Gig Workers Engage With Retirement Saving, Survey Finds

Retirement asset ownership is widespread among gig-worker households, challenging common assumptions.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A new survey from the Investment Company Institute (ICI) finds that gig workers across all age groups report similar rates of household retirement account ownership as non-gig workers. The survey results challenge the prevailing narrative that gig workers are disengaged from long-term savings and at heightened risk of financial insecurity in retirement. In fact, the data shows that most gig workers, including those who rely on gig work as their primary source of income, are participating in the retirement system through defined contribution plans and IRAs.

Why it matters

As the gig economy has grown, there has been increasing concern that a workforce of freelancers and independent contractors is falling through the cracks of the US retirement system. However, this survey provides evidence that gig workers are actively engaged in retirement saving, challenging assumptions about their financial security.

The details

The ICI survey found that 71% of gig workers reported their household has retirement assets, compared to 74% of non-gig workers. Retirement asset ownership rates were similar among gig workers who use gig income to supplement other earnings (73%) and gig workers who rely on gig work as their main source of income (68%). The survey also found high rates of household ownership of defined contribution accounts and IRAs across all age groups of gig workers.

  • The ICI survey was conducted in November and December 2025.

The players

Investment Company Institute (ICI)

A national association of U.S. investment companies, including mutual funds, closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and unit investment trusts (UITs).

NORC at the University of Chicago

An independent research institution that conducts surveys and studies in the public interest.

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The takeaway

This survey provides important evidence that challenges the common narrative about gig workers and retirement savings. Rather than falling through the cracks, the data shows that gig workers across age groups are actively participating in the retirement system, including through defined contribution plans and IRAs. This suggests the retirement system may be functioning in ways that are often overlooked, even as policymakers explore how it can better adapt to a changing workforce.