According to a recent survey by Lending Tree Financial, 44% of Americans have a side hustle, which adds to their regular 9-5 job. In the last two years, the percentage of Americans earning additional income from a side gig has risen by 13% and the numbers aren’t expected to decrease any time soon.

 So, what seems to be the be the cause of this? Well, for starters, the COVID-19 pandemic forced many people into taking on a side gig to supplement their steady income. And now many have continued to rely on this additional income due to the recent inflation and the rising cost of living. 43% of people with side hustles admitted that without this extra income, they more than likely wouldn’t be able to make ends meet. And a staggering 68% say that their side gig is a result caused by the spike in prices in everything from food to housing costs.

Delving a little deeper, if you are wondering who the majority is that’s embracing this side hustle way of life, the award goes to the Gen Z’s. Making up 62% of people who have side gigs. This comes with little surprise that this generation of people, ages 18-25, ranked the highest. The popularity of social media has provoked the desires for many to own similar ranks in status and success. And Gen Zer’s have proven they up for the part. And quite capable. Millennials came in 2nd, making up 55%, followed closely (54%) by parents who have children under 18 years of age.

Additionally, Americans with a side gig bring in an average of $473 a month, with men bringing in slightly more than women. Not so surprising that those with lower incomes have found themselves most reliant on this extra income to get by and pay the bills. Those earning under 35k a year bring in an average of $366 monthly, which equals about 12% of their income. On the other end of the spectrum, $555 a month is the average amount side gigs bring to those making 75k-99k yearly, making that out to be 7% of their yearly income.

In a nutshell, there indeed seems to be a definite rise among individuals taking advantage of side hustles. Whether you’re considering a side hustle or if you’re already relying on one, you can count on the fact that there will be plenty of opportunities for now and heading into the future.