Language
English (en)
Publication Date
1-7-2026
Summary
One quarter of workers in the United States make $35,000 or less, and nearly half of these are between 35 and 64 years old. Forty percent are caring for children in the home. As temporary and gig working arrangements become increasingly common, this brief explores the stability of work and income for low-wage workers. The analyses draw upon data from the Workforce Economic Inclusion and Mobility survey administered to a nationally representative sample of U.S. workers earning less than 250% of the federal poverty line. The findings from this work have direct implications for employment practices and labor policies.
Document Type
Research Brief
Category
Financial Inclusion
Subarea
Income Policy
Original Citation
Despard, M., Zhang, G., & Roll, S. (2026). Employment stability and security of low-wage workers in the United States (CSD Research Brief No. 26-01). Washington University, Center for Social Development. https://doi.org/10.7936/nca9-ew87
Project
Workforce Economic Inclusion and Mobility (WEIM)
Keywords
United States; Workforce Economic Inclusion and Mobility; gig work; self-employment; employment security; employment stability; economic security;
Recommended Citation
Despard, M., Zhang, G., & Roll, S. (2026). Employment stability and security of low-wage workers in the United States (CSD Research Brief No. 26-01). Washington University, Center for Social Development. https://doi.org/10.7936/nca9-ew87
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7936/nca9-ew87