25 Gig Economy Statistics, Facts, & Trends For 2024

Flexible working arrangements are here to stay, according to the latest gig economy statistics, facts, and trends emerging from recent research. 

Workers are now looking for better opportunities beyond traditional jobs—starting side hustles, finding full-time gigs, and becoming self-employed contractors. 

This shift in how we work experienced a boost during the pandemic and is set to continue and expand through easily accessible technology-driven platforms. 

Overview 

• Freelancers account for 39% of the U.S. workforce—approximately 60 million Americans. 
• 16% of Americans say they've used a gig website or app to make money in the gig economy. 
• More than 60% of U.S. workers are willing to consider freelancing or independent contracting work. 
• The highest-paying gig economy jobs for freelancers are in public relations, management, and business consulting. 
• In 2022, Uber generated 82% more revenue than in 2021, at $31.8 billion. Airbnb increased revenue by 40% to $8.4 billion in 2022. 

As labor markets move toward short-term contracts and freelancing, workers are becoming more comfortable moving into the gig economy. 

Younger generations predominantly embrace the best gig economy jobs, yet it's not confined to them; a substantial pre-1980s demographic participates, too. 

With gig economy growth outpacing traditional work growth by approximately 300% between 2021 and 2023, what was once a niche practice has become mainstream. 

25 Gig Economy Statistics, Facts, & Trends for 2024 

Gig economy growth has produced numerous self-employed individuals, which poses a dilemma for companies stuck in the traditional employment paradigm. 

Figures show more than 35% of the United States adult workforce is engaged in the gig economy, highlighting its significant contribution to the U.S. GDP. 

Projections indicate that over half of the American workforce will become involved in gig work by the end of 2023, underscoring its increasing importance. 

To help plot your course into the future, you'll need the following essential gig economy statistics to indicate what you can expect as the gig economy matures. 

These are the most useful gig economy statistics, facts, & trends for 2024. 

25. 44% of Gig Economy Workers Are Economically Anxious 

As many as 44% of gig workers reported worrying about their financial security, especially if gig work constituted their primary source of income. 

With gigs not offering any benefits packages—such as medical coverage or retirement plans—these fears are a serious concern for the future. 

24. 48% of Businesses Hire Freelancers 

With the gig economy maturing, more companies see the benefits of utilizing a large pool of gig platform workers. 

When profit margins are under pressure, companies may be forced to use a mixed traditional and gig work model to remain competitive. 

23. The Gig Economy Is Growing 15 Times Faster Than the Traditional Job Market 

Growth in traditional job markets has not kept pace with advances in the gig economy, which has been driven primarily by a technology boom. 

The advent of apps such as Uber and Airbnb has accelerated the adoption of the gig economy model at the expense of traditional job markets. 

22. There's a Wide Disparity in Gig-Adoption Across Industries 

Specific industries have embraced the gig economy, with over 40% of their workforce employed as gig workers, while others use virtually no freelance staff. 

Nurses have utilized employment agencies to find gig work for decades, but a recent survey on LinkedIn showed more doctors are now doing the same. 

21. Gig Workers Account for 52% to 77% in Some Industries 

The economy's entertainment, arts and design, construction, and ride-hailing sectors rely on gig workers to provide products and services. 

However, as further technological advances push the biggest gig economy companies forward, more roles will be outsourced to freelance workers. 

20. 59% of U.S. Freelancers Are Male 

In the U.S., men account for 59% of all freelancers, while only 41% are female—slightly higher than the global gig economy distribution of 52%. 

As the gig economy evolves, more women enter various sectors, and gender balance within the gig economy could shift and affect full-time gig workers' job security. 

19. Uber and Upwork Generated $36 Billion Turnover in 2022 

Uber generated a turnover of $31.9 billion globally, while Upwork generated $4.1 billion in gross sales from 814,000 active clients in 2022. 

Both companies are projected to increase their market share and revenue over the next few years as the gig economy gains momentum. 

New entrants exploring the gig economy should stick to exploring the best freelance jobs for beginners on established gig platforms only. 

18. Uber Drivers Earn $19.17 per Hour on Average 

A gig workers report commissioned by Indeed revealed that Uber drivers earn $19.17 per hour on average, while DoorDash drivers make far less. 

At $15.96 per hour on average from gig work, DoorDash drivers must deal with gig economy trends driving down hourly wages. 

This disparity in earnings can be attributed to the highly competitive nature of the food delivery market and local market conditions. 

Gig workers earn more in the U.S. and Europe than in most other parts of the world, partially due to legislation and increased competition. 

Understanding gig economy insurance is also essential when calculating the financial impact of working in the ride-hailing industry. 

17. The Pandemic Helped Introduce 23 Million Workers to Gigs 

The COVID-19 pandemic was the biggest driver of new independent workers into the gig economy in 2020, introducing 12% of the U.S. workforce to freelancing. 

While the effect of lockdowns had less influence in other parts of the world, job losses helped grow the biggest gig economy companies worldwide. 

16. 48% of Freelancers Prefer Fixed-rate Payments 

Research conducted in 2021 by Statista revealed that 48% of freelancers prefer fixed-rate payments, while 29% of independent workers prefer hourly rates. 

This is not surprising, as the primary worry for many gig workers is their financial security, with fixed rates offering less uncertainty. 

Understanding gig worker law is crucial for both gig workers and companies to navigate the legal nuances surrounding gig worker contracts. 

15. Demand for Freelancers Increased 46% 

During 2023, 46% of gig workers reported that they experienced an increase in demand for their type of work. 

As independent workers see more job openings, businesses realize they can fill temporary demands effectively with high-quality staff. 

However, the risk of a downturn in the economy may signal a drop in the number of gigs, resulting in freelancers losing their incomes. 

Investors eyeing future opportunities may find valuable insights into the best gig economy stocks by watching the growth trajectory of gig work. 

14. Finding New Clients Is Freelancers' Biggest Challenge 

A Payoneer survey revealed freelancers struggled the most with marketing themselves and finding new clients, citing client acquisition as their biggest challenge. 

As the gig economy expands and more full-time independent workers enter the market, sales ability will be a differentiating factor for successful freelancers. 

13. The Most Popular Gig Work Is Making Deliveries 

A survey by Pew Research Center revealed the most popular jobs in the gig economy involve making deliveries. 

This was followed by workers performing various household tasks, such as babysitting and cleaning, and working for ride-hailing services like Uber. 

12. Freelance Income in the U.S. Is Almost $1 Trillion 

An Upwork survey estimates freelancing income from the gig economy in the U.S. will total approximately $455.2 billion by the end of 2023. 

This figure represents approximately 5% of the United States gross domestic product (GDP), more than traditional industries such as transportation and construction. 

Comparing accounting software such as Xero vs. QuickBooks makes a lot of sense for freelancers who lack basic bookkeeping skills and need help managing their income. 

11. 56% of Gig Workers Save Their Earnings 

Contrary to expectations, most freelancers save their gig earnings while the rest use it to meet their monthly expenditures. 

Many gig workers utilize their additional earnings to provide flexibility in their schedules, giving them a better quality of life. 

10. 70% of Freelancers Find Work Online 

Most of the work on which freelancers and independent contractors quote is found online, with most looking on popular marketplaces and job boards. 

Word of mouth and referrals take a backseat as only 11% of gig workers rely on these more traditional sources of finding work. 

9. 46% of Gig Workers in the U.S. Are Millennials 

Unsurprisingly, most gig workers are millennials, but Gen Z is close behind at 43%. 

With various upheavals in the economy over the past three years, Gen X now makes up 35% of workers benefiting from the gig economy. 

8. 75% of Gig Workers Have Two or More Gigs 

Currently, 75% of gig workers take on multiple gigs at once. However, 66% of gig workers intend to take on more gigs in 2024. 

This offers gig workers some safety, reducing their dependency on a single source of income, but it can potentially lead to burnout if not managed effectively. 

Gig workers may be able to leverage different skills and interests across multiple gigs, allowing them to maximize their earning potential. 

7. A 43% Increase in Demand for Programmers 

Until now, web and graphic design jobs accounted for more than 20% of work available in the gig economy, but that is rapidly changing. 

A 43% increase in programming jobs is a shift toward a more highly qualified workforce, with almost 80% holding a bachelor's or postgraduate degree. 

6. 96% of Gig Workers Desire Permanent Rather Than Gig Jobs 

Despite engaging in freelance or gig work, a substantial majority of workers (96%) preferred permanent or full-time employment. 

Although they are currently involved in the gig economy, they desire more stable, secure, and traditional employment opportunities. 

The desire for a regular paycheck, clearer career paths, and more structured working hours is a challenge that companies must address in the years ahead. 

5. 80% of Gig Workers Are Satisfied With Their Work 

According to a survey conducted by Skynova, 80% of gig workers are happy with the type of work they were doing, and 65% felt they were compensated fairly. 

While 85% of men indicated they enjoyed their gig jobs, only 72% of women expressed satisfaction, probably due to long working hours. 

Overwork was a concern among women, with 32% raising it as an issue, compared to only 24% of men who were dissatisfied with their working hours. 

To increase their job satisfaction further, most gig workers can benefit from following basic accounting tips to manage their finances more efficiently. 

4. The Gig Economy Employs One-Third of the World's Workforce 

One-third of the world's working population is employed in the gig economy, with its projected value set to exceed $500 billion by 2028. 

To prepare for this, traditional companies must bring their expectations and systems in line with the trend or face being left behind. 

Likewise, the trend toward more flexible working hours and conditions is a double-edged sword for freelancers, who may lose financial security or full-time employment. 

Some gig economy pros and cons include an increasing number of new job openings, but these may come at the expense of traditional businesses. 

3. 40% of Freelancers Charge by Project 

40% of freelance workers quote and charge fees on a per-project basis, while 22% charge an hourly rate for their services. 

The remaining 38% quote on gig jobs using a mix of project and hourly rates, depending on the size and scope of work required. 

Freelancers must learn to quote competitively and structure their gigs according to their overhead requirements to ensure their financial security. 

2. The Average U.S. Freelancer Earns $56 per Hour 

Average hourly rates earned by freelancers vary worldwide based on skill set, expertise, industry, geographic location, and demand for services. 

The average worldwide freelance hourly rate in 2023 was $24 for men, with women earning less, at $23, and Central America making the least, at $18 per hour. 

Pay disparity between male and female freelancers is cause for concern in many quarters, with calls for legislative action to address the issue. 

Freelancers also need to understand how to file taxes in the gig economy, especially with the wide variation in earnings and associated input costs. 

1. There Are 60 Million Freelancers in the U.S. 

The United States freelance workforce totals approximately 60 million workers, projected to grow to 90.1 million by 2028. 

While growth in the gig economy is primarily the reason more freelancers are entering the market, it is not the only reason. 

Large-scale layoffs in the traditional economy and constrained trading conditions are forcing companies to find alternative ways to cut costs. 

Summary 

Gig economy statistics show that in 2024, the gig economy will continue attracting freelancers drawn to flexible gigs beyond the confines of traditional employment. 

Freelancers currently comprise 39% of the U.S. workforce, and 2024 is set to see a continued increase to as much as 50%. 

This surge in gig work—fueled by technology and economic realities—is reshaping how individuals earn an income, marking a pivotal transformation in employment trends.