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OpenAI and Upwork study finds AI reshaping freelance work

New research from OpenAI and Upwork points to shifting demand for freelancers, with larger budgets and more hours going to AI-related projects.

Illustration of a freelancer working at a laptop with AI-related project charts on screen

Key takeaways

  • OpenAI and Upwork jointly published research on AI's effect on freelance work.
  • The study reports shifting demand for freelancers and new skill combinations.
  • AI-related projects are receiving larger budgets and more hours, according to the companies.

What the research found

Illustration: Upwork logo, OpenAI logo, news, AI and the labels OpenAI

OpenAI and Upwork have published new research on how artificial intelligence is affecting freelance work, according to an announcement on OpenAI's site dated 10 November 2026.

The companies say the study shows shifting demand for freelance work, as well as new combinations of skills that clients are looking for. Projects related to AI are seeing larger budgets and more hours, the announcement states.

The findings come from the two companies jointly, so they describe the market as seen through Upwork's platform and OpenAI's research. Detailed figures and the full methodology were not included in the summary available, so readers who want the complete picture should consult the original report.

Sources

  1. Work at the Frontier: AI’s effect on freelance workOpenAI News

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