One of the largest freelance marketplaces in the world, covering everything from development and design to writing, marketing, and admin support. Clients post jobs and freelancers submit proposals, with hourly and fixed-price contracts, time tracking, and payment protection built in.
Upwork is a freelance marketplace where anyone can register to start earning, and the work can be done remotely. Fees are 0-15% variable service fee per contract, the minimum payout is Varies by method, from $5 via Direct to Local Bank, earnings are typically paid out hourly: 10 days after the billing week ends (5 for top rated), fixed-price: 5 days after approval and you can withdraw via Direct to Local Bank, PayPal, Payoneer and Direct to U.S. Bank. Founded in 2013, Upwork is based in San Francisco, California, United States and is publicly traded (NASDAQ: UPWK). It is available in Worldwide (180+ countries).
Last updated
What people actually earn on Upwork
Figures published by Upwork or by independent studies and surveys, as dated. Individual earnings vary widely.
Can I join Upwork?
Proposals cost Connects at $0.15 each, you must add tax info first, and fixed-price funds clear 5 days after client approval.
Official requirements ↗ · Check which platforms you can join →
How Upwork compares
- At 0%–15%, Upwork takes a smaller cut than 23 of the 30 freelance sites we track that charge a percentage fee (median 12.3%).
- Upwork is the only one of the 55 freelance sites we track that pays out via M-Pesa.
- Upwork is one of 8 of the 58 freelance sites we track with built-in payment protection (Escrow for fixed-price, hourly payment protection).
Compared with the freelance sites in our directory. See them all →
Is Upwork legit?
Upwork is a real, operating platform. What we could verify:
- Operating since 2013 (13 years)
- Headquartered in San Francisco, California, United States
- Publicly traded (NASDAQ: UPWK)
- Payment protection: Escrow for fixed-price, hourly payment protection
- App store rating 4.8 on iOS and 4.6 on Android
- Has a Wikipedia article
Listing last updated September 2026 · how we verify platforms · Missing or out of date? Tell us
Guides
- How to Get Started on Upwork (2026): Profile, Fees & Connects
- How to Withdraw Money From Upwork (2026): Methods, Fees & Timing
- How to Withdraw Money From Upwork in India (2026)
- How to Withdraw Money from Upwork in Kenya: M-Pesa and Banks
- How to Withdraw Money from Upwork in Nigeria (2026 Guide)
- How to Withdraw Money From Upwork in Pakistan (2026)
- How to Withdraw Money from Upwork in the Philippines (2026)
Frequently asked questions
How much does Upwork charge?
Upwork fees: 0-15% variable service fee per contract. On a $100 payment that leaves you about $85–$100, before withdrawal or conversion costs.
How do you get paid on Upwork?
Upwork pays out via Direct to Local Bank, PayPal, Payoneer, Direct to U.S. Bank and Wire transfer. Minimum payout: Varies by method, from $5 via Direct to Local Bank. Timing: Hourly: 10 days after the billing week ends (5 for Top Rated), fixed-price: 5 days after approval.
Which countries is Upwork available in?
Worldwide (180+ countries).
How much do people earn on Upwork?
Clients spent $4.03 billion on Upwork in 2025 (gross services volume, the total billed for freelance work and related fees, before Upwork's cut). Gross services volume on Upwork was $966.4 million in Q2 2026, down 4% year over year. Individual earnings vary widely.
Is Upwork legit?
Yes, Upwork is a real, operating platform: operating since 2013 (13 years), headquartered in San Francisco, California, United States and publicly traded (NASDAQ: UPWK). As with any platform, check its current terms before relying on it for income.
What are the best Upwork alternatives?
Similar platforms include Toptal, Arc.dev, Andela and Braintrust. Compare their fees and payouts in the alternatives section below.
Compare Upwork with…
Upwork alternatives
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