This statistic shows the number of freelancers in the United States from 2017 to 2028. It is projected that in 2027, 86.5 million people will be freelancing in the United States and will make up 50.9 percent of the total U.S. workforce.

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.

This dataset pulls the projects posted by clients on PeoplePerHour. Data collection started on January 20th, 2023, and adds approximately ~40 new projects to this dataset every hour.

Inspiration:

I have been a freelance Python Developer since my graduation (2019). And recently I completed the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate from Coursera.

Last week I saw this cool video from LUKE BAROUSSE on youtube here's the link. He created a pipeline to scrape Data Analyst jobs in the US on a daily basis and update the dataset daily on Kaggle. Also lately I was not winning a lot of jobs as a freelancer. I have also started looking for a job in Data Analytics. So I thought a lot about it and concluded to do some analysis as it would be a great project to add to my resume.

I hope this dataset proves to be useful to you.

Introduction

Freelancing Statistics: In today’s rapidly evolving job market, freelancing is no longer just a side gig—it's a viable career choice for millions worldwide. As companies increasingly value flexibility and specialized skills, the demand for freelancers continues to soar. But while the promise of independence and control over your work-life balance is alluring, the path to a successful freelance career is filled with challenges.

From finding clients and managing finances to maintaining motivation, freelancing requires a unique set of strategies and a strong sense of discipline. This article delves into the essential tips and tools that every freelancer needs to thrive, whether you're just starting or looking to take your freelance business to the next level.

A 2023 survey found that around 59 million workers in the U.S. are classified as independent workers - equating to 36 percent of the U.S. workforce. Comparatively, around 100 million workers are classified as permanent workers.

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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.
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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

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.

The freelance platforms market, valued at $6.56 billion in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.66% from 2025 to 2033. This surge is driven by several key factors. The increasing preference for flexible work arrangements among both employers and freelancers is a primary driver. Businesses are increasingly outsourcing projects to reduce overhead costs and access specialized skills on demand. Simultaneously, freelancers are seeking greater autonomy and diverse work opportunities, leading to a substantial increase in platform usage. Technological advancements, including improved communication tools and project management software integrated within these platforms, are further streamlining workflows and enhancing user experiences. The expanding gig economy, coupled with the rise of remote work, fuels the demand for efficient platforms connecting freelancers with clients across diverse industries. Market segmentation reveals significant opportunities within various application sectors. Project management, sales and marketing, IT, web and graphic design, and other specialized applications all contribute substantially to the market's overall value. The end-user segment is broadly divided between employers seeking cost-effective solutions and freelancers aiming for lucrative and manageable work. North America currently holds a significant market share, but regions like Asia and Europe are expected to witness rapid growth, driven by increasing internet penetration and the adoption of digital work practices. Competitive analysis shows a landscape populated by established players like Upwork and Fiverr, alongside emerging platforms vying for market share. The sustained growth trajectory indicates a promising future for this market, with continued innovation and expansion across geographical and application segments. Freelance Platforms Market: A Comprehensive Analysis (2019-2033) This in-depth report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global freelance platforms market, projecting a robust growth trajectory fueled by technological advancements and evolving work dynamics. The study period spans from 2019 to 2033, with 2025 serving as the base and estimated year. The report offers invaluable insights for businesses, investors, and researchers seeking to understand this dynamic market valued at billions. Recent developments include: November 2023: Upwork launched a new set of AI apps and offers, along with new educational content, so that independent talent on Upwork can utilize the overall potential of generative AI to enhance their productivity as well as improve the overall quality of their work. The launch mainly includes partnerships with industry-leading providers of tools that include generative AI, involving Amazon, Adobe, ClickUp, and Miro, as well as training resources from Jasper, Coursera, and Udemy., August 2023: Fiverr International Ltd launched a brand-new business solutions suite for mid- and large-size businesses, the all-new Fiverr Pro, and the debut of its neural network-powered Fiverr Neo with an aim to tackle the complex task of matching talent with customers.. Key drivers for this market are: Growing Need for Flexible Workforce, Increasing Demand for Specialized Skills. Potential restraints include: Slower Response Time of Underfloor Heating Systems than Radiator Systems. Notable trends are: Services Component to Witness Major Growth.

Best of our knowledge, there is no freelancing datasets available in public. As freelancers generally don’t want to share their work experiences publicly, it’s become so hard to analysis their past work history. We have collected data from several freelancing marketplaces i.e. freelancer.com, upwork.com, peopleperhour.com and guru.com to prepare our experimental dataset.

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.

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

According to a 2021 survey, around 77 percent of employees in in the arts and design industry are freelancers. This compares to only 20 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.

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.

This statistic shows the share of non-freelance workers and their readiness to undertake some form of freelance work in addition to their current job in the United States in 2016. About 81 percent of U.S. respondents were open to the idea of freelance work in 2016.

Introduction

Fiverr Users Statistics: ​In 2025, Fiverr continues to be a prominent global freelance marketplace, connecting businesses with freelancers offering services across more than 700 categories, including writing, graphic design, marketing, and technology. As of December 31, 2024, the platform reported 3.6 million active buyers, a 10% decrease from the previous year.

Concurrently, the average spend per buyer increased by 9% year-over-year, reaching USD 302. Fiverr's website attracts significant traffic, with approximately 80.41 million monthly visitors as of January 2025.

Demographically, nearly 60% of users are male. Geographically, the United States accounts for 22.68% of Fiverr's traffic, followed by Pakistan at 8.24%, and India at 7.08%. These figures underscore Fiverr's sustained relevance and adaptability within the evolving freelance economy.​

Our Upwork dataset provides detailed freelance and remote work listings, client profiles, and project trends from a leading platform for freelancers. Perfect for AI training, recruitment optimization, and freelance project analysis. Easy integration with your AI models and systems.

Nearly two-thirds of freelancers in Russia stated in a survey conducted in February 2024 that freelance was their main source of income. For the rest of the respondents, freelance was an additional source of income to their main job.

Croatia Employment: ow Female: Crafts, Trade and Freelancers data was reported at 88,075.000 Person in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 87,142.000 Person for Feb 2025. Croatia Employment: ow Female: Crafts, Trade and Freelancers data is updated monthly, averaging 93,706.000 Person from Jan 2002 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 279 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 124,371.000 Person in Jul 2006 and a record low of 77,281.000 Person in Apr 2020. Croatia Employment: ow Female: 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.

Croatia Employment: Crafts, Trade and Freelancers data was reported at 207,079.000 Person in Feb 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 206,168.000 Person for Jan 2025. Croatia Employment: Crafts, Trade and Freelancers data is updated monthly, averaging 213,755.000 Person from Oct 1999 (Median) to Feb 2025, with 295 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.

In this blog, we will look at the latest statistics about Fiverr users and see what the future will likely look like for the popular marketplace.