The Gig Economy Grows

The gig economy continues to expand at a remarkable pace, reshaping the U.S. workforce and the global labor market. In 2024, the number of freelancers in the United States reached an estimated 72.1 million people, representing nearly 40% of the entire U.S. workforce. This reflects a significant increase from 64 million in 2023 and marks an 89% jump since 2020. Analysts project that this trend will continue, with the freelance and gig workforce expected to grow to more than 86 million workers by 2027, surpassing half of the U.S. labor force. The growth reflects a shift in worker priorities, with many valuing flexibility, autonomy, and diverse income streams over the security of traditional employment.

Gig work itself takes many forms, ranging from highly skilled freelance services to everyday on-demand tasks. Popular examples include ride-hailing drivers, food delivery couriers, and warehouse or logistics contractors, as well as graphic designers, writers, coders, consultants, and digital marketers who offer their expertise on a project basis. Increasingly, professionals in healthcare, education, and finance are also turning to contract or freelance arrangements.

Globally, freelancers now make up as much as 12% of the workforce, with more than 30 million new workers expected to join the gig economy soon. Supported by digital platforms, remote tools, and growing demand for specialized skills, gig work is no longer a side trend—it has become a defining feature of the future of work.

John Bradley "JJ" Jackson

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