In 2024, freelancing is expected to continue its growth and prominence in various sectors.
Here are 20 insightful statistics and facts about freelancing for the year:
- The number of freelancers worldwide in 2024 is projected to exceed 1.57 billion[4].
- Freelancing is expected to become the majority workforce in the U.S. by 2027[3].
- Approximately two-thirds of freelancers report earning more from their freelance work than they did in traditional jobs[3].
- 51% of the Gen Z workforce (18-22 years) engages in freelance work[3].
- 36% of the U.S. workforce freelanced in 2020[4].
- Freelancers are increasingly being hired for specialized skills, such as web development and graphic design[4].
- The average freelancer in the U.S. earns an average of $28 per hour in specialized fields like web/mobile development, marketing, legal services, and accounting[4].
- The freelance market is projected to reach a value of $455.2 billion by 2023 and grow past $500 billion in 2024[4].
- 60% of individuals who left a regular job to freelance saw an increase in their earnings[4].
- 36% of businesses hired freelancers in 2018, up from 43% in 2017, and this trend is expected to continue[5].
- Remote work is becoming the norm, with employers embracing the concept and accessing a global talent pool[4].
- There is an increasing demand for specialized skills in various sectors, and freelancers with niche expertise will see a larger market for their services[4].
- Artificial intelligence and automation tools are becoming more refined and accessible, enabling freelancers to deliver projects faster and more accurately[4].
- The rise of remote work has made freelancers positioned to benefit most from this trend, providing their services from home or any location they choose[4].
- The adoption of artificial intelligence and automation tools is key to maintaining a competitive edge in the freelancing space[4].
- Green and sustainable jobs are in demand, with creative freelancers in design, marketing, writing, and more being asked to promote and develop sustainable products, messages, and brands[4].
- Companies are increasingly relying on freelancers to provide specialized and high-quality services, including software development, graphic design, and web development[1].
- The need for freelancers to multitask and have a diverse skill set outside their chosen profession is becoming more assertive[1].
- The freelance landscape is poised to witness a substantial evolution in remote work dynamics[2].
- AI and machine learning specialists, blockchain developers, cybersecurity consultants, content creators and copywriters, e-commerce specialists, health tech professionals, VR and AR developers, and sustainability consultants are among the most in-demand freelance jobs for 2024[2].
Citations:
[1] https://goprospero.com/blog/freelancing-trends-of-2024-you-cant-miss/
[2] https://revolancer.com/magazine/freelance-industry-trend-predictions/
[3] https://gitnux.org/freelancing-statistics/
[4] https://www.clientmanager.io/blog/freelancing-trends-statistics
[5] https://flexiple.com/freelance/freelance-statistics-and-trends-2020
[6] https://explodingtopics.com/blog/freelance-stats
[7] https://explodingtopics.com/blog/number-of-freelancers
[8] https://smallbiztrends.com/2024/03/freelance-statistics.html
[9] https://allworknow.com/freelance-trends-to-watch-out-for-in-2024/
[10] https://techreport.com/statistics/gig-economy-statistics/
[11] https://revolancer.com/magazine/highest-paying-freelance-jobs/
[12] https://community.upwork.com/t5/Freelancers/20-of-clients-view-Boosted-proposals-in-2024/m-p/1528221/highlight/true
[13] https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonyounger/2024/01/02/the-freelance-revolution-in-2024-23-big-trends-to-consider/?sh=58da9c5f71ae
[14] https://smartblogger.com/freelance-statistics/
[15] https://teamstage.io/freelance-statistics/
[16] https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/freelancing/going-freelance-what-you-need-to-know
[17] https://bloggingwizard.com/freelancing-statistics/
[18] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/emerging-trends-high-demand-freelance-professions-2024-orpiada-ieeuc
[19] https://www.fastcompany.com/91002160/10-tips-how-to-freelance-full-time-2024