Freelancer Study 2026 report

Here are the results of the annual Freelancer Study 2026, which focuses on German-speaking countries. Conducted by freelancermap among its user base, the study is based on a survey of 5,412 freelancers and, for the first time this year, incorporates platform data analysis from over 340,000 users in the DACH region.

Before diving in, it is important to note that respondents were predominantly male (84%), mostly based in Germany (83%), and primarily working in technical and managerial fields (30% software & web development, 22% consulting/management, 11% IT infrastructure). While this is not a statistically representative sample of the freelance economy as a whole, it provides valuable data and in-depth insights into rates, finances, and market trends as freelancers navigate a cooling market.

Here are some of the findings:

• In the study, 13% of freelancers have an annual gross profit of more than €125,000, while 12% report an annual gross profit between €100,000 and €125,000 (before taxes).
• The average monthly income from project work is €6,653 (after taxes, social security contributions, and mandatory insurance). The average hourly rate is €103 (representing the first stagnation/decrease since the study began).
• 20% of respondents spend more than 20% of their time on non-billable work (out of an average 42-hour workweek, with most of that time devoted to client acquisition and bookkeeping).
• On average, €1,167 is set aside each month for retirement—most often invested in securities (53%), the public pension system (45%), and real estate (43%).
• The main reasons for freelancing are flexible scheduling (55%), decision-making autonomy (53%), and better opportunities for higher income (40%).
• The biggest challenges are client acquisition (62%), an unpredictable income and workload (43%), and a lack of long-term stability (28%).
• Overall, 74% of freelancers play a predominantly consulting role during projects, 79% are involved in implementation, and 46% handle project management and coordination.

You can download the ful PDF report here.

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