Freelancer Performance Reviews

End-of-year performance reviews aren’t just for full-time employees anymore—freelancers are increasingly finding themselves in similar evaluation processes.

This study explores how freelancers feel about these reviews, their expectations for feedback, and what they hope to gain from them. We also surveyed hiring managers to get their take on how they plan to evaluate, reward, and retain their top freelance talent.

Key takeaways

29% of client-facing freelancers expect to undergo an end-of-year performance review from one or more clients.
40% of client-facing freelancers plan to raise their rates by 13% on average, while 60% plan to keep them the same.
65% of hiring managers plan to conduct performance reviews for freelancers they hire.
26% of hiring managers plan to raise freelancer rates by 19% on average by year-end.
22% of hiring managers plan to give freelancers a bonus averaging $505 by year-end.

01. Freelancers' expectations

The freelancers we surveyed are client-facing professionals, not gig workers, who manage ongoing client relationships. As the end of the year approaches, many start to think about potential reviews and rate adjustments.

According to our findings, 29% of client-facing freelancers expect at least one client to conduct a performance review before the year ends. For those waiting on a review, 1 in 3 believe it will result in either a new contract or a pay bump, with an average expected rate increase of 12%.

Beyond formal reviews, 40% of client-facing freelancers plan to raise their rates on their own by an average of 13% by the end of the year. The other 60% intend to keep their rates unchanged. Interestingly, men are aiming for a 5% higher rate increase compared to women (16% vs. 11%, respectively).

Freelancers should know the value of their work. One millennial non-binary freelancer advised, “Don’t undervalue yourself or your services. Your rate has to cover not just the work itself but also unpaid tasks like finding clients or doing taxes.” A Gen X female freelancer echoed similar sentiments when she said, “Value your time honestly and prove your worth.”

For many, it’s not just about waiting for clients to recognize their work; it’s about taking control. As one millennial male freelancer put it, “Don’t be afraid to ask for more after numerous jobs. Your hard work pays off and deserves improved earnings.”

02. How managers plan to evaluate freelancers

We surveyed hiring managers who work with freelancers in various capacities and currently employ at least one freelancer to understand how they plan to approach these evaluations.

Many hiring managers are recognizing the importance of giving freelancers effective feedback: 65% intend to conduct performance reviews by the end of the year for the freelancers they hire.

Additionally, 26% of hiring managers plan to increase their freelancers’ rates, with an average rate bump of 19%. For many freelancers, this could mean significant growth in their income. But rate increases aren’t the only incentive on the table—22% of hiring managers plan to offer their freelancers bonuses, with the average bonus valued at $505.

For freelancers, effective communication and negotiation can make all the difference. One millennial male freelancer advised, “As a freelancer, you should explain what makes you special and show examples of your past work to prove why your freelancing rates are reasonable. Be assertive when negotiating, but open to discussion.”

A millennial female freelancer echoed this when she said, “Knowing your value will prepare you for negotiations—stand firm with your rates because you know what your work is worth.”

Freelancers who can prove their value are more likely to see the rewards. As one Gen X woman put it, “Know your worth. Become irreplaceable and pleasant with any client you wish to keep. Word of mouth is the best way to get new clients.”

03. Methodology

For this study, we surveyed 256 client-facing freelancers about their expectations for end-of-year reviews from one or more of their clients. Additionally, we surveyed 504 freelancer-hiring hiring managers about their plans to conduct performance reviews for their freelancers this year.

04. About SideHustles.com

At SideHustles.com, we’re here to help you navigate the gig economy. Our advice is practical and based on real experiences from people who’ve been in your shoes. You can trust our guides to get you started on the right foot. We also provide fair ratings for gig apps, using unbiased, industry-specific rubrics.