Freelancer Study 2025 report

In April, the results of the annual Freelancer Study 2025 were released, with participants consisting mainly of men (84%) from 73 countries (95% Europe), holding a university degree (81%), and predominantly freelancing in technical and managerial professions (85%). The study therefore presents a relatively narrow but in-depth look into the business of 3,571 freelancers, who are evidently doing quite well:

• 21% have an annual gross revenue of more than €175,000 and 16% have an annual gross profit of more than €125,000
• €7,498 is the average monthly income from freelance work
• The average hourly rate is €100, and only 14% have more than 20% of non-billable hours (of an average of 40 working hours per week)
• €1,136 is set aside on average each month for retirement, most often in securities, real estate, and public pension system, yet 49% are concerned about their financial situation in retirement
• The main reasons for going freelance are independence (64%), flexible time management (54%) and better opportunities for higher income (54%)
• The biggest challenges are project acquisition (58%), uncertainty in planning (45%), and fluctuating income (39%)
• 38% acquire new clients actively, while 62% rely on passive acquisition
• 72% are in some way involved in their clients’ strategy

The final report also features contributions from 16 leading freelancing experts, including Freelancing.eu founder Robert Vlach:

“The winning freelance mindset is a complex blend of many elements: strong expertise matching real market demand, outstanding client care, high reliability, preparedness to evolve, sustained focus on developing business skills, especially in pricing and negotiations, and healthy lifestyle.”

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