Figure 3. Nonemployer-type applications and solo self-employment are growing faster in AI-exposed sectors and occupations

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Source: Author's calculations, Liya Palagashvili, "Artificial Intelligence and the Rise of Independent Work" (Mercatus Policy Research, Mercatus Center at George Mason University, July 2026), using US Census Bureau Business Formation Statistics and Current Population Survey (IPUMS-CPS) microdata.

Notes: AI-exposed sectors/occupations: Professional Services, Information, Education, and Finance & Insurance (BFS); the 10 most AI-exposed occupations by the AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) index, including management analysts, accountants, and economists (CPS). Comparison group: Construction and Wholesale Trade (BFS); the 10 least AI-exposed occupations, including roofers, cement masons, and dining room attendants (CPS).