Freelancer: Uncertainty grows, fees fall

For the first time in years, average hourly rates for freelancers have fallen, according to the current Freelancer Compass from the platform freelancermap. Accordingly, the average hourly rate is now 103 euros - one euro less than in the previous year.

At 55 percent, the majority were still satisfied with their income. But here too, the figure has fallen significantly - last year it was still 66 percent. This is not surprising given the shrinking average monthly income from project work: for 2025, freelancermap had determined a figure of 8432 euros (after deducting taxes, social security contributions, mandatory insurance) - currently it would be 6653 euros. That is around 21 percent less.

Little room for improvement

Most freelancers apparently see no room for improvement in their hourly rates. 62 percent do not plan to increase their prices, and 9 percent even plan to lower them further in 2026. The main reasons for this are a lack of orders (61 percent) and strong competition (31 percent). 29 percent want to increase them.

"Many freelancers feel the tense economic situation firsthand. Especially now, it is important to know and actively shape one's own market value," commented freelancermap CEO Thomas Maas on the results. According to its own statements, freelancermap surveyed a total of 5412 freelancers, self-employed professionals, and sole proprietors in four surveys between November 17, 2025, and February 8, 2026.

Hourly rates vary depending on the field of expertise. In consulting and management, they average 121 euros, SAP and ERP projects reach 113 euros, data analytics 108 euros, and software and web development 91 euros. The satisfaction rates with their own situation also vary accordingly. While those satisfied are clearly in the majority in SAP and ERP (71 percent), in software development, satisfied (54 percent) and dissatisfied (46 percent) are almost balanced.

More working hours with bleak prospects

Despite significantly declining incomes, the workload for freelancers is increasing, according to the surveys. The average weekly working hours have thus increased from 40 hours in 2025 to 42 hours. Almost one in five (19 percent) even works up to 50 hours. Twelve percent of respondents work even more.

Freelancers are clearly feeling the restraint of clients. 62 percent cite acquisition as the greatest challenge; 43 percent report uncertain income and longer project breaks. 49 percent of respondents also report a worse order situation compared to the previous year. 52 percent see the uncertain situation as their biggest risk for the future. 62 percent see the issue of bogus self-employment as the biggest legal deficit.

Overall, one in four respondents assesses their own economic situation as poor, and one in ten even as very poor. Nevertheless, a majority stand by their decision to become self-employed despite the current uncertainty: 84 percent would make the same decision again.

(axk)