This statistic shows the number of freelancers in the United States from 2017 to 2028. It is projected that in 2027, **** million people will be freelancing in the United States and will make up **** percent of the total U.S. workforce.

Introduction

Freelance Statistics: Freelancing has become an increasingly popular career choice, offering individuals the freedom to work on their terms, select their projects, and collaborate with clients from around the world. With advancements in technology and the widespread adoption of remote work, the freelance workforce has experienced significant growth in recent years.

Freelancers now span a wide range of industries, including technology, design, marketing, writing, and consulting, enabling them to work across diverse sectors and markets. As businesses seek specialised skills on demand, freelancing offers a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional employment models.

This shift is transforming the way people approach work, enabling greater autonomy and creativity while fostering innovation and new business opportunities. The growth of digital platforms designed to connect freelancers with clients has further supported this evolution, creating a more dynamic, global workforce.

According to a 2023 survey, 15 percent of Gen Z reported that they worked as freelancers. In comparison, around 45 percent were Millennials. The source adds that the rise of influencer culture and content is attracting younger people to freelance in higher numbers.

In 2023, there were an estimated 64 million people doing freelance work in the United States. This is an increase from 2014, when there were about 53 million people freelancing. The number of freelancers in the U.S. has been increasing since 2014.

A 2023 survey found that around ** million workers in the U.S. are classified as independent workers - equating to ** percent of the U.S. workforce. Comparatively, around 100 million workers are classified as permanent workers.

Snapshot img

Freelance Platforms Market Size 2025-2029

The freelance platforms market size is forecast to increase by USD 24.97 billion, at a CAGR of 29.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing focus on cost effectiveness and the growing number of partnerships and acquisitions. Companies are recognizing the value of engaging freelance talent to reduce operational costs and increase agility. This trend is further fueled by the expanding pool of skilled freelancers, offering businesses access to a diverse range of expertise. However, this market landscape is not without challenges. The increasing reliance on digital platforms for work collaboration and data exchange heightens the risks related to data security and privacy.
The market is thriving, driven by digital transformation and a growing freelance talent pool. As more businesses adopt freelance platforms, they must address these concerns to maintain trust with their clients and protect sensitive information. Effective data security measures and transparent privacy policies are essential for companies seeking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the market while mitigating potential risks.

What will be the Size of the Freelance Platforms Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
Request Free Sample

The freelancing industry continues to evolve, presenting both opportunities and challenges for participants. Platform owners, recognizing the potential of this decentralized workforce, have been quick to expand their offerings, incorporating software development, data analysis, consulting, web design, and workforce management, among others. Freelancing rates vary significantly across different skill sets and customer segments, shaping the competitive landscape. Venture capital investments have fueled the growth of freelancing ecosystems, providing funding for innovative business models and solutions. Ethical considerations, such as fair pay and work conditions, are increasingly important in the freelancing industry. Customer segmentation and marketing strategies are essential for freelancers to target their services effectively. Freelancing trends include the rise of remote work and the increasing use of technology to streamline operations. Regulations and partnerships are shaping the future of the freelancing industry, offering new opportunities for growth.
Freelancing revenue models continue to evolve, with subscription-based and project-based models gaining popularity. Success stories abound in the freelancing industry, demonstrating the potential for high earnings and flexible work arrangements. The freelancing industry's impact on the economy is significant, with market share continuing to grow. Research and analysis are crucial for freelancers to stay informed about industry trends and best practices. Freelancing acquisitions and collaborations are creating new opportunities for growth and innovation. As the world embraces the metaverse and NFT marketplaces, the potential for freelance platforms to evolve and adapt is immense.

How is this Freelance Platforms Industry segmented?

The freelance platforms industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

End-user

  Freelancers
  Employers


Application

  Project management
  Sales and marketing
  IT
  Web and graphic design
  Others


Business Segment

  B2B platforms
  B2C platforms
  Hybrid models


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada
    Mexico


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    The Philippines


  Rest of World (ROW)

By End-user Insights

The freelancers segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The freelance marketplace continues to evolve, with freelancers offering on-demand services to businesses at competitive prices, driving market growth. In 2024, the freelancer segment is predicted to remain dominant, as more independent workers join the gig economy. These platforms facilitate connections between employers and freelancers, enabling businesses to find skilled candidates based on various criteria. Freelance consulting was once a niche offering, but it's increasingly pervasive, fueled by digital networking. Freelancers provide businesses with flexibility and cost savings, while offering them access to a vast talent pool. Freelance data privacy, invoicing, automation, business development, tax compliance, cybersecurity, revenue generation, augmented reality, and other services are essential for freelancers to thrive in this market.

Remote work, cost

According to a 2021 survey, around ** percent of employees in in the arts and design industry are freelancers. This compares to only ** percent of employees in the production and manufacturing industry. Freelancers here are broadly understood as individuals who engage in supplemental, temporary, project - or contract-based work.

Freelancer Management System Market Outlook

In 2023, the global Freelancer Management System (FMS) market size was valued at approximately USD 4.5 billion and is expected to reach around USD 12.6 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 12.1% during the forecast period. The expanding gig economy and the increasing preference for freelance work over traditional employment models are significant growth factors driving this market.

The growth in the Freelancer Management System market is largely driven by the rapid digital transformation across industries, leading to a surge in the adoption of cloud-based solutions and remote workforces. As more companies recognize the benefits of hiring freelancers for short-term projects, particularly in IT and creative sectors, there is an increased demand for robust FMS software to manage these workers efficiently. The system provides a seamless interface for hiring, managing, and paying freelancers, which significantly reduces administrative burdens and enhances productivity.

Another critical growth factor is the increasing globalization of businesses, which is pushing companies to tap into a diverse talent pool spread across different geographies. Freelancer Management Systems enable organizations to onboard freelancers from anywhere in the world, ensuring compliance with local labor laws and regulations. This global reach is particularly beneficial for companies looking to expand their operations rapidly without the constraints of hiring full-time employees in every new market.

Additionally, the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) integrated within FMS solutions are providing more precise talent matching and project management capabilities. These systems can analyze data to recommend the best freelancers for specific tasks, track project progress in real-time, and even predict project outcomes based on historical data. Such intelligent features are making FMS an indispensable tool for companies aiming to stay competitive in a fast-evolving business landscape.

Regionally, North America currently holds the largest share in the Freelancer Management System market, driven by the high concentration of tech-savvy businesses and a mature freelancing ecosystem. However, Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness the highest growth rate over the forecast period, fueled by rapid economic development, rising internet penetration, and a growing freelancer community. Europe also represents a significant market, benefitting from stringent labor laws that make flexible hiring solutions like FMS more attractive to businesses.

Component Analysis

The component segment of the Freelancer Management System market is primarily bifurcated into Software and Services. Software solutions are at the core of the FMS market, providing the essential platform for managing freelance talent. These software solutions offer functionalities such as time tracking, project management, invoice generation, and compliance management. With the integration of AI and ML, modern FMS software is evolving to offer predictive analytics and personalized freelancer recommendations, thus significantly enhancing the user experience and operational efficiency.

Within the software sub-segment, cloud-based solutions are gaining immense popularity due to their scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Companies of all sizes are increasingly adopting cloud-based FMS software to manage a dispersed workforce efficiently. These solutions offer real-time access to freelancer databases, project updates, and financial transactions from any location, making them ideal for the globalized work environment.

On the other hand, the services component includes consulting, integration, support, and maintenance services. These services are crucial for the seamless implementation and operation of FMS solutions. Consulting services help organizations identify the right FMS software and strategies that align with their business goals. Integration services ensure that the FMS software is compatible with existing business systems and workflows, while support and maintenance services provide ongoing assistance to address any technical issues and software updates.

The services component is expected to witness substantial growth as businesses increasingly seek expert guidance to navigate the complexities of freelance workforce management. As organizations strive for optimal utilization of their freelance talent, the demand for specialized consulting and integration services is anticipate

The global freelance platforms market size is expected to see substantial growth, increasing from USD 127.04 million in 2024 to USD 541.4 million by 2034, at a CAGR of over 15.6%. Leading industry players include Fiverr, Skyword, Upwork, Designcrowd, Freelancer.com, 99Designs, Catalant, Bark.com, CrowdSpring, and Guru.com.

According to a 2021 analysis, 35 percent of freelancers had a Bachelor's degree in the United States. This is compared to 51 percent of freelancers who had a post-graduate degree in that same year.

Croatia Employment: Crafts, Trade and Freelancers data was reported at 209,734.000 Person in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 207,079.000 Person for Feb 2025. Croatia Employment: Crafts, Trade and Freelancers data is updated monthly, averaging 213,581.500 Person from Oct 1999 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 296 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 275,743.000 Person in Jul 2008 and a record low of 179,009.000 Person in Jan 2018. Croatia Employment: Crafts, Trade and Freelancers data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Croatian Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Croatia – Table HR.G013: Labour Force Statistics.

This dataset was collected as part of a study investigating the gender pay gap in the freelancing sector of Bangladesh, with a particular focus on the online platform, Freelancer.com. The dataset consists of self-reported data from 210 randomly selected freelancers, who were among the top search results with good reviews on the platform. The data were collected directly from the profiles of these freelancers, and the link to each profile is included in the dataset. The dataset provides comprehensive information about each freelancer, including their gender, hourly payment rate, number of reviews, number of recommendations, job completion rate, budget adherence rate, on-time delivery rate, repeat hire rate, payment verification status, total work experience, location, membership type, monthly investment on Freelancer.com, type of work, type of education, institution name, degree name, education level, years of education, and preferred freelancer status. The purpose of this dataset is to provide insights into the relationship between these factors and the hourly earnings of freelancers, with a particular emphasis on exploring any disparities between male and female freelancers. The scope of the dataset extends to the digital gig economy in Bangladesh, and its nature is quantitative. This dataset is intended for use in further research aiming to understand the complexities of the gender pay gap in the freelancing sector, and to devise effective strategies to bridge this gap.

The rise of freelance work in the online platform economy (OPE) has received considerable media and policy attention in recent years, but freelance work is by no means a new phenomenon. In this paper, we draw on I.R.S. tax records to identify instances when workers begin doing online platform work versus other freelance/independent contractor “gig” work for firms. We find gig work occurs around major reductions in outside income, and document usage over the lifecycle. Our results provide suggestive evidence on motivations for entering into each type of work.

The global market for freelancer website platforms is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for flexible work arrangements and the rise of the gig economy. The market, estimated at $50 billion in 2025, is projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated $150 billion by 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. Businesses are increasingly leveraging freelance platforms to access specialized skills on demand, reducing overhead costs associated with full-time employment. Simultaneously, freelancers are seeking greater autonomy and diverse project opportunities, leading to a surge in platform usage. Technological advancements, including improved matching algorithms and secure payment systems, further enhance platform functionality and user experience, driving market growth. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established players like Upwork and Fiverr, and newer entrants offering niche services or innovative features. The market's segmentation reveals a diverse range of offerings catering to various freelance skill sets and business needs, from software development and design to writing and marketing. Regional variations in market penetration reflect the varying levels of digital adoption and economic development across different geographic areas, with North America and Europe currently dominating the market. However, the market also faces challenges. Concerns regarding data security and platform transparency remain prominent, especially concerning freelancer payment protection and intellectual property rights. Competition is fierce, requiring platforms to continuously innovate and improve their services to attract and retain both freelancers and clients. Furthermore, regulatory uncertainties in various jurisdictions pose a potential constraint on the market's growth trajectory. To maintain momentum, platforms must prioritize building trust, improving user experience, and adapting to evolving regulatory landscapes. The successful platforms will be those that can effectively address these challenges while continuing to innovate and meet the changing demands of both businesses and independent workers.

Financial overview and grant giving statistics of Freelance For Good Inc

In 2024, there were estimated to be approximately **** million freelance workers in the United Kingdom, compared with **** million in 2022. The number of freelancers in the UK peaked in 2020, at **** million workers, growing from just **** million workers in 2008.

The Freelance Management Software Market is estimated to be valued at USD 4160.30 Million and is expected to reach USD 9243.94 Million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 10.49% during the forecast period. Factors Affecting Freelance Management Software Market Growth

More advantages and fewer restrictions are fueling the growth of the Freelance Management Software Market.

Freelancer works according to their time and for a specific time limit. Many people are choosing to work independently and part-time according to their convenience. Furthermore, they are not subject to any commercial constraints. As a result, the number of independent contractors has increased, assisting in the growth of the freelance management software market. Numerous services provided by freelance management, such as contract consolidated invoicing and billing, administration, and others contribute to its increased popularity inside enterprises and drive-up demand for the freelance management market over the forecast period. The substitution of vendor management systems with freelance management systems is also increasing as a result of faster and more customizable solutions which is also a reason to boost the market growth during the forecast period. Additionally, growing need for the Freelance management market in the global industry, market participants in the Freelance management platform market can anticipate promising future growth.

What are the factors hampering the growth of the Freelance Management Software Market?

Lack of commitment and security of company information are the factors that are creating hurdles for the growth of the Freelance Management Software Market.

To earn more and make the most of the time, most freelancers manage to do multiple jobs at a single time. This creates a problem for them to evaluate the timing required to invest in a specific project. Thus, it is one of the major hurdles for the freelancers’ management software market. So many projects at a time and inconsistent internet connection, and improper systems, impair project delivery timelines, which creates problems for freelancers. For instance, Additionally, the concern related to security as the freelance employees have access to the company systems and data and to sensitive information of the organization which has to be safe and secure. Thus, the company should be clear about the security guidelines and do regular checks for the safety of data. Introduction of Freelance Management Software

Freelance Management Software is a cloud-based workforce software that allows enterprises to manage independent contractors from a single platform. Organizations use this technology to identify qualified freelancers. All types of companies large, small, and medium are highly working with freelancers or another independent employee. Organizations that usually collaborate with one or many freelance employees and they need technical solutions to manage them. Employees get the choice of working independently and part-time and faster and more adaptable solutions are rising in replacing vendor management systems with freelance management systems are spiking the growth of the Freelance Management Software Market.

Financial overview and grant giving statistics of Freelancers Union Inc

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Gig Economy market size was USD 561245.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.20% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 224498.08 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 168373.56 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.7% from 2024 to 2031.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 129086.40 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 28062.26 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.6% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 11224.90 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.9% from 2024 to 2031.
The transportation-based services category is the fastest growing segment of the Gig Economy industry

Market Dynamics of Gig Economy Market

Key Drivers for Gig Economy Market

Changing work approach driving the gig economy

The shift in work approach, particularly among younger generations, is a key driver of the gig economy. Millennials and Gen Z are prioritizing work that aligns with their passions and interests, seeking flexibility and autonomy over traditional career paths. The shift is majorly driven by the desire for work-life balance, alternate income sources and ability to work remotely, from anywhere. This shift has been on the rise particularly since the global pandemic that had pushed people to work from their homes and across various digital platforms. Businesses are embracing the flexible work arrangements to reduce costs and access specialized skills.

For instance,

Global research from the World Employment Confederation (WEC) finds that 83% of senior executives say that, since the pandemic, workers place as much value on flexibility in terms of when and where they work as on compensation.
A 2022 LinkedIn survey found that Gen Z workers were the cohort most likely to have left a role because of a perceived lack of flexibility (72% fell into this category, compared with 69% of Millennials, 53% of Gen X and 59% of Baby Boomers).
53% of Gen Z workers who freelance are moving away from traditional 9-to-5 jobs in favor of full-time freelancing.

(Source:https://insights.wecglobal.org/the-work-we-want/home/workplace-policy-younger-generations#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20new%20global%20research,the%20priorities%20of%20younger%20people. )

(Source: https://www.upwork.com/resources/gig-economy-statistics )

The digitalization of work is fueling demand for more gigs

Driven by technological advances and the increasing digitalization of skills and processes, the gig economy has expanded rapidly, by making work accessible to more people around the globe. The rise of online marketplaces like Upwork, Uber and Fiverr have made it easier for freelancers to find work and for companies to access a more flexible workforce. Improved technology and digital infrastructure have further made it easier and cheaper to connect with gig workers. The rise of e-commerce platforms and on-demand services such as ride-sharing, food delivery rely majorly on gig workers, contributing significantly to the growth of gig economy. Digital tools like instant messaging and video conferencing along with collaborative platforms like slack, MS Teams make it easy for employees to communicate from anywhere at any time.

With Artificial intelligence (AI) becoming one of the fastest-growing sectors and skill sets for independent professionals, AI has contributed to the growth of gig economy. AI is significantly impacting the gig economy by automating tasks, improving matching of workers and jobs. AI powered platforms also help streamline the recruitment process for businesses, by matching candidates with suitable projects based on skills, experience and availability.

For instance,

95% of respondents said generative AI makes them more competitive and 66...

The freelance management platform market, currently valued at $920 million in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand significantly over the next decade. A Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.8% indicates substantial market expansion, driven by several key factors. The increasing adoption of remote work models and the gig economy are primary contributors. Businesses are increasingly seeking efficient solutions to manage their freelance workforce, leading to a heightened demand for platforms offering streamlined project management, communication tools, payment processing, and compliance features. Furthermore, advancements in AI and automation within these platforms are enhancing efficiency and improving the overall freelancer experience, further fueling market growth. Competition is intensifying among established players like Upwork Enterprise and Field Nation and emerging platforms focusing on niche functionalities. This competition fosters innovation and drives down costs, making these platforms more accessible to a broader range of businesses. While potential restraints like data security concerns and the need for robust platform integration exist, the overall market outlook remains positive, driven by the accelerating trend towards flexible work arrangements. The forecast period (2025-2033) suggests a considerable increase in market value, with projections exceeding $2.5 billion by 2033. This growth will be influenced by several factors including the continued rise of the gig economy and increasing sophistication of freelance management software. Geographic expansion will also play a crucial role. While specific regional data is currently unavailable, it’s reasonable to expect significant growth in regions like North America and Europe, followed by expanding penetration in emerging markets in Asia and Latin America. Key success factors for companies within this sector will hinge on effectively addressing user needs, providing seamless integration with existing business systems, enhancing data security measures, and continuing to innovate features that simplify the management of freelance projects and teams.