Upwork Releases Top 15 Most In-Demand Skills for Independent Web, Mobile, and Software Developers

Rhea-AI Summary

Upwork (NASDAQ: UPWK), the leading global work marketplace, revealed its list of the 15 most in-demand technical skills among freelancers. Driven by the impact of COVID-19, 51% of hiring managers are seeking independent web, mobile, and software developers to address talent shortages linked to digital transformation. The skills highlighted include JavaScript, Python, and WordPress. Upwork aims to bridge the gap between businesses and skilled professionals. The analysis is based on gross services volume from April 1 to September 30, 2020.

Positive

• 51% of hiring managers plan to hire freelance web, mobile, and software developers, indicating strong market demand.
• The top 15 skills identified (like JavaScript and Python) highlight areas for growth and opportunity for freelancers.

Negative

• The ongoing difficulty in finding and retaining technical talent shows a challenging labor market.
• Amid economic pressures from COVID-19, companies face talent scarcity, which might hinder operational efficiency.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Upwork (NASDAQ: UPWK), the world’s largest work marketplace, today announced the 15 most in-demand technical skills on Upwork. The demand for talent with programming and development expertise demonstrates the expanding way that businesses and independent professionals work together on essential, technical projects.

In light of COVID-19’s impact on the economy, many organizations are navigating new business demands and, as a result, they are experiencing difficulty finding and retaining talent with the technical skills required to keep up with the pace of digital transformation. A recent survey found that 51% of hiring managers plan to engage independent web, mobile, and software developers this year and nearly half (49%) cite needing access to skills and expertise as their reason why. Upwork’s top 15 most in-demand skills reveal the essential role skilled professionals are playing in filling tech talent gaps and solving businesses' most pressing needs.

“Technology is evolving rapidly and companies must adapt to stay ahead,” said Mike Paylor, Upwork’s VP of Engineering & Product. “This means building a virtual talent bench that can contribute diverse skills and deep knowledge to solving highly technical problems. In order to overcome talent scarcity issues, hiring managers are rethinking how they resource talent and this data indicates more leaders are turning to Upwork to connect with skilled professionals. From JavaScript, to Python and HTML, these highly sought after skills also show there is opportunity for independent talent to grow their businesses and build valuable relationships with high-quality clients from around the world.”

Upwork’s top 15 most in-demand tech skills (based on gross services volume):

1. JavaScript
2. CSS
3. HTML
4. Website Development
5. PHP
6. API Development
7. WordPress
8. HTML5
9. Web Design
10. Python
11. Web Application
12. API Integration
13. jQuery
14. MySQL
15. React

The data was sourced from the Upwork database and is based on gross services volume from April 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020. Each skill had a minimum of 500 projects during the period.

About Upwork

Upwork is the world’s largest work marketplace, connecting millions of businesses with independent talent around the globe. We serve everyone from one-person startups to 30% of the Fortune 100 with a powerful, trust-driven platform that enables companies and freelancers to work together in new ways that unlock their potential. Our talent community earned over $2 billion on Upwork in 2019 across more than 8,000 skills, including website & app development, creative & design, customer support, finance & accounting, consulting, and operations. Learn more at www.upwork.com and join us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.