Approximately a quarter of American adults engaged in additional income-generating activities (side hustles). The following insights suggest potential shifts in this trend.

In a significant shift, the number of Americans engaging in side hustles has seen a nine percentage point decrease from 2024 to 2025, with around 40% of the population currently participating in this trend [3]. This decline, however, does not diminish the growing importance of side hustles as a critical financial buffer for many.

The side hustle movement is predominantly driven by younger generations, with Gen Z leading the charge at 34%, followed closely by millennials at 31% [2]. Gen X and Baby Boomers are also active participants, albeit at lower rates of 23% and 22% respectively.

The rise in side hustles can be attributed to various factors, including higher living costs, encouraging workers from diverse fields to seek additional income through gig work [3]. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Uber, DoorDash, and Shopify have become popular venues for side hustling, offering freelance, delivery, and e-commerce opportunities [1][2].

Popular side hustles in 2025 include creating and selling digital products, freelancing, e-commerce and drop shipping, rideshare and delivery services, and content creation [1][2]. Men, on average, earn more from their side hustles, with an average of $1,195 per month, compared to women's average of $611 [2].

Interestingly, Gen Z side hustlers rely more on professional and consulting services as their side gig, while online sales are more popular among millennials [2]. Gen Z is also more likely to have a side job, with 34% supplementing their income with a side job [2].

Economic analyst Sarah Foster believes that Gen Zers are more vulnerable financially and feel concerns about job security more intensely, likely stemming from the challenging market they launched their careers in [2]. Vivian Ezugwu, a Manhattan-based nurse, works as a school nurse in addition to her regular night shifts at the hospital [2].

One-quarter of American adults have a side job in addition to their full-time occupation [3]. Side hustle income is used for various purposes, with 41% financing discretionary purchases, and Black side hustlers are more likely to rely on side hustle income for essentials [2].

More side hustlers are using their income for fun, with 41% using their extra income to fund discretionary expenses, up from 37% in 2024 and 27% in 2023 [2]. The median monthly earnings for men in side hustles is $247, while for women it is $148 [2].

Martin de Anda, a Gen Zer, started side hustling through side-job marketplace Airtasker to fund date nights and meet new people [2]. Online sales are the most popular industry for millennial side hustlers, followed by Gen X and Baby Boomer side hustlers [2]. Pet care is the fourth most popular side gig, followed by teaching/tutoring [2].

The median monthly earnings for side hustles are currently at $200 per month, down from $250 per month in 2024 [3]. More than one-third (37%) of Americans needed to tap their emergency savings in the past year [3].

Ezugwu believes that the popularity of side hustles among Gen Z is fueled by a mentality of having a valuable insurance policy against job loss, surprise bills, and price increases, stemming from their experiences living through two recessions under the age of 25 [2].

In conclusion, side hustles in the U.S. are increasingly common and dominated by younger adults. They serve as a critical financial buffer amid economic uncertainty, with digital and gig economy jobs leading the trend. This diversification of income is reshaping how Americans work, with side hustling becoming an integral part of many people's financial strategies [1][2][3].

Despite the decline in overall side hustle participation, the movement remains a vital aspect of personal finance for younger generations, with students utilizing side hustles to manage their loans and maintain a desirable lifestyle.
In the realm of business, the rise of online platforms has not only made it easier for individuals to engage in side hustles but has also created opportunities for people of all ages to tap into various industries, such as freelancing, e-commerce, and pet care.

Approximately a quarter of American adults engaged in additional income-generating activities (side hustles). The following insights suggest potential shifts in this trend.