Upwork is a versatile platform with various use cases. When working with any freelancer, independent contractor or third-party vendor, departments should be aware of all University of California Conflict of Interest and privacy policies when contracting for services. Some projects may involve sensitive or confidential information, and it is dependent on the end user and Unit Security Leads to ensure all vendor security UC policies are followed when using Upwork. It is recommended that no institutional information or only P1 or P2 data is shared with freelancers on Upwork.
Here are some of the types of freelance services available at Upwork:
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Short-term Consulting: Seek advice from experts in various fields, such as business, finance, marketing, and technology, through Upwork's consulting services.
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Content Creation: Find writers and editors to create engaging and well-researched content for academic publications, blogs, and newsletters.
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Data Analysis: Find data analysts and statisticians to assist with research data analysis, survey analysis, and other data-related tasks.
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Digital Marketing: Find experts in SEO, social media management, email marketing, and other digital marketing services.
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Graphic Design and Multimedia: Collaborate with designers and multimedia experts to create visually appealing presentations, infographics, and promotional materials.
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Language Translation Services: Translate academic materials, publications, or communication materials into different languages for a broader audience.
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Software Development: Engage skilled developers to create or enhance software applications used for academic purposes or administrative tasks.
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Video and Animation: Find videographers, animators, and video editors for creating promotional videos, animations, and more.
Upwork can provide access to a variety of talent, allowing universities to tap into specialized skills and expertise for various projects and initiatives.
Upwork Costs Overview
When budgeting for an Upwork engagement, departments must include:
- The freelancer's agreed-upon cost
- The applicable Upwork service fee
Upwork's service fee is 30%. A discounted fee is available when bringing your own (BYO) talent to Upwork with the amount of discount applied depending on the outcome of the required classification review. There are two (2) factors that impact what service fee will be applied:
- How the talent is sourced (Upwork Marketplace or BYO), and
- The outcome of Upwork's required classification review (IC or EOR)
Please see the following questions in the FAQ section below for more details:
- What is the Classification Review?
- How do the Service Fees on Upwork work?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When should my department use Upwork?
Please see the types of freelance services examples listed above.
How does Upwork work for departments who become clients?
Department clients post job listings with details about their projects. They can search for freelancers, review proposals, and invite freelancers to apply. After selecting a freelancer, clients can communicate, collaborate, and pay for services within the Upwork platform.
How does Upwork work for freelancers?
Freelancers create a profile detailing their skills, experience, and work samples. They then search for and apply to relevant job postings. Department clients review proposals, interview freelancers, and select the best fit for their project.
What is the Classification Review?
UC Berkeley engages Upwork to review every contract to determine how the work must be structured based on applicable federal, state, and international labor regulations. This review determines whether the engagement can be supported as:
- An Independent Contractor (IC), or
- Through Upwork’s Employee-of-Record (EOR) partner
How do the Service Fees on Upwork work?
As an enterprise account, Upwork charges service fees to UC Berkeley, but not the Upwork talent. This can add to the overall project cost so be sure to include this when budgeting the project.
Breakdown of Service Fees:
Sourced Through Upwork Marketplace
If you are leveraging a freelancer through Upwork’s marketplace, the standard rate of 30% will apply whether it's IC or EOR.
- Freelancer rate
- Upwork service fee (30%)
This is the standard service fee and does not change based on the classification unless it is classified as International EOR. A custom quote is needed for International EOR.
Bring Your Own (BYO) Talent
When you bring an existing individual onto the Upwork platform, a discounted fee structure is available. The level of discount is impacted by whether the engagement can be supported as IC or if it needs to be supported as EOR (needs to account for required taxes and employer burdens for the contractor).
If classified as Independent Contractor (IC):
- Freelancer rate
- Discounted IC Service Fee (7.5%)
If classified as Employer-of-Record (EOR):
- Freelancer rate
- Total Service Fee: 27.5%
- Discounted IC Service Fee (7.5%)
- EOR Fee (20%)
*Non-US Talent: If they need to be supported through Employer-of-Record (EOR) and reside outside of the United States, a custom quote will be provided a labor burden changes from country-country.
Important Budget Planning Note:
Because every engagement undergoes a classification review before final fees are determined, BYO engagements may result in a higher total fee after classification. Departments should consider the possibility of an EOR determination when budgeting BYO engagements.
For guidance before submitting your BearBUY request, please contact the UC Berkeley Upwork Program Team at: ucberkeley-programteam@go-lifted.com
How are payments handled when using Upwork?
Payments will be made directly to Upwork in which they are released to freelancers upon project milestones or completion.
Can I use my own credit card to pay for using Upwork?
No. Personal credit cards are not an appropriate form of payment. Reimbursements using personal funds paid to Upwork for university business purposes are not allowable.
How do I sign up to use Upwork?
Check out the Getting Started with Upwork in BearBUY page!
Can a current UC employee be contracted to perform services on Upwork?
A freelancer hired on Upwork by the University of California must have no affiliation with the University.
Can a former UC employee be hired on Upwork?
Departments requiring the services of a former UC employee on Upwork should consult with the Procurement Department to determine whether the former employee is subject to Conflict of Interest prohibitions.
I hired a freelancer through Upwork. How do I get them a Sponsored Guest or Affiliate Account?
Please see the following websites on:
For more assistance, please contact your Regional Purchasing Team.
When are background checks required for those hired through Upwork?
Background checks are required for Upwork hires who need system access and/or are coming on to campus. Simply let our dedicated Upwork team know if this is the case for your Upwork hires.
HELP! I previously used my UC Berkeley (@berkeley.edu) email address for Upwork prior to Upwork's partnership with the University and now I am locked out of my account. How can I get my account back?
Unfortunately, because of this partnership, those who are not active University employees and wish to continue to use their @berkeley.edu email address cannot use their University email address for Upwork anymore. To regain access to your Upwork account, please have your Upwork email address updated to a personal email address by contacting ucberkeley-programteam@go-lifted.com.