Job Hopping for Extra Income

Job hopping has become more common in certain industries and generations, with some employees switching jobs multiple times within a short period. Let’s take a closer look at who’s most likely to hop from one job to another.

According to our survey, 12% of full-time employees identify as job hoppers, with Gen Z leading at 19%. Among industries, tech employees are the most likely to switch roles, with 16% identifying as job hoppers.

More than 1 in 5 job hoppers (21%) have changed jobs three or more times in the past 3 years. Gen  Z job hoppers stand out, with 29% having made three or more job changes. In contrast, only 18% of tenured employees made even one job switch during the same period.

One of the main reasons workers choose to job hop is the potential for faster salary increases and career progression. Here’s how job hopping has impacted raises and overall earnings.

Job hoppers tend to see more frequent raises than tenured employees. Over the last 3 years, 30% of job hoppers received four or more raises, compared to only 9% of tenured employees.

On average, job hoppers received twice as many raises (four raises) as their more tenured counterparts (two raises). As a result, job hoppers have seen a 35% salary increase over the past 3 years, nearly double the 18% increase experienced by tenured employees.

Certain generations and industries have seen the biggest gains. Gen Z job hoppers reported an average salary increase of 48% over the past 3 years, while finance professionals saw the largest increase at 52%.

Many employees view job hopping as a faster route to financial and career growth. Nearly half of all full-time employees (47%) believe frequently switching jobs is more profitable than staying with one employer.

Job hoppers are 64% more likely than tenured employees to feel it accelerates their career progression and 48% more likely to see it as financially rewarding.

Looking ahead, job hopping shows no signs of slowing down. Among all full-time employees, 18% plan to switch jobs within the next year, 20% within the next 2 years, and 30% within 3 to 5 years.

These figures are even higher among job hoppers. Many anticipate job changes across multiple timeframes, reflecting their flexibility and openness to new opportunities: 47% plan to change jobs within the next year, 48% within 2 years, and 58% within 3 to 5 years.

Gen Z is leading the trend generationally, with 27% planning to job hop within the next year.

While job hopping often leads to higher salaries, tenured employees tend to experience greater satisfaction in other areas, such as job security and work-life balance.

Tenured employees report higher satisfaction across several key areas. They are 22% more likely to be satisfied with their work-life balance and 21% more likely to feel secure in their jobs compared to job hoppers. Additionally, tenured employees are 20% more satisfied with their benefits and perks than job hoppers.

Despite these differences, job hoppers remain driven by one key factor: the potential for a higher salary. This financial motivation continues to be the primary reason employees choose to switch jobs frequently.

For this study, we surveyed 1,003 full-time employees about their job-hopping habits, salary, and career motivations and outlook. Among the respondents, 12% identified as job hoppers, while 88% identified as tenured employees. Generationally, 4% identified as baby boomers, 27% identified as Gen X, 57% identified as millennials, and 12% identified as Gen Z.

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