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The side hustle is no longer a trend; it’s a lifeline. A new MyPerfectResume survey of 1,000 U.S. workers shows that 72% now rely on at least one secondary income source, up from 71% last year.
What began as a stopgap during high inflation has transformed into a long-term financial strategy, shaping how Americans navigate rising costs, stagnant wages, and economic uncertainty.
The 2026 State of Secondary Income Report shows that for millions, side work doesn’t just fill gaps, it creates stability that their primary job can’t.
Key Findings
- 72% of U.S. workers now rely on at least one source of secondary income, up from 71% last year.
- 71% believe side income will become more common among U.S. workers next year.
- 38% say inflation has significantly increased their need for additional income, and 72% say rising costs have made side work more necessary overall.
- 53% expect to maintain their same level of secondary income in 2026.
- 26% think secondary income could eventually replace traditional raises, and half say only a major raise would convince them to quit side work.
Financial Pressures Are Driving Workers to Hustle Harder
Key gig economy statistics in 2026 reveal that supplemental income has become essential for the vast majority of U.S. workers. Rising costs, debt burdens, and uncertain wage growth have made secondary income a critical part of everyday financial survival.
Workers report earning supplemental income through:
- 14% – Freelance or gig work
- 14% – Investments (stocks, crypto, etc.)
- 9% – Side businesses they own
- 9% – Passive income (rentals, royalties)
- 4% – A second job for another employer
Last year’s report showed that only 5% relied solely on their main job. Today, that number is even lower, meaning side work is becoming the norm, not the exception.
Why it matters: Side hustles are no longer optional income boosters. For many, they’re now the foundation of financial stability, reflecting deeper structural issues in wages and cost of living.
Cost of Living Is the #1 Reason Workers Seek Extra Income
Inflation may be cooling on paper, but workers are still feeling the pressure.
When asked what increased their reliance on secondary income, workers cited:
- 29% – Rising prices and inflation
- 11% – Saving or paying down debt
- 10% – Seeking financial stability
72% say inflation has made side work more necessary (up from 64% last year), while only 28% report no impact.
And when asked about their personal motivations:
- 26% – Covering basic living expenses
- 18% – Paying off debt or loans
- 17% – Building an emergency fund
- 16% – Saving for a major life goal
- 15% – Affording nonessentials like travel or hobbies
Why it matters: The dominant motivations aren’t luxury or ambition—they’re survival. Workers are using supplemental income to stabilize budgets and protect themselves from economic volatility.
Dual Workloads Are Taking a Toll, But Many Are Adapting
Balancing multiple income streams comes with consequences.
Workers say side income has impacted them in the following ways:
- 21% – Decline in health
- 15% – Increased burnout
- 20% – Less time for family or hobbies
Yet not all impacts are negative, as 28% say their workload now feels “very sustainable,” suggesting that many Americans are adapting to the two-income lifestyle.
Why it matters: The normalization of dual workloads has long-term implications for workplace burnout, work-life balance, and well-being. But workers are increasingly structuring side work in ways that feel manageable and sustainable.
Side Income Creates a New Kind of Job Security
Even if side work doesn’t make workers financially invincible, it does provide psychological security.
- 52% say having additional income makes them feel more secure.
- 68% say their side work has never interfered with ambition or availability at their main job.
Looking ahead:
- 54% expect to maintain their current level of side work in 2026.
- 32% expect to increase it.
- Only 14% plan to scale back.
Why it matters: Secondary income isn’t just financial padding—it’s emotional stability in an uncertain economy.
Workers Believe Side Income May Replace Raises
A growing share of workers no longer expect raises to keep up with inflation or living costs. In fact, 26% believe side income could eventually replace traditional raises.
That shift speaks volumes. Workers are no longer waiting for employers to close the financial gap; they’re closing it themselves through supplemental work.
Why it matters: Side hustles are evolving into a systemic feature of the labor market. If employers don’t adjust compensation, secondary income will continue absorbing the difference.
The Side Hustle Economy Is Here to Stay
Most workers expect supplemental income to become even more common in 2026:
- 71% predict secondary income will rise next year.
- Half say only a significant raise could convince them to quit.
- 1 in 4 say they would never stop their side income at all.
Secondary income has moved beyond the inflation era; it’s now woven into the fabric of American work.
For media inquiries, contact Nathan Barber at nathan.barber@bold.com
Methodology
The findings presented in this report are based on a nationally representative survey conducted by MyPerfectResume using Pollfish in October 2025. The survey collected responses from 1,000 U.S. adults who are currently employed full-time or part-time. Respondents answered a mix of single-selection and multiple-choice questions about secondary income sources, financial motivations, job performance, and future income expectations.
Demographic breakdown:
Respondents were 43% male and 57% female. The age distribution was diverse: 8% aged 18–24, 15% aged 25–34, 20% aged 35–44, 16% aged 45–54, 17% aged 55–64, and 23% aged 65 or older. Education levels included 15% with graduate degrees, 27% with bachelor’s degrees, 15% with associate degrees, 40% with high school diplomas or equivalents, and 2% with less than a high school degree.
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72% of Workers Rely on Secondary Income in 2026
Jasmine is certified career coach and recognized expert in job search strategy. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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