Previous surveys have found that Gen Zers tend to overestimate how much they should be earning. ResumeTemplates.com conducted a survey in September to understand the salary expectations of Gen Zers (ages 18 to 27) who are working full-time and do not have children and found that almost nine in 10 Gen Z workers say they're underpaid. 87% of Gen Z full-time workers feel they are underpaid 1 in 5 Gen Zers believe they should be making $100,000 or more 60% report being unable to afford their basic needs on their current salary Nearly 20% of those who struggle to cover basic needs still spend $500 or more per month on non-essential goods 19% say they would need to earn $100,000 or more to afford their basic needs.