A study by Integra Credit has examined the latest statistics behind the U.S. gig economy, revealing how millions of Americans are turning to freelance and app-based work for greater flexibility and additional income.
The research found that 64 million Americans now perform freelance work, accounting for 38% of the U.S. workforce. High-skill freelancers alone contributed an estimated $1.5 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2024, equivalent to around 5% of total GDP, representing an 18% increase from the previous year.
Interest in flexible work has also grown significantly, with Google searches for “gig work” increasing by 548% since 2019, reflecting growing consumer demand for alternative ways to earn money.
The biggest gig economy statistics
By analyzing the latest industry and government data, the study highlights how the gig economy has become an increasingly important source of income for millions of Americans.
The research found that transportation is now the largest sector within the gig economy, generating an estimated $61.3 billion globally. Around 90% of this comes from ride-sharing and delivery platforms such as Uber, Lyft, Grab, Postmates and Instacart. Uber remains the world’s largest gig platform, with approximately 7.8 million drivers and couriers earning money through the app.
Despite the rapid growth of freelance work, the majority of gig workers continue to use it as a supplementary source of income rather than full-time employment.
The study found that 96% of gig workers spend fewer than 35 hours per week completing gig work, while 70% work fewer than five hours per week, demonstrating that flexible work is primarily used to boost household income rather than replace traditional employment.
Top gig economy statistics
| Americans performing freelance work | 64 million |
| Share of the U.S. workforce | 38% |
| Economic contribution from high-skill freelancers (2024) | $1.5 trillion |
| Annual growth in economic contribution | 18% |
| Increase in searches for “gig work” since 2019 | 548% |
| Transportation gig economy value | $61.3 billion |
| Uber drivers and couriers worldwide | 7.8 million |
| Gig workers working under 35 hours per week | 96% |
| Gig workers working under five hours per week | 70% |
Transportation dominates the gig economy
Transportation continues to be the largest segment of the global gig economy, accounting for more than $61 billion in annual activity. Ride-sharing and delivery services have become one of the easiest ways for consumers to generate additional income thanks to flexible hours and low barriers to entry.
Uber remains the market leader, with approximately 7.8 million active drivers and couriers worldwide using the platform to supplement or replace traditional employment income.
Most Americans use gig work as a side income
Although freelance work has become increasingly common, the data suggests that most workers continue to balance it alongside traditional employment.
According to the study, only a small minority spend full-time hours working gigs. Instead, almost all participants work fewer than 35 hours each week, with seven in ten spending fewer than five hours on gig work, highlighting its role as a flexible way to earn extra money and manage rising living costs.
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Tags: DoorDash, economy, freelance, gig economy, gig workers, income, lyft, Payroll, postmates, uber
