Monster

Monster Research Institute | Monster Livelihood Index

Q3 2026 Monster Livelihood Index

3.28 / 5HOLDING

Only 39% of employed U.S. workers say they could maintain their standard of living for three months after losing their primary income. Get the full Q3 report.

The MLI measures how employed U.S. adults view their financial security, transferable skills, job-market options, and preparedness for change.

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Four dimensions

Economic Security

3.04

Stretched

Can workers withstand an income disruption?

Skill Portability

3.55

Developing

Can workers apply their skills across different jobs and industries?

Market Agency

3.13

Passive

Do workers feel they have suitable job options?

Future Readiness

3.42

Uncertain

Do workers feel prepared for changing skill requirements?

Labels describe workers' self-reported circumstances, not predicted outcomes. 'Passive' refers to perceived job-market choice, not motivation or effort.

Key stats

39%

could maintain their current standard of living for at least three months if they lost their primary income

71%

believe their skills would be useful to employers outside their current occupation or industry

46%

feel they have to accept whatever work situation they can get because of the job market

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What's inside the full report

  • Detailed findings across all four MLI dimensions
  • How workers' situations changed compared with three months ago
  • The MLI Momentum score and what's driving it
  • Worker activity: job searching, recruiter contact, upskilling, and AI use
  • Employer takeaways for hiring, retention, and workforce development
  • A PDF of the full report to save and share with your team
  • First access to new MLI results each quarter

Methodology

Sample1,033 currently employed U.S. adults
Age18–74
Field datesSeptember 28–October 3, 2026
ProviderPollfish

See what the Q3 2026 MLI means for your workforce

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