Freelance Statistics
Last updated: June 2026 · 7 sourced statistics
Freelancing has grown from side activity to structural feature of the labor market. Upwork's Freelance Forward research found 64 million Americans — 38% of the workforce — performed freelance work in 2023, contributing $1.27 trillion to the economy. MBO Partners' parallel research counts even more independent workers. The key numbers below all link to their sources.
Key takeaways
- 64 million Americans freelanced in 2023 — 38% of the workforce (Upwork).
- Freelancers contributed $1.27 trillion in annual earnings to the US economy.
- 47% of freelancers provide skilled knowledge services like programming, marketing, and consulting.
The statistics
64 million Americans performed freelance work in 2023 — an all-time high representing 38% of the entire US workforce (Upwork Freelance Forward).
Source:Upwork Freelance Forward2023
Freelancers contributed approximately $1.27 trillion in annual earnings to the US economy (Upwork).
Source:Upwork Freelance Forward2023
47% of all freelancers — nearly 30 million professionals — provided knowledge services such as programming, marketing, IT, and business consulting (Upwork).
Source:Upwork Freelance Forward2023
The freelance workforce grew by 4 million people from 2022 (60M) to 2023 (64M) (Upwork).
Source:Upwork Freelance Forward2023
20% of freelancers use generative AI tools multiple times per week — more than double the 9% rate among non-freelance professionals (Upwork).
Source:Upwork Freelance Forward2023
MBO Partners' State of Independence research counts over 72 million Americans doing independent work when occasional independents are included.
Source:MBO Partners State of Independence2023
Around 50% of B2B invoice value globally runs past due (Atradius) — and freelancers, with the least leverage, feel late payment hardest.
Source:Atradius Payment Practices Barometer2025
Methodology & sources
Compiled June 2026 from Upwork's Freelance Forward research program, MBO Partners' State of Independence series, and Atradius survey data. Workforce counts differ between studies due to definition differences (any freelance activity vs primary income).
Frequently asked questions
How many freelancers are there in the US?
64 million performed freelance work in 2023 per Upwork (38% of the workforce); MBO Partners counts 72M+ using a broader independent-work definition.
How much do freelancers contribute to the economy?
About $1.27 trillion in annual earnings in the US alone (Upwork, 2023).
Is freelancing growing?
Yes — the US freelance workforce added 4 million people from 2022 to 2023, with skilled knowledge services the fastest-growing segment.
Related statistics
Stop becoming a late-payment statistic
Create professional invoices in seconds and track every payment — free to start.
Try InvoiceQuickly Free