You'll Never Expect Which Generation Has the Most Freelancers Today Interested in becoming a freelancer? Here are some stats to know.

By Rose Leadem

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Hero Images | Getty Images

Every year, more and more people are joining the freelance workforce. According to freelancing platform Upwork, there were 55 million freelancers in the U.S. in 2016 -- an increase of 1 million compared to 2015.

With freelancers making up 35 percent of the entire U.S. workforce today, there's a lot to learn about this growing group of independent workers. By surveying more than 6,000 American adults, Upwork partnered with the Freelancers' Union to release Freelancing in America 2016, a report that reveals surprising trends in the freelance economy.

Related: 5 Steps to Finding Stability as a Freelancer

Turns out, young people are the most likely candidates to join the freelance workforce. Compared with every other generation, gen Zers have the proportion of freelancers in the workforce (47 percent). And they're not choosing this career path by necessity, but instead by choice. Seventy percent of gen Zers are freelancing today by choice, rather than need. However, that extends to other generations too. In 2015, 53 percent of people were freelancing by choice and not necessity, and this number has increased a whopping 10 percent over the year.

It's no surprise that more and more people are becoming freelancers -- in fact, more than three quarters of freelancers today enjoy working independently rather than for a traditional employer. And that might be because 85 percent of freelancers describe themselves as "engaged," while only 68 percent of non-freelancers say this.

Related: Employers Are Paying Freelancers Big Bucks for These 25 In-Demand Skills

So why are so many people becoming freelancers? For freedom and flexibility. The top three reasons people are choosing the freelancing route is to be their own boss, have a flexible work schedule and be able to work wherever they want. Seventy-seven percent of freelancers agree that the career path provides them great work-life balance.

Thinking about hopping on the freelance bandwagon? Check out the infographic below to learn more about the freelancing in America.

Rose Leadem is a freelance writer for Entrepreneur.com. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

This Couple Started a Side Hustle to Improve a 'Terribly Made' Bathroom Essential. Now the Business Earns More Than $3 Million a Year.

Michael Fine and Lisa Schulner-Fine launched lifestyle brand Quiet Town in 2016 and have been growing it ever since.

Business News

What's Open on Easter Sunday? Costco and Target Will Close, But One Major Retailer Will Be Open. Here's What To Know.

The stock market was closed for Good Friday on April 18. Here's what's closed for Easter Sunday, April 20.

Science & Technology

Your Clients Are Using AI to Replace You — Do These 3 Things Before They Do

Harness these three steps to audit, evolve and future-proof your offer before AI replaces you.

Leadership

Lead From the Top: 5 Core Responsibilities of a CEO

Knowing exactly what the chief executive's role entails is critical for steering a company to success.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Productivity

6 Habits That Help Successful People Maximize Their Time

There aren't enough hours in the day, but these tips will make them feel slightly more productive.