Economy
Seattle-area freelancers earn more than ever
New study proves the world of work is dramatically changing
By Rob Smith June 20, 2019
Freelancers in the Puget Sound region earn on average about $36,600 per year, according to a new study.
Fiverr, which connects freelancers and businesses, and Rockbridge, a market research firm, analyzed tax returns from freelancers across the country. The Seattle area has almost 93,000 self-employed professionals who earned a collective $3.4 billion last year. In 2011, it had 72,000 freelancers.
Collectively, Seattle-area freelancers earned $16.5 billion between 2011 and 2016, an average of $2.75 billion per year.
Skilled independent workers run the gamut and include taxi drivers, consultants, lawyers, writers, musicians and a host of other professions. The study estimated 5.6 million freelancers across the country work in creative, technical or professional positions. More than half live in 25 metro areas.
The study noted that skilled independent workers jobs are unlikely to be automated out of existence thanks to the creative and service-oriented nature of their professions.
Nationwide, the independent workforce earned about $135 billion last year.