How much money do you need to earn to feel satisfied in life? (© Hurca! - stock.adobe.com)
More than a third of Americans are actively looking for a new job, but 39% say finding work is harder than ever before.
In A Nutshell
- Americans say the “perfect” salary averages $74,000, but half of respondents feel their current pay doesn’t support their desired lifestyle.
- One in five (19%) want six-figure incomes, while 24% are unhappy with what they earn now.
- Side hustles are booming: 32% of non-business owners are considering one, 29% already run one, and 52% say entrepreneurship is as viable as a traditional job.
- Small businesses get higher marks than large corporations for satisfaction and relationships, with many workers favoring them over big employers.
NEW YORK — On average, Americans say $74,000 a year would make them happy, according to new survey from Talker Research. But there’s a disconnect: half of respondents say their current paychecks don’t support the lifestyle they want.
The survey of 2,000 adults, commissioned by SurePayroll By Paychex, describes how traditional employment and evolving goals are pushing people to look for alternatives that boost income and meaning at work.
What Americans Consider the Perfect Salary Range
While $74,000 represents the average “perfect salary,” not everyone agrees on what would make them financially happy. One in five (19%) say they’d need six-figure income to enjoy their lifestyle.
The numbers paint a clear picture: 24% of employed Americans are unhappy with their income, and 50% of respondents say their current earnings don’t support their desired lifestyle. That dissatisfaction appears to be influencing how people approach work and money.
Job-market activity reflects this mood. 26% have searched for new jobs in the past three months, 35% are currently looking, and among those navigating the market in the past year, 39% say finding work is harder than before.
Today’s job seekers want more than bigger paychecks. Beyond salary, 28% want better benefits, 20% want improved work-life balance, and 20% want more flexibility, a reminder that total compensation and quality of life matter.
How Americans Are Starting Side Hustles for Extra Income
Economic uncertainty is sparking entrepreneurial interest. The current economy has made 32% of non-business owners more interested in starting a side business, and 69% of all respondents are looking for ways to earn extra money.
Entrepreneurship’s appeal now rivals traditional employment: 52% say starting a small business or side hustle is just as or more viable than pursuing a conventional full-time job.
Nearly 29% already run a side business. Among these entrepreneurs, 40% say their ventures are driven equally or more by passion than by money. And among potential side-hustlers, 47% say they’d be driven equally (or primarily) by earning from something they love.
Americans also see specific opportunities to get paid for their interests: 47% believe they could monetize an activity or idea they’re passionate about, and 59% of non-business owners wish they could start a passion-based business—examples ranged from “quilting” and “doing voice-overs” to “help[ing] people release their emotional baggage.” For those with a clear passion, 57% say the dream is to make it their only source of income.
Given extra income, Americans say they’d prioritize stability: 46% would add to savings or investments, 42% would pay bills, 35% would cover groceries, and 23% would fund travel—suggesting many see extra earnings as a way to strengthen their financial foundation.
Why Workers Prefer Small Companies Over Large Corporations
Worker preferences are also tilting toward smaller employers. About a quarter (24%) of respondents say it’s more beneficial to work for a small business. Respondents view small businesses as more gratifying to work for (40% vs 12% for large companies), with better relationships with customers (59% vs 7%) and employees (58% vs 9%).
“The data shows that more Americans are hoping to turn their passions into paychecks,” said Glenn Ferretti, director of digital sales at SurePayroll. “Whether it’s a side hustle or a full leap into launching a small business, it’s clear people want more control, more meaning and more freedom in how they work. This highlights the need for affordable solutions that can help Americans turn their small business dreams into reality.”
The research points to an American workforce in transition. While $74,000 represents the average “perfect salary” reported in this survey, the larger story is how many people are actively reshaping work and income to better match their goals.
Survey Methodology: Talker Research surveyed 2,000 U.S. adults online between June 9–13, 2025, commissioned by SurePayroll. Sampling drew from non-probability online access panels and programmatic sources with virtual incentives; interviews failing quality checks (e.g., speeders, bots, duplicates, inappropriate text) were excluded. Cells are reported only when n≥80 at 95% confidence; data are not weighted. Results are limited to people with internet access.
