Even with a record number of traditional jobs available, the number of independent workers in the U.S. keep climbing, according to new research.
There are now 64.6 million independent workers in the U.S., according to “Happier, Healthier Wealthier: The State of Independence in America,” issued by MBO Partners, a provider of back-office services to independent workers.
The report found that the number of full-time independents—those working 15 hours a week or more—is 21.6 million, up from 15.3 million in 2019.
The number of high-income independents—those earning $100,000 a year or more—rose to 4.4 million, up 16% from last year, as a result, in part, of corporations relying more on highly skilled independents.
And those dipping a toe in the water at least once a month grew to 31.9 million, up from 15.8 million in 2020.
Drivers of this trend include the macroeconomic climate, advances in platforms and other infrastructure supporting independent work, and attitudes more accepting of this career choice, the researchers found.
