Upwork Fee Changes 2025:

What Freelancers

Need to Know

Starting May 1, 2025, Upwork introduced a new system for the Freelancer Service Fee. Instead of the standard flat 10%, the platform will now apply a variable fee ranging from 0% to 15%, determined on a per-contract basis.

What will affect your Freelancer Service Fee?

According to Upwork, your fee will depend on:

– Supply and demand in your specific work category

– The type of subscription (both for freelancer and client)

– The scope, complexity, and urgency of the project

There are also some educated guesses that other factors might influence the fee:

For example, your profile quality, JSS, and Upwork history. While not officially confirmed, it makes sense, based on past platform behavior:

Upwork wants to attract and support new freelancers (especially since overall freelancer numbers aren’t growing)
Lowering the fee for newcomers could help them land their first contracts
Contract size and project duration could still informally influence the final fee — just like they used to

What’s staying the same?

You’ll always see the exact fee (whether it’s 5%, 10%, or 15%) before you accept a contract.

When you get an offer from a client, the fee will be clearly shown in your bid calculator or offer details — no surprises.

Once a contract is active, your Freelancer Service Fee is locked for its entire duration. Unlike the previous sliding system based on earnings from one client, this rate won’t change mid-project.

Existing contracts stay as they are. If your contract was started before May 1, 2025 — your current fee won’t change.

What should freelancers do now?

Always check the fee before accepting a contract.

Even a few extra percent can make a noticeable difference — especially on bigger projects.

Level up your profile — it might matter.

Upwork hasn’t officially said that JSS, portfolio, or specializations will impact your fee — but a well-optimized profile helps you get better offers, and maybe better terms too.

This update isn’t a crisis — it’s a signal.

Upwork is shifting the rules — and it’s a great chance to rethink your strategy.

When the game changes, those who adapt win.

Be specific in your positioning.

“UI/UX Designer for FinTech” is better than just “Designer.”

Niche clarity helps both clients and the algorithm.

How SEO Is Changing in the Age of AI

21-10-2025

AI is transforming search. Learn how SEO evolves into AEO and GEO — where visibility means being cited in AI answers, not just ranked in results.

Learn more

Keeping the Human Mind Sharp When AI Can Do It All

16-10-2025

AI makes work easier, but thinking harder. Learn how to stay creative, critical, and human in the age of intelligent machines.

Learn more

AI Workslop: Why Businesses Pay Freelancers to Fix AI

07-10-2025

AI speeds up work but often creates “workslop” - results that look complete yet lack value. Freelancers are the ones turning them into quality.

Learn more

Disney Creative Strategy: How Ideas Become Reality

03-10-2025

Disney Creative Strategy: dream, plan, critique — a tool to guide ideas from imagination to real-world results.

Learn more

Upwork Boost: Increasing Freelancer Profile Visibility

29-09-2025

Discover how Upwork’s Available Now badge and Profile Boost work, their costs, pros and cons, and which boost is best for freelancers or agencies.

Learn more

10 Posts to Help You Get Started on Upwork

29-09-2025

We’ve gathered a set of articles to guide you through the essentials — from setting up your profile to building long-term client relationships.

Learn more

Etcetera summer 2025 report

26-09-2025

Etcetera summer 2025 results: quiet season, new team members, shifting Upwork rules, and plans for an active autumn.

Learn more

Upwork Feedback: a trust tool you should learn to read and write

22-09-2025

Upwork feedback is more than stars — it builds trust, shapes reputation, and guides choices. Learn how to read, request, and write reviews effectively

Learn more