One of the top questions new freelancers ask is: “How much does Upwork take from my earnings?” Let’s break it down clearly.
Freelancer Fees on Upwork
- Service Fee: 10% of your earnings (flat rate, simplified in 2023).
- Withdrawal Fees: Small charges depending on method (PayPal, Payoneer, bank transfer, Wise).
- VAT/Taxes: Depending on your country, Upwork may collect VAT or GST.
Client Fees on Upwork
- 5% Client Marketplace Fee: Added to every contract.
- Enterprise Clients: May pay additional fees for project management services.
Example:
- You charge a client $500.
- Upwork takes $50 (10%).
- You receive $450 (minus withdrawal fees).
Why Does Upwork Charge Fees?
- To maintain a safe payment system.
- To fund dispute resolution & fraud prevention.
- To improve the platform’s algorithm and tools.
How to Maximize Your Earnings
- Build long-term contracts (less bidding, more steady income).
- Increase your rates to absorb fees.
- Offer premium services where the fee becomes less noticeable.
Conclusion
Yes, Upwork takes a cut — but in exchange, you get access to millions of clients, secure payments, and global exposure. Think of it as the “cost of doing business.”