Upwork Inc. ($UPWK) Stock Forecast: Up 5.1% Today

What is Upwork Inc.?

Upwork (UPWK) is a leading online talent marketplace that connects businesses with freelancers offering various skills and services. The company has been at the forefront of the gig economy, enabling remote work opportunities for individuals worldwide.

Why is Upwork Inc. going up?

UPWK stock is up 5.1% on Feb 5, 2026 17:27

• Upwork experienced a strong bullish movement today due to the surge in demand for AI skills.
• The increase in job postings seeking AI skills, particularly for practical applications like video generation and data annotation, indicates a growing trend of integrating AI into daily operations.
• The competition in the AI tools market may have initially caused some investor concerns, but the overall emphasis on human expertise alongside AI integration likely reassured the market about Upwork's position in the evolving job market.
• The shift towards hybrid teams and the need for specialized talent blending technical skills with human judgment further solidifies Upwork's relevance and growth potential in the changing landscape of work.

UPWK Price Chart

UPWK Technical Analysis

UPWK News

Upwork Finds AI Skills Demand Surges 109%

A new Upwork analysis reveals a 109% year-over-year increase in job postings seeking AI skills, indicating that companies are integrating AI into daily operations rather than replacing human workers. The demand is particularly high for practical AI skills like video generation, AI integration, and data annotation, with independent research supporting the idea that AI is transforming tasks rather than eliminating entire roles. For job seekers, the report suggests focusing on quantifiable results, integration fluency, pairing domain expertise with AI skills, and preparing for project-based hiring in emerging hybrid teams.

https://www.findarticles.com/upwork-finds-ai-skills-demand-surges-109/

Upwork and eBay Shares Are Falling, What You Need To Know

Shares of Upwork (UPWK) and eBay (EBAY) both fell significantly after Anthropic unveiled a major upgrade to its enterprise AI tools, which were positioned as solutions for end-to-end workflow automation, directly competing with established software platforms. This sparked investor fears that AI is shifting from productivity enhancement to direct substitution for parts of the software and services industry. The article also notes Upwork's volatility and its year-to-date performance.

https://finviz.com/news/300144/upwork-and-ebay-shares-are-falling-what-you-need-to-know

Demand for AI skills surged by over 100% in 2025, Upwork finds - here's how it could affect your job search

A new report from Upwork indicates that demand for AI-related skills surged over 100% in 2025, with businesses increasingly seeking professionals who can integrate AI tools into existing workflows rather than outright replace human jobs. The report highlights that AI is transforming roles by automating specific tasks, leading employers to value human expertise in creativity and problem-solving, and increasing the need for "fractional" or contract-based workers for specialized AI tasks. This shift suggests that while AI influences the job market, human talent remains crucial, with a growing emphasis on hybrid skills that blend AI proficiency with human judgment.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/employers-are-placing-a-higher-premium-on-ai-skills-while-still-hiring-humans-report/

Upwork Inc. Reports Surge in Demand for AI-Enabled Skills in Annual In-Demand Skills Report

Upwork Inc. released its annual In-Demand Skills report, highlighting a 109% year-over-year increase in demand for AI-related skills, such as AI video generation and integration. Despite the rise of AI, the report emphasizes that human expertise in areas like full stack development and data analytics remains crucial, with businesses willing to pay a premium for creative and innovative independent talent. The study indicates a shift towards specialized, fractional talent, suggesting that professionals who blend technical skills with traditional expertise will thrive in the evolving job market.

https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Upwork+Inc.+Reports+Surge+in+Demand+for+AI-Enabled+Skills+in+Annual+In-Demand+Skills+Report

Upwork’s In-Demand Skills 2026: Demand for Top AI Skills More Than Doubles as AI Is Embedded Into Everyday Work

Upwork's annual In-Demand Skills report for 2026 reveals that while demand for AI-specific skills more than doubled, human expertise and traditional skills remain strong. The report highlights that AI is being embedded into existing roles, leading to significant growth in areas like AI video generation (+329%) and AI integration (+178%). Businesses are increasingly seeking specialized, fractional talent who can combine technical skills with foundational human capabilities like creativity and problem-solving, indicating a shift towards human-AI collaboration rather than replacement.

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/02/04/3232122/0/en/Upwork-s-In-Demand-Skills-2026-Demand-for-Top-AI-Skills-More-Than-Doubles-as-AI-Is-Embedded-Into-Everyday-Work.html

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Upwork Inc. Price History

17.11.2025 - UPWK Stock was down 5.2%

• UPWK shares plummeted due to concerns over future earnings growth, despite recent positive financial results and a surge in share price.
• The State of Wyoming's significant increase in UPWK shares contrasts with insider selling by executives, indicating mixed sentiments among investors.
• The emphasis on local connections and quality over price by competitors like WPNearMe may have contributed to market uncertainty regarding UPWK's long-term competitiveness.
• The discrepancy between UPWK's strong recent earnings growth and analysts' forecasts of a decline in earnings per share over the next few years likely dampened investor confidence, leading to the bearish market movement.

19.10.2025 - UPWK Stock was up 10.8%

• UPWK stock surged 7% following the conclusion of its 2025 Investor Day, where management outlined its financial outlook and growth strategy.
• The introduction of "The New Upwork" at the event, with forecasts of accelerated revenue growth and double-digit compound annual growth rates, likely contributed to investor optimism.
• The emphasis on leveraging AI technology, expanding SMB traction, and unlocking Enterprise opportunities showcased a promising future for Upwork, driving investor confidence and pushing the stock price higher.

05.01.2026 - UPWK Stock was up 5.1%

• Upwork experienced a strong bullish movement today due to the surge in demand for AI skills.
• The increase in job postings seeking AI skills, particularly for practical applications like video generation and data annotation, indicates a growing trend of integrating AI into daily operations.
• The competition in the AI tools market may have initially caused some investor concerns, but the overall emphasis on human expertise alongside AI integration likely reassured the market about Upwork's position in the evolving job market.
• The shift towards hybrid teams and the need for specialized talent blending technical skills with human judgment further solidifies Upwork's relevance and growth potential in the changing landscape of work.

11.11.2025 - UPWK Stock was up 7.0%

• Upwork's stock surged by 4.5% after a recent price target increase to $24. This follows the company's Investor Day where ambitious growth targets were revealed. Business partnerships with YouLend and OpenAI have garnered positive attention, leading to a new 52-week high.
• Collaborations with YouLend and OpenAI are viewed as strategic efforts to expand its platform's services, offering U.S. freelancers improved access to financing and training in AI skills. These initiatives are not only creating economic opportunities but also aligning Upwork with the demand for human-centered skills in AI-driven workflows.
• Upwork's strong financial position, high gross profit margins, and favorable market response to its growth projections and AI endeavors have all contributed to its stock's strong performance. This reflects increasing investor confidence in the freelance and remote work sector.
• By embracing AI technologies and emphasizing human expertise, Upwork is well-positioned to excel in the evolving work landscape. This positions the company as a key facilitator of quality output in the digital economy.

22.00.2026 - UPWK Stock was up 5.1%

• The gap down in the stock price on January 20th might have created a buying opportunity for investors, leading to the bullish movement.
• The upcoming financial results announcement on February 9, 2026, could be generating positive sentiment among investors, anticipating strong performance.
• Despite a 55% loss over the last five years, the recent profitability and revenue growth of Upwork might be signaling a turnaround in the company's fortunes, attracting bullish interest in the stock.
• The market's reaction to the company's role in connecting businesses with global, AI-enabled talent and its significant transaction volume could be contributing to the bullish movement.

18.10.2025 - UPWK Stock was up 5.0%

• UPWK stock experienced a bullish movement today.
• The introduction of "The New Upwork" at the 2025 Investor Day outlining a long-term growth strategy, including forecasts of revenue and EBITDA growth rates, likely boosted investor confidence.
• The announcement of opening an international office in Lisbon to scale AI innovation and expand the global technical team indicates the company's commitment to expanding its global footprint and enhancing its technological capabilities, which could have contributed to the positive market sentiment.
• Overall, Upwork's strategic initiatives and focus on AI innovation seem to have resonated well with investors, driving the bullish movement in the stock.

27.00.2026 - UPWK Stock was down 5.0%

• A notable reduction of 33.0% in Upwork's stake by Baillie Gifford & Co. and the selling of shares by company insiders may have influenced negative investor sentiment, leading to a downturn in the stock.
• While analysts uphold a "Moderate Buy" rating and an average target price of $23.91, concerns regarding the future earnings growth outlook could have contributed to the bearish trajectory, despite recent price increases.
• The downward gap in Upwork shares on January 20th, alongside GuruFocus predicting a potential downside, likely intensified selling pressure and bolstered the bearish trend.
• The forthcoming financial results disclosure scheduled for February 9, 2026, might have introduced uncertainty in market sentiment, prompting some investors to adopt a more cautious stance towards Upwork stock, contributing to the bearish movement.

12.10.2025 - UPWK Stock was down 6.7%

• The expansion into Lisbon may indicate a move towards scaling AI innovation and growing the global technical team.
• Market reaction may have been influenced by concerns over potential costs and risks related to the new international office.
• Investors' caution about the short-term impact on Upwork's bottom line could be reflected in a bearish stock price trend.
• The market seems to be adopting a watchful stance to evaluate the effects of this strategic decision on Upwork's future growth and profitability.

20.10.2025 - UPWK Stock was up 6.3%

• UPWK stock notably rose by 7% in the recent trading session.
• Investor enthusiasm for Upwork's future outlook may have been influenced by the CFO's participation in the UBS Global Technology and AI Conference.
• The market's positive reception following Upwork's 2025 Investor Day, during which the company detailed a growth strategy projecting revenue acceleration and double-digit growth rates, likely boosted investor confidence.
• Upwork's strategic initiatives, such as AI technology integration, expansion into the enterprise sector, and increased engagement with small to medium-sized businesses, are speculated to have resonated well with investors, contributing to the stock's upward movement.

02.11.2025 - UPWK Stock was up 5.0%

• Hayden Brown, Upwork's President & CEO, recently unloaded a significant amount of company stock.
• Investor perception of insider selling varies, as it can signal a lack of confidence in the company's future performance.
• The market, however, viewed this insider selling differently, potentially interpreting it as a strategic decision by Brown or a means to diversify his portfolio.
• The positive movement in UPWK's stock price may be attributed to favorable market sentiment regarding the company's growth prospects, despite the insider selling activity.

09.11.2025 - UPWK Stock was up 5.1%

• The rising demand for human-centered skills, such as creativity, communication, and critical thinking, has likely contributed to the bullish movement in UPWK stock.
• Businesses integrating AI systems are facing challenges related to skill gaps, emphasizing the need for human expertise to ensure the quality and effectiveness of AI-generated output.
• The surge in demand for services like quality assurance testing, language tutoring, and creative skills, along with increased hiring in marketing and e-commerce for the holiday season, indicates a growing reliance on human creativity and communication to complement AI technologies.
• This trend showcases the symbiotic relationship between AI adoption and the necessity of human skills, driving UPWK stock higher as investors recognize the company's position in facilitating this transition.

03.01.2026 - UPWK Stock was down 6.7%

• The bearish movement in UPWK stock today could be attributed to the anticipation and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming quarterly earnings release scheduled for Monday. Investors might be taking a cautious approach leading up to the announcement.
• The recent insider sales by the CEO and other insiders could have also contributed to the negative sentiment around the stock, as it might signal lack of confidence or concerns about the company's performance.
• Despite positive long-term projections and analyst ratings, the short-term market reaction to insider selling and upcoming earnings release could have outweighed the positive outlook, leading to the bearish movement in UPWK stock today.