Survey: U.S. Workers Say $74K Is the ‘Perfect Salary’ but 50% Report Income Falls Short

What does it take for Americans to feel financially secure? According to new research, the “perfect salary” for the average worker comes in at about $74,000 per year. The survey, which was conducted by Talker Research for SurePayroll by Paychex, polled 2,000 adults. The results highlight the financial realities facing U.S. households today: while $74K is seen as the ideal target, one in five people believe it takes six figures or more to live comfortably. Nearly half of respondents admit that their current income isn’t enough to sustain their desired lifestyle, with one in four saying they’re outright unhappy with their pay.

So, what would Americans do with extra income if they earned it? The responses emphasize practicality: most said they’d save or invest (46%), pay off bills (42%), or cover rising daily expenses like groceries (35%). Others would use extra money for travel or personal enjoyment. But these financial aspirations are paired with action. A quarter of respondents have recently searched for new jobs, and many find today’s job market harder than in previous years. At the same time, more than two-thirds of Americans are actively looking for ways to supplement their income.

That’s where side hustles and small businesses come in. Over half of Americans now see entrepreneurship as just as viable as traditional employment, with passions ranging from quilting to voice-over work being monetized. Nearly a third of non-business owners are seriously considering starting a side hustle, and almost 60% of workers say they wish they could turn their passion into a paycheck. This reflects a powerful cultural shift: beyond just chasing higher salaries, Americans are seeking control, flexibility, and meaning in their work, fueling both the side hustle boom and the pursuit of financial independence.

The ‘Perfect Salary’ for Americans

• The average American says the ideal salary is $74,000 per year.
• One in five respondents believe six figures are needed to live comfortably.
• Half of Americans say their current income is not enough to sustain their lifestyle.

Income Dissatisfaction

• One in four employed Americans are unhappy with their income.
• Many feel their pay does not cover their desired lifestyle.
• This dissatisfaction is driving both job searches and side hustle interest.

How Extra Income Would Be Spent

• 46% of Americans would save or invest extra money.
• 42% would use it to pay bills and debt.
• Others would cover rising costs like groceries (35%) or spend on travel (23%).

Job Searching in Today’s Economy

• A quarter of Americans searched for jobs in the past three months.
• 35% are still currently searching for new opportunities.
• Nearly 40% say the job market is harder than it used to be.

The Rise of the Side Hustle

• Two-thirds of Americans are looking for ways to earn extra money.
• 32% of non-business owners are interested in starting a side hustle.
• Half believe small businesses or hustles are as viable as full-time jobs.

Turning Passions into Paychecks

• 47% believe passions or hobbies could generate income.
• 59% of non-business owners wish they could start a passion-based business.
• Nearly half say passion, not just money, drives side hustle interest.

Americans Want More Than Money

• Job seekers also want better benefits (28%), work-life balance (20%), and flexibility (20%).
• Many prefer working at small businesses for closer relationships.
• Control, meaning, and freedom at work are major motivators.