iHire, the Frederick, Maryland-based employment platform behind a family of 57 industry-focused talent networks, has announced the launch of a new freelance marketplace built around one clear differentiator: industry specialization. Unveiled on July 14, 2026, the platform connects employers with vetted, U.S.-based independent contractors who bring direct experience in their field — a deliberate contrast to sprawling, generalist gig platforms with overwhelming global talent pools.

The marketplace is designed for defined, project-based engagements with specific deliverables, giving businesses a faster and more affordable route to specialized expertise without adding long-term headcount. Whether an employer needs a short-term project completed or niche skills on demand, iHire says its industry-aligned matching helps them find talent that is ready to make an immediate impact.

Backed by Data: The Freelance Revolution

The launch is grounded in findings from iHire's recent research report, "The Freelance Revolution: Insights Into the 2026 U.S. Workforce." The study found that 61% of candidates surveyed find freelancing appealing, and of that group, 73% are drawn to it primarily for the flexibility it offers. Momentum is building on the supply side, too: 56% of freelancers said they expect to take on more project-based work in 2026.

Flook emphasized that flexibility sits at the center of this workforce shift, and that the new marketplace was created to give employers on-demand access to the exact experts they need — while opening more doors for modern job seekers to discover meaningful work and grow their careers on their own terms. He also reassured customers that traditional hiring isn't going anywhere: full-time roles can still be found and filled on iHire.

---

How the Marketplace Works for Employers and Candidates

For employers, the platform streamlines the entire contract-hiring cycle: post a project, get matched with qualified candidates from iHire's trusted job seeker network, review proposals, and make offers quickly. Hiring teams can evaluate each freelancer's experience, portfolio, references, and past project feedback, and message candidates directly on the platform before committing.

For candidates, the marketplace surfaces verified opportunities matched to their industry and skills — without the noise of crowded, generic freelance sites. After building a profile and portfolio to showcase their experience, freelancers can bid confidently on projects, review and accept offers with defined milestones, and get paid upon completion of the assignment. With more than 20 years of job-matching expertise across networks such as WorkInSports, iHireVeterinary, iHireDental, iHireConstruction, and iHireChefs, iHire is positioning the marketplace as a natural extension of its industry-specific, candidate-centric, data-driven approach to recruitment.