Nearly 6 in 10 American Freelancers Do It Out Of Financial Need, Not Choice

A new study from Resume.ai reveals a divided American workforce navigating persistent economic pressure. Even as inflation has cooled to 2.7% from 22 highs, the cumulative impact of years of elevated prices continues to reshape how Americans work.

Resume.ai's survey of 900 U.S. workers found that 42.3% currently freelance in some capacity. Of those freelancers, 58% do so out of economic necessity rather than personal preference. 

With freelance annual earnings ranging from approximately $38,000 to $157,000, depending on field and seniority, the gig economy has evolved from an entrepreneurial pathway into a financial safety net for many workers.

Key findings:

1. 42.3% of U.S. workers freelance in some capacity

2. Only 17.8% freelance by choice (less than half of all freelancers)

3. 16% work full-time with a freelance gig on the side

4. 9% freelance but would prefer a stable, full-time job

5. 16.3% have full-time jobs but wish they could freelance

6. Remote freelancers (38.5%) show the highest satisfaction in their roles

1 in 6 workers juggle two jobs simultaneously

The most striking finding is that 16% of workers are juggling both full-time jobs and freelance work not to build a passion project, but because one paycheck simply isn't enough.

Another 25.3% are stuck in the wrong type of work altogether: 16.3% feel trapped in full-time roles but wish they could freelance, while 9% are freelancing but would give anything for the security of a steady paycheck.

What emerges is a picture of a workforce with limited options where financial necessity, not personal choice, is driving how millions of Americans earn a living.

16.3% workers are stuck in 9-to-5 jobs but want freelance freedom

On the other hand, 16.3% of employees remain in traditional full-time jobs despite wanting to freelance. While they value flexibility and independence, financial realities keep them tethered to their desks. 

“For many workers, the barriers to freelancing aren’t about motivation or ambition; rather, they’re about risk,” said Amanda Augustine, resident career expert at Resume.ai. “Things like health insurance, unpredictable income, and retirement benefits make it hard to justify the leap, even when the desire for flexibility is there.”

Remote freelancers are the most satisfied workers

There is some good news. Remote work continues to expand opportunities for successful freelancing, with remote freelancers reporting the highest satisfaction levels (38.5%). However, those gains could be short-lived if return-to-office policies continue to gain traction, potentially leaving workers with even fewer pathways to sustainable freelance work. 

Fully remote workers show the highest freelance satisfaction (38.5%), yet nearly one in five (18.9%) still juggle dual employment out of necessity.

Office-based workers face the greatest disconnect: while 22.7% dream of freelancing, only 6.8% actually freelance by choice. 

Hybrid workers, meanwhile, report the highest rate of dual employment (24.6%), working both full-time and freelance jobs simultaneously just to make ends meet.

Younger workers dream of freelancing, yet older workers are more likely to do it

The generational data shows that ambition alone doesn’t guarantee access to opportunity.

More than one in four Gen Z workers (25.6%) are stuck in full-time jobs while dreaming of freelance freedom, yet only 14.4% actually freelance by choice. 

Millennials appear to be under the most strain: nearly one in five (18.9%) work both full-time and freelance jobs just to pay the bills. 

Gen X workers (21.3%) are most likely to freelance by choice, suggesting that experience and financial stability play a critical role in making the transition. 

Among baby boomers, the data shows a clear split: 29.3% freelance by choice, while 17.1% freelance out of necessity, possibly reflecting barriers to traditional employment, including age-related challenges.

Overall, the findings suggest we're not witnessing a labor shortage or a surge in entrepreneurship, but rather widespread economic insecurity forcing workers to earn income however they can.

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Methodology: Resume.ai surveyed 900 workers across the United States in January 2026. Respondents were asked to identify which statement best described their current work situation. Responses were analyzed to identify patterns in work preference, necessity, and satisfaction across freelance and traditional employment models.

About Resume.ai: Resume.ai is an AI-powered resume and cover letter platform built to give job seekers a competitive edge. Leveraging advanced machine learning, Resume.ai offers intelligent resume scoring, real-time feedback, and keyword optimization to ensure every document is tailored for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and recruiter preferences. Trusted by professionals worldwide, Resume.ai goes beyond building resumes, empowering users with smart tools to accelerate every step of their job search journey. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Amanda Augustine is the resident career expert for career.io, a Careerminds company, and its suite of brands:  resume.io, TopResume, TopCV, TopInterview, Resume.ai, and others. As a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC) and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), she has spent more than 20 years helping professionals improve their careers and land the right job sooner. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.