Get insights into independent contractors and laborers as we approach the end of summer and Labor Day.
Labor Day has traditionally been that special holiday during childhood—marking the end of summer and the time to relax before heading back to school. Back then, you knew school wouldn’t resume until after Labor Day. However, nowadays, kids are returning to school weeks before the holiday, often to get ahead and compensate for days lost to winter storms or other unexpected closures.
As an independent contractor, Labor Day isn’t a day off for me—if I don’t work, I don’t earn. Still, I enjoy supporting those in the workforce who deliver excellent customer service and contribute to our economy. I believe it’s important to acknowledge and honor those working tomorrow, while others are enjoying the last weekend of barbecues and relaxation.
Let’s also recognize the vital role of independent contractors like myself, who form a substantial part of this country’s workforce. We work hard, often behind the scenes, to keep things moving forward.
Labor Day is a national recognition of the American worker.
And that’s particularly important when you consider how much the United States has been built by factory workers, farmers, construction workers, teachers, healthcare workers, transportation workers, service workers, public employees, and countless others whose work often happens behind the scenes.
Independent contractor
There are about 12 million independent contractors in the United States, using the latest official federal estimate.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) counted 11.9 million independent contractors in July 2023, representing 7.4% of all employed workers. This includes independent contractors, consultants, and freelance workers whose independent work was their primary or main job.
However, the number depends heavily on how you define “independent contractor”
What the data tells us
Nationally, the BLS reported 11.9 million independent contractors in 2023. Black workers were independent contractors at a rate of 5.4%, compared with 7.9% for White workers. Men were also more likely than women to be independent contractors—8.7% versus 5.8%.
Age is particularly interesting: 36% of all independent contractors were 55 or older, and workers 55+ were substantially more likely to be independent contractors than younger workers.
St. Louis specifically
For St. Louis city, the 2024 Census data shows approximately 149,000 employed residents age 16+.
The Census also identifies self-employed workers separately. In its 2024 St. Louis data, there were approximately:
- 2,436 self-employed workers in incorporated businesses
- 2,874 self-employed workers in unincorporated businesses/unpaid-family-worker category
- 5,310 in those two categories combined in the displayed full-time/year-round population.
But don’t interpret 5,310 as the total number of Black independent contractors. It includes all races and is limited to the Census table’s particular employment universe.
Why does Labor Day matters?
Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September. It became a federal holiday in 1894, after decades of workers organizing for better conditions.
During the late 1800s, many American workers—including immigrants, women, and children—worked 10–12 hour days, six days a week, often in dangerous factories, mines, railroads, and mills. Workers began organizing unions and striking for:
- 🕐 Shorter working hours
- 💰 Better wages
- 🦺 Safer workplaces
According to data:
Common things families do on Labor Day
- 🍔 Have a cookout or barbecue — burgers, ribs, chicken, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, corn, and desserts.
- 👨👩👧👦 Get together with relatives — grandparents, children, siblings, cousins, and friends may gather for a meal.
- 🏞️ Go to a park or have a picnic — especially if the weather is nice.
- 🏊 Go swimming — pools and lakes are popular before summer officially winds down.
- 🏈 Watch sports — football season is getting underway, making Labor Day weekend a popular sports weekend.
- 🎵 Attend festivals, concerts, or community events — many cities hold Labor Day celebrations.
- 🚗 Take a short trip — families may visit relatives or take a weekend getaway.
- 🛍️ Shop Labor Day sales — furniture, appliances, clothing, and other retailers commonly advertise holiday sales.
- 🏡 Work around the house — some people use the extra day to finish projects before fall.
- 😴 Simply relax — for many families, Labor Day is about slowing down before school, work, and fall activities become busy again.
In closing, let’s take a moment to recognize and appreciate both our independent contractors and 9-to-5 employees—because together, we all contribute to making life meaningful. Please remember to stay safe: avoid drinking and driving, and if needed, arrange for a designated driver. Happy Labor Day from The Narrative Matters!
