According to a freelance management platform, Worksuite, the need for freelancers is rising in most countries. If you are someone looking for freelancing gigs, it is the best time to look for countries which are hiring freelancers. There are some countries which are in need of freelancers or have various freelancing jobs for people who want to work independently.
As per data, the top ten countries which spent the most on hiring freelancers in the first half of 2023 were the UK, US, India, Netherlands, Panama, Poland, Australia, Canada, Uruguay and Switzerland. In the first half of 2024, the top ten countries hiring freelancers look a bit different from 2023. The top ten countries which are spending the most on freelance talent in the first half of 2024 are Ukraine, India, Philippines, US, UK, Turkey, Slovenia, Germany, Canada and Germany.
This data gives an idea about how the freelancing market is doing currently. If you are an individual interested in working freelance with these countries, it is best to look for different online job postings on freelance websites. Try to do your own research to gain understanding of how you can reach the companies in these countries. Study the market rates of the countries and determine if they align with your business ideas.
It is also recommended that you target the countries through social media and digital marketing. It is extremely helpful if you are building an audience for pay per click (PPC). Build your global client base and develop strategies to collaborate with different stakeholders around the world. You can also plan to move to the country of your choice for freelance work if it’s a requirement.
The report concluded that 22.4% year-on-year growth was invoiced through freelance management. South Africa saw a 126% increase in freelancers in the first half of 2024, followed by the US (68%) and Canada (64%). Australia (62%) and UAE (47%) also saw an increase in fresh freelance talent.
Table 1: Top 10 Countries with the Most Freelancers (H1 2023 vs. H1 2024)
| Rank | H1 2023 | H1 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | United States |
| 2 | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| 3 | Canada | Canada |
| 4 | United Arab Emirates (UAE) | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| 5 | Philippines | Philippines |
| 6 | Germany | India |
| 7 | Puerto Rico | France |
| 8 | India | Brazil |
| 9 | France | Australia |
| 10 | Sweden | South Africa |
Table 2: Top 10 Countries Where Companies Spent the Most on Freelance Talent (H1 2023 vs. H1 2024)
| Rank | H1 2023 | H1 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | United States |
| 2 | United Kingdom | Ukraine |
| 3 | Canada | Canada |
| 4 | Netherlands | United Kingdom |
| 5 | India | Turkey |
| 6 | Panama | Germany |
| 7 | Switzerland | India |
| 8 | Australia | Philippines |
| 9 | Poland | France |
| 10 | Uruguay | Slovenia |
Table 3: Top 5 Countries with the Most Growth in Number of Freelancers (H1 2024)
| Rank | Country | Growth Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 126% |
| 2 | United States | 68% |
| 3 | Canada | 64% |
| 4 | Australia | 62% |
| 5 | United Arab Emirates (UAE) | 47% |
Table 4: Top 10 Freelancer Titles (H1 2023 vs. H1 2024)
| Rank | H1 2023 | H1 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Writer | Writer |
| 2 | Editor | Editor |
| 3 | Photographer | Photographer |
| 4 | Producer | Producer |
| 5 | Director | Director |
| 6 | Translator | Translator |
| 7 | Project Manager | Copywriter |
| 8 | Leadership Coach | Graphic Designer |
| 9 | Copywriter | Creative Director |
| 10 | Journalist | Camera Operator |
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