In 2022, the United States emerged as the leading nation for digital nomads, accounting for over 50% of the global population. A remarkable 16.9 million American workers identified as digital nomads, representing a 131% increase from the pre-pandemic figure in 2019, reports gitnux.org

Digital nomads typically earn an average annual salary of $30,000 and work around 40 hours per week. Their preferred workplaces include hotels or hostels (46%), coffee shops (45%), Airbnb rentals (27%), and libraries (20%). Furthermore, 51% live in hotels, 41% with friends or family, 36% in Airbnb accommodations, 21% in cars, vans, or RVs, and 16% in hostels.

The trend of "van life" has also seen a significant rise, with 3.1 million Americans adopting this lifestyle in 2022, making up 18% of the digital nomad community in the country. While many digital nomads prefer working from home or other lodging, over 20% favour co-working spaces for their work environment.

The employment types among digital nomads are diverse, with 83% being self-employed, 66% business owners, 34% freelancers or gig workers, and 17% employed by firms. Surveys reveal that 52% are employees, while 42% are independent consultants or freelancers. Among the employees, 74% work in companies with 500 or fewer employees.

Digital nomads work in a variety of fields, with the most common professions being IT (21%), creative services (12%), education and training (11%), sales, marketing, and PR (9%), finance and accounting (9%), and consulting, coaching, and research (8%).

Demographically, nearly half of all digital nomads are in their 30s, with 35% aged 40-59. The younger generations, such as Gen Z (17%) and Millennials (47%), dominate the scene, while Gen X comprises 23%, and 9% are over 60. In terms of gender, 61% are male, 37% female, and 1% non-binary. Ethnic representation includes 60% white, 21% Hispanic/Latino/Spanish, and 16% Black/African American, with 10% preferring not to disclose their racial identity. Additionally, 6% have a chronic disability or illness, and 38% are parents or guardians.

Education levels are high among digital nomads, with 72% holding at least a bachelor’s degree and 33% having a master’s degree. Marital status shows that 56% of digital nomads are married, with significant differences between those with traditional jobs and independent workers—nearly two-thirds of the former are married compared to only one-third of the latter.

An overwhelming 97% of digital nomads recommend remote work, and 86% use technology to enhance their competitiveness, compared to 47% of non-digital nomads. They are also more likely to adopt new technologies early, with 74% embracing innovations versus 42% of their non-digital counterparts.

The top benefits of being a digital nomad include having a flexible schedule (67%), the ability to work from anywhere (62%), less commuting time (59%), more financial freedom (48%), improved focus (44%), and a sense of security (32%). Satisfaction levels are high, with 81% reporting being highly satisfied and 11% satisfied with their work and lifestyle, compared to 68% and 14% respectively for non-digital nomads.