Gig Workers Engage in Retirement Saving at Rates Similar to Traditional Employees
Event summary
- 71% of gig workers reported household retirement asset ownership, compared to 74% of non-gig workers, per a fall 2025 survey.
- 73% of gig workers use freelance work to supplement income from another job.
- 68% of gig workers relying on gig work as their primary income source reported household retirement assets.
- High rates of retirement asset ownership were found across all age groups of gig workers.
The big picture
The findings challenge the assumption that gig workers are disengaged from retirement saving, suggesting the current system may be more adaptable than previously thought. This data could influence policy discussions around retirement security for a changing workforce. The survey highlights the role of portable retirement vehicles like IRAs in enabling saving outside traditional employment.
What we're watching
- Policy Adaptation
- How policymakers will incorporate these findings into retirement system reforms for gig workers.
- Retirement Product Innovation
- Whether financial institutions will develop more tailored retirement products for self-employed individuals.
- Gig Economy Growth
- The pace at which gig work becomes a primary income source and its long-term impact on retirement savings behavior.
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