Determinants of Workers’ Income in the Gig Economy

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital platforms has transformed Thailand’s labour market, leading to
the rise of the gig economy, where flexible, short-term, and task-based work increasingly
supplements or replaces traditional employment. This study investigates the determinants of
workers’ income in Thailand’s gig economy, focusing on how individual characteristics, job
attributes, and institutional factors jointly influence earnings. The research employs a
quantitative survey design with a sample of 400 gig workers from major sectors such as food
delivery, ride-hailing, and online freelancing. Data were analyzed using multiple regression
analysis to examine the impact of independent variables including education, digital literacy,
work experience, working hours, platform incentives, and job autonomy on workers’ income.
The results reveal that education level, digital skills, working hours, and platform type have
statistically significant positive effects on income, while income volatility remains influenced
by algorithmic management and inconsistent incentives. The results emphasize the need for
labor policy reforms to ensure fair pay, social protection, and digital skill development. The
findings also guide platform firms to enhance fairness and transparency in algorithmic
management and compensation systems.