The Fact
In July 2023, 11.9 million U.S. workers were independent contractors on their sole or main job, representing 7.4% of total employment. BLS includes independent consultants and freelance workers in this category.
What This Means
Independent contracting is not a fringe labor arrangement. Millions of workers rely on it as their primary job rather than as occasional side work.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Contingent and Alternative Employment Arrangements — July 2023,” released November 8, 2024.