Upwork CEO: Freelancers with AI expertise expected to command higher rates.
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Nov 23 2025
0mins
Source: Yahoo Finance
Freelancer Opportunities in AI: Upwork CEO Hayden Brown highlights that freelancers with AI-related skills can earn a 40% premium compared to others, as the demand for AI expertise grows in the labor market.
Impact of AI on Jobs: While automation is affecting low-end jobs, it represents only a small fraction of Upwork's business. The overall trend shows that projects are becoming larger and more complex, requiring human involvement alongside AI technology.
Skills for Success in AI: The fastest-growing category on Upwork is AI apps and integration, with many freelancers quickly upskilling through online courses and hands-on experience to meet market demands.
Market Trends: Companies are significantly increasing their investments in AI, with AI spenders investing three times more than non-AI spenders, indicating a shift towards more complex and higher-value projects.
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Analyst Views on UPWK
Wall Street analysts forecast UPWK stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for UPWK is 23.33 USD with a low forecast of 17.00 USD and a high forecast of 28.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
10 Analyst Rating
6 Buy
4 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 20.510
Low
17.00
Averages
23.33
High
28.00
Current: 20.510
Low
17.00
Averages
23.33
High
28.00
About UPWK
Upwork Inc. operates a working marketplace, which connects businesses with independent talent. The Company's independent talent refers to the talent that includes independent professionals and agencies of varying sizes. The Company’s marketplace offerings are designed for clients looking to identify hiring. Its marketplace offerings provide clients with access to independent talent with verified work history on its work marketplace, as well as client feedback. They also receive perks, such as a verified client badge and highlighted job posts. Upwork Payroll is available to clients when they choose to work with talent that they engage through Upwork as employees. With Upwork Payroll, clients have access to third-party staffing providers to employ talent and meet their talent needs through its work marketplace. It offers two lines of service: managed services and enterprise solutions. Its managed services offer a service-led program management and full project lifecycle solution.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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