Getting Top Rated on Upwork is about understanding how the system actually works in 2025.
Upwork has changed. Clients are faster to judge, the algorithm tracks everything, and new freelancers arrive every minute. At the same time, real professionals now have more chances than ever to stand out – if the basics are set up right.
This guide will walk you through what it actually takes to earn (and keep) that Top Rated badge. No fluff and no empty tips. Just what matters now: what the algorithm looks at, what clients expect, and what’s worth focusing on if you want consistent, high-quality work on Upwork.
What Does “Top Rated” Status Mean on Upwork?
Let’s be clear – “Top Rated” on Upwork isn’t just a badge. It’s the platform’s way of saying: we trust this freelancer, because they’ve done a few jobs well and they’ve proven they can deliver consistently, communicate reliably, and leave clients genuinely satisfied.
The badge itself is algorithmic. It’s assigned when you hit certain thresholds – we’ll break those down shortly. In fact, only the top 10% of freelancers and agencies on Upwork earn it.
But behind the numbers, it’s really about signal: to clients, it means they’re less likely to be disappointed. To the algorithm, it means your account is stable, your track record is clean, and your recent activity shows you’re actively contributing to the platform.
In practical terms, that opens doors. You start showing up more often in search. Clients trust you more when they land on your profile. You even get more leverage in disputes and early access to beta features. But again: it’s not something you can “apply” for. The system gives it when the signals line up.
Okay, so it’s a trust signal. But what does it actually change in your work and visibility? Let's take a closer look.
Benefits of Being Top Rated on Upwork
Once you’re Top Rated, things become more predictable. Clients notice the badge. If you’re wondering how to become Upwork Top Rated, this is exactly what sets you apart – a quiet nudge that says, “this freelancer knows what they’re doing.” That first impression often makes the difference between being considered or skipped.
Here’s what actually changes when you hit Top Rated:
• More visibility in search. You’ll show up higher in results, even if your hourly rate is above average. The algorithm prioritizes reliability.
• Priority support and perks. You get access to faster Upwork support and early testing of new features. Small things, but they add up.
• More freedom with disputes. If a conflict comes up, Top Rated freelancers can remove one client’s feedback every few months, no questions asked.
• Better clients, fewer red flags. High-trust profiles attract more serious clients. It doesn’t mean you’ll never deal with a headache, but the overall quality tends to go up.
For many freelancers, the biggest shift is momentum. Once the badge is there, proposals land more often, clients message first, and rates stop getting questioned. You’re not stuck proving yourself from scratch on every new job.
But none of this is permanent. One dip in your metrics, and the badge goes. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the top rated requirements Upwork actually uses to assign (and remove) the badge.
Upwork Top Rated Freelancer Requirements Explained
So what exactly does it take to get that badge?
It’s not about doing “a good job.” It’s a mix of numbers, consistency, and trust signals. And while the system is fully automated, understanding what it tracks gives you a much better shot at getting there – and staying there.
If you’re wondering how to get Top Rated on Upwork, it all comes down to playing the long game the right way. Let’s walk through the key factors one by one.
Job Success Score (Upwork Top Rated Criteria)
This is the foundation. Your Job Success Score (JSS) reflects how consistently you deliver work that meets or exceeds client expectations. It’s calculated as a rolling average, based on public and private feedback across your recent contracts.
To meet the requirements to achieve Top Rated freelancer status on Upwork, your JSS needs to stay at or above 90% for at least 13 out of the last 16 weeks. If it drops below, even briefly, the countdown resets. So one bad review won’t ruin you – but a streak of them might.
How to improve Upwork Job Success Score? Focus on the pattern. Upwork wants to see a track record of good outcomes, not just one great month.
Earnings and Activity Levels
Upwork also wants to see that you’re active and bringing value to the platform.
You need to have earned at least $1,000 over the past 12 months from contracts with multiple clients. That shows clients are repeatedly choosing to work with you, not just once.
It’s not about grinding nonstop. But it does mean showing up regularly, keeping your pipeline alive, and avoiding long inactive stretches.
Client Feedback & Reviews
Both public star ratings and private feedback influence your standing. Clients are more likely to leave good feedback when communication is easy, while expectations are aligned.
The tricky part? Private feedback weighs more heavily in the algorithm. A client might leave 5 stars publicly, but rate you lower in the follow-up survey. You won’t see those numbers, but they’ll impact your JSS.
This is why it’s worth investing in the whole experience, not just the deliverables. How you close a contract often matters just as much as the work itself.
Account Standing & Profile Completeness
Lastly, your account needs to be in “good standing”, meaning no recent warnings, terms violations, or account holds.
You also need a complete profile, with your skills, work history, and identity verified. Incomplete profiles or outdated info can stop you from getting the badge, even if everything else looks solid.
Upwork treats your profile like a storefront. If it looks inactive or patchy, it’s a red flag – both to clients and the system itself.
That’s the core of it. These aren’t checkboxes you can game – they’re signals of trust and stability. And once you understand how they work, you can start building toward Top Rated the smart way.
In the next section, we’ll break down exactly how to accelerate that process, even if you’re just starting out.
How to Get Top Rated on Upwork: Fast & Simple Way
Looking up “upwork how to get top rated” hoping there’s a shortcut?
There is – but it’s not magic. Becoming Top Rated on Upwork doesn’t require luck or years of experience.
Here’s how to do it step-by-step.
Setting Up Your Profile for Success
Before you even think about getting your first job, your profile needs to show that you're ready. Clients don’t look for perfection – they do look for confidence and relevance. A 100% complete profile with a clear headline and well-written overview is non-negotiable.
If you're a designer, just show your latest work. If you’re a developer, list your strongest stacks. Add project descriptions that sound like you actually enjoyed the work (clients feel that). Don’t leave the portfolio empty even if you're just starting – 2-3 mock or personal projects still count.
Upwork's algorithm prioritizes filled-out profiles in search rankings. That means more visibility before you even send a proposal.
How to Get First Reviews On Upwork Quickly
The biggest trap is waiting too long for your "first perfect client." Instead, focus on speed and volume. Take on a few short-term jobs with fast turnaround times. They might not pay much, but they give you momentum.
Look for:
• Clients with low budgets but clear scope ("remove background from 20 images," "convert Figma to HTML" etc.)
• Clients hiring multiple freelancers
• Projects labeled as "entry level"
These jobs are easy wins that help you build feedback, prove reliability, and unlock the "rising talent" badge faster. Just make sure to deliver faster than expected, even if it's a small task. Clients love that, and those 5-star reviews start stacking.
Winning Proposals That Convert
Forget generic cover letters. No one reads them. Each proposal should do three things:
• Show you read the job
• Reassure the client you’ve done similar work
• Make it easy to say yes
That means:
• Open with a specific sentence that proves you understand their request.
• Mention something similar you've done and link to it.
• Suggest next steps: "Happy to send a quick sample" or "Can start tomorrow if that works."
Also, don’t bid bottom rates just to get the job. Clients associate extremely low bids with inexperience or poor quality. Competitive is fine – desperate is not.
Delivering High-Quality Work to Maintain Ratings
The fastest way to tank your profile is to treat small jobs like they don't matter.
Clients remember two things: did it work and was it easy?
That means:
• Communicate proactively ("just sent version 1, let me know your thoughts")
• Hit the deadline (or update early if you're blocked)
• Always ask for feedback before closing
Clients who feel like the process was smooth are more likely to leave glowing reviews, even if the work wasn’t perfect. And those early reviews shape your Job Success Score faster than you think.
But the game doesn’t stop there. Let’s go over how to keep your Top Rated status once you get it and avoid slipping right back down.
How to Maintain Your Top Rated Status On Upwork
Upwork recalculates your metrics constantly, so it’s not a “one and done” badge. If you want to keep it, you’ll need to build habits that protect your JSS, help you avoid disputes, and keep your profile active even between contracts.
Let’s break down what that looks like.
Tips to Become Top Rated Freelancer On Upwork
Your Job Success Score is a rolling average, not a lifetime achievement. So even if you’ve had a few great years, a couple of low-rated projects can bring it down fast.
Here’s what actually helps:
• Close contracts cleanly. Don’t let inactive contracts sit open. If the client disappears, request to close with a message like “Wrapping this up since there’s no ongoing work. Feel free to reach out anytime.”
• Avoid mid-project cancellations. If a job isn’t working out, offer a partial refund and close it as a completed milestone. Canceled contracts hurt more than finished ones with lower feedback.
• Use milestones to your advantage. On long projects, milestones act as mini-completions. This helps you stack “successful outcomes” before the full contract ends.
• Ask for feedback – but don’t push. A kind reminder once is fine. Pestering clients for 5-star reviews can backfire.
In 2025, freelancers who actively manage contract closure and feedback timing tend to have the most stable JSS. It’s more about rhythm than perfection.
Handling Difficult Clients and Disputes
Even with solid work, not every client will be easy.
If something starts to feel off:
• Document everything in Upwork messages. It protects you during mediation.
• Don’t hesitate to pause the contract. If a client becomes unresponsive or aggressive, pausing gives you leverage without escalating things immediately.
• Use Upwork’s dispute process wisely. For hourly contracts, Work Diary is your best defense. For fixed-price jobs, show deliverables and proof of agreement. But if the amount is small, weigh whether the stress is worth it – sometimes walking away preserves your score and sanity.
Dealing with bad clients doesn’t mean you failed. What matters is how you contain the damage and move forward. If you’re proactive, one bad project won’t ruin your track record.
By the way, scammers on Upwork are getting more sophisticated. And even Top Rated freelancers aren’t immune.
Make sure you’re not one contract away from a JSS hit or a chargeback.
👉 Here’s how to spot Upwork scams before they hit
Staying Active and Engaged on the Platform
This is one of the most important parts of how to increase Upwork ranking – and one of the easiest to overlook. Top Rated freelancers don’t just show up for work – they show up for the system.
This doesn’t mean endlessly scrolling the feed. But it does mean:
• Logging in regularly (Upwork flags dormant accounts)
• Keeping your profile updated, especially when your niche evolves
• Sending a few proposals monthly, even when you’re busy, to keep your momentum
• Testing new tools (like AI cover letter generators or proposal boosters) to stay competitive
And yes – by 2025, automating parts of your workflow is no longer a nice-to-have. Many Top Rated freelancers now use tools that track open jobs, optimize proposal timing, and even pre-fill cover letters using client data. That’s where things are going.
Let the System Work For You
You’ve done the hard part – figured out what works. Now automate the grind.
GigRadar tracks, scores, and qualifies leads while you sleep. All that’s left is to show up and close.
Your pipeline’s not gonna build itself.
See it in action:
This freelance email marketer hit Top Rated and closed $7K+ in just a few months using GigRadar without sending a single cold pitch manually.
Let’s fix that.
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