It is no doubt that, over the last decade, the gig economy has taken off and is showing no signs of slowing down. Research from Gallop reveals that 36% of US workers work in the Gig Economy. Whether it’s private tutoring, delivering food or dog sitting, the gig economy is booming and helping individuals break out of the 9-5 rut. But which side hustles are proving the most popular in the US and which states are driving this alternative way of working? AppJobs have analys]zed US gig applications data to reveal America’s ultimate side hustle.
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Delivery Driving is the UK’s most popular gig job among the Americans, with the category racking up 105.314 applications. The types of roles in this category vary from delivering groceries and take-aways to furniture - allowing Americans to earn an average of $17.10. With the increasing popularity of driver apps, this category taking the top spot comes as no surprise.
Freelancing comes in as the 2nd most popular category with 95,866 applications. The category covers a wide range of interests from taking surveys to an online fashion stylist. Its popularity is reflected across a number of states, including Texas and Ohio.
The top 5 states driving the US’ Gig Economy:
- Florida - 55,762 applications
- California - 45,615 applications
- New York - 37,587
- Texas - 34,161 applications
- Pennsylvania - 13,308 applications
The state taking the crown for leading the way in America’s gig economy is Florida, with the area seeing an impressive 55,782 gig applications.
Massage therapy ranks as the best-earning gig category with an impressive hourly rate of $27.84, double the earnings of gig cleaning, which earns just over $11 an hour and pet-sitting which earns just over $13.
Coming in second place for best-paid is Freelancing, from answering surveys to proofing copy, the category provides on average an hourly rate of $25.33. Those gig jobs that require qualifications and skill follow shortly behind as home-cooking and teaching have an hourly rate of over $20.
The gig economy is here to stay and thanks to the use of online platforms, its never been easier to find alternative ways to work.
Iwona Polog, Head of Growth from AppJobs comments: ‘It’s great to see the increasing popularity of the gig economy across so many US states, as well as the variety of roles being applied for, with each category varying in industry and skill. The gig economy provides a broader horizon of opportunity for people to take on a new and more flexible style of working, that suits both their lifestyle and needs and allows them to gain more control over their work-life balance.
The gig economy is a great opportunity to explore your passion, whether that’s caring for animals through pet sitting or tutoring others. It’s also a great way to explore ways of earning money that you’ll enjoy, out of the typical 9-5 job.’
