Generations of Contractors

The average daily rate earned by the different generational groups varies. The value of age is evidenced where Boomers earn on average 45% more than Gen Z’s, it should be noted that industry sector plays a role, as well as the seniority of work being done. Boomers have an average daily of €654, Gen X have an average of €611, Millennials average daily rate is €512, and Gen Z’s is €359. Millennials are the only generation who have seen an increase in average daily rate in 2025 up 6% from €483 in 2024 to €512 in 2025.

Contractors historically tend to be older, this makes sense as it’s takes time to build a valuable skill set and gather experience. In 2025 Boomers (1946-1964), currently aged between 61 years and 79 years are starting to transition out of the contracting sector and in to retirement, explaining the drop from 19% of respondents in 2024 to 14% in 2025. Gen X and Millennials make up the largest cohorts of contractors. Gen X (1965-1979) currently aged between 46 years and 60 years make up 36% of independent professional in 2025. While Millennials (1980-1994) currently aged between 31 years and 45 years make up 40% of independent professionals in this year’s survey. Gen Z (1995-2010) currently aged between 15 years and 30 years are starting to make their mark in the contracting centre with 10% representation this year compared to 5% in 2024.

This report classifies contractors into two distinct groups those who are project-based and those who gig/task based. 75% of respondents engage in the project economy with 11% engaged in the gig /task economy, with others working in hybrid mode. Millennials at 15% and Gen Z at 21% are overrepresented in the task/gig economy. Gen X, 83% and Boomers 85% are more prevalent in the project-based economy. Millennials and Gen Z are seen at a higher percentage in the hybrid model which may be explained by a period of transition from employment to self-employment, before fully committing to self-employment.

All generations are represented in industries throughout the economy but at different levels depending on industry type. When we look at the key contracting sectors Boomers are found at a high level in the tech and finance sectors. Gen X primarily in the financial services and engineering industries, while maintaining a strong presence in the tech sector. Millennials highly represented in the Medical Locum and Pharma, Life Sciences and Medical Device industries. Gen Z mainly operating in the Medical Locum and Pharma sectors. This is unsurprising as greater experience, and expertise would usually be required to engage in project-based roles in Technical and Services industries.

We can also see the type of work being done varies significantly by generation. 23% of all managers, directors and senior officials are Boomers, 45% are Gen X, 29% are Millennials and just 3% of Gen Z have these higher level roles. The percentage of Gen X and Millennials is also significantly higher than Gen Z when we look at professional, specialist, occupations. It’s fair to say that this is to be expected again as a certain amount of experience and expertise is needed to do this type of work.

We can also see the type of work being done varies significantly by generation. 31% of all managers, directors and senior officials are Boomers, 50% are Gen X, 19% are Millennials and Gen Z are not represented in these roles. The percentage of Boomers, Gen X and Millennials is also significantly higher than Gen Z when we look at professional or specialist occupations (categorised using Standard Occupational Classifications (SOCs) 1-3).

The average work experience by generation shows variance, which is to be expected as Gen Z are just starting to enter the workforce.

Average days for looking for work… The average time all respondents spent looking for a new contract was 12 days up from 9 days in 2024. Millennials and Gen Z spent less time than the average contractor looking for work, Millennials 11 days and Gen Z’s 9 days. Boomers had the longest average days looking for work at 16 days.

Contract Length… The average contract length is 14 months, however generational differences apply to contract length. Boomers and Gen X have above average contract lengths at 18 months and 16 months respectively, Millennials average contract length is 13 months, Gen Z have the shortest average contract length at 10 months.

Holidays… In 2025 data from all respondents showed the average holidays taken was 21 days per year, with 66% of all contractors reported taking less than 23 days of holiday in a year. Boomers take the highest number of holidays across the generations at 26 days per year with millennials taking the least days at 20 days per year.

The method used by contractors to find their contracting work has shifted over the past year with more than half of Boomers, Gen X’s and Millennials taking the lead role in finding work. 49% of Gen Z also reported taking the lead in finding new work up from 2% in 2024. Having a good personal network continues to be an important factor to ensure a continuous stream of work.

Contractors in each group were asked a number of questions about their satisfaction levels around 7 key elements of their working life, including the rate of pay, location of the job, flexibility of the hours, remote working options, work-life balance and their life in general. All generations are highly satisfied with their lives in general, Boomers reported the highest level of satisfaction at 94%.

All generations reported a significant increase in their satisfaction levels with the rate of pay. Boomers 85% up from 62% in 2024, Gen X 88% up from 68% in 2024, Millennials 81% up from 66% in 2024 and Gen Z 80% up from 76% in 2024.

Boomers, Gen X and Millennials identify similar benefits that their clients get from engaging contractors, bringing a new skill set to the company, greater agility, making sure projects get finished faster, Gen Z highlight addressing headcount issues as the biggest benefit they bring to clients. Some other benefits highlighted were a fresh perspective, flexibility in terms of timelines and costs and focus; dedicated attention on specific projects that may not have priority internally.