Only 40% of U.S. workers hold quality jobs that meet their basic financial needs while providing safety, respect, growth opportunities, and meaningful control over their work, according to the American Job Quality Study released this week.
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Men are more likely than women to hold quality jobs, at 45% compared to 34%. Among racial and ethnic groups, Asian and White employees are most likely to have quality jobs at 46% and 42% respectively, while only 33% or fewer Black, multiracial, Hispanic, or Middle Eastern/North African employees hold quality positions.
Educational attainment shows the starkest divide. Employees with graduate degrees are nearly twice as likely to have quality jobs (54%) compared to those with a high school education or less (28%). Bachelor's degree holders report quality jobs at 47%, while those with associate degrees or some college stand at 35% and 33% respectively.
"These findings show that quality jobs remain the exception, not the norm, in the U.S. workforce," the report states. "Nearly two-thirds of workers are in roles that fall short—creating financial strain, unfair treatment, limited opportunities, reduced voice and unsustainable schedules."
The study evaluated job quality across five dimensions: financial well-being, workplace culture and safety, growth and development opportunities, agency and voice, and work structure and autonomy. To qualify as a quality job, positions must meet minimum thresholds in at least three of these areas.
Nearly three in 10 employees (29%) report struggling financially, either "just getting by" or "finding it difficult to get by." Another 43% say they are "doing okay," while only 27% describe themselves as "living comfortably."
