Despite employment reaching a record high in 2024, half of Australian workers (50%) are living paycheck to paycheck, according to ADP Research’s People at Work 2025 report. The study, which surveyed nearly 38,000 workers across 34 markets, uncovers stark regional disparities and generational divides in the global workforce’s financial resilience.

The findings reveal a complex financial picture, both locally and internationally: taking on extra work doesn’t necessarily close the pay gap, as nearly six in 10 (57%) workers surveyed globally are still struggling to make ends meet, even working multiple jobs. 

In Australia, over half (52%) of workers with two jobs and nearly six in 10 (58%) of those with three or more jobs report holding multiple roles to cover necessary expenses.

Key Findings:

Global strain: Globally, more than half (54%) of single-job holders, 59% of workers with two jobs, and 61% of workers with three or more jobs are struggling to make ends meet.

Working multiple jobs to make ends meet: A significant portion of Australians are turning to multiple jobs to cope with financial demands.
Two jobs: 58% say they do it to afford extra costs, and 35% to build life savings and prepare for retirement.
Three or more jobs: 58% do it to build savings and prepare for retirement, and 46% to cover extra costs.

Regional Comparison: The country with the highest percentage of workers living paycheck to paycheck is Egypt (84%), followed by Saudi Arabia (79%) and the Philippines (78%). In contrast, South Korea reports the lowest proportion globally, at just 18%. Within the Asia-Pacific region, Australia ranks as the fourth lowest in terms of the share of employees living paycheck to paycheck, with 50% of workers facing this financial pressure. Only Japan (29%), Taiwan (30%), and China (31%) report lower proportions.

Why workers take multiple jobs

The survey reveals that most workers holding multiple jobs are doing it to cover their necessary expenses, to save for future spending, and to build savings for retirement. The number of workers working more than one job is the highest in the Middle East Africa (34%), Latin America (24%), and Asia Pacific (24%).

While people have different reasons for taking on extra work, holding two or more jobs can be a necessity in parts of the world where average wages are low relative to a country’s cost of living. Informal economies in Africa, Latin America and parts of Asia exacerbate challenges, with workers who piece together gig or part-time roles lacking stability or protection.

 Navigating the high cost of living

“Pay is the foundation of financial wellbeing for most workers, yet our data shows that even record employment isn’t translating into financial security. Nearly two-thirds of people who hold three jobs still struggle to make ends meet. This presents an opportunity for employers to take a more holistic approach to compensation to help workers navigate the higher living costs of today’s global economy,” ADP chief economist Nela Richardson said.

“With the rising cost of living putting pressure on Australian households, many workers are finding it increasingly difficult to stretch their paychecks, even when holding down multiple jobs. For small and medium-sized businesses, offering across-the-board pay rises may not be realistic — but there are other meaningful ways to support employees,” Judy Barnett, Operations Director at ADP Australia said.

“Flexible work arrangements, subsidised transport, wellness programs, or financial planning support can go a long way in easing day-to-day pressures. These practical benefits help build trust, reduce turnover, and create more resilient workplaces at a time when employee wellbeing has never been more critical,” added Barnett.