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National Survey of Gig Workers


National Survey of Gig Workers

Key Findings

  • Low Pay: About 1 in 7 gig workers (14%) earned less than the federal minimum wage on an hourly basis. More than a quarter (29%) earned less than the state minimum wage applicable to W-2 service-sector workers.
  • Technical Difficulties: Three out of every 5 gig workers (62%) lost earnings due to “technical difficulties clocking in or out,” compared with 19% of W-2 service-sector workers.
  • Economic Hardship: One in 5 gig workers (19%) went hungry because they could not afford enough to eat. Thirty percent used the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) within a month of the survey, twice the rate of W-2 service-sector workers (15%).
  • Utility Bills: Nearly one-third (31%) of gig workers did not pay the full amount of their utility bills in the month prior to the survey.

Current State of the Gig Economy in 2024

  • Prevalence: The gig economy is thriving, with 16.4% of the American workforce participating in gig work as of 2023. This is expected to grow, with projections that half of the U.S. workforce will be part of the gig economy by 2027.
  • Demographics: Gig workers tend to be younger, with 53% of gig workers aged 18-34 relying on gig work as their primary source of income.
  • Technology and Flexibility: Advancements in technology have facilitated remote gig work, allowing workers to contribute from anywhere. This flexibility is a significant draw for many gig workers.
  • Economic Impact: The gig economy is significant, with gig workers accounting for more than $1.4 trillion of total U.S. income. However, challenges such as low wages and lack of benefits persist.

Areas of Research and Resources

  • **Data Library:** Authoritative, up-to-date data on the living standards of American workers.
  • **Publications:** In-depth reports and analysis on gig work and other labor market issues.
  • **Experts:** Insights from leading researchers and experts in the field.
  • **Resources:** Tools and information to help gig workers understand their rights and improve their working conditions.

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References

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