Editor’s note — This report was published in 2019. Newer research may show a significant change due to current events.

Self-employment and gig economy trends in the U.S.

Just how big is the gig economy? What are the trends among self-employment today? To answer these types of questions, QuickBooks commissioned Gallup to create a holistic, state-by-state view of self-employment in the U.S.

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Jonathan Rothwell
Principal Economist

Jessica Harlan
Sr. Research Consultant

About the report

QuickBooks commissioned the Gig Economy and Self-Employment Report from Gallup to help us better understand what success means to people who work for themselves, whether they do so full-time, part-time or on the side. All research was done and is owned by Gallup, Inc.

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Report overview

Despite best efforts, the true state of self-employment in the U.S. has largely remained unknown. Due to an inconsistent—and perhaps incomplete—look at self-employment qualifiers, federal agencies haven’t been able to nail down just how many workers in the country are working for themselves.

But with research from all angles, Gallup found the most complete look at self-employment trends in the country.

28%

Gallup found that 28% of workers have some kind of self-employment. About half of that, 14%, rely on self-employment as their primary income.

Main findings and statistics

All-time high

Just how many adults are engaged in self-employment? In 2017, it was the highest percentage since the IRS started reporting in 1957—17%.

Overall satisfaction

Self-employed workers experience a slightly lower overall job quality, but a greater sense of control and belief that they’re regularly using their strengths.

Major growth

There was a +722% growth in sole proprietors from 2000 to 2017.

Primary and extra income

Whether they rely solely on self-employment income or use it as supplementary income, 28% of workers report being self-employed at some time during a given week.

More side hustles

Twice as many self-employed workers (22%) work multiple jobs to make money as those who work for an employer (11%).

Similar income, fewer benefits

The median income of those primarily self-employed ($34,751) is similar to those who work for employers ($40,800). However, the total compensation is less due to lower benefits.

State trends

Percent of tax returns paying self-employment tax (IRS) 2000-2017

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Change in percentage points of returns paying self-employment tax:

Most of the 50 states saw an increase in self-employment tax filing from 2000-2017. The states with the biggest increase were Vermont, Georgia, and Florida. Those that saw the biggest decrease were North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana.