Long-Term Trends for Multiple Jobholders in the U.S.

The landscape of employment in the United States has undergone significant changes over the past few decades, particularly concerning multiple jobholders. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of June, there were approximately 8.703 million individuals working multiple jobs, accounting for 5.3% of civilian employment. This article delves into the long-term trends of multiple jobholders, drawing insights from three decades of historical data provided by the BLS’s Current Population Survey.

Understanding Multiple Jobholders

Multiple jobholders are individuals who hold more than one job simultaneously. The BLS categorizes these workers into four subgroups, which include those with primary and secondary jobs. The distinction between these jobs is subjective and relies on the participants’ perceptions. Notably, the statistics do not encompass the small fraction of employed individuals (approximately 0.03%) who work part-time in what they consider their primary job while holding full-time positions in their secondary jobs.

Historical Context and Trends

A review of the historical data reveals that multiple jobholders have consistently accounted for 5.0% or more of total employed persons for 22 consecutive months, marking the longest streak since 2009. However, the monthly data can exhibit volatility, which is why a 12-month moving average is often employed to highlight underlying trends.

The moving average peaked in the summer of 1997 before entering a downward trajectory. It hovered slightly below 5% during the two most recent recessions and dipped to a low of 4.4% in 2021. Since then, there has been a notable upward trend, with the moving average currently sitting at 5.33%, the highest level since November 2005.

Subcategory Trends

Examining the four subcategories of multiple jobholders reveals interesting dynamics. The blue line in the accompanying chart illustrates the trend of multiple part-time jobholders, which saw a trough in 2002 but began to rise in early 2007. This increase occurred well before the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Conversely, there was a marked decline in the percentage of employed individuals whose hours fluctuate between full-time and part-time for either their primary or secondary job.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline in both groups, but starting in 2021, there has been a steady increase in those working full and part-time jobs. This cohort now represents its highest level since the early 2000s. Meanwhile, the number of individuals holding multiple full-time jobs has remained relatively stable over time.

The Impact of Economic Events

The Great Recession significantly influenced the percentage of multiple part-time jobholders, which leveled off in 2010 and 2011 but resumed a slow upward trend until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The downward trend for those whose hours vary between full-time and part-time jobs likely contributed to the rise of exclusively part-time workers.

Conclusion

The trends surrounding multiple jobholders in the U.S. reflect broader economic shifts and societal changes. As we analyze the data, it becomes evident that while the percentage of multiple jobholders has fluctuated over the years, recent trends indicate a resurgence in this workforce segment. Understanding these patterns is crucial for policymakers, employers, and workers alike, as they navigate the evolving employment landscape.

For those interested in a deeper dive into employment trends, the BLS provides a wealth of resources, including monthly employment reports and analyses of job openings and labor turnover. These insights can help illuminate the complexities of the job market and the factors influencing multiple jobholding in the United States.

Additional Resources

Monthly Employment Report
Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary (JOLTS)
ADP Employment Report
Weekly Unemployment Claims
Full-Time and Part-Time Employment

By staying informed about these trends, we can better understand the evolving nature of work in America and its implications for the future.