20 Best Jobs to Take on as a Freelancer

Freelancing offers you the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, set your own hours and take on as much or little work as you want. It can be an excellent way to make money if you are a skilled professional in demand.

But with so many freelancers out there, how do you know which jobs are worth taking? Read this article for 10 great freelance jobs that will help get your business off the ground!

According to a recent study by the Freelancers Union in partnership with Upwork, 57 million Americans are freelancing. I bet you want to be counted among these people enjoying some freelancing benefits right?

Table of Contents show

What Skills Can I Freelance?

The freelancing industry has been booming over the past couple of years. With most people around the world looking for jobs that offer flexibility and higher earning potential. As this is a growing industry, there are several options that keep popping up as human needs change every waking day.

A few years ago, social media wasn’t a thing , but now, we see people earning a living through their social media channels. Sites like YouTube and Facebook have created new opportunities for businesses to market themselves in ways never seen before.

Sites like Etsy are another example of how freelancing is changing with the times. People who love making things can set up an online store on this site, and can sell their creations to a whole new audience.

Another freelancing option is writing articles for websites that have high traffic and are willing to pay people who understand the value of content marketing and SEO. You don’t need any experience or degree, just good English skills with some knowledge about internet business trends will give you an edge over your competition.

There are many other options for you to consider. If you have the skills, the patience and a willingness to work hard, then there is no reason why freelancing cannot be your choice of career in today’s world.

Best Jobs to Freelance

While almost any monetizable skill can be freelanced, some have a better chance at success. In most cases, freelance jobs pay per hour. Hourly rates vary depending on ones skills and how they market themselves. We’ve got freelancers who charge $5 per hour and those whose hourly rate is $200+.

In this article we’ll take a look at paying freelance jobs that will help you grow yous skills. High paying freelance job that is high in demand and the hourly rate can sustain you. We will also take a look at some of the top freelancing platforms where you can find a freelance job and grow your career doing something you love.

Highest Paying Freelance Jobs

Want to grow your freelance career, here are the top jobs to take on as a freelancer:

1) Web Designer

A website designer has a lot of work and is highly paid. You need to have knowledge about HTML, CSS, JavaScript as well as the latest design trends on web browsers like Chrome, Safari etc.

Web designers usually bill clients by the hour or day for their services depending on availability and scope of work. The average rate for an experienced web designer is about $50 per hour but the range can be from $15 to more than $200.

As a web designer, you’ll be responsible for creating online projects such as websites and landing pages that are attractive to visitors .

This is an excellent job if you have experience with Photoshop or Illustrator because these tools will definitely come into play when designing your projects.

You should be able to create custom graphics that will attract visitors and drive them to the product or service you are promoting, as well as knowing how to use HTML editing tools like Dreamweaver in order to make changes on a website.

What’s really nice about being a web designer is there always new jobs available because website owners constantly need to update and edit their sites.

If you are a web designer, then Upwork and Freelancer will help grow your career as they have thousands of clients looking for website designers who don’t mind paying top dollar for freelancers around the world .

2) Search engine optimization (SEO)

Search engine optimization is probably the most important part of a website. This can range from on page optimization, link building and all the way to optimizing your entire site for specific search queries or keywords.

An SEO professional looking for clients can find many options online as well as offline via cold calling etc. The pay varies depending on the client but most SEO professionals charge between $20 and more than $100 per hour.

The best options to find freelance jobs are Upwork and Freelancer . You can also check out sites like Fiverr, PeoplePerHour etc. These sites have a huge pool of website owners looking to hire freelancers who can help optimize their sites.

3) Facebook ads manager

Who would have ever thought that Facebook can generate income? Big brands and businesses are using this platform to connect with their customers. This has opened up opportunities for freelancers who want to work as a Facebook ads manager.

This is an interesting job because one needs to know the latest trends in social media marketing so they can help clients grow their business on Facebook.

Most companies pay between $20 to $100 per hour for this type of job. If you can show clients that they’ll get ROI with Facebook ads, you shouldn’t have trouble finding freelance work. As a Facebook ads manager, you’ll need to know how to target the right audience , use different ad formats, optimize campaigns etc.

You can use Facebook to find potential clients. Having a portfolio of businesses you’ve worked with before can help boost your chances.

4) Copywriter

Copywriters write content for commercials, websites and even social media posts. If you have a knack of writing catchy ads that sell then this job can be perfect for you.

The pay varies depending on the size of the company or brand but most copy writers make between $20 to more than $100 per hour . Having good grammar is a plus as well.

Most companies and brands are looking for people who can write content that will help them sell their product or service to the right audience . If you have a knack of writing catchy ad copy then Upwork, Freelancer and Fiverr are great options to find freelance jobs.

5) Virtual assistant (VA)

VA’s are one of the most in demand jobs out there. This is because anyone can become a virtual assistant and it doesn’t require any special skills or certifications .

Being a virtual assistant means that you will be working as an office assistant for different companies around the world.

All they ask from you is to have good communication skills, a fast internet connection and a computer .

VA’s offer different types of services like social media management, content writers, email management, etc. The pay varies depending on the client but most virtual assistants make between $10 to more than $50 per hour.

This job is perfect for someone who wants work from home or simply find freelance work as it can be done from anywhere.

6) Social media manager

Social media managers are in high demand and command good rates. This is because they need to be updated with the latest trends and tools as well as social media marketing strategies .

Most companies want someone who can help them manage their Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram accounts.

If you have a knack of writing catchy posts for social media then this job is perfect for you. You can find freelance work on sites like Upwork, Freelancer and Fiverr.

You’ll need to know how to use hashtags effectively , promote brand awareness but not overdo it etc.

If your social media accounts are already popular then that will also help boost your chances of getting hired as a social media manager.

The best part of this job is that you get to work as a remote worker or freelance which means that it’s perfect if you’re looking to travel the world while working at the same time .

If your aim is to save money then starting a blog and gaining a following on social media can help you land this type of job.

The pay varies depending on the company but most companies that hire full time employees offer around $20 to more than $100 per hour . Read more about how to become a freelance social media manager here.

7) Transcriptionist

As a transcriptionist, you will be transcribing audio and video files for clients.

You don’t need any special skills or certifications to get started and can even work as a remote worker.

This means that it’s perfect for someone who is looking for a work at home position to supplement their income.

The pay varies depending on how fast you can type and the quality of your work.

Most transcriptionists make between $15 to more than $30 per audio hour. Most transcription companies pay per audio minute.

If English is not your first language then having experience transcribing audio files in different niches will help boost your chances of getting hired as a transcriptionist.

If you want to grow this into a career, investing in the right tools will help you produce good transcripts more faster.

8 ) Web developer

If you have development skills then this is one of the best paying freelance jobs to take on as a freelancer.

This job allows you to work remotely and has more growth potential than other types of freelance positions because it’s in high demand .

Most web developers that are hired full time make around $30,000 per year but if they’re freelancing then the pay varies depending on how fast they can work and their skills.

You can find freelance web development positions online through sites like Upwork, Freelancer and Fiverr.

It’s also a great way to get your foot in the door for full time jobs since most companies look for people who have experience working as a freelancer first.

The pay varies depending on the company but most businesses that hire full time employees offer around $100 to more than $200 per hour . Note that some like IBM and Apple have different salary packages so you’ll need to research this.

9) Mobile App Developer

If you have a knack for coding then the best way to get started is by working as a freelance mobile app developer.

This job allows you to work remotely and is in high demand. In addition, it’s a lucrative option for freelancers. This means that there are many companies looking for people who can create apps, making this among the highest paying freelance jobs with a great long-term opportunity.

The pay varies depending on how fast you can work and your skills . Most companies that hire full time employees offer around $40,000 to more than $100,000 per year but if they’re hiring people for freelance positions then the hourly rate ranges from $35 to more than $60.

Read more about how to become a freelance mobile app developer here.

10) Software development

This is one of the highest paying freelance jobs and it’s in high demand. If you have a programming or development background then this is great for you.

It doesn’t matter if your skills are more advanced or not, there will always be companies who need people to create different types of software.

Software development pay varies depending on your skills set but most companies that hire full time employees offer around $35,000 to more than $100,000 per year.

As a freelance software developer, your take home hourly rate could range from $50 to $120. Note that small businesses don’t always list the pay range so it’s best to do your research first.

11) Graphic designer

This is one of the highest paying jobs in 2021 and it’s expected to grow even more.

If you have design skills then this is great for you.

Businesses are always looking for graphic designers so if you’re interested in working as a freelancer, there will always be opportunities available.

The pay varies depending on how fast your work and your skillset. Most companies that hire full time employees offer around $25,000 to more than $40,000 per year but if you’re freelance then the hourly rate ranges from $20 all the way up to $80 .

As a freelance graphic designer, you can expect to work on various projects such as designing flyers, logos and banners. You can charge more by offering ad on services. See what skills you have that can complement your graphic design skills and include them in your freelance package.

12) Freelance photographer

Nowadays, people are always looking to hire a photographer. If you have the right skills then this is definitely something that’s worth exploring.

The pay varies depending on your niche. Family photography and wedding photography are some of the freelance photography niches you can pursue. While some may not categorize it among the highest paying freelance jobs, it’s a fun and fulfilling position to take on.

If you are good at cooking, consider looking into food photography. Food bloggers are always looking for amazing photos to accompany their recipes. Don’t want to be hired as a freelance photographer? Consider selling your photos on stock photo sites.

Your pay varies depending on the type of photography you specialize in. Wedding and family photographers can charge around $250 per hour while those who sell their photos online can earn up to more than $50 for every photo sold . In addition to that, you also earn royalties whenever your photos are used.

13) Freelance writer

Freelancing as a freelance writer is an excellent idea if you love writing and have the time to work on it full-time or part-time for some extra income. If that sounds like something up your alley, then this is definitely worth pursuing.

The pay varies depending on your writing skills, the niche you want to write about and where you are willing to publish.

Generally speaking, most freelance writers earn around $15 per hour but if you’re good at it then there’s a lot of potential for growth such as being able to charge more or getting paid based on performance.

As freelance writers, you can expect to write articles that are related to your interests. This is especially true for when you pursue writing on the side while working full-time. Most companies will pay around $25 per article but this could vary depending on where you publish it. If you market yourself well, you can earn as high as $500 per 1000 word article.

13) Data entry

Data entry is one of those freelance positions that are often looked down on but are an essential part of a business. This is a perfect freelance job for beginners who haven’t yet figured out what career path they want to pursue.

Data entry is an excellent way to earn a little extra money on the side. The pay varies depending on your speed and experience but it can range up to $20 per hour .

Read More: How Much Can You Earn as a Data Entry Worker?

As data entry workers, you’re responsible for inputting information into various databases, online forms and spreadsheets.

You can expect to earn around $10 per hour for this type of work. There are other factors that determine how much you’ll make such as your location, experience level and speed at which you do the job. Some of the companies you may end up working for include garbage collecting and research companies.

14) IT Support

As an IT support worker, you are tasked with resolving all sorts of computer-related issues that your clients may encounter.

This is a great job to take on if you’re someone who wants flexible hours and loves doing different things every day .

The pay varies depending on the experience level as well as location but most companies will offer around $12 per hour.

This is another type of job that’s great for someone who wants to start freelancing and have flexible working hours. As an IT support worker, you’ll be expected to handle all sorts of computer-related issues such as malware removal, virus scans, and firewall installations.

15) Digital marketing

Digital marketing is a type of freelancing that’s perfect for anyone who loves using the internet. Digital marketers are tasked with planning and executing marketing campaigns through online channels such as SEM, social media, PPC and email marketing .

While digital marketing takes on different forms, the pay is fairly consistent regardless of the type. This means you’ll be able to earn around a $50 hourly rate.

If you have experience in digital marketing, then this can definitely be an excellent job for making money online or even on the side while working full-time somewhere else.

As a digital marketer, you’ll be expected to do things such as search engine marketing (SEM), pay-per-click advertising and email marketing. The pay varies depending on experience level and other factors.

16) Translation

The world is a global village but we all speak different languages. Translation is among the high paying freelance jobs currently as businesses strive to have their content in multiple languages.

Whether it’s for digital marketing or other purposes, most small and multi-national businesses that span various localities want their content to be understood in people’s native language.

This is an excellent job for people who are multilingual and have an eye for detail. The hourly rate can range from $20 (for beginners) up to over $50 depending on experience level.

As a translator, you’ll be expected to turn written material into another language or vice versa. This means that you should have the ability to write in different languages and speak at least two fluently .

Of course, this is an excellent job for someone who can get by speaking multiple languages on a daily basis.

The pay varies depending on the experience level as well as the type of material that you’re translating but most translators earn per word with an hourly rate of around $20 for beginners .

This is an excellent way to earn a little extra income, especially if you are a language enthusiast.

17) WordPress developer

WordPress is one of the most popular blogging platforms that is used by millions around the world. It’s not uncommon for some companies to have a full-time WordPress developer on staff but they may sometimes need someone else who can do things such as updating and maintaining their website .

If you’re familiar with CMSs, then this could be an excellent job for you to help businesses from time and save them money.

The pay of a WordPress developer varies depending on the company as well as experience level but most companies will be willing to offer around $30 per hour.

Read More: How To Become A Freelance Web Designer For Beginners

This is a great way that can help you develop your WordPress skills and get paid in the process.

18) Shopify developer

If you’re into e-commerce, then Shopify is one of the most popular platforms that are used by thousands of businesses around the world.

Developers who know how to work with this platform can do things such as creating new themes and managing online stores .

As a shopify developer, you’ll be expected to help businesses from time to time by doing things such as solving problems with their online store.

This is a great way that can help you develop your e-commerce skills and get paid in the process. With a lot of small businesses focusing on having a web presence for their shops, job opportunities for Shopify developers abound.

Read More: How To Become A Shopify Developer In 2021

19) Game developer

Gaming is a multi-billion dollar industry and it’s not surprising that there are multiple job opportunities for game developers.

If you have the skills to develop games, then this can be an excellent way to make money on your own terms .

You’ll need some programming knowledge as well as experience with different platforms such as Unity or Unreal Engine.

The pay for a game developer ranges from $30 up to over $60 per hour depending on the experience level.

This is an excellent way that can help you develop your programming skills and get paid in the process.

20) Accounting

Accounting may not be the most glamorous job but it’s an essential one for small businesses.

This is a great way that can help you develop your accounting skills and get paid in the process .

To become a good accountant, you’ll need to have strong math, writing , and communication skills as well as some basic knowledge of tax law.

Depending on the company, most accountants can earn up to $50 per hour .

What are The Highest Paying Freelance Jobs?

The world is going freelance and there is a demand for skilled professionals to fill different fields. A lot of people are thinking about starting freelancing and would like to know what is the best job field for them. The answer can vary depending on certain factors, but there are some jobs that many people find more suitable for their situation than others.

We’ve looked at some of the highest paying freelance jobs that are available in the market. Their hourly rate is much higher than the average for freelancers, which is $37.

These jobs are really in high demand right now so if you decide to take one on part-time or full time there will be plenty of work available from clients who want these services day in and day out.

How much can a freelancer earn?

Depending on your field, skillset , and experience level; some jobs may pay better than others at first but all in all most freelancers earn around $37 an hour.

The good news is that as you continue to build your reputation and skill-set, this number will increase rapidly. Freelancing has a great pay rate when compared with working for somebody else. Unlike most regular jobs, freelancers can get paid what they’re worth and still have plenty of time left over each day to spend on other things.

What freelance jobs pay the best?

The top three highest paying freelance jobs are:

Developer ( $175 per hour ) Salesperson ( $120 per hour) Social Media Manager( $150 per hour)

Make Money Freelancing!

This is an excellent way to start your own side business.

The demand for skilled freelance workers continues to grow and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down! If you have experience or expertise in one of these fields, then freelancing can be a great part-time job that allows you the freedom to do things on your own schedule.

Freelancing has become extremely popular in the last few years. The number of freelancers who are working for themselves and not some company is increasing each year, as more people decide that it’s time to take control over their careers and lives .

There are a lot of different freelance jobs available but they all start with you writing up your own proposals to potential clients. When you decide that freelancing is what you want, then it’s time for a lot of hard work and tenacity as there will be plenty of challenges along the way.

Share on Facebook

20 Best Jobs to Take on as a Freelancer

What Skills Can I Freelance?

Best Jobs to Freelance