More people in the United States are holding more than one job now than at any point since 1999

More Employees Relying on Multiple Jobs to Make Ends Meet

Recent statistics reveal that a growing number of workers are finding it increasingly difficult to support themselves with just one source of income.

Main Points

• In November, the share of individuals juggling more than one job reached its highest point since 1999.
• This trend is likely driven by the fact that many people’s regular earnings are not keeping pace with the rising cost of living, particularly for those with lower incomes.

Despite a slowdown in hiring, more employed Americans are taking on additional jobs than at any time in over two decades. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5.8% of workers held multiple jobs in November—the largest proportion since December 1999, when the figure was 6%. This is an increase from 5.4% over the previous year.

Some analysts anticipate that this percentage may remain steady or even rise when the December employment report is released.

One significant factor behind this increase is that, for many—especially those earning less—their paychecks are not stretching as far as they used to, with living expenses outpacing wage growth.

Economic Implications

The rise in Americans working several jobs highlights the ongoing divide in the economy: while those with higher incomes continue to prosper, many at the lower end are struggling to get by.

Dean Baker, a senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, noted that this pattern likely reflects people’s need to supplement their income because their main job does not provide enough to cover basic expenses.