Questions about Upwork Fees & this calculator:
What changes have been made to Upwork's fee structure?
According to Upwork's website, starting May 3, 2023, all freelancers on Upwork will be charged a flat fee rate of 10%. That means the old sliding scale fee structure will no longer be valid.
Can freelancers negotiate the service fee with Upwork?
No, freelancers cannot negotiate the service fee with Upwork. The fee is calculated automatically based on the total amount you bill on Upwork and is deducted from your earnings before you receive payment.
Are there any discounts or promotions available for Upwork fees?
Upwork occasionally offers promotions and discounts on its service fees, such as reduced fees for new freelancers or referral bonuses. However, these promotions are rare. They are also subject to change without notice and are not always available.
Can I dispute the service fee charged by Upwork?
You can contact Upwork support if you believe there has been an error in the calculation of your service fee. However, disputes related to the service fee are generally rare, as the fee is calculated automatically based on the total amount you bill with your clients.
What happens if a client cancels a contract after I've already been charged the service fee?
If a client cancels a contract after you have already been charged the service fee, the fee will not be refunded. However, you may be able to negotiate with your client to compensate you for the fee, or you can use the cancellation process to leave feedback for the client.
How can I avoid Upwork fees?
As a freelancer, it's nearly impossible to entirely avoid Upwork fees when using the platform. The fee is simply the cost of doing business on Upwork. The simplest option is to increase your hourly rate to offset the fees Upwork charges.
Do Upwork clients have to pay fees too?
Yes, clients are also subject to fees on Upwork. Beginning April 26, 2023 Clients are only subject to the client contract initiation fee, which is up to $4.95 and is charged only once per contract, when a client makes their initial payment to a freelancer.