Report highlights
- 52 percent of Gen Z workers in the U.S. freelance, according to new data from the Upwork Research Institute
- 53 percent of Gen Z freelancers work full time, performing freelance work for 40 or more hours per week
- One third of full-time Gen Z freelancers have been freelancing for more than two years
- Across all generations, 38 percent of the U.S. workforce, or 64 million people, freelanced in 2023
- Gen Z is more entrepreneurial than previous generations and seeks flexible, self-directed career paths
- Top motivators include flexibility (70 percent), work-from-anywhere opportunities (64 percent), and passion-driven work (62 percent)
Overview
Gen Z is reshaping the American workforce. A new study by the Upwork Research Institute shows that more than half of Gen Z professionals are now freelancing, a much higher share than any previous estimate. Freelancing has become a core career path rather than a temporary income supplement, and many Gen Z workers now view independent work as their primary form of employment.
This shift highlights Gen Z’s preference for autonomy, digital-first work, and nontraditional career models. It also signals a major change in how young professionals build their careers and balance work with personal goals.
What percent of Gen Z freelance in the U.S.?
According to the Upwork Research Institute’s 2024 study:
- 52 percent of Gen Z workers freelance
- This includes part-time, full-time, gig-based, and project-based independent work
- Gen Z has the highest freelancing rate of any generation today
This level of freelance participation is significantly higher than previous estimates and reflects the rapid expansion of remote-friendly work and digital income opportunities.
How many Gen Z freelancers work full time?
Freelancing is not a side activity for many Gen Z workers. Upwork’s data shows:
- 53 percent of Gen Z freelancers work full time
- Full time is defined as performing freelance work for 40 or more hours per week
One third have been freelancing for more than two years, indicating stability and career commitment
This makes Gen Z the generation most likely to use freelancing as a long-term career strategy.
Comparison with other generations
The same Upwork data shows the following freelancing rates by generation:
- Gen Z: 52 percent
- Millennials: 44 percent
- Gen X: 30 percent
- Baby Boomers: 26 percent
Gen Z is now the most freelance-active generation in the U.S. workforce.
Why freelancing appeals to Gen Z
The Upwork study highlights several intrinsic motivators that explain Gen Z’s strong shift toward freelancing.
Top reasons Gen Z freelancers choose independent work:
- Flexibility in schedule and workload (70 percent)
- Ability to work from any location (64 percent)
- Opportunity to pursue work they are passionate about (62 percent)
- Control over career direction and personal development (61 percent)
- Desire for multiple income streams rather than a single employer
- Preference for project-based work over traditional roles
Younger workers see freelancing as a way to build a life first and a career second.
Gen Z’s entrepreneurial mindset
Upwork’s report shows that Gen Z approaches work differently from previous generations:
- They value independence and autonomy
- They are comfortable with digital tools and distributed work models
- They pursue entrepreneurial activities earlier in their careers
- They prefer flexible and nontraditional career paths
- They do not expect to stay with a single employer long term
According to Upwork’s HR strategy leaders, this is driven by both generational values and technological change that makes independent work easier than ever.
Changing expectations around employment
Experts quoted in the study note that traditional full-time employment is losing relevance for younger workers.
Key insights include:
- A shift away from single-employer, 9-to-5 structures
- A growing preference for diversified, portfolio-based careers
- Reduced interest in long career ladders
- Rising demand for flexible, hybrid, or remote opportunities
- Employers will need to shift from “talent acquisition” to “talent access” models
As a result, Gen Z is redefining the relationship between workers and organizations.
What this means for freelancers
Gen Z freelancers manage a wide variety of responsibilities:
- Managing multiple projects and clients
- Handling taxes and compliance
- Tracking expenses and receipts
- Maintaining software subscriptions and digital tools
- Building an online presence or portfolio
Because independent work requires strong administrative skills, digital tools like SparkReceipt help Gen Z freelancers stay organized, manage receipts, and maintain accurate financial records throughout the year.
Sources
Upwork Research Institute: 2024 and 2023 Freelance Workforce Studies
