The rise of remote work and digital services has fueled explosive growth for freelancing over the past decade. And as traditional offices fade further, independent work is positioned to expand exponentially in the coming years.
- Just how many freelancers are out there?
- How fast is this segment growing?
- Which skills are most in demand?
- What are the biggest opportunities and challenges?
We explore all this and more with 50 need-to-know freelancing statistics. Let‘s dive in…
Global Snapshot
First, let‘s frame the size of the total global freelance workforce today and growth trajectory moving forward.
1. Roughly $1.56 billion people freelance worldwide
Given 46.5% of the total workforce is self-employed and world employment hovers near 3.4 billion, current freelancer totals likely top 1.5 billion globally.
2. The global freelance workforce could hit 2 billion by 2030
Based on growth trends we‘ve observed the past 5+ years, the number of both full-time and temporary independent workers could easily eclipse 2 billion later this decade.
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3. Total value of the global "gig economy" reached ~$204 billion in 2020
Per recent Intuit estimates, spending on the global freelance or "gig economy" crossed over the $200 billion threshold two years ago, even amidst a pandemic.
This overall pie will keep growing with independent workers consistently rating access to more income as a top factor in going solo.
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United States Spotlight
With an estimated 59 million freelancers making up over a third of the workforce, independent work truly took hold in America over the past decade.
Let‘s check the stats reflecting the rise of freelancing across skill sets in the U.S.
4. 59 million Americans freelance today—up 12% since 2014
Per 2022 MBO Partners research, 59.35 million Americans currently freelance, up a steady 3% annually over past years and 12% cumulatively since 2014.
This cohort is on track to pass 60 million in 2023 if current adoption rates continue.
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5. Adding temporary gig workers, tally swells to 85 million
When accounting for moonlighters taking on side freelance projects or rideshare driving to supplement income from a standard W2 job, the total swells to a whopping 85 million Americans participating in the freelance economy based on current rates.
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6. By 2028, most U.S. workers will freelance
If these trends persist as expected, independent workers could outnumber traditional employees within just 5 years reports Forbes.
7. 36% of U.S. freelancers work full-time
Over 1 in 3 U.S. freelancers rely on independent work as their sole occupation rather than a side gig supplementing a standard job.
This validates that solopreneurs can not just survive but thrive being their own boss full-time.
8. Freelancer motivation: More money & freedom
When asked their rationale for freelancing in a 2022 survey by Freshbooks, top responses were:
- Make more money (58%)
- Control my schedule (56%)
- Broaden my skills (33%)
Freelancing affords seasoned pros the chance to set their income ceiling higher while maintaining flexibility.
9. Average U.S. freelancer hourly rate is $33.16
According to recent ZipRecruiter data, the current median U.S. freelancer rate clocks in at a healthy $33 per hour—up nearly $3 hourly over 2021.
This significantly outpaces the minimum wage and provides further incentive for skilled workers to ditch cubicles for consulting.
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10. U.S. freelance market projected to hit $155 billion in 2027
Pre-pandemic, U.S. freelance earnings totaled $106 billion. But based on compound annual growth rates, Statista expects the market size to soar to $155 billion over the next 5 years.
United Kingdom Overview
Now let‘s explore stats on freelancers filling critical skills gaps across the pond in the United Kingdom.
11. UK has 2 million full-time freelancers & growing
Per ipse research, roughly 2.2 million full-time freelancers currently operate across Britain—primarily older workers aged 50-59. The numbers grew 4% from 2020-2021 alone.
This cohort brings crucial expertise to small businesses often lacking specialized professionals on staff full-time.
12. Adding "gig economy" workers, tally rises to ~5 million
Factoring both full-time freelancers and temporary side giggers, the current total hits 5 million British freelance workers estimates Forbes.
13. Self-employed to grow ~25% in 10 years
A 2018 RSA report forecasted the UK self-employed population currently over 5 million strong could grow up to 25% by 2035—far outpacing traditional employment.
14. Nearly £163 billion yearly value provided
Ipse suggests the ~2 million full-time British solopreneurs drive over £162 billion in economic output (GDP) thanks to productivity efficiencies.
This represents 10% of total UK economic activity stemming from just 6% of the workforce.
European Union Patterns
While estimates vary widely country-by-country, Europe maintains a healthy freelance economy meeting rising remote work demand.
15. 102 million independent workers across Europe
Per recent McKinsey research, this tally includes 30 million full-time self-employed supplemented by 35 million temporary side hustlers and 37 million gig specialists like rideshare drivers.
Together they inject vital innovation while governments continue targeting regulatory support.
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16. France leads with 11 million freelancers
Accounting for temporary side gigs, France boasts Europe‘s largest freelance workforce at 11 million according to Forbes France.
Growth keeps rising thanks to initiatives like the 2019 Loi Avenue law boosting protections.
17. EU freelancer hourly rate ~€28
The average European freelancer hourly rate sits around €28 reports Braintrust—60% above minimum wage levels similar to U.S. premiums over untrained labor.
Top project consultants secure much higher day rates given specializations, again proving compelling over traditional employment.
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18. Motivation: Schedule control & income
When querying over 1100 freelancers across Europe in a 2022 survey, Bryq identified desires to:
- Control their schedule (74%)
- Boost income (67%)
- Fundamentals driving adoption amidst increasing government support.
With infrastructure improving and demand still unmet, expect freelancing activity to keep expanding.
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India & Global South Trends
Transitioning from established markets, statistics confirm freelancing bringing economic balance to developing regions like India tackling widespread under-employment.
19. India #2 globally with 15 million freelancers
India trails only the United States with between 15-25 million active freelance workers spread nationally. Over 70% specialize in technical fields.
Online freelancing generates about $10 billion in Indian revenue fostering financial independence.
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21. 93% of Indian freelancers under 35
Per Payoneer‘s 2022 Freelance Economy Report, over 90% fall between ages 21-35 given tech fluencies.
This contrasts with developed regions where older demographics dominate, showcasing upside.
20. 47% provide for families via freelancing
Nearly half of Indian freelancers support parents, spouses or children as primary household income sources rather than supplemental earners according to the Online Labour Index.
This exemplifies freelancing‘s power alleviating poverty by generating livable wages minus geographic hurdles.
22. Philippines fastest growing globally
Freelancing income recently grew at a 205% annual clip in the Philippines representing the world‘s hottest market notes Payoneer. Brazil and Kenya follow as other prime emerging locales.
Economic stability from global remote gigs fosters growth within local communities.
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23. South Africa leads African freelance economy
Aided by above-average broadband infrastructure compared regionally, South Africa stands out as Africa‘s strongest country for online freelancers—especially within niche technical categories.
Major multinationals have recognized this talent pool with remote teams.
Additional Global Highlights
Rounding out the worldwide tour, a few key datapoints reflect freelancing‘s bright outlook:
24. 45% of global workforce could be fully-remote by 2030
Per Bloomberg research, as more fixed office roles transition hybrid or fully-location independent, nearly half of all workers worldwide could be virtual within a decade.
Whether supporting businesses periodically or staying solo full-time, demand for freelance talent to fill niches will skyrocket.
25. $700B+ global remote work market by 2030
And per prognosticators like Global Workplace Analytics and Statista, the total annual spend on flexible remote freelance talent could breach $700 billion in under a decade at current rates given lingering labor deficits within technical fields.
In absolute and proportional terms, organizations will only grow more reliant on "gig economy" workers offering targeted expertise without bureaucracy.
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26. 83% of companies to utilize more freelancers by 2030
Based on hiring manager surveys by Upwork, 8 in 10 companies plan to increase their usage of highly-skilled independent freelance workers over the coming years.
Perceptions keep turning as bosses recognize productive, accountable consultants who provide objective recommendations clients respect.
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Key Takeaways & Recommendations
In summary, growth indicators unambiguously point towards a thriving freelance economy proliferating globally across industries:
For Potential Solopreneurs
- Income & control top motivations to go solo full-time
- In-demand skills translate to premium hourly rates
- Focus niche skills & services to find work/life balance
For Organizations
- Lean-staffed small businesses already reliant on consultants
- Even major corporations shifting more budgets to proven freelancers filling gaps without bureaucracy
For Policymakers
- Freelancing draws praise across political spectrum
- Light-touch regulations protect workers without overreaching
While lingering misperceptions exist in pockets, increased economic clout will help dispel myths for independent earners demonstrably meeting needs traditional offices no longer can provide alone.
We hope these insights help all stakeholders capitalize on freelancing‘s immense potential still yet to be maximized supporting careers and companies alike. Please share any questions below!
