October 16, 2002 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

Moonlighting in 2001

In May 2001, 7.8 million persons worked at multiple jobs in the United States, a figure representing 5.7 percent of all workers. Why did these persons choose to work more than one job?

[Chart data—TXT]

Results from a supplement to the May 2001 Current Population Survey reveal that more than 1 in 3 moonlighters worked multiple jobs in order to earn extra money, a category that could include saving for the future or getting extra money to buy something special. An additional 27.8 percent moonlighted in order to meet current expenses or pay off debt. 

Among the other common reasons for working multiple jobs, enjoyment of the second job was reported by 17.4 percent, and 4.6 percent wanted to build a business or get experience in a different job.

These data are from a supplement to the Current Population Survey. For additional information on reasons for moonlighting, read "Twenty-first century moonlighters," Issues in Labor Statistics (PDF 169K), Summary 02-07.