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Freelancing in
America: 2018
COMMISIONED BY UPWORK AND
FREELANCERS UNION
October 2018

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Study Objectives
2
Upwork and Freelancers Union commissioned Edelman Intelligence, an independent research firm, to conduct their
fifth annual study of the U.S. freelance workforce with these objectives:
1. Quantify freelancing: Size the workforce and trends since 2014
2. Assess training: Workforce readiness in the face of rapid change
3. Understand the freelancing lifestyle: Drivers and barriers
4. Examine political tendencies of freelancers
This deck is organized in sections to detail results on each objective.

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Methodology
• An online survey of 6,001 U.S. adults who have done paid work in the past 12 months
• Data collected June 21, 2018 – July 12, 2018 by independent research firm Edelman Intelligence
• This is the fifth year the survey has been conducted, allowing for trend data. Data collected in the summers of 2014-2017 is
referenced throughout the analysis and indicates the percentage point change over the past four years.
• Percentage point differences between waves are noted where applicable and noteworthy in the report.
• Results were weighted to ensure demographic representation in line with the United States Bureau of Labor
Statistics’ 2017 Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey and the American Community Survey
• Margin of error: Overall: ±1.2% at the 95% level of confidence. Freelancers: ±2.1%, Full-time Freelancers: ±4.0%,
Full-time Non-freelancers: ±1.9%.
• Audiences surveyed: U.S. Workers Overall
U.S. adults 18+ who have earned
income from work within the past
12 months, including both
freelancers and non-freelancers
Freelancers
Individuals who have engaged in supplemental, temporary, project- or
contract-based work, within the past 12 months
Non-freelancers
Individuals who earned income through work but have not engaged in
supplemental, temporary, project- or contract-based work, within the past
12 months.N=6,001
N=2100
N=3901
3

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Quantifying
freelancing:
Growth
over time
More than 1 in 3 Americans freelanced this year. Over the
last five years, people are increasingly making the choice to
freelance, and the freelance workforce has grown by 3.7
million to 56.7 million Americans freelancing today.
This is driven especially by growth among younger
generations and full-time freelancers (as opposed to part-
time freelancers).
Key Findings
Americans are spending more than 1 billion hours per
week freelancing, an increase of 72 million hours/week since
2015.

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Training:
Workforce
readiness in
the face of
rapid change
Freelancers are more likely to
find skill-related training
valuable to the work they do
now rather than a college
education.
Freelancers are more
proactively updating their skills
to remain marketable as the job
market evolves compared to
non-freelancers – 70% of full-
time freelancers participated in
skill training in the past six
months, compared to 49% of
full-time non-freelancers.
Specifically, freelancers are
seeking training to enhance
their skills in areas that affect
freelancers the most:
technology, networking, and
business management.
Cost is a barrier for many (53%)
freelancers to accessing
training, particularly because
freelancers are more likely than
non-freelancers to pay for
training themselves.
Key Findings

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Understanding
the freelancing
lifestyle:
Drivers and
barriers
Both freelancers and non-
freelancers prioritize achieving
the lifestyle that they want, but
freelancers are more likely to
get it.
Freelancers feel anxious about
all they have to manage, but
they also have a better work/life
balance with more control over
one's own destiny and schedule,
resulting in less stress and
better health.
Freelancing also provides
opportunities to those who
otherwise might not be able to
work. 42% of freelancers agree
that freelancing gives them the
flexibility they need because
they are unable to work for a
traditional employer due to
personal circumstances (health
issues, childcare needs, etc.)
61% of full-time freelancers
would consider moving to a
different city for a tax break of
less than $5,000.
Key Findings

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Political
tendencies of
freelancers
In this election season, freelancers are key – they are 19
points more politically active than non-freelancers.
To win freelancer voters, candidates should focus on making
healthcare more affordable and available, as well as
supporting retirement savings and higher pay.
Freelancers are more likely to vote for candidates who support
their interests. In fact, having their issues addressed by their
representatives is more important to freelancers than party
loyalty. More than 72% said they’d be willing to cross party
lines to support candidates that support freelancer interests.
Key Findings

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Looking
ahead
More than 3 in 4 freelancers report that technology has made it
easier to find freelance work.
• 64% of freelancers found work online in this year’s study, a 22-point
increase since 2014.
• The percentage of work they obtained online increased for 67% of
freelancers this year.
51% of freelancers say no amount of money would get them
to take a traditional job.
Freelancers are optimistic about the future of freelancing –
nearly 9 in 10 see the industry’s best days ahead.
Key Findings

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State of the
Freelance
Workforce &
Changes in the
Last 5 Years

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Freelancing in review: 5-year scorecard
Q2: What is your current age?
Q31: Which of the following best describes your current freelance work?
Q47: How long ago did you start freelancing?
Q48: Which is closer to the reason you originally started freelancing?
10
Q60: Have you ever obtained a freelance project online?
Q72: Which of the following best describes your annual personal income? (Personal, not household income)
28%
17%2014
2018
43
%
32
%
2014
2018
In the last 5 years, the freelance workforce has grown by choice…
3.7 million
more freelancers
vs. 2014
56.7 Million Americans
freelanced in 2018
(35% of U.S. workers)
% of freelancers who are…
+11
points
+11
points
Full-Time
Age 18-34
Freelancing has contributed to the economy…
+15
points
84%
69%
16%
31%
2014 2018
$75K+
<$75K
Personal income among
freelancers
Technology is enabling finding work…
53%
61%
2014 2018
% started freelancing
by choice (vs necessity)
+8
points
70% 74%
2014 2018
2018
64%
2014
42%
% obtained project online
+22
points
% started freelancing
in the past five years
+4
points

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More than 1 in 3 (35%) American workers freelanced this year,
totaling 56.7M freelancers, nearly 4M more than in 2014
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
53M
53.7M
55M
56.7M57.3M
Number of American workers who freelance
+3.7
million
since 2014
11

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Americans spend more than 1 billion hours per week on
freelance work, up substantially since 2015
+72M
more hours per
week
freelancing
compared to
2015
Q25:How many hours in a typical week do you spend on freelance work?
Note: Total hours are calculated by multiplying the average weekly hours spent on freelancing with the total number of freelancers for each respective year. Q25 was not asked in 2014 version of FIA survey and first introduced in 2015.
12
How many hours in a typical week do you spend on freelance work?
[Showing total hours spent by freelancers on weekly basis]
2015 2018
998
million
1.07
billion

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47%
39%
53% 61%
2014 2018
More people are choosing to freelance
Q36: Which is closer to how you view freelancing? Options: A temporary way to make money; A long-term career choice
Q48: Which is closer to the reason you originally started freelancing? Options: Choice; Necessity
+8
points
since
2014
Which is closer to the reason you originally
started freelancing?
[Freelancers]
NECESSITY
CHOICE CHOICE
65%
52%
35% 48%
2014 2018
+13
points
since
2014
Which is closer to how you view freelancing?
[Freelancers]
TEMPORARY
LONG-TERM
NECESSITY
CHOICE
TEMPORARY
LONG-TERM
70% of full-time
freelancers see
it as long-term
13

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Government data is incomplete: the BLS CWS’s 1-week
snapshot misses the 42% who freelance less than weekly
Q24_18: Which of the following better describes your freelance work?
Q24: How often do you engage in freelancing?
50% 50%
CONSISTENT INTERMITTENT/
IRREGULAR
Which of the following better
describes your freelance work?
[Freelancers]
14
28% 30%
11%
13%
6% 5% 3% 4%
Daily Weekly Bi-weekly Monthly Every
other
month
3-4 times
a year
1-2 times
a year
Once a
year or
less
How often do you engage in freelancing?
[Freelancers]
42% freelance less than weekly
(+13 points from 2017)

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Full-time freelancers increased 11 points since 2014
-9 points
Less part-time freelancers
compared to 2014
2018: 50%
2014: 59%
+11 points
More full-time freelancers
compared to 2014
2018: 28%
2014: 17% +1 point
More full-time employees who
earn extra income from
freelance work
compared to 2014
2018: 20%
2014: 19%
Q31:Which of the following best describes your current freelance work? Options: Full-time freelancer, part-time freelancer,
Full-time employee who earns extra income from freelance work
15

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38%
34%
31% 32%
42%
35%
29% 30%
18-34 35-44 45-54 55+
Proportion of workers in each age group who freelance
2014 2018
+4 points
since 2014
Younger generations especially are freelancing
Q2: What is your current age?
16
18 – 21: 45%
22 – 34: 42%

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12%
15%
20%
16%
11%
13%
7% 6%
Less than 6
months ago
6 months –
1 year ago
1 – 2 years
ago
2 – 3 years
ago
3 – 4 years
ago
5 – 10
years ago
10 – 20
years ago
More than
20 years
ago
How long ago did you start freelancing?
[Freelancers]
Nearly 3 in 4 freelancers started within the last five years
74%of freelancers started freelancing
within the last 5 years
(+4 points from 2014)
Q47: How long ago did you start freelancing? 17

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3% 2% 5% 5% 4%
5% 7%
10% 12% 10%
9%
12%
15%
19%
18%
83% 75%
69% 64% 69%
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Less than $75,000
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000 or more
18Q72: Which of the following best describes your annual personal income? (Personal, not household income)
Annual personal income
[Freelancers]
+15
points
since
2014
The number of high-earning freelancers has grown

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Training

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“I am updating my skills to ensure I’m
marketable as the job market evolves”
[Strongly/somewhat agree]
53%
Full-time
non-freelancers
66%
Full-time
freelancers
Freelancers proactively update skills to remain marketable
Q102: How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? [Statement: I am updating my skills to ensure I’m marketable as the job market evolves]
Q110:To what extent would you say each of the following resources are valuable in supporting your work? [Somewhat/Very Valuable shown]
20
81%
of freelancers find
skill-related
education or training
valuable

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7 in 10 full-time freelancers updated their skills in the last six
months, far exceeding full-time employees
Q21_3: When was the last time you participated in any skill-related education or training? Q29e: Compared to when you previously worked for an employer, how often do you currently partake in skill-related education or training?
Options: I participate in [more, same amount, less] education or training than when I had an employer
10% 14%
16%
26%5%
11%
19%
22%22%
17%
29%
10%
Full-time Freelancers Full-time Non-freelancers
Within the last week
Within the last month
Within the last 6 months
Within the last year
Over a year ago
Never
When was the last time you participated in any skill-related education or training?
[Full-time freelancers and non-freelancers]
70%
participated
in the last 6
months
(vs 64% in
2017)
49%
participated in
in the last 6
months (vs
32% in 2017)
21
45% of full-time freelancers
who left a traditional job
participate in MORE training
and education than when
they had an employer
Full-time
Freelancers
+21points

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22Q21_68: Where have you received skill-related education or training?
11%
17%
23%
44%
56%
23%
28%
33%
37%
43%
Online forums and
discussion boards
Books/websites on subjects
that pertain to my work
Video or webinar tutorials
(on YouTube or elsewhere)
In-person trainings,
workshops, and instructional
courses
On-the-job training
Freelancer
Non-freelancer
Where have you received skill-related education or training?
[Freelancers and non-freelancers]
Freelancers seek out their own training, while non-freelancers
primarily receive on-the-job training
-13pts
-7pts
+10pts
+11pts
+12pts

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For freelancers, training's value outweighs college’s
*Among those who graduated from college
Q21_12: How useful was the skill-related education or training you have received to the work you do now? Q21_7: Thinking back, how useful was the education you got in college to the work you do now?
53%
43%
40%
36%
Skill related education/
training*
College*
Somewhat
useful
Very useful
How useful was this type of education to the
work you do now?
[Freelancers with at least a 4-year college degree]
23
93%
79%

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Cost of training is a barrier for many freelancers, who are
more likely having to pay for it themselves
Does cost get in the way of getting
the skill-related education or
training you want or need?
[Freelancers]
Q21_10: Does cost get in the way of getting the skill-related education or training you want or need? [Yes/No]
Q21_11a: Who paid for the most recent skill-related education or training you had?
53%of freelancers say YES
(vs. 33% of non-freelancers)
I paid for the education or training
(vs 15% of non-freelancers)
My employer or client
(vs. 53% of non-freelancers)
Education or training was offered for free
(vs. 19% of non-freelancers)
Who paid for most recent skill related education or training?
[All respondents, freelancer numbers shown]
My professional association, union, or other org
(vs. 5% of non-freelancers)
28%
27%
21%
8%
24
63% of full-time
freelancers say
cost gets in way
Freelancers
Non-freelancers

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Freelancers are especially looking to expand their marketable
skills and professional network
Q21_5: Why do you participate in skill-related education or training?
22%
24%
21%
37%
31%
32%
34%
38%
To learn about new work opportunities
To expand my professional network
To get more work by learning marketable skills
To keep up with changing technologies
Freelancers Non-freelancers
Why do you participate in skill-related education or training?
[Freelances and non-freelancers]
25

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Specifically, freelancers are looking for training to beef up their
skills in technology, networking, and business management
Q21_13. On which topics would you like additional education or training to improve your skills and make you more competitive? Please select all that apply.
33%
29%
27%
26%
24%
Computer skills
Networking skills
Freelance business skills (i.e., financials, taxes,
insurance, etc.)
Marketing
How to find work
Freelancers
On which topics would you like additional education or training
to improve your skills and make you more competitive?
[Freelancers]
26

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44% 36% 31%
Many freelancers would benefit from education on essential
freelance business skills
Asked of freelancers
Q21_14: To what extent would you agree with the following statements? [Strongly/Somewhat disagree shown]
“I have a good contract I use
for my freelance work”
“I know how to effectively
market my skills”
Do not
agree
Do not
agree
Do not
agree
“I am comfortable
negotiating with clients”
27
29%
“I have a good sense of rates
in my industry and how much
to charge for my work”
Do not
agree

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Work & Life

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Both freelancers and non-freelancers prioritize achieving the
lifestyle that they want; freelancers are the ones who get it
Q29g: If forced to choose, which of the following would take priority for you? Living the lifestyle I want, Maximizing my earnings potential
Q29f: In general, does your work allow you to live the lifestyle you want? (i.e., gives you the time you want to spend on your priorities and the financial means to do so) [Yes/No]
61%
LIFESTYLE
39%
EARNINGS
If forced to choose, which of the
following would take priority for you?
[Freelancers and non-freelancers]
63%
84%
In general, does your work allow you
to live the lifestyle you want?
[Full-time freelancers and non-freelancers]
72% for all
freelancers
Full-time
Freelancers
Full-time
Non-freelancers
YES YES
Same priority
(lifestyle) for
both groups
29

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81% 80% 78% 77% 77% 76% 75%
66%
73%
65%
61%
67%
76%
66%
To be my own boss To have flexibility in
my schedule (i.e.
what days or times I
work)
To work from the
location of my
choosing
To have
independence from
things such as
office dynamics
To have a schedule
that enables me to
pursue my personal
passions
To earn extra
money
To be able to
choose my own
projects
Full-time Freelancer Part-time Freelancer
The top reasons for freelancing are control over one's own destiny,
flexibility and independence
Top reasons for freelancing
[Full-time freelancers and part-time freelancers; showing % who select each as a major reason of 4-5 on a 5-point scale]
Q35b. Please indicate the degree to which each of the following is a reason why you freelance? [Scale: 1- Not at all a reason – 5- A major reason]
Options: Out of financial necessity; To earn extra money; To be in control of my own financial future; To be able to choose my own projects; To have flexibility in my schedule (i.e. what
days or times I work); To be able to spend more time with friends, family, and my personal life; So that I get access to global opportunities, rather than be limited by location; To expand my
professional network; To gain additional skills or experience; To have independence from things such as office dynamics; To be able to pursue work I am passionate about or find
meaningful; So that I can progress in my career at my own pace; Because a traditional salaried job is unavailable or hard to find; It allows me to keep working after retirement to earn
additional income; To have a schedule that allows me to provide care for a family member; To be my own boss; To work from the location of my choosing; To have a schedule that enables
me to pursue my personal passions; To be able to spend more time with family
30

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Full-time freelancers note that some anxiety is the flipside
of freelancing's lifestyle benefits
Q21_8: Please indicate how much you agree with each of the following statements on freelancing [Strongly/Somewhat agree shown].
feel anxious about all that they have
to manage (i.e., financials, taxes,
insurance, etc.) as a freelancer
feel anxious because of the
unpredictable nature of my work
as a freelancer
63%
63%
Full-time freelancers report…
[Strongly/somewhat agree]
31
Better work/life balance
“Freelancing has given me
more time for the things
and people I care about”
“I feel more stimulated by
the freelance work that I
do, compared to the work I
would do in a traditional job”
77% 76%
Better health
“Working as a freelancer
has been less stressful
than working in a
traditional job”
“My general health has
improved since I started
freelancing”
“My sleep has improved
since I started freelancing”
70%
64%
64%
say freelancing makes them feel
isolated, working on their own56%

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Full-time freelancers see much greater flexibility in their
day-to-day work than full-time non-freelancers
Q23_18: In your opinion, how well do each of the following characteristics apply to your work?
Scale: Applies completely, applies somewhat, applies a little, does not apply at all
35%
38%
55% 57%
83% 84% 83% 81%
How well do each of the following characteristics apply to your work?
[Completely/somewhat applies]
+48pts +28pts+46pts +24pts
Full-time
freelancers
Full-time
non-freelancers
Gives me flexibility to
work where I want
Gives me flexibility to
work when I want
Gives me autonomy
and freedom
Provides the opportunity to
pursue work I am passionate
about or find meaningful
32

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53%
62%
67% 69%
72%
77%
81%
77%
Provides opportunity for
upward mobility
Provides pay appropriate for
my skill-level
Gives me opportunities to
learn new things (challenging)
Offers a long-term career
path
Full-time Non-
freelancer
Full-time
Freelancer
Freelancers see greater opportunity to advance their
careers than traditional employees
+14pts+15pts +8pts
+19pts
How well do each of the following characteristics apply to your work?
[Completely/somewhat applies]
33
Q23_18: In your opinion, how well do each of the following characteristics apply to your work?
Scale: Applies completely, applies somewhat, applies a little, does not apply at all

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And, freelancing provides opportunities to those who
otherwise might not be able to work
73%
67%
"Freelancing provides an
alternative that can allow one to
support a family without holding a
traditional job"
"Freelancing is a good way for me
to transition into retirement"
% Completely/somewhat agree
[Full-time freelancers]
Q44_2: Please indicate your agreement with the following statements about freelancing. Statement: Because of personal circumstances (health issues, childcare needs, etc.) I am not able to work for a traditional employer
on an ongoing basis, but freelancing gives me the flexibility I need
34
42%
of freelancers agree that freelancing
gives them the flexibility they need
because they are unable to work for
a traditional employer
because of personal circumstances
(health issues, childcare needs, etc.)
Among Baby Boomer freelancers….

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Freelancing especially provides opportunities to those with
health and family issues who are otherwise unable to work
29%
25%
22%
24%
Health
Benefits of freelancing
Family related
Other mentions
Why does an ongoing traditional employee role not work for
you? (coded open-ended responses)
[Freelancers who agree, not able to work for traditional employer]
Q44_3: Please describe the personal circumstances you face, why you are unable to work for a traditional employer on an ongoing basis, and how freelancing gives you the flexibility you need (Open End)
(Asked just of those who agree: Because of personal circumstances (health issues, childcare needs, etc.) I am not able to work for a traditional employer on an ongoing basis, but freelancing gives me the flexibility I need)
35
Health issues (Non Specific) 10%
Anxiety/depression/mental illness 6%
Back problems/back pain 4%
Disability/I have a disability 3%
Pain/body pain (Non Specific) 2%
Stress/less stress freelancing 2%
Accident/injury 2%
Lack of strength/can’t be on feet for long periods
of time, Fatigue/tired easily, Diabetes, Surgery,
Arthritis, Breathing problems/asthma/COPD,
Heart issues, Blood pressure, Autoimmune
disease
1%
each
Flexibility/making my own hours 16%
Money/earn extra money 7%
Freedom/more freedom 4%
Child care/have kids/cost of daycare 10%
Family obligations/my family (Non Specific) 5%
Illness of a family member 3%
Taking care of a parent 2%
Disability of a family member or child 2%
Specific responses
25-point gender gap: Men 12%, Women 37%

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Freelancers in their own words….
“I have children and my wife works full-time. This gives me the freedom to take care of my children and avoid
full-time day care” – Male, 51
“I had cancer 10 years ago which left me with [intestinal] issues that can flare up. I am able to pick work that
can be rescheduled if necessary- whether it be time or day. With an employer i would end up being
terminated for too many call offs.” – Female, 67
“My husband and I have been taking care of his elderly parents. He is also disabled and my health issues
also prevent me from working full time. I have flexibility in this way of life.” – Female, 44
“I have severe mental health issues that cause me to be very anxious around people, simple situations
can overwhelm me that cause panic attacks …due to the various issues that they cause I can not manage
a 9-5 job that normal people can.” – Male, 20
Please describe the personal circumstances you face, why you are unable to work for a traditional
employer on an ongoing basis, and how freelancing gives you the flexibility you need (open-ended)
[Freelancers]
“My youngest son was born with a rare medical condition that requires hours of doctor's appointments,
surgeries, recoveries, therapies. I need to be able to be home with him to manage that. Freelancing allows
me to work 10 minutes here and there around all of this, or to take certain times off if needed.” – Female, 31
36
Q44_3: Please describe the personal circumstances you face, why you are unable to work for a traditional employer on an ongoing basis, and how freelancing gives you the flexibility you need (Open End)
(Asked just of those who agree: Because of personal circumstances (health issues, childcare needs, etc.) I am not able to work for a traditional employer on an ongoing basis, but freelancing gives me the flexibility I need)

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Freelancers say helping them helps our economy and the
middle class
Q78: Which is closer to your view of the impact freelancers have on our economy?
Q44_1: Please indicate your agreement with the following statements about freelancing. Statement: A healthy freelance economy boosts America’s middle class
of freelancers believe more
freelancing opportunities is a
positive step for the
economy
81%
95% of Baby
Boomer
freelancers
Increased opportunities for freelancers
are a positive step for our economy
Increased use of freelancers is
harmful to our economy
Which is closer to your view of the impact
freelancers have on our economy?
[Freelancers]
37
A healthy freelance economy boosts
America’s middle class
[Freelancers]
62%
Strongly Agree/
Somewhat Agree
88% among
undecided freelancers
who are likely to vote

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If more people freelance and have location flexibility, positive
geographic and economic impacts are likely to result
85%
total likely
Q100: If more people started freelancing, how likely are each of the following to happen?
84%
total likely
“People will move to areas that cater to their
lifestyles rather than being stuck in a location where
their traditional employer is”
“People will live in places of their choice, rather
than urban job centers, distributing economic
opportunity more broadly”
If more people started freelancing, how likely are each of the following to happen?
[Freelancers]
Very likelySomewhat likely
38

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In fact, many full-time freelancers would consider moving
for a tax credit
$1 - $2,499
$2,500 - $4,999
$5,000 - $9,999
$10,000 - $19,999
$20,000 or more
61% of full-time
freelancers considering
moving to a different city
would for a tax break of less
than $5,000
Q44_4: Please indicate your agreement with these additional statements about freelancing. Statement: I would consider moving to a city that offered a significant tax break for freelancers.
Q50a_18: You said that you would consider moving to a city that offered a significant tax break for freelancers. What is the minimum size tax credit that would lead you to consider moving to a different city?
What is the minimum tax credit that would lead you to
consider moving to a different city?
[Full-time freelancers who would consider moving for a tax break]
39
“I would consider moving to a city that offered a
significant tax break for freelancers”
[Full-time freelancers, strongly/somewhat agree]
64%
41%
20%
17%
9%
12%

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Politics

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34%
53%
Non-freelancers Freelancers
60% 65%
Millennial Freelancers Full-time Freelancers
Freelancers are a valuable constituency in the election since they
are significantly more politically active than traditional employees
Q70_3: How politically active are you? (e.g., volunteering for a candidate/political organization, attending rallies, engaging in politically-related social media activity, etc.)?
Scale: Very active, somewhat active, not very active, not active at all
% Who are politically active
[Very/somewhat active]
+19 points
freelancers
are more
active
41

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But, freelancers today don't feel well-represented by
government leaders
Q73_1: How much discussion, if any, have you heard about freelancing by government leaders? Q70_6a: How well represented are freelancers by government leaders?
Q102: How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Statement: Policymakers should work to better understand the freelance workforce and its economic impact. [Strongly/Somewhat agree shown]
65%
of freelancers have heard
little to no discussion
about freelancing by
government leaders
42
16%
19%
31%
34%
A lot Some Not very much None
65%
feel that freelancers are
not well represented by
government leaders
[Not very well/not well at all]
65%
of freelancers agree
“policymakers should work
to better understand the
freelance workforce and its
economic impact”

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Democrats have a leg up in the 2018 elections when it comes
to freelancer votes
Q70_4: How likely are you to vote in the election in November for Congress and other offices? Scale: Very likely, somewhat likely, not very likely, not likely at all
Q70_5: If the 2018 general election for U.S. Congress were held today, for which party’s candidate would you prefer to vote? Options: Democratic, Republican, Don’t Know
48%
38%
14%
Democratic Republican Don't Know
If the 2018 general election for U.S. Congress were held today,
for which party’s candidate would you prefer to vote?
[Freelancers who are likely to vote]
43
80%
of freelancers are
likely to vote
% Likely to vote in the November
elections for Congress and other offices
[Freelancers; very/somewhat likely]

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Q74: If a candidate for political office supported your interests as a freelancer, how would that impact your vote? Would it make you: Much more likely, somewhat more likely, somewhat
less likely, much less likely, it would make no difference.
76%
of freelancers are more likely
to vote for a candidate that
supports their interests as a
freelancer
Freelancers are much more likely to vote for candidates that
support their interests as freelancers
44
78%84%
Members of both parties are more likely to vote for a
candidate that supports their freelancer interests
(True for 83% of full-time freelancers)

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70%
Q103. If a candidate for political office indicated they supported freelancer interests, how open would you be to crossing party lines to support them? Scale: Very open, somewhat open, not
very open, not at all open
72%
of freelancers are open to
crossing party lines to support
candidates that support
freelancer interests
Further, 7 in 10 freelancers are willing to cross party lines to
support candidates that address freelancer interests
45
77%
Members of both parties are willing to switch
for a candidate who stands up for freelancers (True for 81% of full-time freelancers)

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70% 64%
All workers see freelancing as a good option for those losing
jobs to automation and believe policymakers should make it
easier to freelance
Q102: How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? [Strongly/Somewhat agree shown]
“Freelancing can be a good
option for people who lose
their jobs due to automation”
“Policymakers should provide more
retraining and reskilling resources for
people who lose their jobs due to
automation so they can become freelancers”
“Policymakers should make
it easier to work as a
freelancer”
46
62%
Freelancers
agree
Freelancers
agree
Freelancers
agree
64% of U.S. workers agree 54% of U.S. workers agree 60% of U.S. workers agree

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47
How would you rank each of the following issues in terms of your level of concern?
[Showing issue selected as one of their top 3 concerns]
U.S. workers share similar concerns regardless of whether
they freelance or not
Freelancers Non-
Freelancers
Unpredictable income
Being able to put
enough money into
savings
Access to affordable
healthcare
Debt
Saving for retirement
4 of the top 5 issues for freelancers and non-freelancers are the same, but differ on only
1 of their top 5 issues…
Q78_1: How would you rank each of the following issues in terms of your level of concern? [Most concerning + Second most concerning] Options: Unpredictable income; Being paid a fair
rate; Non-payment or late payment for work; Being able to put enough money into savings; Saving for Retirement; Access to affordable healthcare; High taxation rates; Difficulty finding
work; Having opportunities for career growth; Debt; Forgoing the purchase of things I need; Competition from other freelancers; Competition from large businesses; Finding information
about benefit options; Access to loans; Complying with (or knowing) legal regulations
Being paid a fair rate

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56%
48%
42% 42%
33%
Worries about income
predictability
Uncertainty that you could
“make it” on your own
Desire to keep company
sponsored benefits such as
health insurance, paid
vacation, and life insurance
Concern that you would be
able to find enough work to
support yourself
Difficulty finding freelance
work
The top factor holding moonlighters back from freelancing
full-time is income unpredictability
What’s holding you back from quitting your primary job to work
independently?
[Freelancers who want to move to full-time]
Q40_1: What is holding you back from quitting your primary job to work independently? Options: Desire to keep company sponsored benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation, and life
insurance; Worries about income predictability; Concern that you would face higher taxes; Difficulty finding freelance work; Uncertainty about how to get started; Concern that you would be
able to find enough work to support yourself; Uncertainty that you could “make it” on your own; Worry about losing professional contacts; Pressure to have a “traditional” job; Fear of feeling
isolated working by yourself; Feeling overwhelmed about managing your own business (i.e. legal, accounting, marketing, etc.); Other (Specify); None of the above
48

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22%
19% 19%
17% 17%
16% 15% 15%
10% 9%
Access to
affordable
healthcare
Unpredictable
income
Saving for
Retirement
Being paid a
fair rate
Debt High taxation
rates
Difficulty
finding work
Being able to
put enough
money into
savings
Non-payment
or late
payment for
work
Having
opportunities
for career
growth
For freelancers, affordable healthcare is the top concern
Issues freelancers are concerned about
[Freelancers; showing % among top 2 most concerning]
49
Q78_1: How would you rank each of the following issues in terms of your level of concern? [Most concerning + Second most concerning] Options: Unpredictable income; Being paid a fair
rate; Non-payment or late payment for work; Being able to put enough money into savings; Saving for Retirement; Access to affordable healthcare; High taxation rates; Difficulty finding
work; Having opportunities for career growth; Debt; Forgoing the purchase of things I need; Competition from other freelancers; Competition from large businesses; Finding information
about benefit options; Access to loans; Complying with (or knowing) legal regulations

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Full-time freelancers are most likely to get health insurance
through a self-purchased plan
Q78_5: Do you currently have health insurance? [Yes/No]
Q78_6. How do you get your health insurance?
Q78_7: Do you currently pay more or less in health insurance premium than you did last year?
2%
7%
13%
26%
18%
17%
18%
2%
5%
14%
14%
16%
21%
28%
Other
Through my parents’ plan
Through my spouse’s plan
Through my employer’s plan
Medicare
Medicaid
Through a plan that I purchase
myself
Full-time Freelancers
Freelancers
Source of health insurance
[Freelancers and full-time freelancers]
50
52% of full-time
freelancers (and
46% of freelancers
overall) that
purchased their own
plan reported
paying more in
health insurance
premiums than
last year.
84%
of full-time freelancers
indicate they currently
have health insurance

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2 in 3 freelancers would prefer taking home more pay and
purchasing benefits on their own
Q78_9: When it comes to benefits, which of the following options would you prefer? Options: Taking home more pay and purchasing benefits on your own,
Taking home less pay and receiving a benefits package from your employer or clients
51
34%
When it comes to benefits, which of the following
options would you prefer?
[Freelancers]
66%
Taking home more pay
and purchasing benefits
on your own
Taking home less pay
and receiving a benefits
package from your
employer or clients
80% among full-
time freelancers

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To win freelancer votes, politicians should focus on
healthcare, retirement and increasing pay more
Q107: What factors should politicians most focus on to support freelancer interests? [Forced 3 choices out of a list of 11]. Slide shows only top 5 choices selected by freelancers within
their top 3 factors.
1
2 3
What factors should politicians most focus on to support freelancer interests?
[Freelancers; showing % who selected each among their top 3]
49%
Make healthcare more
affordable and
available
(by political affiliation: I –
54%, D – 50%, R – 45%)
34%
Tax incentives to help
freelancers save for
retirement
31%
Help people get paid
more for the work
they do
52
4
29%
Better protections
to ensure
freelancers get paid
5
27%
Tax process
simplification/reform

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44% 41% 37% 32% 33%
27% 29% 31%
34% 33%
"We must provide better
access to affordable health
care for all workers"
"We must fix education in
America to prepare for the
future job market"
"Freelancers should have the
same benefits and supports
as traditional employees"
"Freelancers need stronger
protections to ensure that
clients pay"
"Freelancers need better tax
incentives to help them save"
Much more likely to vote for candidate Somewhat more likely to vote for candidate
Freelancers are more likely to support candidates addressing
healthcare, as well as benefits, protections, and education
If a candidate for political office publicly made the following
statements, how would it impact your vote?
[Freelancers]
Q70_6: If a candidate for political office publicly made the following statements, how would it impact your vote? Scale: Much more likely to vote, somewhat more likely to vote, somewhat
less likely to vote, much less likely to vote, it would make no difference
This is the
highest among
all responses
for Democrat
freelancers
(78% vs. 71%
Republican, 67%
Independent)
53

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LOOKING
AHEAD

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42%
59%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
2014 2018
How much has the freelance job market today changed compared to 3
years ago?
[% freelancers who indicated there has been large change; 6-9 on 9-point scale]
Freelancers are seeing more change than ever
Q52: How much has the freelance job market today changed compared to 3 years ago? [Scale: 1- Has not changed at all – 9-Completely changed]
Note: % who indicated there has been change are those who rated 6-9 on the scale
Proportion is even
higher among full-time
freelancers (67%)
+17 points since
2014
55

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Nearly 9 out of 10 freelancers are optimistic about
freelancing's future
Best days
are ahead
77%
Best days
are ahead
87%
23%
13%
Q57. How do you see the future of freelancing in general? Options: Best days are ahead, Best days are behind
In 2014, question was asked: How do you see the future of the freelancing job market?
2018
2014
How do you see the future of freelancing in general?
[Freelancers]
+10points since
2014
56

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65%
76%
There is greater demand for
freelancers
Technology has made it
easier to find freelance work
It's becoming easier to find freelance work
Q53: What do you think is different about the freelance job market today compared to 3 years ago? Options: Technology has made it easier to find freelance work, There is greater demand
for freelancers, There are more organizations (coworking, networking groups, jobs boards, etc.) to support freelancers, Perceptions of freelancing as a career are becoming more positive,
Freelancing is becoming the norm in my industry, Professionals who are the top in their industry are increasingly choosing to work independently, Professionals who are the top in their
industry are earning more by working independently than they would within a corporation
[Strongly/somewhat agree]
[Strongly/somewhat agree]
[Among freelancers who indicated
there had been change]
[Among freelancers who indicated
there had been change]
57

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A mix of sources provides access to freelance work today,
led by personal connections
4%
14%
14%
14%
16%
17%
23%
23%
27%
36%
38%
40%
46%
Other
Local newspaper
Sharing economy websites or apps
Employment agency / staffing firm
Specialized freelance websites
Previous employer (full-time)
General freelance websites
Online job boards
Online ads/classifieds (such as Craigslist)
Professional contacts
Previous client (freelance)
Social media
Friends and family
Where do you typically go to find freelance work?
[Freelancers]
Q59: Where do you typically go to find freelance work?
58

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4%
29%
35%
32%
Increased a lot
Increased somewhat
Stayed about the same
Decreased
somewhat/a lot
Freelancers are finding more work online
Q60: Have you ever obtained a freelance project online? [Yes/No]
Q61_1: How has the percentage of your freelancing work obtained online (websites, apps, etc.), as compared to offline, changed in the past year?
59
2014: 42%
2018: 64%
+22 points
more than
2014
Proportion of freelancers who have found
work online
Work obtained
online increased
for 67% of
freelancers in the
past year
How has the percentage of your freelancing work
obtained online (websites, apps, etc.), as compared
to offline, changed in the past year?
[Freelancers]

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As technology increases opportunities to freelance, the
majority of people are receptive to the idea of freelancing
Would you be willing to do additional work outside of
your primary job(s) if it was available and enabled you
to make more money?
[Non-freelancers]
Q97: In the future, do you think technology innovations will…
Q21: Would you be willing to do additional work outside of your primary job(s) if it was available and enabled you to make more money? [Yes/No]
82%of non-freelancers
would be willing to do
additional work
60
In the future technology innovations will…
[Freelancers]
Increase your
opportunities to
freelance
88%
Reduce your
opportunities to
freelance
12%

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After leaving your job with an employer, how long did it
take you to earn more as a freelancer than you did with
an employer?
[Freelancers who make more after quitting a job in order to freelance]
38%
23%
16%
12%
9%
The majority of those who left a job in order to freelance say
they make more now than they did with an employer…and it
didn’t take them long to get there
Q29b: As a freelancer now, do you earn more or less than when you had an employer? Options: More, less, the same.
Q29c: After leaving your job with an employer, how long did it take you to earn more as a freelancer than you did with an employer?.
60%
73% of full-time
freelancers earn
more
As a freelancer now, do you earn more or
less than when you had an employer?
[Freelancers who quit a job in order to freelance]
Immediately
Less than 6 Months
6 months – 1 Year
1-2 Years
Over 2 Years
77%
of freelancers
earned more in
less than a yearEARN MORE
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Q11: Do you have an employer (i.e. a company that employs you)? [Yes/No]
Q12: Do you have more than one employer, job, or contract project? [Yes/No]
Q13: Do you do any work outside of your primary position to supplement your income or earn additional money? [Yes/No]
Q37. Have you ever considered quitting your primary job in order to work completely independently? [Yes/No]
Yes
37%
No
63%
14.7 Million
Moonlighters
Workers with a primary employer
who have done work outside of
their main job to earn additional
money within the past year
If these Moonlighters quit their
jobs, that would be nearly
5.4M
New Independent
Contractors
More than five million individuals currently freelancing part-
time are thinking about making the leap to independence
Have you considered quitting your job in
order to work completely independently?
[Moonlighters]
62

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23%
2%
5%
8%
6%
5%
51%
$50,000-$99,999
$100K+
Half of freelancers say they wouldn’t take a traditional job, no
matter how much they’re offered
Q50e. How much more would a traditional job with an employer need to pay in order for you to definitely take that traditional job and stop freelancing? Options: None; $4,999 or less; $5,000-9,999; $10,000-19,999;
$20,000-49,999; $50,000-99,999; $100,000+; There is no amount of money where I would definitely take a traditional job.
There is no amount
of money where I
would definitely
take a traditional job
>$5,000
$5,000-
$9,999
$10,000-
$19,999
$20,000-
$49,000
<$5,000
Proportion is even higher among
freelancers who have
freelanced for 5+ years (58%)
How much more would a traditional job with an employer need to pay in order
for you to definitely take that traditional job and stop freelancing?
[Freelancers]
63

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Who
freelancers are

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Freelancers skew more male than U.S. workers overall
60%
40%
53%
47%
Male Female
What gender do you more closely identify with?
Freelancers U.S. workers overall
Q1: What gender do you more closely identify with? [Male/Female]
65

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Freelancers skew younger; more than 2 in 5 freelancers are
younger than 35
8%
35%
21%
17%
19%
6%
29%
21% 21%
23%
18-21 22-34 35-44 45-54 55+
What is your current age?
Freelancers U.S. workers overall
Q2: What is your current age?
Average age:
Freelancers 40
U.S. workers overall 42
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Freelancers mirror the education of the workforce overall
35%
27%
23%
16%
36%
27%
24%
14%
HS grad or less Some college + Associate Degree Bachelor's degree Post grad
What is the highest level of school you have completed?
Freelancers U.S. Workers Overall
Q68: What is the highest level of school you have completed or the highest degree you have received?
67

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Freelancers live all over the country, though a slightly higher
proportion live in urban areas
17%
19%
38%
26%
18%
22%
37%
23%
Northeast Midwest South West
What region do you live in?
Freelancers U.S. Workers Overall
38%
44%
19%
31%
48%
20%
Urban Suburban Rural
What type of area do you currently live in?
Freelancers U.S. Workers Overall
45% of Full-Time Freelancers
live in urban areas
Q70: What state do you live in? Note: Answers recoded into regions
Q71: What type of area do you currently live in? Options: Urban, Suburban, Rural
68

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Freelancers are slightly more diverse than the general
population of U.S. workers
62%
17%
13%
5%
2%
67%
15%
11%
5% 3%
White Hispanic or Latino African or African descent Asian-American/ Asian All others
Which of the following best describes your ethnicity, racial background or heritage?
Freelancers U.S. Workers Overall
Q3A_Which of the following best describes your ethnicity, racial background or heritage?
69

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The freelance workforce: 5 freelancer segments
31%
17.6 M
26%
14.7 M
31%
17.6 M
6%
3.4 M
6%
3.4 M
Independent
Contractors
Diversified
Workers
Moonlighters
Temporary
Workers
Freelance Business
Owners
-9pts from 2014
+13pts from 2014
-4pts from 2014
+1pts from 2014
-1pts from 2014
70

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5 Segments of Freelancers
Starting with the general U.S. workforce, each respondent ran through a series of questions that carefully qualified their
employment status and income in order to detect freelancing activity that might otherwise go unrecorded. The following
definitions and examples explain 5 segments of freelancers captured:
1. Diversified Workers (31% / 17.6 million) – People with multiple sources of income from a mix of traditional
employers and freelance work. For example, someone who works part-time at a start-up, manages an Airbnb and
does freelance coding.
2. Independent Contractors (31% of the independent workforce / 17.6 million professionals) – These “traditional”
freelancers don't have an employer and instead do freelance, temporary, or supplemental work on a project-to-
project basis.
3. Moonlighters (26% / 14.7 million) – Professionals with a primary, traditional job who also moonlight doing freelance
work. For example, a corporate-employed web developer who does projects for non-profits in the evening.
4. Freelance Business Owners (6% / 3.4 million) – These freelancers have one or more employees and consider
themselves both a freelancer and a business owner. For example, a social marketing guru who hires a team of
other social marketers to build a small agency, but still identifies as a freelancer.
5. Temporary Workers (6% / 3.4 million) – Individuals with a single employer, client, job, or contract project where
their employment status is temporary. For example, a data entry worker employed by a staffing agency who is
working on a three-month assignment.
In order to qualify, freelancers had to have earned freelance income within the past 12 months.
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U.S. Workers Overall: U.S. adults 18+ who have earned income from work within the past 12 months,
including both freelancers and non-freelancers.
Freelancers: Individuals who have engaged in supplemental, temporary, project- or contract-based
work, within the past 12 months.
Full-time Freelancers: Individuals that describe their current freelance work status as “full-time
freelancer.”
Part-time Freelancers: Individuals that describe their current freelance work status as “part-time
freelancer.”
Non-freelancers: Individuals who earned income through work but have not engaged in supplemental,
temporary, project- or contract-based work, within the past 12 months.
Non-freelancers Employed Full-time: Individuals that describe their current work status as
“employed full-time” and do not do any additional work outside of their primary job to supplement
their income.
Glossary
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This study is commissioned by:
Upwork
Upwork is the largest global freelancing website. It enables businesses to find and work with highly skilled freelancers.
As an increasingly connected and independent workforce goes online, knowledge work—like software, shopping and
content before it—is shifting online as well. This shift is making it easier for clients to connect and work with talent in
near real-time and is freeing professionals everywhere from having to work at a set time and place. Our company’s
mission is to create economic opportunities so people have better lives. Upwork is headquartered in Mountain View,
Calif., with offices in San Francisco and Chicago. For more information, visit www.upwork.com, Twitter, Facebook and
LinkedIn.
Freelancers Union
With over 375,000 members nationwide, Freelancers Union is the fastest-growing labor organization representing the
independent workforce. We believe all workers should have the freedom to build meaningful, connected, and
independent lives – backed by a system of mutual and public support. Freelancers Union members join together to
build community, access benefits and educational resources, and form a powerful political constituency. For more
information, visit www.freelancersunion.org.
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For more details go to:
https://www.upwork.com/i/freelancing-in-america/2018/