The Job Success Score (JSS) is calculated by Upwork using a rolling average of your last 12 contracts, weighted by the contract value, client feedback, and the outcome of each project. The algorithm specifically looks at whether contracts ended with a satisfied client, were closed without any negative private feedback, and whether you maintained long-term relationships. A score above 90% is considered “Top Rated” eligible, while anything below 60% can lead to account restrictions.
To give you a clearer picture of the weightings, here is a breakdown of the main factors based on Upwork’s official documentation and community data:
| Factor | Impact on Score | Explanation |
|---|
| Client Feedback (Public & Private) | 40% | Public star ratings matter, but private feedback (the “would you recommend” question) is far more influential. A single “not likely to recommend” can drop your score significantly. |
| Contract Value | 30% | Higher-value contracts weigh more heavily in your average. A $5,000 project affects your score more than a $50 project. |
| Long-Term Relationship | 20% | Contracts that last several months or are recurring are seen as stronger signals of trust. A long-term client who gives consistent 5-star feedback boosts your score. |
| On-Time Completion & No Disputes | 10% | Contracts that end with no disputes, no refunds, and are completed on time are positive. Any dispute resolution or refund is a negative signal. |
The score is calculated every two weeks, so it updates dynamically. It is not a simple average of all your ratings; it is a machine learning model that looks for patterns. For example, if you have ten $50 contracts with 5 stars, but one $5,000 contract ends with negative private feedback, that large contract will pull your average down more than the small ones pull it up. The system also looks at the recency of work – an old contract from three years ago has less impact than a contract from last month. So, to maintain a high score, focus on closing each contract with a clear “yes” in the private feedback question and avoid disputes at all costs.
