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.
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