Australia’s employment may have reached record highs in 2024, but the pay packets are still not stretching far enough for half the workforce. According to ADP’s People at Work 2025 report, 50% of Australian workers are living paycheck to paycheck. The figure places Australia mid-pack globally, and behind neighbours like Japan, Taiwan, and China, where the proportions are notably lower.
The global survey of nearly 38,000 workers across 34 countries paints a picture of growing financial stress—and it’s not for lack of effort. Around the world, workers are doubling and tripling their workloads just to keep pace with everyday costs. Yet the added hustle isn’t solving the problem. More than half of those with one job (54%) are still struggling to get by. For those juggling two roles, the figure climbs to 59%, and for those with three or more jobs, it’s 61%.
In Australia, over half of workers with two jobs say they’re doing it to cover essential costs. Among those with three or more roles, nearly 60% cite savings and retirement as their primary motivation, but almost half are still just trying to get through the month.
“Pay is the foundation of financial wellbeing for most workers, yet our data shows that even record employment isn’t translating into financial security,” said ADP’s chief economist Nela Richardson. “Nearly two-thirds of people who hold three jobs still struggle to make ends meet.”
While Australia isn’t among the worst performers, the comparison is telling. Egypt (84%), Saudi Arabia (79%), and the Philippines (78%) top the list of workers under financial stress. In contrast, South Korea reports just 18% living paycheck to paycheck—the lowest globally.
Australia, by regional standards, fares better than many. Within the Asia-Pacific group, only three economies—Japan (29%), Taiwan (30%), and China (31%)—reported a lower percentage of workers living week to week. But the headline figure of 50% is still cause for concern, particularly given the country’s relatively high employment levels.
ADP’s Judy Barnett, Operations Director in Australia, says the pressure on workers can’t be ignored. “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,” she said.
“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,” Barnett added. “Flexible work arrangements, subsidised transport, wellness programs, or financial planning support can go a long way in easing day-to-day pressures.”
Globally, workers in the Middle East and Africa are the most likely to take on multiple jobs (34%), followed by Latin America (24%) and Asia Pacific (24%). But the reasons remain largely consistent: basic expenses, savings, and retirement. Low average wages relative to living costs—particularly in countries with large informal economies—force many to patch together work from various sources, often without stability or benefits.
The report also points to generational divides and widening gaps between countries. Australia’s relative position may offer some reassurance, but the persistence of financial strain despite strong employment figures raises broader questions about wage growth, housing affordability, and what counts as a “job well done” in economic planning.
For now, many Australians are doing all they can—working harder, longer, and with fewer safety nets—only to stay in the same place. As Richardson puts it, “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.”
The employment figures may be breaking records. But for many workers, it’s their budgets that are being stretched past breaking point.
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💰50% of Aussie workers live paycheck to paycheck despite record #employment, per ADP report. 🌏Worse than Japan/Taiwan/China but better than Egypt/Saudi. 📉Multiple #jobs don’t solve cost-of-living crisis—61% with 3+ jobs still struggle. #TheIndianSun
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