OpenAI–Upwork study: AI project budgets listed about 52% higher, not a pay-rise measure
Controlling for work subcategory and posting month, AI-related posted fixed-price budgets were about 52% higher than non-AI budgets; posted hourly rates were about 1.5% higher. These are not realised earnings, individual pay rises or local-market estimates.
OpenAI published joint research with Upwork on November 10, 2026. Comparing the same work subcategory and posting month, AI-related fixed-price posted budgets were about 52% higher than non-AI budgets; posted hourly rates were about 1.5% higher. These are proposed budgets and rates, not realised earnings or a 52% raise for an individual freelancer.
The budget analysis runs through April 2026; other analyses use different windows within 2023–2026. Platform data and model classifications provide descriptive comparisons, not proof that AI caused earnings gaps or job losses, and do not represent the whole labour market.
For Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan freelancers, our editorial advice is to specify production, integration and delivery scope rather than apply a blanket 52% premium. These are not local-market estimates. We report the research only: regional service, language and payment conditions were not checked, and no product was tested.
Full report and methods: https://cdn.openai.com/pdf/openai-upwork-full-report.pdf
The budget analysis runs through April 2026; other analyses use different windows within 2023–2026. Platform data and model classifications provide descriptive comparisons, not proof that AI caused earnings gaps or job losses, and do not represent the whole labour market.
For Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan freelancers, our editorial advice is to specify production, integration and delivery scope rather than apply a blanket 52% premium. These are not local-market estimates. We report the research only: regional service, language and payment conditions were not checked, and no product was tested.
Full report and methods: https://cdn.openai.com/pdf/openai-upwork-full-report.pdf
Usage conditions
- Hong Kong
- This article has not verified Upwork or ChatGPT web, app, API, language or payment conditions in Hong Kong, nor tested either service locally. The research provides no Hong Kong-specific market estimate and is not a service-availability announcement.
- Macau
- This article has not verified Upwork or ChatGPT web, app, API, language or payment conditions in Macau, nor tested either service locally. The research provides no Macau-specific market estimate and is not a service-availability announcement.
- Taiwan
- This article has not verified Upwork or ChatGPT web, app, API, language or payment conditions in Taiwan, nor tested either service locally. The research provides no Taiwan-specific market estimate and is not a service-availability announcement.
Official source: Work at the Frontier: AI’s effect on freelance work