7 Best First Jobs for Gen Zers Who Want To Make a Lot of Money
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Just like the generations before it, Gen Z wants money.
According to Benzinga, “Gen Z wants one thing above all else: to make more money than their parents.” They are willing to grind and hustle to do whatever it takes to reach the dollar figure they are aiming for, too. The only thing they don’t want is a mediocre life — so Gen Zers are willing to work hard to get a lifestyle that suits them.
So what are the best, entry jobs for a generation with dollar signs in their eyes who are just entering the workforce? First jobs tend to not pay hugely well, no matter what generation you belong to. However, they can be seen as rungs in a ladder to better positions, opportunities, and of course, pay ranges.
Here are some of the best first jobs for Gen Zers who want to make a lot of money.
Sales Rep
- Average base salary: $77,538
Or, to use Gen Z lingo, a “sales superstar.” And what exactly is a “sales superstar” and what do they do? Self-proclaimed Gen Zer, Kraig Kleeman, the founder and CEO of Z-Branding, summed it up in two words: “Sell stuff!”
“Whether it’s gadgets, software or services, you’ll be the smooth talker convincing folks to open their wallets,” Kleeman said. “Gen Zers are born communicators, and sales roles play to that strength. Plus, those sweet commission checks could make your bank account very happy.”
Kleeman notes that while the base salary is not the highest on the list, “the sky’s the limit with commissions” in this role.
Digital Marketer
- Average base salary: $61,065
According to Kleeman, salary as a “digital marketing maven” all depends on how savvy you are.
“This role is perfect for the creatively inclined and social media savvy Gen Z,” said Stephen Greet, the CEO and co-founder of BeamJobs. “It’s worth noting that content marketing roles have seen a growth rate of 16% over the past year, highlighting the demand.”
“Rule the online world by crafting killer marketing campaigns and analyzing data to boost sales,” Kleeman explained. “We practically live online, so why not turn that obsession into a paycheck? Digital marketing gigs offer decent pay and a chance to flex those creative muscles.”
Nurse
- Average base salary: $90,304
To Gen Z, working in health care goes beyond a career title. It’s elevated to the level of being called a “hero” for which someone “[cares] for patients, administers medications, and is the rockstar nurse who makes a difference,” according to Kleeman.
“Nursing offers job security, decent pay and the warm fuzzies from helping others. If you’re all about making a difference, this gig’s got your name on it,” Kleeman added.
Financial Advisor
- Average base salary: $76,048
Greet explained how “this role is ideal for number-savvy individuals. The finance sector is projected to grow by 5% every year.”
To become a guru in the money world, you “will dive deep into numbers, analyze trends and help businesses make smart financial decisions,” Kleeman said.
“If you’re a math whiz with a knack for money matters, this gig’s for you,” Kleeman described. “Plus, finance jobs come with fat paychecks and many opportunities to climb that career ladder.”
Application Developer
- Average base salary: $94,134
“Code, design and build cool tech stuff,” Kleeman said. “Think of apps, websites or software that could change the game. We grew up with tech in our DNA, so why not cash in on it? Plus, tech jobs offer fat paychecks and loads of room for growth.”
Greet added, “With cyber threats on the rise, the demand for cybersecurity roles is expected to grow.”
Data Scientist
- Average base salary: $126,565
“Do you love crunching numbers and solving puzzles? Data analysis could be your jam. Plus, it pays well and offers tons of brainy challenges,” said Kleeman.
“Data science roles are expected to grow by 15% between 2019 and 2029, according to the BLS,” added Greet.
Entrepreneur
- Average base salary: $95,837
Greet and Kleerman both went out on their own and forged companies, brands, and careers from scratch. Kleeman notes that Gen Z’s earning as an “entrepreneur extraordinaire” all “depends on your hustle.”
“Start your own business and chase those dreams,” Kleeman said. “Got a killer idea? Why not be your boss? Sure, it’s a risk, but the payoff could be huge. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of calling the shots?”
Editor’s note: Average base salary was sourced from Indeed and is accurate as of Mar. 17, 2025.
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