Super boosting strategies for independent contractors and gig workers

Working in the so-called gig economy through apps and platforms is relatively common, with Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showing nearly 180,000 people did some digital platform work during the 2024–25 year, a small part of a much larger group of 1.1 million independent contractors (7.6% of all workers) recorded in August 2025.

That’s a lot of people falling outside the traditional employment relationship super was built around, so many gig workers and independent contractors miss out on the compulsory super payments an employee would automatically receive.

Without that safety net, how much you accumulate in your retirement nest egg and your standard of living after hanging up your hat comes down entirely to what you do yourself.

Do I qualify for employer super contributions?

Gig workers are not currently classed as employees for super purposes because they are paid per job rather than for set shifts. This means you generally won’t qualify for superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions if you’re doing this type of work.

However, there is a growing push for gig workers to be classed as employees and to receive equal treatment. In response to pressure from the Transport Workers’ Union, minimum hourly rates for ‘engaged’ time now apply for people performing on-demand delivery of food, drinks or groceries. The union continues to advocate for superannuation benefits to be added.

If you’re self-employed as a sole trader or in a partnership, you are not required to pay SG contributions for yourself, but you could still be eligible for compulsory contributions from your employer if you’re employed mainly for your labour and the contract is directly between you and your employer (not through another person, company, or trust).

If this is you, your employer must make SG contributions even if you hold an Australian Business Number (ABN). A contract is ‘wholly or principally for labour’ if:

• You’re paid entirely or mostly for your personal labour and skills
• You perform the contract work personally
• You’re paid for hours worked, rather than to achieve a result.

When you’re operating your own company, the company is required to make super contributions on your wages.