One of the biggest questions freelancers ask is: How much do freelancers in the UK really earn?
We’ve conducted original research with 303 active freelancers and cross-referenced and combined with trusted public stats to provide the key data on today's freelancer market.
“About how much money came in over the last 12 months (before costs)?”
Our research shows the largest groups reported under £10k and £10k-£24.9k in the past year from self-employed work. [1] This matches what we see in national data: incomes vary a lot by role, location, and the hours people can sell. [2] [3]
“How fast do you usually get paid?”
About 27% say instant, while a similar share wait 15-30 days. [1] Waiting weeks for money can make it hard to plan. The Government has announced and consulted on tougher rules to get big companies paying faster — including a new Fair Payment Code to replace the Prompt Payment Code, expanded reporting on payment practices, and requirements in public procurement for suppliers to pay at least 90% of invoices within 30 days. [5]
“Has AI changed your pricing or income?”
Right now, most freelancers say no change (87%); a small group report new opportunities (5%), and a few say clients pay less (4%). [1] For day-rate work, sector demand still does a lot of the pushing and pulling — trade data shows rates can swing quickly. [4]
“Do you take deposits or prepayment?”
Over half rarely or never take deposits. [1] When income is lumpy, the most common way people smooth things out is a savings buffer, then taking some money upfront or using simple monthly plans. [1]
“What about late payments — how common are they?”
Two-thirds report no late payments in the last year, but about 1 in 5 had 1-2, and nearly 1 in 10 had 3-5. [1] Wider small business research and policy moves underline that late payment is still on the agenda. [5]
Summary of findings
Many freelancers are earning under £25k from self-employed work, especially early on. [1]
Payment speed is mixed; some get paid instantly, others wait weeks. [1]
AI hasn’t rewritten income for most people yet — it’s a tool, not a pay rise. [1] [4]
Deposits and monthly plans can help smowoth cash, but many aren’t using them. [1]
We’re here to help you make good decisions fast. Keep an eye on inflows, set clear payment terms, and build a small buffer so one slow invoice doesn’t wreck your month.
Insurance can help freelancers protect their business
Insurance can help when things go wrong — for example, a client says your work made them lose money (professional indemnity), or there’s an accident when you meet people face-to-face (public liability). If you’re operating as an individual rather than a company, a serious claim can put your savings and your home at risk if you’re uninsured. Insurance won’t replace good habits like deposits and buffers, but it can sit alongside them at a fair insurance premium. (Research conducted by Delorean)
Footnotes
[1]: Internal survey of UK freelancers and very small businesses, 2025 (multiple questions). (Research conducted by Delorean) [2]: ONS Admin-based Income Statistics: PAYE & Self-Assessment (experimental). 2024/25. [3]: HMRC Personal Incomes Statistics 2022-23 (Commentary). [4]: IPSE Average Day Rates Guide 2025 (PDF). [5]: GOV.UK: Crack down on late payments (policy notice, Sept 2024).Closing Note
Original data
About how much money came in over the last 12 months (before costs)
Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)
Under £10k — 36.3%
£10k–£24.9k — 33.3%
£25k–£49.9k — 16.5%
Do you currently earn money from self-employed or freelance work (where you’re not on someone else’s payroll)
Base N: 308 (Research conducted by Delorean)
Yes, this is my main work — 87.0%
Yes, but it’s part-time or a side hustle — 11.4%
Not right now, but I have in the past — 1.6%
How fast do you usually get paid
Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)
Instant — 27.1%
15–30 days — 21.8%
1–3 days — 21.1%
How many late payments/chargebacks in last 12 months?
Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)
None — 67.0%
1–2 — 19.5%
3–5 — 8.6%
Do you take deposits/prepayment?
Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)
Rarely/Never — 56.1%
Sometimes — 21.5%
Always — 16.2%
How do you smooth out money ups and downs?
Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)
Savings buffer — 53.8%
Take money upfront — 20.5%
Monthly plans — 15.8%