Understanding Upwork Costs

Introduction to Upwork

Upwork is a popular freelance marketplace that provides a platform for freelancers to connect with clients all over the world. It’s an ideal place to find jobs that match your skill set, where you can work on both short-term and long-term projects. However, there are costs associated with using this platform.

Upwork Fees for Freelancers

As a freelancer, the costs you will incur on Upwork primarily come in the form of service fees. Here’s how it works:

• For the first $500 earned with a client, Upwork takes a 20% fee.
• After that initial $500, but less than $10,000 earned with a client, the fee reduces to 10%.
• For lifetime billings with a client that exceed $10,000, the fee further decreases to 5%.

Note: These fees are calculated based on the total amount you earn from a client, not just per project.

Connects Cost

In addition to the service fees, Upwork also introduced “Connects” – a virtual currency used to submit proposals for jobs. As of now, freelancers receive some free connects each month, but for any additional, you need to buy:

• A pack of 10 Connects costs $1.50
• A pack of 20 Connects costs $3.00
• A pack of 60 Connects costs $9.00
• A pack of 80 Connects costs $12.00

Note: Each job proposal typically requires 1 to 6 connects, depending on the size and complexity of the project.

Optional Paid Plans

Upwork offers optional paid plans for freelancers who want more benefits. The ‘Plus’ plan costs $14.99/month and provides perks like visibility boost, roll-over connects, and more.

I hope this breakdown of costs makes your journey on Upwork more transparent. Happy freelancing!