Experts at online job search platform JobLeads identify US, Mexico and Colombia among top online gig hotspots.
Software development and tech roles dominate the US freelance market, according to analysis by JobLeads.
The online job search platform analyzed data from the Online Labour Observatory and the World Bank Group to show almost a third (28.03%)of online freelancers currently reside in the US.
Despite a slight 8% dip over the past five years, America remains the go-to hub for remote freelancing work. Leading the charge is Gen Z, with over half (52%) freelancing as they increasingly reject conventional 9-to-5 jobs in favor of freedom.
Software development and techdominate the freelance landscape in the US, making up a notable 36.41% of online gig workers within the country.
By comparison, creative and multimedia roles come next at 21.06%, followed by clerical and data entryat 18.22% and sales and marketing at 12.37%.
Mexico ranks as the third biggest destination for online gig workers, accounting for 4.63% of the global freelance market. Its proximity to the US makes it an ideal choice for bilingual professionals.
With the cost of living 65% lower than in the US, freelancers can stretch their income further and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Rounding off the top five online gig hotspots, Colombia’s freelance community has exploded by 48% in the past five years – now capturing 3.29%of the global share.
Martin Schmidt, Co-Founder and Managing Director, JobLeads, said: “The gig economy is booming worldwide, with the number of gig workers expected to rise by over 30 million in the next year alone.
“This rapid growth reflects a fundamental shift in how people approach work – flexibility and autonomy are no longer just perks but non-negotiables for today’s workforce.
“Especially among younger generations like Gen Z, professionals are increasingly drawn to the freedom that gig work offers. From choosing their own projects to working remotely, this empowers individuals to take control of their careers. At the same time, businesses benefit from a global pool of skilled talent that freelancers bring to the table.
“As the sector continues to evolve, both workers and employers need to adapt to a new reality where traditional employment models may no longer meet the needs and expectations of the modern workforce.”
The analysis considered several factors, including the jobs with the highest global demand for online work, the largest developed and developing economies by GDP and how the global share of freelancers has evolved over time.
Russia and Ukraine were excluded from the study due to the ongoing situation.
Data was gathered to highlight changes in demand for online gig work both globally and at a country level.
Additionally, the experts also examined the demand for different online freelancing occupations and analysed the educational distribution of online gig workers.
All data was collected in February 2025 and is correct as of then.
