{
  "id": 9735304,
  "title": "Digital Freelancers Find More Work and New Pressure on Pay",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/digital-freelancers-find-more-work-and-new-pressure-on-pay",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-25T08:00:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "PYMNTS",
    "slug": "pymnts",
    "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/consumer-insights/2026/digital-freelancers-find-more-work-and-new-pressure-on-pay/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Wage to Wallet Index report, a collaboration between PYMNTS Intelligence and WorkWhile, reveals how digital freelancers are adapting to the changing landscape of work, particularly with the integration of AI tools. The study surveyed 2,098 U.S. consumers, including 1,604 working adults, and found that nearly 37% of working adults earned money through platforms during the previous year.\n\nAmong those who needed digital or creative work, 57.5% used AI to complete the task themselves, while 19.1% hired someone to do it. This indicates that consumers are increasingly engaging with AI to either handle the work themselves or bring AI-produced work to a freelancer for finishing touches or added value. These choices highlight the importance of demonstrating the worth of a freelancer's work.\n\nPlatforms are also introducing AI tools that can perform tasks traditionally handled by digital freelancers. Nearly 32% of digital freelancers reported that a platform introduced AI tools relevant to their line of work. This shift in the workplace is prompting freelancers to reassess their value and the services they can provide.\n\nThe report also notes that about 30% of service platform workers left the platform within the year, citing reasons such as inadequate pay, challenging work conditions, and personal or family obligations. However, the study does not directly link these departures to the adoption of AI tools.\n\nFor banks, FinTech companies, and platform operators, the implications of these findings are significant. With workers potentially earning on multiple platforms or combining freelance assignments with traditional employment, a comprehensive view of their earnings can aid in financial planning and understanding of post-tax income. The full report delves into how AI is reshaping platform work, where opportunities are emerging for workers, and the strategies they are employing to manage their income effectively.",
  "summary": "AI can produce a first draft. Someone still has to make the finished work worth paying for. The September 2026 edition of The Wage to Wallet Index is a collaboration between PYMNTS Intelligence and WorkWhile. Digital freelancers are navigating a change in what clients want. Some buyers use AI to complete work themselves. Others bring […] The post Digital Freelancers Find More Work and New…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}