Gen Z Graduates Want To Make $100,000 In Their First Job Out Of College: Here’s How To Get There

Citation:

Miguel Virgen, PhD Student in Business. (2025, May 1). Gen Z graduates want to make $100,000 in their first job out of college: here’s how to get there. Doctors In Business Journal. https://www.doctorsinbusinessjournal.com/post/gen-z-graduates-want-to-make-100-000-in-their-first-job-out-of-college-here-s-how-to-get-there

Generation Z has made it clear—they’re not interested in climbing the salary ladder in a slow pace. Many of them are setting their sights on a bold, unapologetic target: earning $100,000 or more right out of college. Some are moving to high earning cities like San Francisco and New York. Unlike previous generations who might have considered such ambitions unrealistic, Gen Z is leveraging a powerful combination of digital fluency, access to data, and career transparency to define their own professional worth early on. Their entrepreneurial spirit can be seen as some of them have become so dedicated in launching a successful startup company that they go as far as sleeping in their offices rather than getting an apartment in order to allocate their financial resources into their startups.

This desire for a six-figure salary from a high paying job or from starting their own company fresh out of school is not simply a fantasy. It reflects growing awareness among young workers of the cost of living, student debt burdens, and the value of specialized skills in the modern economy. With the rise of remote work, global competition, and salary information being widely available online, Gen Z knows what’s possible—and they want a piece of it.

So, can it be done? The short answer is yes—but it takes the right strategy, a focused plan, and often, a willingness to defy convention.

The Reality Check: Who’s Actually Making $100K After Graduation?

The idea of making six figures right after college might seem bold, but it's not out of reach—especially in specific industries. Fields like technology, finance, consulting, and engineering routinely offer starting salaries in the $80,000 to $120,000 range for top candidates from competitive programs. For instance, new graduates who land software engineering roles at companies like Google, Amazon, or Meta can often see base salaries around $100,000, not including bonuses or equity.

Similarly, investment banking analysts at major firms often start with base salaries above $90,000, plus performance bonuses that push total compensation well over $100,000. Management consulting firms like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG also offer new grads total compensation packages in the six-figure range. While these roles are demanding and competitive, they prove that a $100,000 starting salary is not just a myth—it’s a reality for those who align their education and experiences with high-paying career paths.

Choosing The Right Major: Degrees That Open High-Income Doors

One of the clearest ways to position yourself for a high-paying job right out of college is to major in a field that’s in demand and valued in the job market. STEM degrees—particularly in computer science, engineering, and data science—continue to dominate the landscape of high-paying entry-level positions. These disciplines offer direct pipelines into industries where companies are hungry for skilled talent and willing to pay top dollar.

But it’s not just about tech jobs. Recent graduates that form a team of founders have a chance to raise venture caputal for their startup idea. Not all startups get funded, but putting yourself in an environment like San Francisco, having a team of founders with a graduate degree, and a relentless entrepreneurial spirit can definitely increase your odds for funding.

Skill Over School

While a degree from a prestigious university can open doors, Gen Z is also proving that skills often matter more than a school’s brand name. Tech companies, startups, and even traditional firms are increasingly focusing on what candidates can do, rather than where they studied. As a result, students who demonstrate strong portfolios, complete internships, and build relevant experience—regardless of the college they attended—are landing interviews and offers with impressive compensation.

Gen Z students are making use of bootcamps, online certifications, and side projects to stand out. A computer science student who has contributed to open-source projects, built an app, or completed freelance work often has more value in the job market than someone with just classroom experience. Similarly, digital marketers who can show a proven track record of growing social media channels or managing ad campaigns may receive offers with salaries at or above the $100,000 mark.

Internships, Co-Ops, and Real-World Experience Matter More Than Ever

If there’s one consistent factor among graduates who land six-figure jobs right after college, it’s this: they didn’t wait until senior year to start getting experience. Internships, cooperative education programs, and even part-time gigs in a relevant industry can set you apart from the crowd. Employers value candidates who’ve already worked in a professional environment and can hit the ground running.

Many students who land high-paying jobs complete two or three internships during college. In many cases, their final internship leads to a full-time offer well before graduation. This is especially common in fields like software development, where “return offers” are the norm for high-performing interns. Gen Z students who approach their college years strategically—focusing on experience as much as academics—are more likely to unlock those $100,000 opportunities.

Networking Like a Pro: Relationships Can Multiply Your Value

In today’s hyper-connected world, knowing the right people is often as important as having the right skills. For Gen Z, networking doesn't necessarily mean awkward career fairs and stiff alumni dinners. It means leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, GitHub, and even TikTok to connect with professionals, join conversations, and showcase your expertise.

Students who proactively build relationships with mentors, industry insiders, and peers often find doors open that others never even see. Whether it’s a recommendation for an internship, a referral to a high-paying role, or early access to a job opportunity, networking can drastically speed up your journey to a $100,000 salary. Many Gen Z professionals are even landing jobs through content creation—by sharing insights, projects, or career advice on social media, they demonstrate value and attract attention from recruiters and hiring managers.

Location Still Matters—But Less Than It Used To

In the past, making a six-figure salary right out of college often meant moving to a high-cost city like New York, San Francisco, or Washington, D.C. While this is still common for finance, consulting, and tech roles, the rise of remote work has changed the game. Gen Z professionals now have more flexibility to earn top-tier salaries while living in lower-cost areas or even traveling full-time.

Companies are increasingly offering remote or hybrid roles with compensation based on national salary bands, not just local cost of living. This gives young professionals more freedom to design a lifestyle that works for them—while still earning a competitive paycheck. The result? A $100,000 salary now stretches much further than it used to, especially for those willing to think outside the traditional career-city model.

The Side Hustle Factor: Supplementing to Six Figures

For Gen Z workers who don’t hit the $100,000 mark with their first full-time job, side hustles can help bridge the gap. Many young professionals are freelancing, consulting, building e-commerce brands, or monetizing content through platforms like YouTube, Substack, or Patreon. This entrepreneurial spirit allows them to increase their income without waiting for a promotion or a new job.

It’s not unusual for a Gen Z graduate to earn $70,000 from a full-time role and another $30,000 or more from a side hustle. In fact, many companies now encourage this kind of ambition, as long as it doesn’t interfere with day-to-day responsibilities. For those who can balance both, hitting six figures becomes not just realistic, but almost expected.

A Path Worth Pursuing—Even If It Takes Time

Not everyone will land a $100,000 job right out of college. That’s okay. The real value of aiming high isn’t just the paycheck—it’s the mindset it cultivates. By striving for a six-figure salary early, Gen Z workers push themselves to gain skills, build relationships, and pursue excellence in their field. And even if they start at $70,000 or $80,000, they’re often well-positioned to break the $100,000 threshold within a year or two.

The key is to stay focused, be adaptable, and play the long game. A high income is within reach—but it’s rarely handed out without effort. Those who invest in themselves early, stay curious, and never stop learning are most likely to turn the Gen Z dream of a six-figure starting salary into a reality.

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