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72% of Americans Now Rely on Side Jobs to Make Ends Meet, Signaling a Lasting shift in the Labor Market
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A recent national survey reveals that the “side hustle” is no longer a pandemic-era trend, but a deeply ingrained reality for the majority of American workers. As of October 2025, a staggering 72% of U.S. workers report having at least one additional income source beyond their primary employment, according to research from MyPerfectRezume.
The rise of side jobs initially surged in response to the economic disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the increasing prevalence of telecommuting, and a period of rapid inflation in 2022. While the immediate pressures of the pandemic have eased and inflation has begun to cool, the desire – and often the need – for supplemental income remains remarkably strong.
Freelancing and Investment Top the List of Supplemental Income Streams
The survey identified freelancing and gig work as the most common avenues for generating extra income, with 14% of respondents utilizing these platforms.An equal 14% reported earning income from investments, including stocks and cryptocurrency. Additional income sources included income from personal businesses and passive income streams like rent and royalties (9% each), while 4% held a second traditional job with a different employer.
These findings are corroborated by broader federal statistics. The proportion of Americans working multiple jobs has consistently increased since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, reaching 5.7% in November of last year – the highest level recorded since 2000.
According to a career expert at MyPerfectRezume, “This isn’t about luxury, it’s about livelihood. People are working extra hours just to cover rent and food.” This sentiment underscores a critical point: the side hustle has become less about discretionary spending and more about basic economic survival.
A Structural Shift in the American Labor Landscape
The ‘2026 Side Income Status Report’ published by MyPerfectRezume concludes that the proliferation of side jobs represents a fundamental structural change in the American labor market, not a temporary response to extraordinary circumstances. Last year’s survey showed a similar trend, with 71% of respondents reporting additional income. Looking ahead, over half of those surveyed in October 2025 anticipate maintaining their current level of side income into 2026, and nearly one in four believe that supplemental income could eventually surpass their primary wages.
“There is a growing awareness that working more than 40 hours a week is not enough,” the career expert explained.
Younger Generations Lead the Charge
The trend is notably pronounced among younger demographics. A 2025 Bankrate survey found that 34% of Generation Z workers participate in side jobs, followed by 31% of Millennials, 23% of Generation X, and 22% of Baby Boomers.
Common side hustles include ride-hailing services, food delivery, pet care, and freelance writing. The average monthly income generated from these endeavors is approximately $200 (roughly 290,000 won).
Experts predict
