A new report from Fiverr, a global online marketplace for freelance services, found that the U.S. independent workforce earned $286 billion in 2022, up nearly 10% from 2021. The report, which is the sixth annual Freelance Economic Impact Report, also found that the number of independent professionals in the U.S. grew by 6% in 2022, to 6.7 million.

The report attributed the growth of the freelance economy to a number of factors, including the rise of remote work, the increasing availability of online tools and resources, and the growing demand for specialized skills and expertise.

The report also found that the freelance economy is having a positive impact on the U.S. economy. In 2022, the freelance economy generated $1.2 trillion in economic activity and supported 5.9 million jobs. The report also found that the freelance economy is helping to close the gender pay gap, with women earning 97 cents for every dollar earned by men.

“The freelance economy is a major driver of economic growth and job creation in the U.S.,” said Micha Kaufman, CEO and founder of Fiverr. “We are excited to see the continued growth of the freelance economy and the positive impact it is having on the lives of millions of people.”

The report also found that the freelance economy is becoming increasingly diverse. In 2022, 40% of independent professionals in the U.S. were women, and 20% were from minority groups. The report also found that the freelance economy is becoming increasingly global, with 20% of independent professionals in the U.S. working with clients outside of the U.S.

“The freelance economy is a global phenomenon,” said Kaufman. “We are seeing more and more people from all over the world using freelance platforms to connect with clients and earn a living.”

The report concludes by calling for policies that support the growth of the freelance economy. “The freelance economy is a major driver of economic growth and job creation,” said Kaufman. “We need policies that support the growth of the freelance economy and help independent professionals succeed.”

For more detailed information and to view the full report visit fiverr.com/freelance-impact.