Freelance statistics 2026

How many freelancers are there?

In the US alone, 74.9 million people earn income independently, a record (MBO Partners).

That counts everyone earning income on their own: full time, part time and on the side.

How many clients hire freelancers online?

Fewer than a year ago on the two biggest marketplaces. Upwork has 763,000 active clients (Upwork), and Fiverr 2.7 million active buyers, down from 3.4 million a year earlier (Fiverr).

Fiverr's active buyers fell 21.9% in a year (million buyers)

1June 30, 2025

3.4M

2June 30, 2026

2.7M

Fiverr, Q2 2026 results · buyers who bought in the 12 months to June 30

Upwork's clients spent $966.4 million in the quarter, 4% less than a year earlier (Upwork).

Are clients spending more on freelancers?

Yes, each client is. Upwork's clients spent a record $5,230 each over the past year, up 5%, and Fiverr's buyers $368, up 15.6% (Upwork, Fiverr).

The marketplaces are trading many small orders for fewer, bigger clients.

Is AI helping or hurting freelancers?

Both. On Upwork, spending on AI-related work rose more than 22% in a year, and on AI strategy and consulting more than 50% (Upwork).

54% of enterprises expect AI to increase their use of independent talent over the next two years (MBO Partners).

Simpler jobs are shrinking. Fiverr's marketplace revenue fell 15.5% in a year, and it's moving toward bigger, higher-value work (Fiverr).

How much do freelance platforms take?

On Fiverr, 28% of what buyers spend, up from 27.6% a year earlier (Fiverr).

Upwork's revenue was $191.7 million on $966.4 million of client spending in the quarter, about 20% (Upwork).

That's why many freelancers move their best clients to their own invoices once they've built trust. My free invoice generator makes one in any currency.

What do freelancers want?

Control over their time. 61% of independent workers call schedule flexibility very important, but only 36% of enterprises see it that way (MBO Partners).

If you're paid in one currency and spend in another, Wise lets you hold and convert money in several currencies.

How to use these numbers

Before you set your rates or pick a platform:

• Aim for fewer, bigger clients: that's where platform spending is growing
• Add AI skills to your offer, the fastest-growing work on Upwork
• Price in the platform's cut, 20% to 28%
• Move repeat clients to your own invoices once you've built trust
• Keep your schedule flexible: it's what independents value most

Then set a rate that covers your time, your tools and the platform's share.

Key takeaways

Here's what the freelance statistics say:

• Freelancing is at a record – 74.9 million Americans earn income independently.
• Fewer clients, bigger budgets – Fiverr's buyers fell 21.9%, but each spends 15.6% more.
• AI work is growing – AI-related spending on Upwork rose more than 22% in a year.
• Platforms take a big cut – Fiverr keeps 28% of what buyers spend.
• Independents are staying – 78% plan to keep working for themselves or grow.

For more, see my digital nomad statistics and AI statistics, and work out your rates with my free freelance rate calculator.