The 10 Best and Highest Paying Freelance Jobs in 2024

The popularity of online freelance jobs is attributable to two things. For freelancers, it’s about living on their own terms, gaining flexibility, and the security that comes with knowing you’re 100% in control of your career path. Many companies shuttered or downsized during the pandemic—the hospitality sector is just one example—and workers had to think about other ways to work and live. There has also been a massive movement to hire freelancers from all types and sizes of businesses. Solopreneurs and startups use freelancers to access skills they don’t have in-house. Big companies love using freelancers to augment their teams; plus, it helps them avoid the time and resource-consuming process of recruiting, hiring, and training full-time employees.

So, if you’ve been thinking about starting up a freelance business, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of the top 10 most in-demand highest paying freelance jobs right now. If you have some of these skills in your back pocket, you’re already more than halfway there.

1. Web Designer or Web Developer

Every business needs a website, and good web designers are in high demand. Web designers work with companies and individuals to plan out, design, and code websites for all kinds of industry niches. If you have some experience with WordPress or Joomla, there is plenty of work to be found on freelance platforms like Fiverr or UpWork. But if you have advanced skills, you should check out Toptal. To get listed on Toptal, you’ll have to undergo a fairly stringent screening process, but the pay is much higher, and the clients tend to be high-profile.

Skills and Tools Needed: Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and familiarity with content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal. Design skills using tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), UX/UI design principles, and responsive design techniques.

Earning Potential: On platforms like UpWork, entry-level web developers can earn between $20-$30 per hour, while advanced developers on Toptal or with private clients can earn $50-$100+ per hour.

Getting Started: If you’re just starting out and don’t have much experience, check out Udemy’s online web design courses. There are classes for pretty much every skill level and interest, so it’s an excellent place to get your feet wet or upgrade your freelance skills.

2. Graphic Designer

Graphic design is a solid marketable skill. It applies to many different business applications, including marketing, advertising, reports, catalogs, brochures, newsletters, business cards, websites, product packaging, outdoor signage, trade show booths—and the list goes on. You’ll need to be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and Illustrator) and understand basic concepts like pre-press techniques.

Skills and Tools Needed: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign). Skills in typography, color theory, branding, and layout design are crucial. Knowledge of tools like Sketch, Figma, or other UX/UI design tools can be beneficial.

Earning Potential: Freelance graphic designers typically charge between $25-$75 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the project. High-profile or highly skilled designers can charge upwards of $100 per hour.

Getting Started: Many graphic designers hold degrees or certificates, but just as many learn through practical experience. If you are Adobe Certified, that might make you more desirable to some clients. Build a strong portfolio showcasing your work, and consider starting with smaller projects to gain experience.

3. Teacher

There are literally thousands of online teaching jobs available—whether or not you have a teaching degree or credentials. If you do, all the better. There is a massive shortage of teachers around the world right now, so chances are you’ll have no trouble finding a position you like.

Skills and Tools Needed: Strong command of the subject you wish to teach, good communication skills, and the ability to use online teaching platforms like Zoom, Google Classroom, or Blackboard. For ESL teaching, a TEFL or TESOL certification can be beneficial.

Earning Potential: Online teachers can earn anywhere from $15 to $50 per hour, depending on their subject expertise and the platform they use. Specialized subjects or advanced levels can command higher rates.

Getting Started: If you are a whiz at math, science, history, or any other academic subject, you might also consider online tutoring. Check out the National Tutoring Association website for resources and opportunities. Platforms like VIPKid, iTalki, or Chegg Tutors are great places to start.

4. Virtual Assistant

Are you super-organized? Able to complete tasks fast? Good with all kinds of productivity software? If so, then a freelance virtual assistant (VA) job might be right for you. Most VAs are paid hourly, and earnings range from $15 to $25 an hour or more, based on the client’s needs and specific expertise required.

Skills and Tools Needed: Proficiency in productivity software like Microsoft Office, G-Suite, Asana, Trello, and Slack. Skills in email management, data entry, social media management, and basic bookkeeping.

Earning Potential: VAs typically earn between $15-$25 per hour, but highly specialized VAs or those working with high-profile clients can earn upwards of $50 per hour.

Getting Started: You need to be computer-savvy, responsive, accountable, and able to work quickly. Platforms like UpWork, Freelancer, and Belay Solutions are good places to start looking for VA gigs.

5. Freelance Writer

There are endless opportunities on the web to find freelance writing jobs. If you’re good, fast, and reliable, you’ll never want for freelance work, and that’s especially true if you have expertise in areas like technology, marketing, crypto/blockchain, or sales.

Skills and Tools Needed: Strong writing and editing skills, proficiency in SEO principles, and familiarity with writing tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Grammarly. Experience with content management systems (CMS) like WordPress is beneficial.

Earning Potential: Freelance writers can earn between $20-$100 per hour, depending on their expertise and the type of writing. Technical or medical writing typically pays the highest.

Getting Started: Build a portfolio of writing samples, and start with smaller projects on platforms like UpWork, Freelancer, or Fiverr. Specialize in a niche to differentiate yourself from the competition.

6. Editor

Editing is a pretty good freelance gig. If you have an excellent command of the English language, grammar, spelling, and writing style, you’ll find plenty of work proofing and copyediting articles that other people have written.

Skills and Tools Needed: Excellent grammar, spelling, and writing skills. Familiarity with style guides like AP, Chicago, or MLA. Proficiency in editing tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and editing software like Adobe Acrobat.

Earning Potential: Freelance editors can earn between $25-$75 per hour, depending on their expertise and the complexity of the editing work. Technical editing or specialized content can command higher rates.

Getting Started: Build a portfolio showcasing your editing work, and consider taking on small projects or internships to gain experience. Platforms like UpWork, Freelancer, and Reedsy are good places to find editing gigs.

7. Accountant/Financial Consultant

Financial expertise is always in demand. Depending on your educational and professional background, you might see jobs for anything from daily bookkeeping to tax accounting, business accounting, and even fractional CFO positions.

Skills and Tools Needed: Proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or FreshBooks. Strong understanding of financial principles, tax regulations, and bookkeeping practices. Certification like CPA can be beneficial.

Earning Potential: Freelance accountants and financial consultants can earn between $50-$150 per hour, depending on their expertise and the type of services they offer.

Getting Started: Build a client base by offering your services to small businesses, startups, or individuals. Platforms like UpWork, Freelancer, and LinkedIn are good places to start.

8. Social Media Specialist

All companies need an online presence. But keeping up with it is time-consuming—and not all organizations have an in-house marketing team to help them do it.

Skills and Tools Needed: Proficiency in social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Sprout Social. Skills in content creation, ad creation, analytics tracking, and understanding of social media algorithms.

Earning Potential: Freelance social media specialists can earn between $25-$75 per hour, depending on their expertise and the complexity of the work. High-profile clients or specialized services can command higher rates.

Getting Started: Put together an online portfolio showcasing your social media campaigns and accomplishments. Platforms like UpWork

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