26 Best Types of Freelancing Careers & Gigs (Most In-Demand)
Tired of your boss peeking over your shoulder? Need a vacation (or a bathroom break) without having to raise your hand? Wondering what the freelancing life is all about? Creatives turn to freelancing for countless reasons. With so many types of freelancing, you've got plenty of options to make a good living on your own terms.
So, where do you start? Right here, with this guide to 26 types of freelancing careers that are in demand and great money-makers. Let's go!
What is freelancing, exactly?
Freelancing is a type of self-employment. When you freelance, you're usually not committed to one particular employer and instead take on a variety of projects or gigs.
The most common types of freelancing careers include writing, graphic design, web development, and marketing. Basically anything creative and skilled. But with so many jobs going remote, the freelancing concept has expanded quite a bit.
Freelancing gives you the ability to work anywhere in the world, with no office required. Most, if not all, of your work is performed digitally. As long as you have good internet access and a computer, you can freelance from pretty much any place in the world.
What Else is Freelancing Called?
You might have heard freelancing called other things,
- Independent contractor
- Consultant
- Self-employed
- Gig worker
- Solo entrepreneur
There are small nuances between each of these, but they're not very important. The only thing that really matters is that each of these gives you more freedom and flexibility than being chained to a 9-to-5 office job.
No matter what you call it, freelancing is a great way to earn a living and have the freedom to work on your own terms. There are many different types of freelancing careers and gigs, so you can probably find something that fits your skills and interests. The most important thing is to get started and start building your freelance business.
What Are the Different Types of Freelancing?
There are many different types of freelancing, and the type of freelancing you do will depend on your skills and interests. Some of the most popular types of freelancing include:
Web design
Graphic design
Article and content writing
Editing and proofreading
Sales, marketing, and PR
Customer service and administrative support
Networking and IT
Financial jobs
The list goes on! We're going to cover 26 of the most popular and in-demand types of freelancing that can help you start finding clients and making money quickly.
The 26 most in-demand freelancing careers
This list is by no means exhaustive. As more jobs go remote and digital technologies improve, there will always be ways to make money online without following traditional employment. Here are 26 of the best types of freelancing jobs to start exploring.
Freelance Content Writing
Average Pay Rate: $10.31-$53.79+ per hour (Source)
Naturally, I have to lead with freelance content writing. It's my specialty and it led me to start Fleurish Freelance in the first place.
There is no doubt that freelance content writing is one of the most in-demand careers today. With the rise of content marketing, businesses are looking for quality content to attract and engage their target audiences.
As a freelance content writer, you'll create compelling and engaging content for a variety of platforms, including websites, blogs, and social media. You can specialize in a certain type of content, such as articles or landing page copy. Or you can choose to offer lots of forms of content.
You'll need excellent writing and editing skills, as well as a deep understanding of the latest trends in your field. It's also helpful to have a sales and marketing background as well as SEO experience, depending on the type of writing you're doing.
Freelance Editing & Proofreading
Average Pay Rate: $36-$40 per hour (Source)
Editing and proofreading are in high demand as more and more businesses and individuals look to outsource their content creation. You might edit things like blogs, email newsletters, books, sales collateral, and more.
As a freelance editor or proofreader, you can offer your services to clients who need polished, error-free content that meets all the necessary requirements.
Freelance Digital Marketing
Average Pay Rate: $50-$200 per hour (Source)
Digital marketing is one of the most in-demand freelancing careers. The reason is simple: nearly every business needs help marketing its products or services online.
As a freelance digital marketer, you could help businesses with a wide range of marketing tasks, including:
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising
- Social media marketing
- Content marketing
- Email marketing
With the right skills and experience, you could be working as a freelance digital marketer in no time.
Freelance PR
Average Pay Rate: $20-$45 per hour (Source)
There are many different types of freelance careers that are in high demand. One of these that's often overlooked is freelance PR (public relations).
As a freelance PR specialist, you would be responsible for promoting and managing the public image of your clients. This would involve tasks such as writing press releases, creating media campaigns, and arranging interviews.
To be successful in this career, you need to be excellent at communication, have a strong understanding of the media landscape, and be able to think creatively.
Freelance Data Entry
Average Pay Rate: $15-$45 per hour (Source)
Data entry is one of the most in-demand freelancing careers. It's a great way to make money online, and it's also relatively easy to get started.
There are a few things you'll need to get started as a freelance data entry worker. First, you'll need a computer and an internet connection. You'll also need basic typing and data entry skills.
Once you have the necessary skills and equipment, you can start looking for data entry jobs. There are a number of ways to find data entry work. You can search for data entry jobs on job boards or freelancing websites. You can also contact companies directly and inquire about data entry job openings.
If you're just getting started, you may want to start with small data entry jobs. Once you have some experience, you can start bidding on larger projects.
Data entry is a great way to make money online. With a little effort, you can start earning an income as a freelance data entry worker.
Freelance Bookkeeping
Average Pay Rate: $29.21-$43.40 per hour (Source)
When it comes to money management, businesses need all the help they can get. That's where freelance bookkeepers come in.
As a bookkeeper, you would be responsible for keeping track of a company's financial transactions and ensuring that all their records are up to date. This is a critical role, as it helps businesses make informed decisions about their finances.
There is a growing demand for freelance bookkeepers, as more and more businesses are looking for ways to save money. If you have experience in bookkeeping, then you may want to consider freelancing. There are a number of advantages to freelancing, such as the ability to set your own hours and work from home. Plus, you can charge a premium for your services, as businesses are willing to pay top dollar for quality bookkeeping.
Freelance Virtual Assistant
Average Pay Rate: $18-$35 per hour (Source)
Freelance virtual assistants are in high demand as more and more businesses are looking for ways to save on overhead costs. It's one of the best sources of ongoing freelance work because just about every type of business can benefit from a VA.
A virtual assistant can perform a wide variety of tasks, from administrative work to customer service. They might assist with research, updating your website, putting together an email list, and more. They're kind of like a second set of hands to help other professionals get more done.
If you're considering a career as a freelance virtual assistant, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- You'll need to be organized and detail-oriented.
- You'll need to be able to communicate effectively, both written and verbally.
- You'll need to be able to manage your time and workload effectively.
- You'll need to be comfortable working with a variety of clients.
If you have the skills and personality traits that make a successful virtual assistant, then a career in freelancing could be a great fit for you. Using freelance platforms like Fiverr is an easy way to start your career as a VA.
Freelance Tutor
Average Pay Rate: $25-$56+ per hour (Source)
There is a huge demand for freelance tutors. People are looking for tutors to help them improve their grades, pass their exams, and learn new skills. There are many reasons why people choose to hire a freelance tutor, but the most common one is that they want to save money.
Independent freelance tutors work on their own instead of being part of a school cohort or learning facility. This gives you more flexibility to pick your own clients. You also have more opportunities to connect with clients, as you can offer virtual tutoring along with in-person sessions.
There are a few things you need to know before you start freelancing as a tutor. First, you need to be an expert (or at least highly skilled) in the subject area. You need to have a deep understanding of the subject matter and be able to explain it clearly to your students.
Second, you need to be organized and have a good schedule. Keep track of your students' progress and be available when they need you. Also, be patient and understand that not every student will learn at the same pace.
If you have the necessary skills and qualities, then you can start freelancing as a tutor today. There are many ways to find clients, such as online tutoring platforms, social media, and word-of-mouth. Once you start getting clients, you can start charging them hourly rates or per-session rates.
Freelance Web Developer
Average Pay Rate: $30-$80 per hour (Source)
As a freelance web developer, you can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $61. You can also expect to be pretty busy, as web developers are one of the most in-demand freelancing careers. Think about it: what business doesn't need some sort of web presence?
In order to be successful as a freelance web developer, you will need to be proficient in a variety of programming languages, have a strong portfolio, and be able to market your services effectively.
Freelance App Developer
Average Pay Rate: $45-$75 per hour (Source)
As a freelancer, one of the most in-demand careers you can pursue is that of an app developer. With the ever-growing popularity of smartphones and tablets, there is a constant need for new and innovative apps that can perform a variety of tasks, from the mundane to the complex.
You'll need to be proficient in different programming languages that are used to develop apps. Some of the most popular include Java, Objective C and Swift. If you have the skills to develop apps using one or more of these languages, then your freelance career is as good as gold.
Freelance Game Developer
Average Pay Rate: $15-$35 per hour (Source)
As a freelance game developer, you will be responsible for developing video games for clients or companies. This can involve working on existing games to add new features or creating entirely new games from scratch.
You will need to be skilled in programming, game design, and game development software. Freelance game developers are in high demand, so if you have the skills and experience, you can expect to command a high rate.
Freelance IT
Average Pay Rate: $150-$215 per hour (Source)
IT freelancers are in high demand due to the ever-changing landscape of technology. Businesses need IT freelancers to help them stay up-to-date with the latest trends and ensure their systems are secure. IT freelancers can specialize in a number of different areas, such as:
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud computing
-Networking
- DevOps
- Big data
- Web development
Each of these areas requires a different set of skills, so it's important for IT freelancers to choose an area of focus and build up their expertise.
Freelance Consultant
Average Pay Rate: $50-$150+ per hour (Source)
There are many in-demand freelance careers, but consultant is one of the most popular. A freelance consultant is someone who provides expert advice in a particular role or area, such as business, advertising, marketing, law, finance, or HR.
Consultants are usually self-employed and work with a variety of clients. They may work part-time or full-time, and their work hours can be flexible.
If you're thinking of becoming a freelance consultant, there are a few things you should know. First, you'll need to have a strong understanding of your chosen field. You'll also need to be good at problem-solving and have excellent communication skills.
If you have these skills and knowledge, then you may be well-suited for a career as a freelance consultant.
Freelance Resume Writing
Average Pay Rate: $16.83-$24.04 per hour (Source)
If you're a freelance resume writer, you know that the job market is extremely competitive. Your clients are competing with hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of other job seekers for the same positions. As a result, your clients need resumes that are not only well-written and free of errors, but also keyword-rich and tailored to the specific jobs they're applying for. Gaining a strong candidate profile that stands out will be worth its weight in gold to job seekers.
To be a successful freelance resume writer, you must be able to write quickly and efficiently, without sacrificing quality. You must also be able to work with clients of all levels of experience, from those who have never written a resume before to those who have been through the job search process many times.
If you're looking for a career that is both challenging and rewarding, freelance resume writing may be the perfect fit for you.
Freelance Data Scientist
Average Pay Rate: $36-$200+ per hour (Source)
Data scientists are in high demand as organizations increasingly rely on data to make decisions. As a result, freelancers with data science skills can command high rates. This job is one of many examples where skill is directly related to salary. The more effective you are as a data scientist, the more you can charge.
Data scientists use their skills in statistics, mathematics, and computer science to analyze data and find trends. They apply this information to help organizations make better decisions.
To be a successful data scientist, you need to be able to effectively communicate your findings to non-technical people. You also need to be able to work with a team of other data scientists.
Freelance Project Manager
Average Pay Rate: $27-$87 per hour (Source)
I love project management as a potential freelance job. It's one that can support steady career and salary growth. The more experience you get, the easier it is to charge a premium rate. It's also a job that's rarely boring since you can work on a variety of projects.
As a freelance project manager, you will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the work of a team of others. Your job will be to ensure that the team members are working together efficiently and that deadlines are met. You will also be responsible for communicating with clients and keeping them updated on the progress of the project.
Freelance Translation Services
Average Pay Rate: $30-$70 per hour (Source)
If you're looking for a freelance career that is in high demand, consider becoming a translator. Translation services provide value in a variety of industries, including healthcare, legal, business, and more.
As a translator, you would be responsible for converting written documents from one language to another. This career is perfect for those who are bilingual or multilingual.
Freelance Videographer
Average Pay Rate: $27-$41 per hour (Source)
A freelance videographer uses their creative skills to tell stories or promote products and services through videos. A freelance videographer may work with a variety of clients, including businesses, organizations, and individuals.
Most freelance videographers have a college degree in video production or a related field. They may also have experience working in a related field, such as photography, film, or advertising. Many videographers are self-employed, which allows them to set their own hours and work from home.
Freelance Photographer
Average Pay Rate: $18-$24 per hour (Source)
As a freelance photographer, you'll be responsible for taking pictures of people, places, and events and then selling them to magazines, newspapers, or other clients.
To be successful in this career, you'll need to have a good eye for composition and lighting, and you'll also need to be able to work quickly and efficiently.
Freelance Creative Designer
Average Pay Rate: $15-$35 per hour (Source)
As a freelance creative designer, you will be responsible for creating original and innovative designs that meet the needs and requirements of your clients. LIke many freelance jobs, this one can span a wide range of use cases.
In order to be successful in this career, you will need to have a strong portfolio that showcases your talent and skills. Additionally, you should be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
Freelance Graphic Designer
Average Pay Rate: $15-$35 per hour (Source)
As a freelance graphic designer, you will be responsible for creating visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. You will develop the overall layout and production design for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.
Freelance SEO Manager
Average Pay Rate: $41-$50 per hour (Source)
As a freelance SEO manager or consultant, you would be responsible for optimizing website content for search engine visibility. This would involve conducting keyword research, rewriting website content, and building links.
To be successful in this role, you would need to have a strong understanding of how search engines work and be up-to-date on the latest SEO best practices.
SEO software like ahrefs can take some of the bite out of SEO management. You can also build an SEO agency and use white label services like The Hoth and have all of your clients' SEO done for you. To make money this way, you charge a fee on top of the white label service.
Freelance 3D Modeling and CAD
Average Pay Rate: $50-$100 per hour (Source)
3D modeling and CAD are two of the most in-demand freelancing careers. With the rise of 3D printing and the popularity of 3D movies, there is a growing demand for 3D models and CAD files.
3D modeling is the process of creating a three-dimensional representation of an object or scene. CAD, or computer-aided design, is the use of computer software to create and modify drawings.
Both 3D modeling and CAD require a high level of technical skill, software, and experience. However, if you have the necessary skills, you can easily find work as a freelancer in this field.
Freelance Logo Design
Average Pay Rate: $15-$35 per hour (Source)
Logo design is one of the most in-demand freelancing careers. A logo is a graphical mark or emblem used to identify a company, product, or brand. A well-designed logo can help a company or product stand out in the marketplace, and freelancers who specialize in logo design can play a vital role in helping businesses achieve this goal.
Something I've noticed in recent years is the rise of DIY logo creators. These logo makers let anyone design a simple logo without artistic experience. They're marketed as a great option for anyone who needs a logo without spending lots of money. They're quite popular, but they're not about to put professional logo designers out of business.
The reason for this is because those logo makers don't have a lot of variation. It creates a sea of sameness in terms of design style. Even though it's custom to each brand or business, it's still hard to tell one apart from the other because these logos share similar characteristics.
That's where a good freelance logo designer can really shine. Instead of perpetuating a sea of sameness, you can offer your clients so much more. Create a logo that's truly custom and not just copy/paste jobs from a logo creator software.
There are a few things to keep in mind when designing a logo, such as:
- The logo should be simple and easy to remember.
- The logo should be relevant to the company, product, or brand it is representing.
- The logo should be versatile and able to be used in a variety of contexts.
With these things in mind, freelancers who specialize in logo design can help businesses stand out in the marketplace. Great recognition can help them be remembered by potential customers.
Freelance Ghostwriter
Average Pay Rate: $30-$200 per hour (Source)
There's a reason why ghostwriters are in high demand: they're great at what they do.
A freelance ghostwriter can take on many different writing projects, from creating books and e-books to writing web copy. If you're a talented writer with a knack for creating compelling content, then a career as a freelance ghostwriter might be the perfect fit for you.
Freelance Course Creator
Average Pay Rate: $30-$125 per hour (Source)
Are you looking for a freelance career that is in super high demand? If so, you may want to consider becoming a freelance course creator. With the proliferation of online learning, there is a growing demand for course creators who can develop engaging and informative courses.
Online education is soaring! Schools and universities are offering more educational courses online, but they're not the only ones. Industry experts are also turning their expertise into scalable online courses.
As a freelance course creator (also called an instructional designer), you will be responsible for developing the course content, which may include lectures, assignments, and quizzes. You will also need to be familiar with the latest learning technologies and trends.
If you are interested in becoming a freelance course creator, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you will need great communication skills if you're creating courses for someone else. It's not easy to get inside someone else's mind.
If you want to create courses yourself and turn them into a profit, you'll need to be an expert in that field so that your courses will deliver the most value to your students.
Also, you will need to be able to develop high-quality content. Make it compelling so that students will get the most out of the course. Use lots of visuals, examples, and even interactive content. The list is endless!
Qualities that Successful Freelancers Share
While there are many different types of freelancing careers and gigs, successful freelancers share some common qualities. They include:
- Self-motivated: Freelancers need to be able to motivate themselves to work, since they won't have a boss breathing down their neck.
- Organized: Freelancers need to be organized in order to keep track of their deadlines and their clients' expectations.
- Time management: Freelancers need to be good at managing their time, since they will often have to juggle multiple projects at once.
- Strong communication: Freelancers need to be able to communicate effectively with their clients in order to understand their needs and deliver the results they expect.
- Flexible: Freelancers need to be flexible in order to accommodate their clients' schedules and deadlines.
- Professional: Freelancers need to be professional in order to maintain their clients' trust and respect.
These are the bare minimum. There's a pretty low bar to entry for freelancing, so it's important not to overlook the simple things you can do to stand out.
What Are the Benefits of Freelancing?
Freelancing solves what I refer to as the “hard box dilemma.” When you work for someone else, you’re given a box filled with duties, tasks, and requirements. Someone else created this box for you. It’s not made in your unique shape.
When you freelance, you get to create your own box. You’re changing the size, shape, and contents of that box. Having this freedom of choice is why I started freelancing in the first place.
The benefits of freelancing all circle back to freedom of choice:
- Choose your own projects and clients
- Set your own hours
- Work from home or anywhere else
- Make your own rules
- Be your own boss
- Make more money than you would as an employee
Choosing to work on your own terms is life changing. And addictive.
What Are the Drawbacks and Risks of Freelancing?
Freelancing can be a dream job. But let’s not be too overly optimistic yet. There are a few drawbacks and risks to freelancing that you’ll need to think about before jumping in:
First and foremost, you won’t have a regular income. That can make budgeting tough.
You might also struggle to find work consistently. That means an unpredictable income, a damper on your routine, and challenges with time management.
Working from home can be isolating. You might love it at first (most people do), but you need to find some way to maintain real human connections, even if it’s just one day a week.
There is no employer-provided health insurance or other benefits. Insurance is expensive, and you’ll have to foot the entire bill.
You are responsible for your own taxes. This isn’t so bad if you have a good way to track your payments and expenses. But there’s plenty of room for error, which can be a little scary.
Don't let the downsides or disadvantages scare you. I will admit that not everyone is cut from the freelancing cloth. But if the potential that freelancing offers thrills you enough, you can find ways around the downsides.
How do I find freelancing gigs?
There are many ways to find freelancing gigs. You can search online job boards, contact companies directly, or use a freelancing platform like Upwork or Fiverr. You can also find gigs by networking with other freelancers or attending industry events.
How do I get started in freelancing?
There are a few key steps to take when getting started in freelancing:
- First, you need to identify your skills and what you have to offer potential clients.
- Second, you need to build a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and demonstrates your ability to produce quality work.
- Third, you need to market yourself and your services to potential clients. This can be done through online platforms, personal networking, or even cold-calling.
- Finally, you need to negotiate rates and terms with clients, and then deliver quality work that meets or exceeds their expectations.
Should I hire a freelancing coach?
As a freelancer, you are in control of your own career. You can work as much or as little as you want, and you can choose the projects that you work on.
However, this can also be a double-edged sword. Because you are your own boss, it can be easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day grind of working on projects and forget to think about your long-term career goals.
This is where a freelancing coach can come in handy. A freelancing coach can help you to set goals, create a plan to achieve those goals, and hold you accountable for taking action. It's at least worth a look.
What are some tips for success in freelancing?
No matter your freelancer type, you'll want to get started on the right foot. Choosing one of the above types of freelancing careers that are in high demand is a great first step. In addition, you'll want to do the following:
Find your niche and focus on it. When you’re the best at a specific thing, hiring you becomes a no-brainer.
Get organized and stay on top of deadlines. Having a system or process for how you operate will keep you on task and help you serve more clients.
Build a strong network of clients and other freelancers. You never know where your next opportunity will come from.
Offer competitive rates. Undercharging can be dangerous to your business, especially if clients align price with quality.
Promote your services. Never stop marketing yourself so you’ll stay top of mind and increase your visibility.
Keep learning and expanding your skills. The more value you can offer your clients, the more you can charge for your services.
One way you can start expanding your skills is to take an online freelancing course. I've recently relaunched my best-selling course, How to Market Yourself as a Freelancer. This course helps you start or grow your freelancing career by creating a strong marketing foundation. It builds on the tips outlined throughout this blog article and can be applied to any of the 26 best types of freelancing careers and gigs. My freelancing course is also on sale for a limited time.
I wish you the best success in your new freelancing career!