Brazil gig economy reaches nearly 2 million workers

Data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) reveals that approximately 1.96 million people in Brazil work through digital platforms, representing about 1.9% of the employed population. This sector has seen significant growth, with the number of people using platforms as their primary activity rising 9.1% in one year and 36.8% since 2022.

While these platforms offer flexibility and ease of entry, the study highlights significant challenges regarding labor conditions. Informal labor rates among platform workers reach 72.1%, compared to 42.7% for non-platform workers. Additionally, only 34% of these professionals have social security coverage.

Economic disparities were also noted: platform workers earn an average of R$ 16.20 per hour, which is 12% less than the R$ 18.40 earned by non-platform workers. To achieve equivalent income, platform workers must work an average of 5.4 hours more per week. Most workers are men (84.4%), and many cite a lack of traditional job alternatives as the primary reason for joining the gig economy.