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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.
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Create your free accountWhat can I do about my retirement?
If you’re working in the gig economy or as an independent contractor and nobody is making super contributions on your behalf, you need to spend some time thinking about your retirement.
Many gig workers, contractors and freelancers don’t pay themselves super, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea. Most people spend two to three decades in retirement and while some are happy relying on the Age Pension, it’s a lifestyle that’s not for everyone.
If you want something more, you will need to take charge and start building your super nest egg.
It’s also important to recognise there are some significant advantages to investing through the super system, including opportunities to cut your tax bill or get extra contributions from the government.
10 tips to help boost your super if you’re a gig worker or contractor
1. Find and combine all your super accounts
Check if you have multiple super accounts and consider combining them. If you have multiple accounts from several past employers, you are being charged multiple fees and charges.
2. Compare your super fund to make sure you’re getting a good deal
A low-cost fund with strong performance will set you on the right track.
3. Don’t assume a gap in your super contributions is okay if your gig work is temporary
Regular contributions – even between salaried jobs – can make a big difference to your future retirement.
4. Consider claiming a tax deduction for personal super contributions
As a self-employed worker, you can make contributions into your super whenever it suits you – whether small and frequent or large and one-off. At the end of the financial year, you can take stock of your total taxable income and decide how much of that year’s personal contributions you’d like to claim as a tax deduction.
In 2026–27 the maximum is $32,500 including any other concessional contributions you’ve received, but you could be eligible for a higher limit if your total super balance was below $500,000 last 30 June.
5. Take advantage of the government co-contribution
Workers earning under $64,293 in 2026–27 can make a personal contribution into their super account and qualify for up to $500 in extra super contributions from the government.
6. Split contributions with your spouse
Contribution splitting can help both members of a couple keep their super accounts growing, even if one of you is on a low income. This is as simple as transferring some of the highest income earner’s super contributions into their partner’s super account each year.
7. Review your investment option
Take a look at how your super account is invested and think about whether it suits your retirement goals and your risk profile. Tweaking your investment option – perhaps selecting a higher risk category in your early working life – may help boost your super balance in future years.
8. Make non-concessional (after-tax) contributions
Like anyone else, you can contribute up to $130,000 (or $390,000 using the bring-forward rule) in 2026–27. Non-concessional contributions are personal contributions you don’t claim as a tax deduction.
9. Look into the carry-forward rule
If you haven’t contributed up to the full concessional cap in recent years and your total super balance was below $500,000 last 30 June you can contribute more than the standard concessional cap.
Gig workers and other independent contractors often have earnings that fluctuate significantly from one year to the next. The carry-forward rule can help by allowing you to contribute more when your earnings have increased, and the extra contribution is more affordable and can save you more in tax.
10. Confirm your employer is paying you
Contractors employed mainly for their labour should be receiving compulsory super payments. If you’re working under a contracting arrangement that meets the requirements, it’s important to regularly check you are being paid what you’re owed.
Contributions should be paid within seven business days of each payment you receive under your contract. You can check your payments via the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) section of the myGov app or by logging in to your super account to view your transactions.
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