---
title: "Inflation surge pushes more Americans into side hustles"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/286858895.md"
description: "April inflation surged to 3.8%, exceeding wage growth and diminishing workers' spending power. As a result, 53% of Americans with side hustles report they rely on these earnings, averaging $1,275 monthly, to cover essential expenses. This trend is evident in West Michigan, where residents are starting various ventures, indicating a national shift towards supplemental income."
datetime: "2026-05-19T05:37:18.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/286858895.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286858895.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/286858895.md)
---

# Inflation surge pushes more Americans into side hustles

Inflation tops wages: April inflation hit 3.8%, surpassing average wage growth and reducing workers' spending power for the first time in three years. Side hustle reliance: 53% of Americans with side gigs say they couldn’t cover essential expenses without them, earning an average of $1,275 a month. Local stories, big trend: West Michigan residents are launching ventures from woodworking to dog sitting, reflecting a broader national move toward supplemental income.

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