Airtasker and Upwork both let Australians earn money through gig work — but they're built for very different things. Choosing the wrong one wastes weeks of effort. This comparison breaks down exactly which platform is right for your situation.
Airtasker vs Upwork: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Airtasker | Upwork |
|---|---|---|
| Primary market | Australia | Global (USD) |
| Task types | Physical + digital | Digital / professional only |
| Service fee | 10–20% | 10–20% |
| Currency | AUD | USD (converted to AUD) |
| Client base | Australian individuals + businesses | International businesses |
| Competition level | Medium (Australian only) | High (global workers) |
| Payment security | Escrow (Airtasker Pay) | Escrow (Upwork escrow) |
| Physical tasks | Yes | No |
| Best for | Physical skills + local AU clients | Professional digital services |
Earnings: Which Pays More?
This is where it gets nuanced. Australian rates vs global rates are very different:
Airtasker pays Australian rates — which are high by global standards. A cleaning job pays $45–$60/hour in Australian dollars. A graphic design task pays $50–$100 AUD/hour. The clients are local Australians who understand and expect local pricing.
Upwork is a global marketplace where you compete with workers from lower cost-of-living countries. Entry-level writing or design work on Upwork often pays $10–$20 USD/hour. But specialist professional work — senior web development, conversion copywriting, strategic consulting — commands $75–$200 USD/hour on Upwork, which is $115–$310 AUD at current exchange rates.
Bottom line on earnings:
- For physical tasks (cleaning, lawn mowing, removalist work): Airtasker wins easily — Upwork doesn't offer physical tasks
- For entry-level digital work: Airtasker wins — Australian rates beat global competition pricing
- For senior specialist skills: Upwork can win — access to US/European clients paying premium USD rates
Competition: Where Is It Easier to Win Work?
Airtasker is an Australian-only platform, meaning you're competing with a smaller pool of local workers. A new profile with 0 reviews can still win tasks — particularly physical ones where availability and proximity matter more than rating history.
Upwork has fierce global competition. A new profile with 0 reviews competing for writing or design work faces proposals from established workers with 100+ reviews from the Philippines, India, and Eastern Europe — many charging a fraction of Australian rates. Breaking through as a new Upwork freelancer takes significantly more persistence.
The exception: highly specialised professional skills. If you offer niche expertise (technical SEO, Shopify development, financial modelling), Upwork's global client base means more high-value opportunities than you'd find on Airtasker.
Fees: Are They the Same?
Both platforms charge 10–20% service fees, but the structure differs:
Airtasker fees:
- Basic (free): 20% fee
- Plus ($9.99/month): 15% fee
- Pro ($29.99/month): 10% fee
Upwork fees:
- Up to $500 with a client: 20% fee
- $500.01–$10,000 with a client: 10% fee
- Over $10,000 with a client: 8% fee
Upwork's fee structure rewards long-term client relationships — once you've billed a client $500, your fee drops to 10% for all future work with them. This incentivises building ongoing retainer relationships, which is where Upwork earns best for Australians.
Which Is Better for Beginners?
Airtasker is better for beginners — full stop. Lower competition, Australian clients who understand local pricing, and the ability to win physical tasks (which don't require a portfolio or reviews to win initially) make it more accessible.
Start on Airtasker, build your review profile and confidence, then add Upwork once you have demonstrated skills and work samples to show international clients.
Which Should You Use?
- Use Airtasker if: You want Australian clients, you do physical work, you're new to freelancing, or you want AUD payments without currency conversion complexity
- Use Upwork if: You have specialist digital skills, you want access to US/European clients, or you want to build long-term retainer relationships with international businesses
- Use both if: You're a digital freelancer — Airtasker for local quick wins, Upwork for high-value international retainers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Airtasker or Upwork better for Australians?
For most Australians, Airtasker is the better starting point — lower competition, local clients, and physical tasks available. Upwork becomes valuable for specialists with strong portfolios seeking international clients and USD rates.
Can you use Airtasker and Upwork at the same time?
Yes — and many Australian freelancers do. Airtasker for local Australian clients, Upwork for international projects. The platforms don't conflict and serve different client bases.
Do Upwork and Airtasker take the same fees?
Both take up to 20% on initial work. Upwork reduces to 10% after $500 billed with a client, then 8% after $10,000. Airtasker reduces fees through paid membership plans ($9.99–$29.99/month).
Our Verdict
Start on Airtasker. Add Upwork once you have skills and work samples to show. Use both simultaneously once you're established — they serve different client markets and the combination maximises your earning potential as an Australian freelancer.