The short version
Since May 1, 2025, Upwork charges freelancers a variable service fee of 0–15%, set per contract and locked for that contract's life. Fiverr takes a flat 20% of every order. Neither number is your full cost.
How the Upwork fee works
The rate is shown before you submit a proposal or accept an offer, and it stays fixed for that contract. Two clients can give you different rates, so check the figure on each offer instead of assuming it matches your last contract.
Costs outside the service fee
- Connects: proposals are paid for with Connects at $0.15 each, and one proposal can need several (roughly 2–16 depending on the job). You pay whether or not the proposal wins.
- Withdrawal fees: these depend on the method you use, such as bank transfer or PayPal.
- Currency conversion: if you are paid in a currency different from your bank account, the conversion margin takes another small cut.
- Tax: platform income is taxable, and the fees are generally deductible as business expenses.
Pricing so you net what you want
Divide your target net by one minus the fee. To net $900: at a 10% fee quote $1,000; at 15% quote about $1,059; on Fiverr at 20% quote $1,125. Build this into your rate before sending a proposal, not after you are paid.
Upwork, Fiverr or direct clients
On a $1,000 order, Fiverr leaves $800 before withdrawal costs, Upwork at 10% leaves $900, and a direct client leaves nearly all of it minus payment processing. Marketplaces earn their cut by bringing you clients and protecting payment, so the real question is whether that saves you more time than it costs. Many freelancers use a platform to find clients, then move repeat work direct where the terms allow.
Key takeaways
- Check the fee on every offer; it is not one fixed number.
- Count Connects and withdrawal costs, not just the service fee.
- Price by dividing your target net by one minus the fee.
Run your own numbers in the Upwork & Fiverr net earnings calculator, set your base rate with the hourly rate calculator, or see the full picture after tax in the take-home pay calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Upwork cost for freelancers?
Three things can cost you money: the service fee (a variable 0–15% per contract since May 1, 2025), Connects at $0.15 each to submit proposals, and withdrawal fees that depend on how you get paid. Joining and building a profile is free. This guide covers freelancer costs; clients pay their own, separate fees.
Is Upwork's fee still a flat 10%?
No. The freelancer service fee now varies by contract between 0% and 15%, and is shown before you submit a proposal or accept an offer. Many freelancers see rates around 10%, but check each offer.
How do I work out what I will actually receive?
Subtract the service fee from the contract value, then any currency conversion and withdrawal charges. The Upwork & Fiverr net earnings calculator does this for you.
How many Connects does a proposal need?
It depends on the job, roughly 2–16 Connects. At $0.15 each, a single proposal can cost from about $0.30 to $2.40 whether or not you win the work.
Are Upwork fees tax deductible?
Platform fees are generally treated as a business expense that reduces taxable profit, but confirm with a tax professional. See our freelance tax guide for how profit is taxed.
Last reviewed October 2026. Figures are estimates for planning, not tax advice; see the disclaimer and methodology.