Freelancer employment trends, 2014–15
| 2014 Study | 2015 Study | Change 2014–15 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Millions | Share of total | Millions | Share of total | Millions | Percent change | |
| A. Benchmarked to labor force | ||||||
| Independent contractors | 21.1 | 39.8% | 19.3 | 35.9% | -1.8 | -8.5% |
| Moonlighters | 14.3 | 27.0% | 13.2 | 24.6% | -1.1 | -7.7% |
| Diversified workers | 9.3 | 17.5% | 14.1 | 26.3% | 4.8 | 51.6% |
| Temporary workers | 5.5 | 10.4% | 4.6 | 8.6% | -0.9 | -16.4% |
| Freelance business owners | 2.8 | 5.3% | 2.5 | 4.7% | -0.3 | -10.7% |
| Total “freelancers” | 53.0 | 100.0% | 53.7 | 100.0% | 0.7 | 1.3% |
| B. Benchmarked to employment, 18 and older | ||||||
| Independent contractors | 19.6 | 39.8% | 18.1 | 35.9% | -1.5 | -7.7% |
| Moonlighters | 13.3 | 27.0% | 12.4 | 24.6% | -0.9 | -6.9% |
| Diversified workers | 8.6 | 17.5% | 13.2 | 26.3% | 4.6 | 52.9% |
| Temporary workers | 5.1 | 10.4% | 4.3 | 8.6% | -0.8 | -15.6% |
| Freelance business owners | 2.6 | 5.3% | 2.3 | 4.7% | -0.3 | -9.9% |
| Total “freelancers” | 49.2 | 100.0% | 50.3 | 100.0% | 1.1 | 2.2% |
| Memo: Share of employment (18+) | ||||||
| Independent contractors | 13.5% | 12.3% | ||||
| Total “freelancers” | 34.0% | 34.2% | ||||
Source: Author's analysis of Freelancers Union/Upwork (2014, p.5; 2015, p. 6)