In the third quarter of 2025, the number of independent workers in Mexico reached its highest level since it was recorded in the National Occupation and Employment Survey (ENOE).
According to data from the survey in its quarterly version, released by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), Mexico registered the record number of 16.62 million independent workers at the end of the July-September period, which represents one in four of the employed population (59.5 million people).
The ENOE estimates that six out of every 10 independent workers are men. That is, 10.34 million correspond to the male population, while 6.29 million are women with independent work. Both figures represent the highest level since records have been recorded, that is, 2005.
Independent workers in Latin America face their biggest obstacle in economic instability. A MetLife study, supported by ECLAC data, showed that 29.9 percent of the region’s workforce works independently; However, this large sector lacks the minimum financial protection mechanisms.
According to the study, 65 percent of freelancers and self-employed workers identify the lack of stable income as their main concern, to which is added the lack of health insurance and emergency protection.
Within the classification of independent workers, employers – a person or organization that hires and pays workers in exchange for their work – totaled 3.68 million, also an unprecedented figure. By gender, male employers amounted to 2.8 million people in the third quarter of this year, while the number of female employers rose to 870,710, a record level.
age matters
Regarding the age of independent workers, the largest population is between 40 and 49 years old, with 3.89 million people, its highest number since the fourth quarter of 2021 (3.9 million). They are followed by those aged 50-59, with 3.78 million, and 3.77 million aged 60 and over, 57 percent of the employed population of that age.
Independent young people between 15 and 19 years old were 187,496, their highest level since the last quarter of 2021 (203,404 self-employed workers).
According to Indeed, an employment website, 53 percent of Mexican workers have lost job opportunities due to their age, with generation X (45 to 60 years old) being the most affected group, with 61 percent.
“This phenomenon not only prevents some people from getting a job, it also causes companies to lose qualified candidates for specific positions. For this reason, it is important to identify when someone makes assumptions about another person based on their age to change the dynamic and open the door to the right talent, regardless of whether they are starting their professional career or approaching retirement,” the platform stated.
As for older workers, 46 percent of respondents mention difficulties adapting to organizational changes; 43 percent cite resistance to new technologies and 39 percent point to higher salary and benefit expectations compared to younger employees.