A new iHire study shows that freelancing in America is on the rise, with flexibility and financial stability driving interest in contract, independent, and project-based work.
Upon surveying 2,250 U.S. workers, iHire found:
– 61.0% of workers found freelance or project-based work appealing – 73.2% of whom said flexible scheduling/ability to set their own hours is the chief draw.
– 41.0% have currently or previously worked on a freelance/project basis.
– 55.9% expect to do more project-based work in 2026.
– 51.4% said freelancing is extremely or very important to their financial stability.
iHire’s report, The Freelance Revolution: Insights Into the 2026 U.S. Workforce, is available at https://www.iHire.com/FreelanceReport26.