After the pandemic hit, the number of digital nomads has skyrocketed, increasing by 131% from 2019 to 2022, according to Forbes. Although the growth rate has settled at a steady 2% annually since then, remote work is more tempting than ever.
Have you ever wondered if you could be a digital nomad and work while exploring the world? You're not alone. With remote work becoming the new normal and the chance to travel again on the horizon, it's a question on many minds.
This article will look at 10 digital nomad statistics to understand how remote work is shaping up in 2024.
The Digital Nomad Landscape
The way we work is undergoing a significant transformation in 2023. Instead of the traditional eight-hour schedule setup, remote work is becoming the new standard, driven by companies looking to keep their employees engaged.
This shift has created a new breed of workers - the digital nomads. So, how many of them are there today?
1. There are at least 16.9 million digital nomads in the U.S.
That's a 9% increase from the previous year and an astounding 131% surge compared to the pre-pandemic year 2019.
According to the MBO Partners 2022 State of Independence research study, 16.9 million workers in the U.S. call themselves digital nomads.
2. In 2022, 11.1 million digital nomads in the U.S. held full-time jobs with organizations
COVID-19 has played a pivotal role in shaping a technology-driven, location-independent lifestyle. Studies highlight that, in 2022, 11.1 million were traditional workers among these digital nomads and held full-time jobs with organizations.
That's a 9% jump from the 10.2 million in 2021, showing that more people are mixing regular jobs with the digital nomad gig.
3. 37% of digital nomads are from the U.S.
According to a recent survey involving 1,200 digital nomads spanning various ages and backgrounds, the majority originate from the U.S., making up a substantial 37%.
Following closely behind are digital nomads from the United Kingdom, comprising 12% of the surveyed group, and Germany, at 5%.
Photo by LinkedIn Sales Navigator
4. 58% of digital nomads are either Gen Z or millennials
While many companies are calling their teams back to the office, the pandemic has reshaped how we think about work.
Younger generations, in particular, have embraced working remotely, signaling a shift in work culture and the rise of the digital nomad lifestyle. Recent data reveal that 58% of digital nomads fall within the age brackets of Gen Z (21%) and millennials (37%).
These individuals are breaking free from the traditional office model and choosing to work from anywhere they please.
5. The 40-59 age group now accounts for 35% of the digital nomad community worldwide
Living the dream of working abroad while earning a living is no longer reserved for young adults. The 40-59 age group is increasingly joining the ranks of digital nomads.
According to the Telegraph, this age group now makes up a substantial 35% of the global digital nomad community.
What's driving this change? For many in this age bracket, the rising cost of living in their home countries is a big motivator, with 78.3% of Americans considering or already working remotely, citing it as a significant factor.
6. In 2022, 59% of digital nomads were male, and 41% were female
Digital nomads, fueled by wanderlust and powered by tech, thrive on their ability to work from any corner of the globe with an internet connection. In 2022, they formed a diverse community, 59% male and 41% female.
There are dedicated websites and social media groups catering specifically to female digital nomads. One such community, The Lab, has been active online for seven years. Within just a few months, it gathered 1,000 members, reached 5,000 within a year, and rapidly grew to 10,000 in months.
Photo by David L. Espina Rincon on Unsplash
7. 58.8% of the digital nomads surveyed are either married or in a partnership
Do you think digital nomads are all young and single? Think again. According to Forbes, the digital nomad lifestyle is far from one-size-fits-all.
Most digital nomads (58.8%) are married or in a partnership, and nearly half (48.3%) have kids under 18.
What's fascinating is that 70.4% of digital nomads with children have already combined work and travel with their little ones, and they plan to do it more.
8. Employees can save up to $12,000 per year by working full-time remotely
Remote work isn't just about convenience; it's also about saving money. You might already know you're pocketing some extra cash by working from home, but have you ever crunched the numbers to see how much?
According to an analysis by Flexjobs, full-time remote workers can put aside up to $12,000 each year. It all adds up when considering that the average commuter shells out anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 annually on transportation.
Those daily office trips can drain your wallet whether you're driving or taking public transit.
9. 36% of digital nomads earned between $100,000 and $250,000 U.S. annually
Digital nomads come in all shapes and sizes. Their reasons and duration for globetrotting can vary, but one thing's for sure—many are raking in serious income.
According to Statista, by early 2023, 36% of over 2,500 digital nomads surveyed worldwide made between $100,000 and $250,000 U.S. annually.
Conversely, only 6% of those surveyed earn less than $25,000 U.S. annually.
10. 93% of remote workers feel more satisfied, and 90% are more productive
Remote work and the digital nomad lifestyle offer more than just flexibility; they boost workers' happiness and productivity. As Forbes showed in early 2023, 93% of remote workers reported increased satisfaction, and 90% said they were more productive.
But it doesn't stop there. The survey also found that 61% of respondents felt less stressed, and 44% said their mental health had improved. Plus, almost a third (30%) mentioned that improved finances played a significant role in their increased well-being.
Summary: Digital Nomad Statistics
- There are at least 16.9 million digital nomads.
- In 2022, 11.1 million digital nomads in the U.S. held full-time jobs with organizations.
- 37% of digital nomads are from the U.S.
- 58% of digital nomads are either Gen Z or millennials.
- The 40-59 age group now accounts for 35% of the digital nomad community worldwide.
- In 2022, 59% of digital nomads were male and 41% were female.
- 58.8% of the digital nomads surveyed are married or in a partnership.
- Employees can save up to $12,000 per year by working full-time remotely.
- 36% of digital nomads earned between $100,000 and $250,000 U.S. annually.
- 93% of remote workers feel more satisfied, and 90% are more productive.
FAQ
What are the most common career fields for digital nomads?
A study conducted by Flexjobs in 2022 pointed out that digital nomads' top 10 career fields include:
- Copywriting.
- Education and training.
- Administrative roles.
- Customer service.
- Art and creative professions.
- Computer and IT.
- Consulting.
- Data entry.
- Marketing.
- Project management.
Which countries offer digital nomad visas?
You can get digital nomad visas in various countries. In Europe, options include Portugal, Georgia, Croatia, and Iceland. These visas let remote workers live and work there.
Beyond Europe, you can find similar permits in places like Grenada, Panama, Dubai, Sri Lanka, and more.
How much income do you need to be a digital nomad?
Due to Digital nomads typically exploring accommodation options on Airbnb, booking.com, and Facebook groups when traveling, in terms of rent, a quarter of respondents allocate USD 600 - USD 800 monthly.
That's why, according to recent surveys, around 25% suggest earning between USD 3,000 and USD 4,000 monthly as a digital nomad.
Final Thoughts
We're part of a unique world where work revolves around life rather than the other way around. The era of long commutes and mundane office spaces is shifting.
While not everyone has escaped the office, the work-life balance landscape is being redefined.
The ascent of remote work and the digital nomad lifestyle transforms the traditional work model, offering a fresh take on balancing work, life, and freedom.
But it's more than just personal gains. Although it may not boost your bank account, remote work carries significant environmental benefits.
So, how do you combine globe-trotting adventures, meaningful connections, and a thriving career? It all comes down to your mindset and planning skills.
Sources
- Digital Nomadism Continues To Grow, Despite The “Back To The Office” Trend
- 2023 Digital Nomads Report: Nomadism Enters the Mainstream - MBO Partners
- Number of U.S. Digital Nomads Has Grown 131% Post-Pandemic, Reaching 16.9 million: MBO Partners
- Freedom, travel and taxes: Digital nomads reveal the best (and worst) aspects of their lifestyle | Euronews
- The rise of the midlife digital nomad
- I've been running a community for digital nomad women for 7 years, here are 7 lessons I learned
- The Great Reevaluation: How Remote Work And Digital Nomads Are Reshaping The Future Of Work
- 6 Ways Working From Home Can Save You $6,000 or More Annually | FlexJobs
- Digital nomad income worldwide 2023 | Statista