Contingent workers generally earn less income and are less likely to receive health insurance and pension benefits through their employers than are noncontingent workers. However, many earn higher wages than those in traditional arrangements and have access to health insurance from other sources. (Author)

Although the incidence of contingent work--jobs that are structured to be short term or temporary--declined between 1995 and 1997, it continues to be more common among women, youth, students, part-time workers, and in the construction and services industries. Contingent workers are also found in both high- and low-skilled occupations. (Author/JOW)