Younger generations such as Gen Z are reshaping the workplace, with a tendency to switch jobs more frequently than their predecessors. According to a September 2025 Randstad survey, Gen Z workers stay in a job for an average of 1.1 years, compared to 1.8 to 2.9 years for older generations early in their careers. However, this is not due to a lack of loyalty, as the survey of 11,250 respondents across 15 global job markets revealed.
“They’re ambitious, adaptable, and searching for growth,” said Randstad CEO Sander van’t Noordende. Job hopping can be a strategic move to boost pay and secure financial stability, especially amid economic uncertainty fueled by the war in Iran and rising inflation.
Why Switching Can Supercharge Your Pay
Career coach Dr. Hayley Haywood noted, “Job hopping has been proven to help stagnant employees obtain salary increases, either because a new employer is willing to negotiate, or because the current employer is willing to invest in your retention.” Business consultant Rob Tillman added that managers are often restricted by company policies on salary increases, limiting raises for long-term employees. In some cases, workers can double their salary within a few years. Caroline Vernon, vice president at career transition firm INTOO, shared an example of a millennial client who moved from a $50,000 role to $75,000, then to $100,000 within two years—a trajectory unlikely at her original company due to rigid salary increase caps.
How Much More Can Younger Workers Earn?
Experts estimate pay bumps range from 30% to 150%. Joel Marotti, senior managing partner at Vertical Media Solutions, recommends a base raise of 15% to 20% for a lateral move, though a smaller increase may be acceptable if the role offers growth potential. Lauren Mastroni of Resume Genius agrees, noting that a smaller bump can be worthwhile for accelerated career growth or flexible arrangements. However, Jan Hendrik von Ahlen of JobLeads argues that the classic 10-20% benchmark is outdated, suggesting younger workers should aim for 25% to 30% to cover the costs of equity, productivity tax, lost promotion opportunities, and cultural fit risks.
How to Hop Smartly
While job hopping generally pays off, experts caution against moving solely for a higher paycheck without considering long-term career paths. Marotti emphasized, “A 5% raise to move into something that builds toward wherever you actually want to be in ten years is often the better financial decision than a 25% raise that doesn't do that for you.” Downsides include losing employer 401(k) matches and earned paid time off, which can offset salary gains. “A 15% bump on salary that costs you a year without a 401(k) match or the PTO you had earned can actually be a pay cut,” Marotti warned. Stability involves more than a paycheck—it includes retirement savings and health insurance.
Younger generations should not feel ashamed of seeking higher earnings amid rising living costs and housing prices. Von Ahlen stated, “When younger workers are changing jobs, it's really not that they're being disloyal—they're responding rationally to a market where it just doesn't pay to be loyal the way it used to.” Psychological benefits also matter: finding a job with the right pay and culture can improve well-being. Sarah Noll Wilson of The Noll Wilson Group noted, “For many younger workers, job hopping can create faster salary growth, expanded opportunities, greater flexibility, and the ability to find organizations that better align with their values.” She added that younger generations have entered a different workforce, watching companies downsize and restructure, making them less willing to sacrifice health or growth for uninvested employers.
