The number of independent workers in the US has surged 69% since the pandemic, according to MBO Partners’ “State of Independence in America 2022” released today. And just this year compared to last, the number of independent workers rose 26% to a total 64.6 million.

“Beyond the pandemic and macroeconomic climate, the underlying factor driving the thrust in independent work is institutional mistrust,” MBO Partners’ CEO Miles Everson said. “We don’t trust institutions to have our best interests at heart, and our proof points have mounted as we have faced the challenges of the past few years. As we have come to question our view of security, workers have realized that creating a job is no greater risk than having a traditional job.”

MBO Partners defines independent workers as consultants, freelancers, contractors, solopreneurs, microbusiness owners, temporary (workers employed through staffing firms) and on-call workers.

In addition to greater numbers, the report noted number of full-time independent workers — those working more than 15 hours per week — rose 59% to 21.6 million this year from 13.6 million in 2020. The increase compared to 2021 was 27%.

MBO’s report also found the number of independent workers making more than $100,000 per year rose 16% this year compared to last year.

Other findings in the report:

• 64% of independent workers said they chose to work as independent workers. Conversely, only 10% said they were working as independents due to a job loss or inability to find a traditional job.
• 43% of full-time independent workers believe not enough predictable income is their top challenge; followed by concerns about the next job/pipeline, 32%.
• 41% of independent workers providing services to businesses report finding work on online talent platforms, while 51% rely on word-of-mouth and 24% view other independents as their work source.

MBO Partners’ 12th annual report includes responses from 6,488 US adults, including 934 independent workers. It was conducted in July.