Overall, the percent freelancing in 2021 remained constant at 36% of the U.S. workforce. But there was a drop in temporary workers and an increase in skilled freelancing.

Freelancers contributed $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2021, $100 million more than in 2020.

53% of all freelancers provided skilled services such as computer programming, marketing, IT, and business consulting in 2021, up from 50% in 2020

Those with the most education are freelancing more than ever: 51% of post-grad workers doing freelancing, up 6% since 2020, while the share of high school graduates or less freelancing has declined from 37% in 2020 to 31% this year.

68% of new freelancers say that ‘Career Ownership’ is a top draw, followed by the ability to work remotely at 54%.

78% of skilled remote freelancers cite ‘schedule flexibility as a key reason for freelancing, 73% cite location flexibility, and 73% say freelancing allows them to pursue work they find meaningful.

56% of non-freelancers say they are likely to freelance in the future.

63% of freelancers prefer freelancing over a traditional job. This number rises even higher to 76% for full-time skilled remote freelancers.

The number of freelancers who earn more than in their traditional jobs continues to grow. 44% of freelancers say they earn more freelancing than with a traditional job in 2021. It is up from 39% in 2020, and 32% in 2019‍.

The future of freelance is bright: 9 in 10 freelancers believe that the “best days are ahead” for freelancing; Two-thirds (67%) say they are optimistic about their career in 2022, compared to 58% non-freelancers.