Over half of US remote staff have side hustles, survey finds

More than half of US remote workers are earning side income during work hours, according to a LendingTree survey published on June 17, 2025. 

The survey, conducted among 2,000 American employees and over 450 remote workers, found that 51% of participants were actively engaged in side gigs in addition to their main job, while 58% had thought about taking one on. 

Men working remotely were more likely to take on side gigs (58%) than their female counterparts (42%).

Economic pressure and job insecurity were cited as contributing factors for these side hustles, with nearly half of remote workers expressing fear of layoffs.

On the flip side, employers were found to be increasingly concerned about productivity and about workers using company time for extra income.

Analysts warn that dividing attention between primary jobs and side gigs could lead to greater employer scrutiny and fewer remote work opportunities in the future.

Remote Work Reshaping How Americans Approach Their Jobs

A shift in work expectations has been observed across the US workforce, particularly around flexibility, job priorities, and where work is performed.

Remote work, which was initially adopted as a public health measure during the COVID-19  pandemic, has since become a lasting practice of the modern workforce.

According to the survey, key impacts of the rise of remote work include a shift in job expectations, with most top talent reported to be unwilling to consider roles that do not offer remote options.

On the upside, 66% of remote workers reported increased productivity, 90% noted an improved work-life balance, and 70% said they were getting more sleep. 

Financially, 89% cited cost savings, particularly on transportation (72%), food (55%), and clothing (46%).

On the downside, 39% admitted to using software or hacks to appear active while not working. 

Remote work has also led to added home office expenses, including higher utility bills, upgraded internet, and equipment purchases.

Even so, most remote workers reported that the overall financial benefits outweighed these added costs. 

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