If you’ve ever scrolled through freelancer profiles on Upwork, you’ve likely seen a few shiny badges attached to some of them—“Rising Talent,” “Top Rated,” and others. They’re easy to overlook, especially if you’re just getting started and focused on landing your first job. But here’s the thing: those little badges pack a big punch.
Today, I’m breaking down what each Upwork badge means, how you can earn one, and the benefits of having them displayed proudly on your profile. Whether you’re brand new to the platform or you’re aiming to level up, understanding Upwork’s badge system is key to standing out and growing your freelance income.
Why Upwork Uses Badges
Upwork’s badge system is designed to reward high-performing freelancers and give clients an easy way to gauge quality, consistency, and reliability. These badges are earned—not bought—which makes them even more valuable in the eyes of potential clients.
A badge on your profile sends a clear message: “You can trust me to do great work.”
Now, let’s take a closer look at each badge and what it takes to earn it.
- Rising Talent Badge
Who it’s for: Freelancers who are new to the platform but already showing potential.
How to qualify:
- A strong profile with professional presentation
- Consistent delivery of quality work
- High client satisfaction on early projects
- Good communication and a solid work ethic
- Compliance with Upwork’s Terms of Service
Why it matters:
This badge helps newcomers get noticed. It tells clients, “This freelancer is one to watch,” which can be the edge you need to start building your reputation. Bonus: Rising Talent freelancers don’t pay the sliding-scale service fee for their first job—it’s just a flat 10%.
- Top Rated Badge
Who it’s for: Freelancers with a proven track record of success on the platform.
How to qualify:
- A Job Success Score (JSS) of 90% or higher
- At least $1,000 in earnings over the past 12 months
- 100% complete profile
- Consistent activity on the platform
- No recent account holds or major issues
Why it matters:
The Top Rated badge unlocks special perks—like early access to premium jobs and priority customer support. More importantly, it tells clients you’re not just good—you’re consistently good. That trust leads to higher rates and repeat work.
- Top Rated Plus Badge
Who it’s for: Experienced freelancers who’ve succeeded on large contracts with big clients.
How to qualify:
- Everything required for the Top Rated badge, plus:
- At least $10,000 in earnings within the past 12 months
- A history of success on long-term or high-budget projects
- Working with clients who spend a lot on Upwork
Why it matters:
This badge is especially powerful if you’re aiming to work with high-value or enterprise clients. It signals that you can handle complex projects, collaborate well, and deliver serious results. It also gives you access to exclusive job invitations with less competition.
- Expert-Vetted Badge
Who it’s for: Freelancers who are elite in their field—especially in development, design, and marketing.
How to qualify:
- Typically invitation-only
- Must complete a multi-step vetting process, including interviews and skill assessments
- Strong work history and exceptional client feedback
- Demonstrated expertise in high-demand categories
Why it matters:
This is Upwork’s highest level of freelancer recognition. Clients know right away that you’re among the best on the platform. As an Expert-Vetted freelancer, you’ll get access to Upwork Enterprise clients, premium job invites, and some of the highest-paying projects available.
So… Do Badges Really Help?
Yes—big time. Here’s how:
- They build trust with potential clients before you even send a proposal.
- They open doors to better opportunities with higher budgets.
- They show Upwork that you’re a serious professional, which can lead to more support and exposure.
Even if you’re just starting out, you can make a plan to earn your first badge. And if you’re already Top Rated, keep going! Every step up increases your visibility, reputation, and potential income.
Concluding Thoughts
Badges aren’t everything—but they sure help. Think of them as milestones on your freelancing journey. They reward you for doing great work, and they help great clients find you.
At RPT Virtual Services, we coach our clients not just to land jobs—but to build sustainable, successful freelance careers. Earning badges like Rising Talent or Expert-Vetted is part of that process, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Want help qualifying for your first or next badge? Let’s talk!
And if you haven’t already, check out our video on this exact topic over on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CsGvvhHw56k