Business UpdateJul 14, 2026, 09:19 AM
Upwork: 1 in 3 US Skilled Workers Freelance; AI Boosts Complex Work
AI Summary
Upwork Inc. released its second annual Future Workforce Index 2026, revealing that over 1 in 3 skilled U.S. knowledge workers now freelance, a significant increase from the previous year. The study, based on a survey of 2,400 U.S. workers and Upwork Marketplace data, highlights how AI is reshaping the labor market. Key findings indicate that while AI adoption is widespread, value is concentrated in complex work where human expertise and judgment are applied, leading to higher earnings for "AI Orchestrators."
Key Highlights
- Over 1 in 3 (38%) skilled U.S. knowledge workers now freelance, up from 28% a year ago.
- Freelancers performing AI work on Upwork Marketplace earn 34% more per hour.
- Generative AI contract starts grew 90% year-over-year, but per-contract earnings declined 13%.
- Freelancers doing complex AI-augmented work saw earnings increase 45% year-over-year.
- AI-augmented professional services volume grew 72%, with earnings rising 22%.
- 58% of full-time employees are considering freelancing, up from 36% the prior year.
Price Impact
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