"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

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]

Upwork Chat Pro

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

AI and Low-Code Expertise

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:

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:

  1. Timeline Needs: Upwork has seen a 450% rise in weekly AI-related job postings [12], while Deployd offers faster deployment through pre-vetted contractors.

  2. Skill Level: Use Upwork's talent ratings to ensure quality results or tap into Deployd's enterprise-level specialists for complex tasks.

  3. 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.

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