Kazakhstan’s youngest workers — those aged 16 to 24, often referred to as Gen Z or «Zoomers» — earn less than any other age group in the country, according to data from Energyprom.kz.
In 2025, Gen Z employees earned an average of 279,900 tenge ($535) a month, compared to over $760 for all other groups.
Millennials, particularly those between 35 and 44 with established careers, reported the highest earnings at approximately $870 per month. Close behind were members of Generation X, ages 45 to 54, with an average income of roughly $820. Older adults earned around $720, while employed pensioners brought in about $640.
Education and earnings
The report noted that education level remains a major factor in income levels. Average monthly earnings were:
- Employees with postgraduate degrees: about $1,300.
- Workers with bachelor’s degrees: about $950.
- Workers with only secondary education: about $550.
Regional income gaps
Salary differences across Kazakhstan also continue to widen, especially between resource-rich regions and the rest of the country. Based on last year’s nominal wages:
- Atyrau region (oil) — about $1,200.
- Mangystau region (oil) — about $1,100.
- Ulytau region (mining) — about $1,000.
At the bottom of the ranking were the North Kazakhstan, Zhetysu, and Turkestan regions, each averaging just over $560.
Wage differences by occupation
Managers and high-level government officials remained the top earners, with an average pay of approximately $1,300 per month, although this figure is heavily skewed by executive-level salaries. Rank-and-file civil servants earned substantially less, averaging about $640.
Workers in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and transportation — including operators, assemblers, and drivers — earned the next-highest wages at more than $880 on average. The lowest-paid employees were unskilled laborers, who earned approximately $340 per month.
