Gig Economy news and trends

Wage Slowdown Leaves Gig Work Filling Pay Gaps
Economy // May 03, 2026

Wage growth is easing across the private sector, and the latest Employment Cost Index makes clear the deceleration is no longer a blip. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no...

The Side Hustle Has Entered Its Weird Era
The Weekender // April 11, 2026

There was a time when the side hustle had a uniform: a rideshare decal, a delivery bag, maybe a second phone buzzing with low-margin urgency. Now it looks more like a cultural fever dream. The extra-income economy has spilled out of the car and into...

Why Payroll Is Becoming the Latest Loyalty Product
Real-Time Payments // March 30, 2026

As more Americans earn income outside traditional employment, payouts have quietly replaced paychecks. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today....

Lyft Offers Drivers Additional Cash Back Amid Rising Gas Prices
Ridesharing // March 25, 2026

Lyft has announced a 60-day program designed to provide relief to Lyft drivers who are facing rising gas prices. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe...

Interviews & Exclusives
Gig Economy Pay Practices Draw Fresh Antitrust Scrutiny

May 05, 2026
Watch more: TechReg With Richard Powers of Kressin Powers Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today. By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to […]

Why Payroll Is Becoming the Latest Loyalty Product

March 30, 2026
As more Americans earn income outside traditional employment, payouts have quietly replaced paychecks. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to...

One-Third of Millennials Now Rely on Gig Payments and Tips as Primary Income

February 27, 2026
Nearly one-third of millennials depend on transactional payouts from gig work and tips as their main source of income, replacing traditional paychecks with a piecemeal approach to earning that demands...

Instant Payouts Pull Workers Toward Rival Platforms

December 02, 2025
Instant money movement is accelerating across the U.S. economy, and nowhere is that shift more visible than in the gig economy, where workers increasingly expect to receive their earnings the...

Quick Reads
Lyft Offers Drivers Additional Cash Back Amid Rising Gas Prices

March 25, 2026
Lyft has announced a 60-day program designed to provide relief to Lyft drivers who are facing rising gas prices. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today. By completing this form, […]

Lyft Draws Big Spenders With Rewards and Partnerships

February 11, 2026
Partnerships and rewards drove growth at Lyft in the fourth quarter. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS...

New York Sues UPS, Alleging Persistent Underpayment of Seasonal Workers

December 15, 2025
The New York State Office of the Attorney General (OAG) sued UPS Monday (Dec. 15), alleging that the package delivery company “repeatedly and persistently” underpaid seasonal workers by requiring them...

Instacart Sues New York City to Block New Grocery Delivery Laws

December 02, 2025
Instacart is suing New York City over the city’s new laws that will govern grocery delivery workers’ pay and tips. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this...