Inflation CRISIS: Americans Forced into Multiple Jobs

A new report revealing that a staggering 9.3 million Americans are juggling multiple jobs highlights the ongoing struggle many face in the wake of economic policies that have failed to keep pace with inflation.

Story Snapshot

Record 9.3 million Americans working multiple jobs as of November 2025.
Inflation and rising costs outpacing wage growth, pushing individuals to work more.
Half of the multiple jobholders are college-educated, marking a significant shift.
The gig economy and remote work are facilitating this trend.

Record Number of Americans Juggling Multiple Jobs

In November 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a record 9.3 million Americans holding multiple jobs, marking the highest number since tracking began in 1994. This figure represents 5.7% of the workforce, the highest share in 25 years, reflecting the economic pressures many are facing. The increase can be attributed to persistent inflation and rising living costs, which have outpaced wage growth over the past five years.

Unlike previous peaks in multiple jobholding, today’s trend includes a significant number of college-educated individuals. In fact, 50% of those holding multiple jobs now possess a college degree. This marks a departure from the 1990s, when the majority of multiple jobholders were non-college-educated working in low-wage roles. The expansion of the gig economy and remote work opportunities have allowed more individuals, including those with degrees, to seek additional income streams.

Working one job is no longer enough to cover living costs:

The number of multiple jobholders surged 499,000 in October and November, to a record 9.3 million.

This figure has risen +3.9 million since the 2020 low.

This is also 1.2 million above the 2008 Financial Crisis peak.… pic.twitter.com/k1KgIghPcN

— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) December 22, 2025

Economic Pressures Drive the Surge

The rise in Americans working multiple jobs is a direct result of economic pressures. Inflation has surged, with housing costs increasing by 28% over the past five years, while wage growth has only been 24%. Additionally, food prices have risen faster than wages, contributing to a scenario where real wages grew less than 1% in the past year. This economic backdrop has made it increasingly difficult for individuals to make ends meet, prompting many to take on additional work.

The current labor market conditions also play a role in this trend. The average workweek has decreased slightly, leading to reduced hours for many. Employers, facing soft demand, have been cutting hours, inadvertently driving workers to seek second jobs to maintain their income levels. This has been particularly impactful in a labor market where job openings exceed the number of job seekers, offering ample opportunities for those willing to juggle multiple roles.

The Impact on American Workers and Families

The trend of working multiple jobs has significant implications for American workers and their families. While the additional income provides some relief, it comes at the cost of increased fatigue and potential burnout. The strain of managing multiple jobs can also lead to reduced family time and challenges in achieving a work-life balance.

Long-term, the normalization of polyworking could reshape the American workforce, with individuals relying on multiple income streams as a standard practice. However, this is not a sustainable solution if wages continue to lag behind living costs. Policymakers and employers must address the underlying economic issues to provide more viable long-term solutions for American workers.