Side A · Liner notes
Where Americans Are Juggling Multiple Jobs: A 2026 Analysis
Banking · Words by Toby Nelson · Released
A recent study reveals that 8.6 million Americans hold multiple jobs, with significant variations by state in jobholding rates and hours worked.
With the rising cost of living, many American workers are finding that a single income no longer suffices to meet their household expenses. By 2026, approximately 8.6 million individuals, which constitutes 5.3% of the employed workforce, are reported to manage multiple jobs simultaneously. However, the prevalence of this trend varies significantly across states, indicating differing economic pressures and employment dynamics.
SmartAsset conducted an in-depth state-level analysis to highlight regions where full-time workers are more inclined to hold a second job. This research examined both the number of multiple jobholders and the average hours they dedicate to their secondary roles. Analyzing these factors provides critical insights into employment trends across the United States.
Key Findings
- Kansas leads in jobholding: Kansas has the highest rate of multiple jobholders, with 8.8% of full-time workers engaged in secondary employment. This notable statistic also extends to all employed workers in the state, where 9.4% hold more than one job.
- Louisiana workers clock extra hours: In Louisiana, those juggling multiple jobs put in an average of 19.7 hours per week at their secondary jobs, the most burdensome workload among those studied.
- Nebraska jobholders work less: Conversely, workers in Nebraska spend only 7.5 hours weekly on their second jobs, representing the lowest commitment in the nation.
- Alabama and Washington: lowest jobholding: Alabama reports the smallest percentage of multiple jobholders at 3.8%, while Washington has the lowest rate among full-time employees, at just 3%.
Economic Context
The rise in multiple jobholding can be attributed to various factors, including stagnant wages and increasing household expenses. Workers are often compelled to seek supplementary income to offset living costs. This trend also reflects broader economic conditions, where part-time work is less stable and may not provide sufficient funds for families.
In states like Kansas, the high percentage of multiple jobholders can be viewed as a response to local economic conditions. For instance, the job market in Kansas may not offer enough full-time opportunities with livable wages, prompting residents to take on second jobs. In contrast, regions with lower rates of jobholding, such as Alabama and Washington, may have more sustainable economic frameworks or higher wages that diminish the necessity for supplementary employment.
Implications for Workers
Understanding the implications of working multiple jobs is important for workers, particularly regarding taxation. According to Chris Thompson, a senior managing editor at SmartAsset, “Multiple-job holders should pay attention to Social Security withholding. Because each employer calculates withholding independently, workers with two or more jobs may have excess Social Security tax withheld if their combined wages exceed the 2026 annual wage base of $184,500. That excess can generally be claimed as a credit on their federal income tax return.” This insight highlights the need for workers to keep track of their earnings and ensure they maximize their tax returns effectively.
Questions and Answers
In which state does the largest share of full-time workers hold second jobs?
Kansas. Approximately 8.8% of the state’s full-time workers ages 20 to 64 hold a second job.
In which state does the smallest share of full-time workers hold second jobs?
Washington. Approximately 3% of the state’s full-time workers ages 20 to 64 hold a second job.
In which state do workers with multiple jobs spend the most time at their secondary jobs?
Workers in Louisiana average about 19.7 hours per week at their secondary jobs, the highest in the nation.
What are the tax implications of holding multiple jobs?
Multiple jobholders might have excess Social Security tax withheld if their combined wages exceed the 2026 annual wage base ($184,500), which they can claim as a credit on federal tax returns.
Methodology
The data stems from the 2025 Current Population Survey (CPS) and the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) spanning 2021-2025, analyzed with resources from IPUMS. This comprehensive analysis with metrics including the share of employed workers holding multiple jobs, recognized full-time status (working 35 hours or more per week), and average weekly hours worked at secondary positions. Reliability was bolstered by pooling ATUS estimates, although nine states were excluded from the hours analysis due to limited sample sizes. The figures presented are subject to sampling variability; alternative sources may reflect different definitions of secondary work.
The findings underscore a critical examination of the evolving American workforce landscape as increasing numbers of individuals seek to balance the demands of multiple job roles.
