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The 'Perfect Salary' for Most Americans Isn’t Six Figures. Here's What It Is

Half of Americans say their current pay doesn't support their lifestyle, with 69% seeking extra income through side hustles or entrepreneurship, according to a survey of 2,000 adults.

  • Between June 9 and June 13, 2025, Talker Research conducted an online poll of 2,000 American adults to determine the average salary Americans consider ideal.
  • Research conducted for SurePayroll reveals an American workforce undergoing change, with many individuals dissatisfied with their earnings and exploring new opportunities.
  • Results show that $74,000 represents the average salary Americans associate with happiness, while 19% say they need six figures to enjoy their lifestyle.
  • Glenn Ferretti of SurePayroll noted that a growing number of Americans want to transform their passions into sources of income, with 29% currently engaged in side hustles and 57% wishing that their passion could fully support them financially.
  • The findings suggest many Americans prioritize financial stability through saving and paying bills, while increasingly viewing entrepreneurship as a viable alternative to traditional jobs.
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Study reveals America’s perfect salary

The average American describes the perfect salary as $74,000, according to new research. The survey looked at 2,000 adults’ opinions on the workforce, finding the average amount they’d need to make in order to be happy. While the average response…

·Calhoun, United States
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The Indiana Gazette Online broke the news in Indiana, United States on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
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