Seasonal Workers Need More Pay to Cover Holiday Expenses, Survey Finds

Seasonal workers are increasingly relying on temporary employment to meet their financial obligations during the holiday season, with a recent survey indicating a significant rise in the amount they need to earn. The average seasonal worker now aims to earn $8,585 to cover expenses, an increase from $6,209 reported last year.

This year, 73% of seasonal workers surveyed stated they depend on this income to manage their bills, up from 60% in the previous year. This trend emerges even as a majority of respondents (55%) believe they are in a better financial position now than at the same time last year.

The survey, commissioned by mobile banking app Current and conducted by Talker Research, involved 1,000 seasonal workers. Erin Bruehl, vice president of communications at Current, noted that seasonal work has transitioned from supplemental income to an essential component for many Americans.

"We’re seeing more seasonal workers than ever depend on these paychecks just to keep up with bills in their daily lives and close an even bigger financial gap," Bruehl stated. "This suggests that the pressure on seasonal workers is intensifying even as broader financial sentiment improves."

The competitive landscape for seasonal jobs appears to be growing. Thirty-five percent of respondents who have prior seasonal work experience reported that more people seem to be applying this year. Additionally, 30% observed increased competition for available positions, and another 30% indicated a reduction in the number of available jobs.

For those still seeking employment, the timeline is critical. Sixty-two percent of respondents believe it is "too late" to secure a seasonal job if one is not lined up by October.

The sacrifices associated with seasonal work are also highlighted in the findings. Seventy-two percent of seasonal workers surveyed reported missing out on holiday activities due to their jobs, with 44% of that group feeling the impact significantly. Common trade-offs include being unable to celebrate with loved ones (29%), experiencing less holiday joy (29%), declining holiday travel (26%), and spending less time with family (26%).

Despite these challenges, the majority of seasonal workers find the trade-offs justifiable, with 72% believing it is worth it and 22% deeming it necessary. This sentiment may contribute to the finding that 72% of respondents dread the holiday season this year, an increase from 61% who expressed similar feelings last year.

"Seasonal workers are the backbone that keep the country going throughout one of the busiest times of the year, yet too many of them are stretched thinner than ever just to make it through the season, which most cannot even truly enjoy," Bruehl added. "They also deserve and need access to financial solutions that can help meet them where they are with tools to get them their hard-earned money faster, avoid unnecessary fees and make every paycheck go even further."

The survey was conducted online by Talker Research between September 1-14, 2026, with 1,000 seasonal workers.