The State of Freelancing in 2025: Side Hustles, $100k+ Salaries and Sustainable Business
The freelance revolution isn’t coming. It’s already here (and ready for you to join it).
If you’ve been feeling that nudge - maybe a tiny whisper saying “why not me?” to finally start your own business, to take your side hustle full-time, or to see if a passion you have could actually pay the bills… you’re not alone.
Contrary to what your great Uncle Bill says, freelancing isn’t just something people do on the side or looked at as “just a hobby” anymore. It’s becoming a main stream way people work.
Let’s talk about what happened in 2025
This past year, over 70 million Americans freelanced - that’s more than 1 in 3 workers choosing freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment over just relying on traditional 9-5 employment.
And they’re not just dabbling. Many of them have gone all-in.
Creative entrepreneurs like photographers, brand and web designers, coaches, virtual assistants, and wedding professionals make up a massive portion of that shift.
In fact, one third of all creative professionals are freelancing, and they account for over 16% of all freelance earnings.
We’re seeing:
A 57% jump in freelancers earning over $100K since 2020 (And fun fact: Dubsado users alone processed over $1.5 billion in 2025. Billion… with a B.)
Over 52% of Gen Z are freelancing instead of climbing a corporate ladder
Companies are embracing the shift too - with 99% of businesses saying they’ll continue hiring freelancers moving forward
So yeah… freelancing isn’t Plan B anymore. For millions of people, it’s Plan A.
What’s fueling this shift?
Here’s what stood out in 2025:
More freedom, more control: Not shockingly, people are over asking for permission to live their lives. Freelancers are designing work around their life, not the other way around.
Higher earning potential: Over 4.7 million freelancers now make over $100K/year (that doesn’t require you to feel award texting your friends and family about a “biz opportunity” or to buy something from you), we’re talking legit businesses making serious impact. Proof that freelancing can be sustainable and profitable.
Clients are actually looking for you: A lot of companies laid off full-time staff and are now relying on freelancers. It’s not just big companies… service providers love hiring other service providers. The wedding planner who hires a copywriter or the designer who brings in a VA. Meaning? You’re not just wanted, you’re needed.
Global reach: With remote work becoming the norm, geography is no longer a limit. Freelancers are working with clients all over the world, often commanding higher rates than they could locally (amen to that, right?!).
Gen Z is redefining the rules: They’re skipping the ladder and building businesses straight out of school… proving you don’t need to follow a defined path or “wait your turn” to make something real.
And here’s what’s coming in 2026
Freelancing will absolutely keep growing, but what will really set people apart as the industry grows? Delivering an exceptional client experience.
As more creatives enter the space, the ones who will thrive are the ones who make their clients feel taken care of from the first inquiry to final invoice.
It’s not just about being talented. It’s about being thoughtful, responsive, and easy to work with.
And if the idea of all the business back end makes your head spin - the good news is that you can streamline and automate most of the redundant admin work using tools like Dubsado - from capturing leads to onboarding with proposals, contracts, and invoices, and scheduling meetings, while staying organized along the entire client journey so you can look like a pro and deliver the best client experience, even if you’re just getting started.
So… what does this mean for you?
If you’re still reading, here’s your sign to stop waiting for a better time.
You don’t need a fancy degree, 10 years of experience, a perfectly curated website to start, or everything figured out on day one. You just need to quiet the sometimes self-doubting inner critic and take the leap.
Because right now? The industry is ready for you. Clients are looking for you. And your future life-first business is waiting on you.
Need help getting started?
We built Dubsado for creatives just like you. Whether you’re onboarding your very first client or your 100th, we’re here to make your business feel effortless and legit from day one.
Grab our Ultimate Day 1 Checklist and start your free trial of Dubsado to make sure you start your business with clarity and confidence.
So what do you say? Let’s build this thing!
And Team Dubsado will be here rooting you on every step of the way.
