Careers · Facts & sources
5 sourced facts about freelancing and independent work, each with the context behind the number. 4 more are in today's round and appear here after it closes.
Answer86%
In the same survey, 67% said they feel more secure and 63% said being independent was fully their choice.
Source: MBO Partners, 2025 State of Independence in America (2025) mbopartners.com
Answerabout $1.27 trillion
Upwork says that's a 78% increase from $715 billion in 2014.
Source: Upwork, Freelance Forward 2023 (2023) investors.upwork.com
Answer7.4% (11.9 million people)
The BLS counts only a person's sole or main job, which is why its number is far lower than surveys that include side gigs.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Contingent and Alternative Employment Arrangements (2023) bls.gov
Answer80.3%
Only 8.3% said they would prefer a traditional work arrangement.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Contingent and Alternative Employment Arrangements (2023) bls.gov
Answer11.5%
Independent contracting rises with age: it was 6.9% for ages 25–54 and just 2.2% for ages 16–24.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Contingent and Alternative Employment Arrangements (2023) bls.gov