More Americans Rely on 'Side Hustles' for Extra Income

Survey finds 72% of workers have at least one secondary source of earnings

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new survey by MyPerfectResume found that a large majority of Americans, 72%, rely on at least one source of secondary income, known as a 'side hustle.' The top five side hustles include ride-hailing, food delivery, dog-walking, freelance work, and selling products online. The report suggests side hustles have become 'woven into the fabric of American work,' with more than half of workers expecting to maintain similar levels of side income in 2026. The trend is more common among younger workers, with 34% of Gen Zers and 31% of millennials having side hustles compared to 23% of Gen Xers and 22% of baby boomers.

Why it matters

The rise of side hustles highlights how many American workers feel financially stretched, with average pay increases lagging behind inflation. Side hustles have become a way for workers to boost their earnings and maintain their standard of living. The trend also reflects broader shifts in the labor market, including the growth of remote work and the gig economy.

The details

The MyPerfectResume survey of 1,000 working adults found that the top five side hustles are ride-hailing, food delivery, dog-walking, freelance work, and selling products online. Federal data shows the share of employees holding more than one job has risen steadily since the early pandemic months, peaking at 5.7% in November 2025. While the average worker's pay rose 18% from 2020 to 2024, inflation rose 21% over the same period, leaving many workers with less purchasing power.

  • The MyPerfectResume survey was conducted in October 2025.
  • The share of employees holding more than one job peaked at 5.7% in November 2025.

The players

MyPerfectResume

A resume-building platform that conducted a nationally representative survey of 1,000 working adults.

Jasmine Escalera

A career expert at MyPerfectResume.

Vivian Ezugwu

A Gen Z hospital nurse in New York who takes on extra shifts as a school nurse as a side hustle.

Martin de Anda

A Gen Z loan underwriter in Los Angeles who supplements his job by handing out flyers for other businesses as a side hustle.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You think of people who are just trying to pay rent, to pay for food. This isn't about luxury. This is about necessity.”

— Jasmine Escalera, Career expert at MyPerfectResume

“Spending 40-plus hours at one job should be enough. And now, people are clocking out and going to the next gigs.”

— Jasmine Escalera, Career expert at MyPerfectResume

“I hope to make it my full-time hustle.”

— Martin de Anda (Bankrate)

The takeaway

The rise of side hustles reflects the financial pressures many American workers face, with pay increases lagging behind inflation. While once seen as a COVID-era trend, side hustles have become a permanent part of the labor landscape, with younger workers more likely to engage in them. This shift highlights the evolving nature of work and the growing need for workers to find creative ways to supplement their incomes.