Answer · confidence: partial
How much money do part-time and full-time sellers really make each year?
Research question: What do surveys and government statistics show about how much people who sell goods or services part-time or full-time actually earn per year?
The facts do not give a direct annual earnings figure for people who sell goods or services part-time or full-time; the Census Bureau's Nonemployer Statistics track business receipts and business counts, not individual net earnings 2. A national survey of gig workers found that two-thirds report earnings under $2,500 per month from gig work 3, and about 14% earned less than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour 1. A minority of younger gig workers, especially Millennials, report earning more than $5,000 per month 5, and over one-third of gig workers across generations say gig work is their primary source of income 7. For comparison, the Bureau of Labor Statistics put median annual earnings for full-time and salary workers at just over $62,000 15. The newest dated fact is from 29 January 2026 13, roughly nine months before October 2026.
Checked 2026-10-22. Only documented and supported facts are used.
Dig deeper on this questionSources
[1] supported
About 14% of surveyed gig workers earned less than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
"**Table 2** shows that 14% of surveyed gig workers earned less than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour."National survey of gig workers paints a picture of poor working conditions, low pay
[2] supported
The Census Bureau's Nonemployer Statistics measure total business receipts and the number of businesses, not the net earnings of individual sellers per year.
"The data consist of the number of businesses and total receipts by industry."Department of Commerce - 2023 Nonemployer Statistics: Nonemployer Statistics by Legal Form of Organization and Receipts Size Class for the U.S., States, and Selected Geographies
[3] supported
Two-thirds of gig workers report earnings under $2,500 per month from gig work.
"Over 60% of gig workers participate to supplement their income, and, predictably, two-thirds report earnings under $2,500 per month."More Than One-Third of Gig Workers Rely on Gig Work as Primary Source of Income
[4] supported
Nonemployer businesses, which have no paid employees, together account for less than 4 percent of all sales and receipts nationally, even though they make up most US business establishments.
"The majority of all business establishments in the United States are nonemployers, yet these firms average less than 4 percent of all sales and receipts nationally."Department of Commerce - 2000 Nonemployer Statistics: Non Employer Statistics
[5] supported
A minority of younger gig workers, especially Millennials, report earning more than $5,000 per month.
"However, 36% of Millennials and 21% of Gen Z workers—those most likely to use gig economy work as a primary source of income—report earnings more than $5,000 per month."More Than One-Third of Gig Workers Rely on Gig Work as Primary Source of Income
[6] supported
Most nonemployers are self-employed people running unincorporated businesses (sole proprietorships), and this business may or may not be the owner's main source of income.
"Most nonemployers are self-employed individuals operating unincorporated businesses (known as sole proprietorships), which may or may not be the owner's principal source of income."Department of Commerce - 2000 Nonemployer Statistics: Non Employer Statistics
[7] supported
Across generations, over one-third of gig workers report gig work as their primary source of income.
"Across generations, over one-third (37%) reported gig work as a primary source of income."More Than One-Third of Gig Workers Rely on Gig Work as Primary Source of Income
[8] documented
The national average wage index for 2024 was $69,846.57.
"The national average wage index for 2024 is $69,846.57."Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2026 (Social Security Administration, 2025-11-03)
[9] documented
The OASDI contribution and benefit base for 2026, which represents the maximum annual earnings on which OASDI taxes are paid, is $184,500.
"The OASDI contribution and benefit base is $184,500 for remuneration paid in 2026 and self-employment income earned in tax years beginning in 2026. The OASDI contribution and benefit base serves as the maximum annual earnings on which OASDI taxes are paid."Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2026 (Social Security Administration, 2025-11-03)
[10] documented
The minimum amount a domestic worker must earn for their earnings to be covered under Social Security or Medicare in 2026 is $3,000.
"The minimum amount a domestic worker must earn so that such earnings are covered under Social Security or Medicare is the domestic employee coverage threshold. For 2026, this threshold is $3,000."Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2026 (Social Security Administration, 2025-11-03)
[11] documented
The taxable earnings a person must have in 2026 to be credited with a quarter of coverage is $1,890.
"The taxable earnings a person must have in 2026 to be credited with a quarter of coverage will be $1,890."Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2026 (Social Security Administration, 2025-11-03)
[12] documented
The monthly amount of earnings deemed to constitute substantial gainful activity (SGA) for non-blind people with a determined disability in 2026 is $1,690.
"The corresponding amount of earnings for non-blind people with a determined disability under titles II and XVI of the Act will be $1,690."Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2026 (Social Security Administration, 2025-11-03)
[13] supported
The Economic Survey 2025-26 found that about 40 per cent of gig workers report monthly earnings below ₹15,000.
"About 40 per cent of gig workers report earnings below ₹15,000 per month"Economic Survey 2026: India’s fast-growing gig economy needs an overhaul
[14] supported
The Survey says gig workers' income is volatile, which makes it harder for them to get credit.
"While the gig economy is booming, income volatility persists, leading to challenges in accessing credit, the report said."Economic Survey 2026: India’s fast-growing gig economy needs an overhaul
[15] supported
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median earnings for full-time and salary workers were just over $62,000 annually.
"while median earnings for full-time and salary workers sat at just over $62,000 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics."Side Hustle Statistics 2026: Why Workers Need Side Gigs