India’s gig economy is expected to witness rapid expansion over the next five years, with the number of monthly active gig workers projected to grow from around 60 lakh today to between 1.7 crore and 2.1 crore by 2030, according to a new report.
The report estimates that the country’s gig internet workforce will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24-29 per cent. It also projects that gig work across delivery, ride-hailing and home services could account for nearly 70 per cent of India’s annual non-farm job creation requirement of around 80 lakh jobs by the end of the decade.
Ride-hailing is expected to remain the largest employer within the gig economy, with an estimated workforce of 1.2 crore to 1.4 crore by 2030. Delivery services are projected to employ between 50 lakh and 70 lakh workers, while the home services segment is expected to have around 20,000 to 30,000 workers.
The report also highlights the sector’s growing role in expanding employment opportunities. More than 30 per cent of the projected gig workforce is expected to comprise first-time entrants into paid work. Among current gig workers surveyed, 54 per cent said they were not engaged in paid employment before joining a gig platform.
Based on a survey of 2,250 gig workers, the study found that full-time gig workers earn significantly more than workers in comparable formal and informal jobs. Average earnings stood at Rs 138 per hour, compared with Rs 54 per hour in similar non-gig roles.
Monthly earnings also varied across sectors. Home services workers reported the highest net monthly income of Rs 70,000-80,000, followed by ride-hailing drivers earning Rs 37,000-39,000 and delivery workers earning Rs 22,000-23,000.
The report further noted that nearly 70 per cent of respondents believe gig work has improved their future employability by helping them develop skills such as customer service, navigation and financial management.
