More Americans Are Working Multiple Jobs Than Ever Before

A single paycheck is no longer enough for millions of Americans. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a record-breaking 8.9 million people in the U.S. are now working multiple jobs. This figure represents 5.4% of all employed workers—matching levels last seen during the Great Recession in 2009.

For many, the decision to take on additional work is not a choice but a necessity. Rising living costs, economic uncertainty, and a highly competitive job market have pushed more Americans to seek additional sources of income. Rent, groceries, and energy prices continue to climb, with the latest Consumer Price Index report showing a 2.8% increase in February compared to the previous year. Essentials like eggs and fuel have seen particularly steep price hikes, further straining household budgets.

While the official numbers from the BLS are striking, other surveys suggest the trend is even more widespread. A Bankrate survey found that over one-third of U.S. adults have a second job, while Side Hustle Nation reports that 39% of working Americans engage in some form of side gig. Whether it’s driving for Uber, freelancing online, or juggling two full-time positions remotely, more people than ever are supplementing their income with additional work.

The changing nature of employment has also made it easier to take on multiple roles. The rise of gig economy platforms like Uber and DoorDash has provided flexible earning opportunities for those looking to boost their income. Many remote workers have also found ways to manage more than one job simultaneously, with reports of employees discreetly holding two full-time positions at once.

The increasing number of college graduates has added another layer of complexity to the job market. According to the St. Louis Federal Reserve, the percentage of Americans with a college degree has nearly doubled from 21.2% in 1994 to 37.7% in 2022. This has led to heightened competition for well-paying jobs, forcing some graduates to take on additional work to make ends meet. Data from the St. Louis Fed also shows that half of all Americans with multiple jobs are now college graduates, compared to just 31% in 1994.

However, working multiple jobs comes with its challenges. Balancing long hours can be exhausting, and the toll it takes on physical and mental well-being is significant. Chanda Corkrean, a 41-year-old worker interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, shared her struggle of working 40 hours a week from home for a medical supply distributor while also spending an additional 20 to 25 hours at Pizza Hut in the evenings.

"I'm tired," she admitted. "It's hard to adult between the two jobs."

As more Americans find themselves in similar situations, the question remains: Is this sustainable? While the availability of side hustles and gig work provides financial relief, the long-term impact on workers’ health and quality of life is a growing concern. The record-breaking number of people juggling multiple jobs is a reflection of broader economic challenges, signaling the need for solutions that address wage stagnation and the rising cost of living.