A new report was released by INSHUR, a commercial insurance provider for the on-demand economy. INSHUR partnered with Censuswide to survey 1,000 professional drivers working for on-demand platforms in the United States.
The report, released last month, found that more women than ever—especially those under 34—are turning to on-demand driving for flexibility, financial independence and greater control over their schedules. As demand for rapid deliveries and on-the-go services skyrockets, women are meeting the “on-demand entrepreneur” moment head-on, leveraging flexible work models to carve out their own financial stability.
While past research has focused on the barriers female-identifying drivers face, this report highlights a different reality—women aren’t just navigating the gig economy, they’re redefining it.
Total Drivers Split By Age and Gender
INSHUR
Women now make up nearly half of delivery drivers, using on-demand work to gain more control over their time, earn supplemental income or even build full-time careers outside traditional employment.
“Americans choose to drive for on-demand apps for many different reasons, facing varying opportunities and challenges along the way depending on their home life, background, location, age and other factors,” the report found. For the 67% of female drivers aged 25-44, flexibility is the driving force—especially for those juggling parenting, caregiving or secondary jobs.
Beyond flexibility, job satisfaction and pay are key motivators for participating in the gig economy. Among surveyed women, 67% drive part-time, often balancing on-demand work with jobs in retail, healthcare or education. The ability to change and control their own hours is a major draw, reinforcing the growing role of on-demand work in today’s shifting economy.
The report also found that:
- Nearly half (49%) of surveyed on-demand drivers identify as female, with many opting for delivery roles over rideshare due to flexibility and safety concerns.
- Most drivers (77%) have additional jobs, using on-demand work as a supplemental income stream.
- A growing number of drivers now rely on on-demand work as their primary source of income.
Why the Gig Economy Matters More than Ever
It’s been nearly five years since the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a pandemic— an event that reshaped the global workforce overnight. At its peak, U.S. unemployment soared to 14.8%, the highest level ever recorded since 1948. As lockdowns forced consumers to rely on delivery services for everything from groceries to clothing, the on-demand economy surged. Many who lost their jobs pivoted to flexible work, fueling a shift toward gig-based employment.
Fast forward to today, and instant gratification is the norm— with on-demand entrepreneurs making it all possible. Women, Gen Z, Millennials and underrepresented communities are at the forefront of this entrepreneurial shift, reshaping how we shop, dine and commute while redefining what it means to be self-employed in a digital-first world.
Surprisingly, Millennial women—particularly those ages 35-44—make up the largest share of female on-demand drivers, followed by women 25-34, according to the report. Among Gen Z drivers, 65% identify as female, though the numbers shift in favor of men in older age groups.
When we think of a delivery driver, a young woman in her 20s isn’t always the first image that comes to mind— but this new data tells a different story. Women accounting for nearly half of all delivery drivers in 2025 reveals that the gig economy isn’t just reshaping work— it’s challenging old assumptions about who does certain jobs.
Women also make up 40% of the Asian on-demand workforce and while only 9% of all drivers aged 18-24 are white, nearly one in three in that age group are Asian— the highest representation among any demographic. Minority drivers are also more likely to juggle multiple jobs— 81% of non-white drivers hold a second job, compared to 73% of white drivers.
For many women, this on-demand work isn’t just an entrepreneurial side hustle—it’s a financial necessity. Nearly half of surveyed female drivers cite home bills (47%) and rent or mortgage payments (44%) as their biggest financial burdens, turning to gig work as a way to bridge the gap. Meanwhile, January data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that nearly 400,000 Americans are now working multiple full-time jobs just to stay afloat— putting on-demand drivers in good company.
The takeaway? On-demand driving provides something rare for women: financial independence, flexible hours and the ability to set their own agendas—all on their terms.
Which On-Demand Economy Apps Do you Drive For
INSHUR
How This Could Change the Future of Work
The message is clear: women want flexibility, autonomy and job security— and they’re willing to leave traditional employers behind to get it.
As corporate layoffs accelerate and once-stable jobs feel anything but secure, women are rethinking their approach to work. Mandatory return-to-office policies are pushing even more women out, forcing those who prioritize work-life balance to think outside the box. For many, that means embracing portfolio careers—a mix of gig work, freelancing and part-time employment—rather than betting everything on one company for a salary and benefits.
When the dust settles on RTO, companies will be forced to reckon with their talent drain. If they want to retain women in the workforce, they’ll need to offer more workplace flexibility, competitive benefits and a real reason to stay.
How Organizations and Individuals Can Take Supportive Action
As corporate return-to-office policies ramp up and investment in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts stalls, more women are turning to the gig economy for stability and autonomy. This shift underscores a critical reality: the on-demand economy isn’t just a temporary fix— it’s a powerful, evolving sector that’s helping entrepreneurial women reclaim control over their careers and financial futures.
Here’s how to support the changing workforce:
- Tip your rideshare or delivery driver— gig work isn’t just a side hustle for many, it’s a lifeline.
- Encourage financial and business training for women in on-demand work to help them maximize earnings.
- Advocate for policies that recognize and respect the contributions of gig workers in the economy.
As work continues to evolve, one thing is clear: women aren’t just adapting to the on-demand economy— they’re leading it.