 2023 est
- 55% Gen Z prioritize pay over purpose in job choice 2023
- Wage growth for Gen Z 4.1% in 2023, below inflation 3.7%
- Unionized Gen Z earn 18% more than non-union 2023
- Remote Gen Z premium 5% higher pay 2023
- Intern Gen Z stipends avg $20/hr 2023 NACE
- Freelance Gen Z rates $35/hr median 2023
Wages and Earnings Interpretation
For Gen Z, the job market looks like a frustrating video game where you unlock higher levels like a college degree or remote work for decent pay, but still can't afford the in-game purchases thanks to inflation, debt, and persistent pay gaps that feel like unbeatable boss fights.
Sources & References
- Reference 1BLSbls.govVisit source
- Reference 2ONSons.gov.ukVisit source
- Reference 3ECec.europa.euVisit source
- Reference 4STATCANwww150.statcan.gc.caVisit source
- Reference 5ABSabs.gov.auVisit source
- Reference 6MOSPImospi.gov.inVisit source
- Reference 7STATSSAstatssa.gov.zaVisit source
- Reference 8IBGEibge.gov.brVisit source
- Reference 9OECDoecd.orgVisit source
- Reference 10PEWRESEARCHpewresearch.orgVisit source
- Reference 11DELOITTEdeloitte.comVisit source
- Reference 12FREDfred.stlouisfed.orgVisit source
- Reference 13MCKINSEYmckinsey.comVisit source
- Reference 14ERSers.usda.govVisit source
- Reference 15VAva.govVisit source
- Reference 16ILOSTATilostat.ilo.orgVisit source
- Reference 17NCESnces.ed.govVisit source
- Reference 18JPMORGANjpmorgan.comVisit source
- Reference 19GALLUPgallup.comVisit source
- Reference 20UPWORKupwork.comVisit source
- Reference 21GLASSDOORglassdoor.comVisit source
- Reference 22EPIepi.orgVisit source
- Reference 23LEVELSlevels.fyiVisit source
- Reference 24EDUCATIONDATAeducationdata.orgVisit source
- Reference 25FLEXJOBSflexjobs.comVisit source
- Reference 26NACEWEBnaceweb.orgVisit source
- Reference 27MICROSOFTmicrosoft.comVisit source
- Reference 28INDEEDindeed.comVisit source
- Reference 29LINKEDINlinkedin.comVisit source
- Reference 30WORKHUMANworkhuman.comVisit source
- Reference 31SHRMshrm.orgVisit source
- Reference 32ENTRYPOINTGROUPentrypointgroup.orgVisit source
- Reference 33QUALTRICSqualtrics.comVisit source
- Reference 34RANDSTADrandstad.comVisit source
- Reference 35FORBESforbes.comVisit source
- Reference 36HBRhbr.orgVisit source
- Reference 37IBMibm.comVisit source
- Reference 38COURSERAcoursera.orgVisit source
- Reference 39WEFORUMweforum.orgVisit source
- Reference 40CNBCcnbc.comVisit source
- Reference 41COURSEREPORTcoursereport.comVisit source
- Reference 42TALENTSMARTEQtalentsmarteq.comVisit source
- Reference 43HOOTSUITEhootsuite.comVisit source
- Reference 44DOLdol.govVisit source
- Reference 45ISC2isc2.orgVisit source
- Reference 46ADOBEadobe.comVisit source
- Reference 47PMIpmi.orgVisit source
- Reference 48GREENBIZgreenbiz.comVisit source