"The freelance market is growing. According to Grand View Research, the freelance platforms market is projected to grow from $6.3 billion in 2025 to $24 billion in 2033. Business Research Insights expects the gig economy market as a whole to grow from $674 billion to $2522.37 billion by 2035. But there's a catch: Freelancing is becoming more competitive. There's ever-present pressure to upskill or reskill as AI gets more sophisticated and lowers barriers to entry."
"In some cases, AI is being used in place of freelancers. One such study compared the effect of Generative AI on freelancers and found a 21% decrease in the number of job posts for automation-prone jobs related to writing and coding, compared to jobs requiring manual-intensive skills. Some freelance platforms are seeing less work available for the taking, too. GigRadar reports that Upwork's active client base shrank by 6% in 2025."
"However, spending per remaining client rose 5%, indicating that clients who remain are willing to pay more for skilled, experienced freelancers. So, despite these obstacles, is freelancing still a profitable career choice? Let's take a look. Are Freelancers Still Making Money? Investopedia reports that the average freelancer in the U.S. makes $99,230 per year, while top earners make more than $200,000."
"Furthermore, Jobbers found that freelancers who price their services based on value rather than an hourly rate earn considerably more money (a median income of $96,000 versus $58,000). The takeaway is this: freelance work is still available and can still be profitable - if you're strategic about it. The market is moving towards specialists rather than generalists, and low-level work that may be easily produce"
The freelance platforms market is projected to grow from $6.3 billion in 2025 to $24 billion in 2033, and the gig economy is expected to expand from $674 billion to $2522.37 billion by 2035. Competition is increasing as AI lowers barriers to entry and can replace freelancers for automation-prone tasks. A study found a 21% decrease in job posts for writing and coding roles that are more prone to automation, compared with manual-intensive skills. Some platforms report fewer active clients, such as Upwork’s active client base shrinking by 6% in 2025, while spending per remaining client rose 5%. Average U.S. freelancer earnings are reported at $99,230 per year, with top earners above $200,000. Value-based pricing is associated with higher median income than hourly pricing, and demand persists for strategic, creative, and technical expertise.
Read at Forbes
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