What Is the Average Millennial Income?


Millennials often get a bad rap. Between their debt, their job-hopping, and their , they’ve been widely criticized. But as it turns out, there may be a reason for this generation’s financial shortcomings.

Think increasing college loan debt, lingering effects of the Great Recession, higher housing costs, and an overly-competitive job market, just to name a few.

Here’s a rundown of the average Millennial's financial situation, how much the average Millennial makes, and how they stack up to other generations.

The Basics

Millennials are the largest living generation, (even surpassing Baby Boomers), with a population of 79.8 million in 2016, according to . This generation is widely described as those between 18 and 35.

Millennials are a unique generation in that they grew up during a time of rapid-fire technology. Social media, smartphones, and unfettered access to the internet are all a given for this generation.

Worth noting: There’s a big difference between the younger end of the set (those who grew up with social media and smartphones) and the older Millennial set, also called

Earning Potential

When it comes to earning power, the average Millennial annual salary is . found that more millennial households are in poverty than any other generation and that millennials accounted for most of the nation’s renters.

Another survey, the , found that income stayed relatively flat between the ages of 25-35, which could account for Millennials’ struggling finances. In fact, Millennials’ starting salaries are than Baby Boomers made at that age (adjusted). And as far as net worth, the average Millennial has a net worth of .

Student loan debt is another major factor. Millennials have Rising student loan debt has also played a role in among the demographic.

While it’s true that millennials earn less than their predecessors, they take finances seriously, making saving for retirement and investing a priority. They also have big emergency funds, with the average millennial rainy day fund able to cover .

How Millennials Can Improve Their Finances

There are several factors stacked against the average millennial, but there are a few things they can do to help build net worth.

Pay off debt as quickly as possible, or take on as little debt as possible. While it may seem impossible to obtain a college degree without student loan debt––the average millennial has more than $30,000 in student loan debt, after all––offsetting that debt by working, paying student loans while still in college to avoid interest, avoiding consumer debt, and living well below one’s means after graduation are all viable options to slash debt, thus opening up extra cash to invest and build net worth.

If student loans are the main issue, setting up a payment plan based on current income is another option. Or applying for student loan forgiveness, which is available in many fields, like public service.

Establishing a realistic budget and sticking to it is another way millennials can boost their financial outlook. A few tips: be sure the budget is realistic based on living expenses and spending style, make small lifestyle changes to make the numbers work and don’t forget to set financial goals, like buying a home or investing.

Speaking of investing, it’s one of the best things millennials can do to improve their finances and build net worth. Consider hiring a financial advisor to help set financial goals and determine the best investing options. Or, use a robo-investing app like , , or Investing early is key, and will allow for greater earnings in the future, thanks to compounding interest.

And since millennials may not be able to rely on Social Security like the generations before them, planning for retirement is also key. (Though studies have shown that .) A 401(k), an IRA, or a Roth IRA are all good options.

While millennials may not earn as much as the generations before them and may have more student loan debt, there are a few action items they can take to ensure a better––and more financially secure––future.