Upwork: AI Is Democratizing Opportunities Across Various Fields

Between 2020 and 2023, Upwork examined thousands of job post titles on its freelance platform to understand how AI work spans different categories and transforms workflows.

The research based on Upwork data shows a 268% year-over-year growth in AI-related jobs in non-technical fields like translation, marketing, and design in 2023, fueled by the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022.

During 2020 and 2021, AI work on Upwork concentrated in technical areas. Seventy percent of AI-related job posts were in Data Science & Analytics (DS) and Web, Mobile & Software Development (WMSD). Roles involving AI in categories such as Writing, Design, and Administrative Support each accounted for less than 1%.

In contrast, 2022–2023 Upwork data reveals a decline in AI-focused technical job posts and an increase in non-technical categories. Employers often seek professionals who can apply AI practically, like building chatbots or using AI tools to enhance workflows.

These findings led Upwork to compare generative AI with two other technologies that have shaped the future of work: cloud computing and robotic process automation (RPA). Upwork found these technologies mostly drove transformation in IT and WMSD (Web, Mobile, and Software Development) without significant impact in non-technical fields.

Unlike cloud computing and RPA, Upwork believes AI, though not yet viewed as a general-purpose technology, may become one. In Writing and Translation, for example, generative AI helps professionals refine content, increase output, and focus on tasks such as editing AI-generated text.

Advances in generative AI also allow freelancers without advanced coding skills to design 3D models and realistic renders, opening design and architecture projects to professionals from diverse backgrounds.

“In short, AI is not only changing how work gets done but also who can do it. Put another way, generative AI is democratizing opportunities across a broad spectrum of work: It’s transforming a wide range of jobs, making them more accessible to freelancers from all backgrounds while pushing each field to evolve in response to these technological advances,” Upwork emphasizes.

For 2025, Upwork predicts AI will be more common in everyday tasks, an “augmented working” approach where human and machine collaboration frees time for creative, strategic work. This could introduce new career paths and improve job satisfaction.

Despite concerns about AI replacing entire roles, Upwork remains positive: “AI agents can democratize access to high-value work, enabling diverse talent to engage in complex projects without needing advanced technical skills.”

The AI revolution is well underway, but it’s not all bleak. According to Upwork, “Those who embrace and adapt to AI will be best positioned to thrive as the job market transforms.”