The 10 cities where freelancers earn the most

Aerial shots of Philadelphia Schulkill River and Boathouse Row
PTS Aerial Services // Shutterstock

- Average annual freelance revenue per worker: $50,536
- Estimated freelance professional workforce: 124,708
- Top freelance sector: Technical (#13 among ranked cities)
- Total metro population: 6.2 million

#10. Philadelphia metro area
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Cobblestone street lined with historic brick buildings. The street is sloping upward
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- Average annual freelance revenue per worker: $52,598
- Estimated freelance professional workforce: 132,348
- Top freelance sector: Technical (#7 among ranked cities)
- Total metro population: 4.9 million

#9. Boston metro area
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An aerial view of a sprawling suburban landscape in a sunny climate. The image features a vast expanse of residential homes with a variety of styles, including single-family houses and townhomes.
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- Average annual freelance revenue per worker: $52,744
- Estimated freelance professional workforce: 61,912
- Top freelance sector: Creative (#4 among ranked cities)
- Total metro population: 2.3 million

#8. Las Vegas metro area
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A view of a suspension bridge and a cityskyline at sunset.
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- Average annual freelance revenue per worker: $52,794
- Estimated freelance professional workforce: 574,989
- Top freelance sector: Creative (#5 among ranked cities)
- Total metro population: 19.5 million

#7. New York metro area
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A basketball court with people playing. The court is surrounded by buildings and palm trees. The sky is blue and sunny. There are a few people watching the game.
Marcus E Jones // Shutterstock

- Average annual freelance revenue per worker: $53,147
- Estimated freelance professional workforce: 417,685
- Top freelance sector: Creative (#2 among ranked cities)
- Total metro population: 12.8 million

#6. Los Angeles metro area
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A coastal city with a stunning skyline. The photo features a bustling marina filled with yachts and boats, with a bridge spanning the waterway. In the background, towering skyscrapers
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- Average annual freelance revenue per worker: $53,851
- Estimated freelance professional workforce: 291,321
- Top freelance sector: Professional (#2 among ranked cities)
- Total metro population: 6.2 million

#5. Miami metro area
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A cityscape featuring modern skyscrapers with a prominent tall, glass building that stands out due to its spire-like top. Surrounding the tall building are a mix of older, brick buildings and other contemporary structures with reflective glass facades.
Jaclyne Ortiz // Shutterstock

- Average annual freelance revenue per worker: $54,559
- Estimated freelance professional workforce: 69,301
- Top freelance sector: Creative (#1 among ranked cities)
- Total metro population: 2.1 million

#4. Nashville metro area
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A large building with the white dome in center. The street in the foreground is busy with traffic, featuring multiple lanes filled with cars, and traffic lights are visible in the middle of the road. On either side, trees line the street.
Tony Quinn // Shutterstock

- Average annual freelance revenue per worker: $54,759
- Estimated freelance professional workforce: 176,560
- Top freelance sector: Technical (#5 among ranked cities)
- Total metro population: 6.3 million

#3. Washington DC metro area
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A cityscape based on the steep street and view of bridge in the background. The image is taken from an elevated position, looking down a sloping street lined with buildings. The buildings on both sides of the street are a mix of older and modern architectural styles, with many featuring bay windows.
seand67 // Shutterstock

- Average annual freelance revenue per worker: $59,979
- Estimated freelance professional workforce: 156,085
- Top freelance sector: Technical (#2 among ranked cities)
- Total metro population: 4.6 million

#2. San Francisco metro area
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A street lined with palm trees on both sides and elegant buildings featuring clean, modern architecture with large windows and outdoor dining spaces.
Gilberto Mesquita // Shutterstock

- Average annual freelance revenue per worker: $60,135
- Estimated freelance professional workforce: 48,268
- Top freelance sector: Technical (#1 among ranked cities)
- Total metro population: 1.9 million

Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Ania Antecka.

#1. San Jose metro area
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Stylish woman working on a laptop while sitting in cozy cafe.
Yaroslav Astakhov // Shutterstock