Research by Freelancehunt showed that in January—September 2026 the number of simple orders on the Ukrainian freelance market fell, while demand rose for AI video (artificial intelligence, AI) and technical specialisations. The median check (the median project budget — the value that divides the sample of budgets in half) in the “Text translation” category doubled, while the number of projects in that category decreased by 63,5%.
Rising budgets and changing task complexity
In the “Text translation” category the median check for January—September 2026 doubled compared with the same period in 2025, while the number of orders fell by 63,5%. The rise in the average check is partly explained by the disappearance from the statistics of the smallest, cheapest projects as simple tasks began to be completed using AI.
There is also a noticeable price increase for orders in video editing and website design. Clients are increasingly automating simple routine work and outsourcing more complex jobs to freelancers: software localisation, translation of legal documents, literary texts, expert verification of AI outputs, full video production and complex animation.
Which areas are growing and by how much
Orders in AI video, recruitment and consulting are growing the fastest. In January—September 2026 the number of orders in the AI video category increased by 26,3%, and the median check in this category rose by 26,6% compared with the same period in 2025.
The emergence of new AI specialisations does not necessarily eliminate the need for human labour: automation creates new tasks for specialists, and demand for professional services remains because businesses increasingly commission comprehensive, rather than piecemeal, solutions.
Services losing demand
The largest falls have been in categories where the outcome can be relatively easily automated. This primarily concerns routine texts and simple tasks that businesses increasingly perform themselves using AI tools.
That does not necessarily mean the complete disappearance of these professions; the nature of paid work is changing. Instead of simple translation clients order localisation, instead of a standalone text — content tailored to a specific business goal, and instead of template layout — a ready-made digital solution; the market is moving away from paying per operation towards paying for a comprehensive result.
Where the largest average budgets are
The highest average budgets are concentrated in technical specialisations. First place is the category “Cryptocurrency and blockchain” with an average budget of 17 472 UAH; in the “Bot development” area the average budget is 14 826 UAH, which is approximately 18% less than the leader.
The top ten categories by highest average budgets are mainly development, programming, automation and CRM solutions; interior design also made the list. The specific budget depends on the scope, complexity and client requirements.
