There are 70.4 million independents in the US, as of 2022. 36% of the US workforce is currently engaged in self-employment, and the total workforce in the United States was 164.3 million people.
Essentials:
-
Between 2021-2022 the number of independents in the US increased further 20%
-
51% of workers and a first degree independent, comparing themselves 31% of those with a high school diploma.
-
77% of workers in Art & Design independent, comparing themselves 19% of those in Office / Administrative Support.
It appears that the number of self-employed people in the US has decreased from 2020, when 59 million Americans were self-employed.
While the pandemic also hit freelancers in the US, the rise in freelance work was already happening before 2020.
| A year | Civilian Labor Force (millions) | Freelancers (millions) | Part of the Labor Force Freelancing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 164.3 | 70.4 | 36% |
| 2021 | 161.2 | 58 | 36% |
| 2020 | 160.7 | 59 | 36.7% |
| 2019 | 163.5 | 57 | 34.9% |
| 2018 | 162.1 | 56.7 | 35% |
| 2017 | 160.3 | 57.3 | 35.7% |
| 2016 | 159.2 | 55 | 34.5% |
| 2015 | 157.1 | 53.7 | 34.2% |
| 2014 | 155.9 | 53 | 34% |
The most exciting change in 2021 is remote technology. 2021 was the first year that more than half of freelancers offered professional services and/or services – things like software development, marketing, business consulting, and writing.
This change is also reflected in the educational level of the self-employed in 2021. More than half of people with post-graduate degrees are self-employed, compared to only 31% of people with a high school degree or less.
If you’re wondering what these actors actually do, there are good looks in all industries. However, freelancing is the main source of income for people working in Arts & Design, with 77% of employees participating in freelance work.
Administrative, manufacturing, and health care support jobs are the few that cannot be volunteered.
| Work Work | % of US Workers Self Employed |
|---|---|
| Art & Design | 77% |
| Advertising | 58% |
| Computers/Mathematics | 53% |
| Construction | 52% |
| Personal Care / Wellness Service | 48% |
| Directions | 39% |
| Financial Services / Business | 37% |
| Products | 33% |
| Education | 31% |
| Leadership | 29% |
| Health Care Support | 28% |
| Food Prep/Service | 25% |
| Health care | 24% |
| Design/Design | 20% |
| Office / Administrative Support | 19% |
How many Freelancers in the US FAQ
-
How big is the independent economy in the US?
The independent wealth is about $1.3 trillion in the US This is based on their annual income in the United States. This figure also increased by almost $100 million from 2020, an increase of 8.3%.
-
Are most freelancers temporary?
Yes, most freelancers are temporary. About 65% of freelancers work on a temporary basis, as of 2021. Temporary workers are more likely to report making more money than traditional workers, as opposed to non-temporary workers who only report making more money.
-
Which generation is the most independent?
Gen Z is the most self-employed. 50% of Gen Z’ers (between 18-22) have engaged in freelance work. The rate of freelancing decreases as you get to older generations: 44% of Millenials, 30% of Gen X, and 26% of Baby Boomers have participated in freelance work.
-
What percentage of freelancers are successful?
36% of freelancers are successful – that is, 36% of US regular, full-time freelancers make more than $75,000 a year. Considering that about 15% of Americans (individuals, not families) earn more than $75,000 a year, exercisers tend to be. More information superior to traditional workers.
Additionally, 84% of full-time volunteers self-reported satisfaction with their current role. This is similar to the US workforce, where 85% of workers say they are happy with their work.
Regardless of your definition of “success,” freelancers seem to have achieved it at similar or greater rates than full-time employees.
References
-
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Economic News Release, February 2022.” Accessed March 2, 2022.
-
Upwork. “The Freelance Forward Economist Report.” Accessed March 2, 2022.
-
Zippia. “Freelancing Statistics.” Accessed March 2, 2022.