"Upwork vs Deployd: How to Build AI-Powered Internal Tools Without the Headaches"
Explore the differences between two platforms for hiring AI talent—one offers broad freelance access, while the other specializes in pre-vetted experts.
Apr 30, 2025
AI tools are transforming businesses, but hiring the right talent to build these tools can be challenging. Upwork and Deployd offer two distinct solutions for finding AI developers.
Upwork: A large freelance marketplace with over 10,000 skills. Ideal for short-term projects and flexible hiring. Features include an AI job post generator and a wide range of talent.
Deployd: Specializes in pre-vetted AI and low-code experts. Best for long-term projects and niche roles like AI Engineers or GPT Integrators.
Quick Comparison
Feature | Upwork | Deployd |
---|---|---|
Talent Pool | Broad, general freelance network | Specialized AI and low-code experts |
Hiring Speed | Moderate | Fast (pre-vetted talent) |
Pricing | 5–10% service fee, hourly rates vary | 20% flat fee, monthly contractor rates |
Best For | Short-term or flexible projects | Long-term, specialized AI implementation |
Choose Upwork for flexibility and variety or Deployd for fast access to specialized AI talent.
How Upwork and Deployd Work

Upwork's Freelance Platform Model
Upwork connects businesses with independent professionals across more than 10,000 skills [3]. Its AI assistant, Uma™, plays a key role in improving the overall user experience [4].
The platform's success is clear in the numbers - freelancers on Upwork earned over $3.8 billion in 2023 [3]. Here are some standout features of Upwork's model:
Feature | Description | Impact |
---|---|---|
Job Post Generator | Powered by GPT-3.5 | Cuts job posting time by 80% [4] |
GPT-4-based work app | Helps freelancers complete tasks more efficiently [4] | |
Uma AI Assistant | Human-centered AI | Boosts new client spending by 7% [4] |
"Uma is the mindful, human-centered AI that empowers our customers to work smarter and get work done on Upwork." - Andrew Rabinovich, head of AI & machine learning at Upwork [3]
Upwork's broad freelancer network, combined with advanced AI tools, sets it apart. On the other hand, Deployd takes a more specialized approach.
Deployd's AI and Low-Code Focus
Deployd focuses on connecting businesses with pre-vetted experts in AI tool development. This platform acts as a tech-enabled recruitment system, offering specialists in areas like AI engineering, prompt engineering, and GPT integration.
Some key aspects of Deployd's model include:
Feature | Benefit |
---|---|
Pre-vetted Talent | Developers with proven experience, ready to start immediately |
Specializes in roles like AI Engineers and GPT Integrators | |
Global Reach | Access to remote contractors worldwide |
Flexible Contracts | Allows quick and adaptable hiring arrangements |
Deployd excels in matching companies with skilled professionals for AI-powered internal tools. Its talent pool is tailored for industries such as finance, healthcare, logistics, SaaS, and insurance, ensuring contractors have relevant experience. The platform also simplifies the hiring process for technical teams by offering comprehensive support services.
While Upwork provides broad access to freelancers enhanced by AI, Deployd focuses on delivering specialized talent for fast and precise hiring needs. Both platforms contribute to advancing AI tool development in their own ways - Upwork through scale and AI-driven features, and Deployd through targeted expertise.
How To Hire The BEST Crew AI Developers on Upwork (2024)
Talent Hiring Process Comparison
Finding the right talent is key to accelerating AI tool development.
How Upwork Connects Talent
Upwork links businesses with AI developers through its freelance marketplace. Companies post their project requirements, and freelancers submit proposals. Using advanced algorithms, the platform matches profiles based on skills and experience. Clients can then review portfolios, ratings, and work history to make informed hiring decisions.
Stage | Process | AI Features |
---|---|---|
Job Posting | Define project requirements | - |
Candidate Matching | Profiles filtered by skills and experience | AI-powered shortlisting [5] |
Evaluation | Review portfolios, ratings, and work history | Automated skills assessment and verification |
Selection | Interview and hire candidates | AI tools for streamlined communication |
Upwork’s AI developers boast an average rating of 4.8/5 across 2,564 reviews, with hourly rates ranging from $13 to $250 [6]. This structured process showcases the platform's ability to connect businesses with skilled professionals through algorithm-driven tools.
How Deployd Screens Contractors
Deployd focuses on sourcing contractors with specialized AI and low-code expertise. The platform maintains a curated network of pre-vetted professionals skilled in roles like AI Engineers, Prompt Engineers, and GPT Integrators. Deployd places a strong emphasis on industry-specific experience in areas such as finance, healthcare, logistics, SaaS, and insurance. This ensures contractors are equipped with enterprise-level skills, reducing hiring time without compromising quality.
Talent Search Features Side-by-Side
Here’s a quick comparison of the two platforms:
Feature | Upwork | Deployd |
---|---|---|
Talent Pool | Broad freelance network | Pre-screened AI specialists |
Skill Verification | Client reviews and assessments | Verified enterprise expertise |
Industry Focus | Wide range of industries | Focused on high-demand sectors |
Deployment Speed | Project-dependent | Fast contractor placement |
With generative AI modeling growing by up to 220% year-over-year and 81% of C-suite executives prioritizing skills-based hiring [7], specialization is becoming increasingly important.
Upwork offers access to professionals skilled in areas like predictive analytics, natural language processing, cloud-based AI system deployment, neural network development, and data science workflows [6]. Meanwhile, Deployd connects businesses with contractors tailored to specific AI implementation needs, ensuring quick results.
Project Management Tools and Support
Upwork's Project Tools
Upwork simplifies project management with its Desktop App, which combines time tracking, messaging, and secure payment processing into one platform [8]. The addition of Uma enhances proposal reviews and speeds up talent selection [2]. This all-in-one system differs from Deployd's focus on specialized talent placement.
Core Project Features | Collaboration Tools | Payment & Protection |
---|---|---|
Time tracking system | Direct messaging | Secure payment processing |
Milestone tracking | Video conferencing | Payment protection |
File management | Calendar integration | Dispute resolution |
Task organization | Screen recording | 10% service fee [5] |
Deployd's Project Services
Deployd focuses on quickly matching businesses with pre-vetted experts, such as AI Engineers, GPT Integrators, and Low-Code Consultants. The platform also offers optional support for every step, from sourcing to onboarding. This ensures companies can access ready-to-work specialists without delays.
Management Features Compared
Upwork provides a platform with built-in tools for managing projects, while Deployd emphasizes fast and efficient talent placement. Both solutions cater to the growing demand for speed and precision in AI tool development.
"Our goal is to make Upwork the premier destination for on-demand work outcomes. Upwork has always connected businesses to the world's best expert talent, but Uma is a pivotal tool in delivering faster and better work results for our customers."
– Hayden Brown, Upwork's president and CEO [2]
Management Aspect | Upwork | Deployd |
---|---|---|
Project Structure | Client-managed with integrated tools | Placement-focused model |
Support Level | Self-service with optional services | Optional end-to-end support |
Communication | Built-in messaging and video features | Direct contact with talent specialists |
Specialization | Broad project management capabilities | Expertise in AI and low-code talent |
Price Structure Analysis
Both platforms have different pricing models tailored to various project requirements.
Upwork's Pricing Model
Upwork offers several service tiers with varying fees:
Plan Type | Service Fee | ACH Payment Fee | Contract Initiation |
---|---|---|---|
Marketplace | 5% | 3% | Required per contract |
Business Plus | 10% | 8% | Waived (except for fixed-price contracts under $100) |
Enterprise | Custom | Custom | None |
Rates for software development on Upwork generally fall into these ranges:
Entry-level developers: $20–40/hour
Mid-level specialists: $40–70/hour
Experienced professionals and AI engineers: $70–100/hour
Freelancers also pay a 10% fee on their earnings [11].
Deployd's Cost Structure
Deployd operates with a straightforward flat fee of 20% based on contractor compensation [9]. For example, hiring an AI engineer at $5,000 per month ($60,000 annually) would result in a monthly platform fee of $1,000 [9].
Cost Comparison Chart
Cost Factor | Upwork | Deployd |
---|---|---|
Base Fee | Variable (5–10%) | Flat 20% |
Additional Charges | Contract initiation and payment fees | None |
Developer Rates | $10–100/hour [10] | Market-based rates |
Payment Model | Hourly or fixed-price | Monthly contractor rates |
Hidden Costs | Service and processing fees | None reported |
"At Teilur Talent, we charge a flat rate fee of 20% of what the client pays. This way, our clients know exactly what they are paying for and how much the candidate gets" [9].
These pricing models highlight the different ways each platform handles talent acquisition and project management. Knowing these details can help you decide which platform fits your AI project needs best.
Platform Selection Guide
This guide breaks down essential factors to help you pick the right platform for your AI project.
Best Uses for Upwork
Upwork is ideal for businesses seeking a wide range of AI talent and flexible project arrangements. With access to over 10,000 skills, it works well for:
Short-term AI projects requiring niche expertise
Teams needing quick, on-demand AI support
Startups looking to experiment with AI integration on a budget
Upwork's AI tools, like Uma, simplify the hiring process, cutting job posting times nearly in half [1].
Best Uses for Deployd
Deployd specializes in providing pre-vetted AI and low-code experts, making it a strong choice for:
Large-scale AI implementation projects
Long-term contractor needs
Highly specialized technical roles
This platform reduces hiring delays and ensures access to top-tier talent, addressing challenges like those mentioned earlier. Deployd serves industries such as finance, healthcare, logistics, and SaaS, offering expertise in areas like:
AI Engineering
Prompt Engineering
GPT Integration
Decision Checklist
Decision Factor | Choose Upwork If You Need | Choose Deployd If You Need |
---|---|---|
Project Duration | Short-term or flexible engagements | Ongoing AI development support |
Talent Scope | Broad access to various skills | Specialized AI and low-code experts |
Budget Structure | Per-project or hourly billing | Pay-as-you-go contractor model |
Management Style | DIY project oversight | Full-service contractor management |
Key considerations:
Timeline Needs: Upwork has seen a 450% rise in weekly AI-related job postings [12], while Deployd offers faster deployment through pre-vetted contractors.
Skill Level: Use Upwork's talent ratings to ensure quality results or tap into Deployd's enterprise-level specialists for complex tasks.
Support Options: Choose between Upwork's self-service model with AI tools or Deployd's hands-on contractor management.
Evaluate these factors to select the platform that best aligns with your AI project requirements.
FAQs
What makes Deployd a better choice than Upwork for building AI-powered internal tools?
Deployd offers a streamlined, all-in-one solution for creating AI-powered internal tools without the typical challenges of freelance platforms like Upwork. With Deployd, you gain access to a dedicated team of skilled developers who specialize in AI, ensuring high-quality results tailored to your business needs.
Unlike Upwork, where finding and managing freelancers can be time-consuming, Deployd handles the entire process - from project planning to execution - saving you time and reducing the risk of delays. Additionally, Deployd's transparent pricing and focus on long-term solutions make it a cost-effective and reliable choice for businesses looking to avoid the headaches of traditional hiring methods.
How does Deployd guarantee the quality and expertise of its AI and low-code developers?
Deployd ensures top-tier quality and expertise by rigorously vetting its AI and low-code talent. Every developer undergoes a thorough screening process that evaluates technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with AI-powered tools. Only candidates who meet strict standards are accepted into the platform.
Additionally, Deployd continuously monitors project performance and provides ongoing support to ensure high-quality outcomes. This commitment to excellence allows businesses to confidently build AI-driven internal tools without the usual hiring challenges.
Which industries can benefit the most from Deployd's AI talent pool?
Deployd's specialized AI talent pool is particularly valuable for industries that rely on data-driven decision-making and process automation. These include sectors like healthcare, where AI can optimize patient care and streamline administrative tasks, finance, where predictive analytics and fraud detection are critical, and retail, where AI enhances personalized customer experiences and inventory management.
Additionally, industries like logistics, manufacturing, and technology can leverage Deployd's expertise to implement AI solutions that improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation. No matter the sector, Deployd helps businesses build tailored AI-powered tools to meet their unique challenges and goals.
Related posts
Best Places to Hire AI Developers in 2025”
"Upwork vs Fiverr vs Deployd: Who Wins for AI & Automation Projects?"
"Where to Hire AI Developers for Startups in 2025"
Where to Find the Best AI Developers for Startups in 2025