Upwork is worth it for some freelancers, but not for everyone. With over 18 million freelancers and nearly $770 million in revenue in 2024 alone, the platform clearly has reach. But just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it works for every remote worker.
If you’re wondering whether it’s right for you, this guide lays out the real pros, the frustrating cons, and whether Upwork is actually worth it in the freelance market.
What’s Upwork All About?
Upwork is a freelance marketplace where you find remote jobs in writing, design, development, customer support, and more. You apply to gigs by sending proposals. If you’re hired, you do the work, and Upwork processes the payment.
It’s used by startups, agencies, and big companies to outsource tasks. It’s also used by freelancers around the world trying to land work without cold pitching or hunting clients on social media.
So, what is Upwork used for? Simple: it connects clients and freelancers under one roof.
Getting Started is Easy, But Not Always Smooth
Creating a profile is easy. Getting hired isn’t. When you’re new, no one knows you. That means you’ll send a lot of proposals and hear nothing back. Some freelancers quit here.
But if you land just one job and get a good review, things start to shift. More invites come in. You can raise your rates. It’s a grind early on, but it gets better if you stick with it.
Pros and Cons of Using Upwork for Freelancers
This is where you need to pay attention. Upwork has clear benefits, but also some serious downsides.
The Pros
Tons of job listings
There’s no shortage of work on Upwork. Whether you’re into voiceovers, copywriting, or backend development, there’s a constant stream of new listings. You’ll find fresh gigs every time you refresh the page. It’s kind of like a job buffet, there’s always something to pick from.
Global reach
One of the greatest advantages of Upwork is the freedom to work from anywhere. Freelancers can collaborate with clients across the globe, whether they’re in New York, Vietnam, or anywhere else. The flexibility allows you to work from any location that suits you, making it easy to manage your career while traveling or working remotely.
Payment protection
Upwork’s payment system makes getting paid feel less risky. When you use their time tracker for hourly work or agree to fixed-price milestones, the money goes into escrow. That means the client has already funded the job, and you’re not stuck chasing after unpaid invoices. It’s one less headache to deal with.
Professional setup
Everything lives in one place: proposals, contracts, messaging, payments, even dispute resolution. You don’t need to send PDFs or use third-party invoice tools. It’s all baked into the platform, and that makes your freelance business feel a lot more official.
It can grow with you
Upwork isn’t just for side gigs. Some freelancers earn six figures a year here. Once you build a good profile and get repeat clients, the work gets steadier and better paid. Some people never leave the platform because they’ve built long-term relationships with solid clients.
The Cons
Upwork takes a cut
Here’s the deal: Upwork charges 20% on the first $500 you make with any new client. After that, it drops to 10%, then 5% once you hit $10,000 with the same client. That adds up. And to apply for jobs, you need “Connects”, Upwork’s version of credits, which you have to buy if you run out. So yes, even applying costs money.
Lots of competition
There are millions of freelancers on Upwork. You’re competing with people who might charge way less than you, especially from low-cost-of-living countries. That doesn’t mean you won’t land jobs, but it does mean you’ll have to sell your value, fast. Specializing in a niche helps a lot.
Low-paying offers everywhere
You’ll scroll past jobs offering $10 for hours of work or 1,000-word blog posts for $5. It’s tempting when you’re starting out, but trust me, you’ll burn out quickly. The key is learning to ignore the noise and target quality listings that respect your time and skills.
The algorithm can bury you
Upwork pushes top-rated freelancers to the front of the line. If you’re new, your profile won’t get much exposure. That means you need to apply actively and build a history before the system starts working in your favor. Until then, it’s an uphill climb.
Is Upwork Good for Making a Living?
Yes, but only if you treat it like a business.
Upwork isn’t a passive income channel or a quick cash app. It’s a client-hunting tool that works if you know what you’re doing. Most successful freelancers on Upwork:
- Stick to a niche
- Write tailored proposals
- Deliver solid work fast
- Keep communication clear and professional
By doing this, freelancers have the opportunity to build a substantial income. Many find that short-term projects can evolve into long-term relationships. For example, a small $100 job can grow into a $20,000 contract over time. While these kinds of opportunities do exist on Upwork, they typically don’t happen right away. Success requires consistency, dedication, and building a solid reputation.
Upwork Isn’t Magic, But It Can Be a Launchpad
At the end of the day, Upwork is just a tool. It’s not a guaranteed path to success, but it can open real doors if you use it the right way. It rewards freelancers who stay consistent, communicate well, and know how to market their skills. If you treat it like a side hustle with no plan, you’ll probably get frustrated fast.
But if you show up with a strategy and stick with it, it can lead to solid clients, reliable income, and even a full-time freelance career. Whether Upwork is worth it really depends on how much effort you’re willing to put in and how smartly you use the platform.