Labor Economist: More Than 1 in 3 U.S. Workers Are 'Disposable,' Including 13% in Staffing Arrangements

NewsData.io · United States · Aug 13, 2026

MIT labor economist Paul Osterman's new book and commissioned survey of 6,000+ workers finds that over 57 million U.S. workers — roughly 35% of the workforce — hold 'disposable' jobs with no career security or advancement prospects. Contractors placed by staffing firms account for 13% of the workforce, freelancers working for organizations represent 5%, and marginal workers (part-timers, adjuncts, staff attorneys) make up 17%. The research highlights cost-driven employer motives including avoidance of benefits, reduced training investment, and built-in high turnover — dynamics that both fuel staffing industry demand and raise questions about worker quality and placement sustainability.