Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Background The gig economy has restructured traditional employment relationships and presents substantial challenges to social security systems. Methods Using panel data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) spanning 2016 to 2022, this study examines the impact of social security coverage on job satisfaction among gig workers. Fixed-effects models are employed while controlling for individual, regional, and macroeconomic confounders. Heterogeneity analyses use a fixed-effects instrumental variable approach. Results Social security coverage significantly increases overall job satisfaction. Supplementary pension, commercial pension, medical, and work injury insurance show significant positive effects, whereas basic pension insurance does not. The effects of unemployment and maternity insurance are inconsistent across model specifications. Health status strengthens the association between social security and job satisfaction, with no significant moderation by age. Social security improves job satisfaction among male but not female gig workers and mainly enhances satisfaction with the work environment, working hours, and job safety. Social security significantly improves mental health among non-gig workers but not gig workers. Social insurance participation differs significantly between gig and non-gig workers under varying household financial conditions. Conclusion Social security coverage promotes job satisfaction among gig workers with heterogeneous effects by insurance type, gender, and satisfaction dimension. Mental health and household financial conditions mediate the relationship differently between gig and non-gig workers.</p>