FREELANCERSTUDY2026

Uncover key insights on financial trends, market conditions, demographics, and more shaping the freelancing market in the DACH region.

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The study on the present & future of freelancing

For over a decade, the Freelancer Study has been the central data source for independent work in the DACH region. In 2026, with over 5,400 freelancers surveyed, it delivers the most comprehensive picture yet — available as a full PDF with in-depth focus sections on collaboration, the future of work, income, AI, legal frameworks, and market conditions.

Each chapter is complemented by expert commentary, selected data highlights, and trend analysis, giving freelancers, companies, and researchers an authoritative foundation to understand where independent work is heading.

Key findings 2026

Strengths & opportunities

€103

average hourly rate in 2026

84%

of freelancers would choose self-employment again

36%

identify themselves within the New Work movement

Risks & challenges

49%

report a worse project pipeline compared to the previous year

52%

see unstable project pipelines as the biggest risk in the years ahead

62%

identify false self-employment as the most critical legal gap

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Rates hold above €100/h, but pressure is building

The average hourly rate in the DACH region sits at €103 in 2026, a slight dip from €104 in 2025, reflecting growing market pressure. Yet over a five-year lens, the trajectory is still upward: rates have risen from €96 in 2022. Income satisfaction, however, has fallen sharply, dropping from 66% to 55% in just one year.

Freelancing continues to lead when it comes to pay equality. While the gender pay gap in traditional employment tends to narrow only gradually, the freelance market shows a much faster shift toward parity.

In 2026, the gap stands at just under 4%. Male freelancers report an average hourly rate of €104, compared to €100 for female freelancers. This marks a significant improvement over recent years.

Since 2022, the difference has more than halved, dropping from €9 to €4 per hour. While progress has slowed slightly in 2026, the overall trend remains clearly positive.

Importantly, this shift is not driven by declining rates among men. Instead, it reflects stronger rate growth among women. Greater transparency in pricing and the flexibility to set individual rates appear to support more equal outcomes in the freelance market.

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Workload & collaboration

No planning security: Nearly half flying blind

Almost every second freelancer reports having no confirmed workload for the coming months. A clear signal of how strained the current project landscape has become. While IT infrastructure freelancers report the most stability, Data & Analytics professionals face the greatest uncertainty.

Freelancers as a strategic advantage

In a fast-changing economy, success depends on having the right skills at the right time. This is where freelancers stand out. They bring specialized expertise, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a strong focus on results, without long ramp-up phases.

But unlocking this value requires trust. Freelancers work independently, with clear ownership and a strong focus on outcomes. They need clear expectations, not micromanagement.

The data shows how deeply embedded freelancers already are in today’s business landscape: 79% take on operational tasks, 74% contribute strategic or consulting input, and nearly half step into project coordination roles.

At the same time, collaboration has fundamentally evolved. 71% of freelancers work primarily remotely, with another 22% in hybrid setups. Successful teamwork today is built on digital processes and clear communication — not physical presence.

Companies that embrace freelancers as equal partners gain speed, fresh perspectives, and measurable impact.

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AI & the future of freelancing

Freelancers are shaping AI-driven work

Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries, and freelancers are leading the way. They bring new skills into organisations, apply emerging tools in real projects, and turn innovation into measurable results.

Beyond execution, freelancers act as knowledge multipliers: they upskill teams, establish best practices, and help build lasting capabilities.

Yet a gap remains. While adoption is high, many are only partially prepared for AI’s long-term impact, and 28% believe no skill will be fully replaced, highlighting a market still in transition.

At the same time, freelancers are investing heavily in the future: 74% prioritise AI and automation skills, followed by data analysis (32%) and agile methods (24%).

Automation as untapped potential

85% of freelancers actively use AI tools for writing, coding, and image generation, but 59% have not fully automated a single task in their freelance work. The most common automations target research (14%) and content creation (12%), suggesting that workflow transformation is still in its early stages.

Freelancer Study 2026 – DACH region

All study results covering the DACH freelancing market in the full PDF report. Dive deeper into collaboration, income, AI adoption, legal frameworks, and market trends.

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Because we love data: More insights & analyses

While the Freelancer Study provides in-depth insights into the freelancing landscape, our blog offer continuous updates, tips, and strategies to help you stay informed and elevate your freelancing career.