AI skills dominate Upwork’s latest research report

Upwork’s latest research reveals significant growth in AI-related skills and human-centric roles for 2025, with AI specialists earning up to 22% more than traditional roles in similar fields.

Key findings and market trends: The report demonstrates a dramatic shift in workforce demands, particularly in advanced AI capabilities and human development roles.

• Generative AI modeling and AI data annotation saw growth rates of up to 220% year-over-year
• Human-centric roles, including career coaching and training & development, increased by 74%
• Nearly half of businesses (49%) are using freelancers to address skill gaps
• 48% of CEOs plan to increase freelance hiring in the coming year

Skills breakdown by category: Upwork identified rapidly growing skills across six major professional categories.

• Accounting & Consulting emphasizes personal coaching and career development
• Coding & Web Development focuses on scripting, automation, and design
• Customer Service highlights project management in supply chain and construction
• Data Science & Analytics prioritizes AI modeling and knowledge representation
• Design & Creative centers on pattern design and video production
• Sales & Marketing emphasizes display advertising and campaign management

Changing hiring dynamics: Traditional hiring criteria are evolving as businesses prioritize demonstrated expertise over formal education.

• 74% of executives consider degrees irrelevant when hiring freelancers
• 78% of CEOs believe top freelancers provide more value than degree-holding employees
• Companies are increasingly seeking specialists with niche expertise to drive innovation

Research methodology: The findings reflect comprehensive analysis of real-world market data.

• Data was collected from Upwork’s proprietary database
• Analysis covered U.S. job postings from January to October 2024
• Only skills generating minimum $100,000 in freelancer earnings were included

Future implications: The dual emphasis on technical expertise and human skills suggests a evolving workforce landscape that values both technological proficiency and interpersonal capabilities.

• Organizations are recognizing the need to balance technological advancement with human development
• Professionals who combine technical skills with human-centric expertise will likely have a competitive advantage
• The freelance market is becoming increasingly specialized, with premium compensation for advanced technical skills

Market evolution: The findings reveal a fundamental shift in how businesses approach talent acquisition and skill development, moving away from traditional employment models toward more flexible, expertise-driven arrangements that prioritize demonstrated abilities over formal credentials.