Graduating Into Gig Work? How To Keep More Of What You Earn From Day One

Jun 2, 2026 | Gig Workers

The class of 2026 isn’t waiting around for a corner office. Nearly a third (32.5%) are already exploring gig work, and 28.1% are diving into freelance, according to ZipRecruiter’s 2026 Graduate Report. In fact, 1 in 3 U.S. adults plan to start a business or side hustle this year, according to QuickBooks’ Entrepreneurship in 2026 report. For many new graduates, that starts not with a business plan but with a gig: a first freelance client, a short-term contract, a paid project, or a freelance assignment. The income feels simple at first. The tax picture is more involved, and getting ahead of it early helps prepare for a smooth first year.

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