Australia multiple jobholders reach all-time high

The proportion of Australians holding at least two jobs has reached a record high of 6.9 per cent, according to an analysis of official government employment data commissioned by Credit24. This figure represents approximately 1,049,100 people, a significant increase from the 5 to 6 per cent range maintained between 1994 and 2019.

Data indicates that the fastest growth in multiple jobholding is occurring among established workers who are a decade or more into their careers. Between April and June of this year, an additional 64,900 Australians took on second roles, marking the largest quarterly increase since the pandemic reopening periods of 2020 and 2021.

While regional workers have traditionally held more multiple jobs, the gap between regional and city-dwelling workers is narrowing, potentially due to a more tech-enabled regional workforce. Most individuals with multiple jobs work part-time at both, averaging 39.3 hours per week, compared to 34.8 hours for those with a single job. Women account for 55 per cent of all multiple jobholders, with 7.7 per cent of working women employed at two or more workplaces.