New York City Ranked Fifth in Side-Hustle Index
The city led the nation in average business revenue for gig workers according to a recent metro ranking.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Remote Work
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The New York-Newark-Jersey City area has placed fifth in Giggster's national Side-Hustle Capital Index. Despite the high ranking, New York City stood out specifically by leading all 30 analyzed metropolitan areas in average business revenue.
Why it matters
Gig work has become a critical lifeline for many, with 20% of New Yorkers relying on these apps for financial support. As families struggle with the current economy, many residents have turned to platform-based income to make ends meet.
New York City currently leads the 30 analyzed cities in average business revenue for side hustles. Additionally, app-based restaurant and grocery delivery workers in the city now receive a minimum of $22.13 per hour before tips.
The players
Giggster
This company provides a platform for location rentals and conducted the analysis for the Side-Hustle Capital Index.
Community Service Society of New York
This organization advocates for low-income New Yorkers and publishes research on economic conditions in the state.
The details
Giggster analyzed business density, earnings, pay rates, and purchasing power to compile its rankings of 30 U.S. metro areas. While San Francisco offered the highest overall pay, Seattle provided the highest pay relative to local living costs.
Timeline
A survey of 4,000 residents across New York state took place in September and October 2025.
The Community Service Society of New York published its findings in April 2026.
Market Landscape
The reliance on gig platforms mirrors the findings in the Community Service Society report, which identified that 20% of residents depend on this sector for survival. This trend underscores a broader shift where platform-based work serves as a primary income source for half of gig laborers.
Residents engaging in gig work can expect varying pay scales, such as $17 to $35 per hour for dog-walking or up to $500 daily for auto-appraisal tasks. Those using delivery apps should note that local regulations have established a minimum wage of $22.13 per hour for their labor.
The takeaway
The gig economy now functions as a essential pillar for household financial stability rather than just a supplementary income stream. Workers should prioritize platforms that align with local cost-of-living adjustments to maximize their take-home pay.
Further reading
For more on the changing labor environment, see Remote Work.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Amsterdam News.
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