What is the average freelance salary around the globe?
How much could you potentially earn as a freelancer? Although there is no set formula to determine freelance rates, a quick browse through any online marketplace reveals a wide range of prices. Keep reading to learn more about the average freelance salary around the globe.
The average freelancer salary range
There isnโt a global rule of thumb or guide to follow; a quick peek in any freelance marketplace shows that any one skillset can be prices anywhere from $1/hour to $100/hour. Rates can depend on professional experience, education, geographical region, and the demand for the specific field.
The freelance economy is booming
As more and more people flock to independent work, freelancing is quickly becoming the preferred lifestyle choice for workers all over the world. New technologies make remote working accessible and more productive; online marketplaces and social media networks provide new venues for freelancers to promote their skills and find work; and cross-border payments make it easier for them to get paid, regardless of where the client is and what currency they use.
Freelancingโs growing popularity is driven by global generational shifts and we see that the freelance workforce is mostly led by younger workers who are eager for independence and fresh business opportunities.
The 2020 freelancer income survey
Payoneer conducted a global study of 7,000 freelancers from over 150 countries including emerging markets such as Pakistan, Philippines and Ukraine to learn more about their average income, hourly rates and skills. Survey respondents provided us with unique insights into what makes them successful, what rates theyโre charging and how they operate.
Younger generations like Gen-Zers and Millennials are a vast majority of todayโs global freelance workforce. In Southeast Asia, 82% of workers are under the age of 35, compared to only 47% in North America. On the other hand, we found that freelancers over the age of 55 aka โboomersโ, earn more than twice as much as their younger peers.
Key findings
The worldwide average hourly rate charged by freelancers is $21, higher than the $19 average rate from 2 years ago.
The most popular field of work for freelancers is web and graphic design, programming and IT, yet these fields donโt pay the most due to a high supply of freelancers.
Female freelancers earn on average 84% of menโs earnings across all fields.
74% of freelancers use social media to promote their services, up from 65% two years ago with 21% using Instagram.
Related resources
Top 10 Freelancing Countries
Read on to discover which markets offer you as a freelancer the highest average earnings, which markets are growing fastest, plus wider market trends and predictions.
The top 20 freelance translation sites
Translation is a valuable skill in todayโs global market, and as a freelancer, you can turn your language abilities into a steady income stream. Whether youโre bilingual or a native speaker, top translation platforms make it easy to find clients, set your rates, and get paid quickly.
Ultimate guide to hiring international contractors in top 15+ countries
Hiring international contractors can help you scale your business and cut costsโbut each country has its own rules. This guide covers what you need to know about working with contractors in key markets and how Payoneer makes global payments simple and compliant.
The Payoneer 2023 Freelancer Insights Report
As 2023 comes into full swing, small and large businesses around the world are still recovering from the lingering effects of COVID-19. To help them do so, consultants, agencies and freelancers continue to play a critical role in keeping the global economy humming. With the new year, however, comes new challenges. Rapidly rising costs of…
Freelance hourly rate calculator
Whatโs the optimal method for calculating my freelance hourly rate? As a freelancer, maximizing your income while not pricing yourself out of the market can be a delicate balancing act.It’s important to find the sweet spot where you can earn what you’re truly worth, while still being competitive.But it’s not just about setting the right…
The top dropshipping platforms for 2023
The last few years have seen a massive rise in people opening ecommerce businesses, especially during the pandemic when a lot of people set up side hustles while they were stuck at home. One of the most popular ecommerce business models is dropshipping. It’s seen as a simple way to start to sell products online,…
Ultimate guide to hiring international contractors in Mexico
Growing a business is always challenging. You have a lot of things to juggle, including understanding your customers, staying on top of market changes, and delivering excellent customer service. Great employees make a huge difference in helping your business scale, but you also need to keep down the costs of a large workforce. One popular…
Ultimate guide to hiring international contractors in Thailand
Growing a business is always challenging. You have a lot of things to juggle, including understanding your customers, staying on top of market changes, and delivering excellent customer service. Great employees make a huge difference in helping your business scale, but you also need to keep down the costs of a large workforce.ย One popular…
Ultimate guide to hiring international contractors in the Philippines
Growing a business is always challenging. You have a lot of things to juggle, including understanding your customers, staying on top of market changes, and delivering excellent customer service. Great employees make a huge difference in helping your business scale, but you also need to keep down the costs of a large workforce.ย One popular…
Paying contractors and remote employees in Latin America
If you’re running a business in the US, Europe or even in Latin America, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself working with remote employees and/or contractors who are based in other Latin American countries. The region is popular among digital nomads, has a busy startup ecosystem, and it helps that the time zone is…
Latest articles
-
Planning to hire employees in France? Hereโs a quick guide
Looking to hire employees in France for your U.S. company? Learn about employment in France and how Payoneer Workforce Management makes it simple to hire in France.
-
Planning to hire employees in Spain? Hereโs a quick guide
Are you looking to hire employees in Spain? Learn about employment in Spain and how Payoneer Workforce Management can help American companies hiring in Spain.
-
How to hire employees in the Netherlands
Looking to hire employees in the Netherlands for your U.S. company? Learn about employment in the Netherlands and how Payoneer Workforce Management can help hire in the Netherlands.
-
How to hire employees in Australia
Looking to hire employees in Australia for your US company? Learn about employment in Australia and how Payoneer Workforce Management makes it easy to hire in Australia.
-
Planning to hire employees in Germany? Hereโs a quick guide
Are you looking to hire employees in Germany? Learn about hiring in Germany and how Payoneer Workforce Management can help U.S. companies hiring in Germany.
-
Planning to hire employees in the Philippines? Hereโs a quick guide
Wondering how an American company hires employees in the Philippines? Our guide covers how to hire employees in the Philippines and how we can help.
Disclaimer
Nothing herein should be construed as if Payoneer Inc. or its affiliates are soliciting or inviting any person outside the jurisdiction where it operates/is licensed to engage in payment services provided by Payoneer Inc. or its affiliates, unless permitted by applicable laws. Any products/services availability are subject to customerโs eligibility. Not all products/services are available in all jurisdictions in the same manner. Depending on your eligibility, you may be offered with the Corporate Purchasing Mastercard, issued by First Century Bank, N.A., under a license by Mastercardยฎ and provided to you by Payoneer Inc., or the Payoneer Business Premium Debit Mastercardยฎ, issued and provided from Ireland by Payoneer Europe Limited under a license by Mastercard. The Payoneer Business Premium Debit Mastercardยฎ cannot be used at merchants or ATMs in Hong Kong or for HKD payments. If you are located in the EEA, all Payoneer Services will be provided to you by Payoneer Europe Limited, trading as Payoneer and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
The information in this document is intended to be of a general nature and does not constitute legal advice. While we have endeavored to ensure that the information is up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability or suitability of the information. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever incurred in connection with the information provided.
