As the world of work changes, more and more people are turning to freelance jobs as a way to make money. It’s great becoming a freelancer!
The freedom and flexibility that comes with freelancing are significant benefits for many people, including stay-at-home moms, students, and retirees.
Some of the best freelance jobs are remote, which means you can work from anywhere in the world.
So let’s check out the best freelancing jobs you could start this year.
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Quick Picks: Freelance Jobs To Start Today!
Before you check out our whole life of freelance jobs, don’t you want to know the jobs that earn $50+ an hour?
Here are a few top picks for the best freelance jobs to put on the top of your list:
- Best Job Board – FlexJobs
- Best For Those With Keen Eyes – Proofreading
- Easiest Freelance Job – Virtual Assistant
- Best For Number Crunchers – Bookkeeper
25 Best Freelance Jobs
1. Proofreader
Average Hourly Rate: $23 – $30
Proofreading is one of the best freelance jobs for people who have a keen eye for detail and are passionate about errors.
As a freelance proofreader, you’ll be responsible for reviewing written content for spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes.
It’s easy to start as a freelance proofreader and is an excellent job for those who want to work from home, as it can be done entirely online.
That makes proofreading an ideal job for anyone who wants to work from home, including stay-at-home moms, students, and retirees.
Proofread Anywhere has a free introductory workshop that you can take to see if proofreading is right for you.
Once you’re ready to start, they offer an affordable online course that will teach you everything you need to know about becoming a successful proofreader.
Learn How to Become a Proofreader and Start a Freelance Proofreading Business.
15,000+ Students. 7+ Years of Results.
2. Bookkeeper
Average Hourly Rate: $18 – $22
Are you looking for a freelance job that is both interesting and profitable? Consider bookkeeping!
A freelance bookkeeper is responsible for tracking financial transactions and ensuring that all financial records are accurate.
This is a critical role in any business and a job that can be done from home, making it one of the best freelance jobs you can find.
You can learn about becoming a bookkeeper and starting your business with 3 free classes from Bookkeeper Launch.
How to Start a Profitable Bookkeeping Business in 90 Days or Less!
15,000+ Students. 10+ Years of Results.
3. Virtual Assistant (VA)
Average Hourly Rate: $16 – $24
If you’re looking for a job that’s both flexible and lucrative, becoming a virtual assistant (VA) is a great option.
Virtual assistants are self-employed professionals who offer their services to clients remotely, typically via the internet.
The duties of a virtual assistant can vary depending on the needs of their clients but typically include tasks such as:
- Scheduling appointments
- Taking phone calls
- Taking care of social media
- Managing email correspondence
- Preparing reports and presentations
- Providing customer service
We also know that some local businesses want a virtual assistant who can do some SEO work or writing, so it never hurts if you have some background with Facebook ads or with freelance writing!
You can learn about becoming a VA by taking this free workshop to start your business.
Do you want the freedom to be your own boss and work on your terms? Tired of living life on someone else's time clock? Confidently launch your own virtual assistant business from scratch in 30 days!
3. Freelancer Writer
Average Hourly Rate: $22 – $30
When it comes to finding the best freelance jobs, freelance writing is always up there. In fact, a lot of people start their freelance careers as writers.
This is because freelance writing is an easily accessible skill – all you need is a computer and internet connection, and you’re good to go.
If you want to start a freelance writing career, start by building a portfolio of your work. This can be anything from writing samples to published articles.
You can also join online communities and forums related to freelance writing to get started.
Not sure how to get started as a freelance writer? Freelance Write From Home has a free eBook to help freelance writers.
It shows you the keys to finding freelance writing jobs on niche blogging sites and tips on landing high-paying writing clients.
4. Social Media Marketing (Search Engine Optimization)
Average Yearly Rate: $18 – $26
Are you a whizz on social media platforms?
Not only is social media know-how of the most in-demand skill sets today, but businesses are also willing to pay top dollar for a quality social media manager.
A social media manager typically creates engaging content for social media accounts, keeps track of updating company websites, and even takes and edits photos for posting online.
What’s great about being a social media manager is that you can work from anywhere with an internet connection.
You’ll spend your days doing tons of research as an SEO specialist.
Being an SEO specialist involves a rich understanding of algorithms, keywords, authority, the best SEO tools, and more.
We learned how to manage FB Ads from this free training course, and it’s a great social media side hustle you could start today!
6. Transcriptionist
Average Hourly Rate: $21 – $27
A transcriptionist types out the words of a speaker or writer. They are often used to create a written record of meetings, court proceedings, and other important events.
There are several ways to become a transcriptionist. One way is to take a transcription course, but you can take a free workshop to see if transcription work is best for you.
7. Chat Assistant (Customer Support)
Average Hourly Rate: $14 – $17
Chat assistants are in high demand as they provide customer support through online chat mediums.
If you have excellent communication skills, are calm under pressure, and have a knack for providing resolutions to customer issues, then this may be the perfect freelance job for you.
The best part about being a chat assistant is that your work can be completed anywhere with an internet connection.
This makes it an ideal job for stay-at-home parents, students, or anyone looking to supplement their income with freelance work.
8. Sales Manager/Lead Generation Specialist
Average Hourly Rate: $51 – $70
Sales managers are responsible for developing and executing sales plans and strategies. They work with clients and team members to identify potential leads and close sales.
A lead generation specialist is responsible for creating and managing lead generation campaigns, identifying and qualifying potential leads, and passing qualified leads along to the sales team.
Both of these roles can be successfully performed as freelance jobs.
If you have experience in sales and management or generating leads for a sales team, you can offer your services to companies on a freelance basis.
You can work with multiple clients, setting your own hours and rates.
9. Web Designer
Average Hourly Rate: $20 – $21
Web design is a great freelance job to have because there are always companies and businesses in need of good web designers.
Web designers are pretty self-explanatory- you’ll create websites that is functional and matches companies’ brands.
You can earn a good income by freelancing as a web designer, and you have the freedom to work from home or wherever you please.
The best part about being a web designer is that you can use your creativity to design visually appealing and functional websites.
You’ll also need to be able to integrate SEO elements that allow search engines to crawl and index web pages to make your web design more functional.
10. Web Developer
Average Hourly Rate: $28 – $38
One of the best-paying online freelance jobs in web development.
Web developers are responsible for designing, coding, and modifying websites, from layout to function, according to a client’s specifications.
They strive to create visually appealing sites with user-friendly design and straightforward navigation.
In addition to coding for the front-end web development, a web developer may also be required to create and maintain server-side applications.
Freelance web developers will incorporate various security measures to protect the website and its users when necessary.
11. Freelance Photographer
Average Hourly Rate: $18 – $24
Are you looking for a creative and exciting way to make money? Consider becoming a freelance photographer!
There are many different ways to make money taking photos. You can work with clients directly or sell your photos online through stock photography websites.
You can also offer photo tours or workshops to earn income. No matter how you make money, taking photos is a great way to do something you love and get paid for!
12. Videographer
Average Hourly Rate: $27 -$41
Being a freelance videographer can be a gratifying online job. As a freelance videographer, you have the freedom to work with a variety of clients on a variety of projects.
To be successful as a freelance videographer, you need to have a strong understanding of video editing software programs and also be able to manage your time well and stay organized.
You should also be proactive in communicating with your clients and keeping them updated on the status of their projects.
13. Graphic Designer
Average Hourly Rate: $22- $26
Freelance graphic designers are in high demand. With a growing market for digital media, companies are looking for freelance graphic designers to help with branding, marketing, and website design.
One of the best things about being a freelance graphic designer is that you can do graphic design from anywhere.
As long as you have a computer, a program like Canva Pro, and an internet connection, you can work from home, a coffee shop, or even on the go.
This flexibility is perfect for those who want to earn an income using their creative talent while still having the freedom to travel or spend time with family and friends.
It’s not hard to start as an entry-level graphic designer, and you don’t need a degree in art to create good graphics!
14. Freelance Copywriter
Average Hourly Rate: $23 – $29
Copywriting is a great freelance career because you don’t need a specialized degree. Plus, it can be done remotely, and you can make your own hours.
You can work from home, a coffee shop, or even on vacation if you have a laptop and an internet connection.
As a freelance copywriter, you’ll be responsible for writing website content, email marketing campaigns, and other written marketing materials.
To be a successful freelance copywriter, you need to be able to write quickly and efficiently. You also need to be able to take feedback and make revisions as needed.
15. Ghostwriting
Average Hourly Rate: $15 – $25
Ghostwriting is one of the easiest freelance jobs if you love to write and don’t mind staying behind the scenes.
Ghostwriting is when you write a piece for someone else- someone who will be taking all or most of the credit for the work.
It’s a way to earn money as a writer without having your name attached to the project.
You need good writing skills, but a ghostwriter’s special ability is to adapt their writing to better fit the unique style of whoever they’re writing for.
16. Data Entry
Average Hourly Rate: $15 – $19
Data entry work can be repetitive and time-consuming, but it’s also relatively easy to learn, so you can start with an entry-skill level and make $20 for an average pay easily.
If you have a good eye for detail and can type quickly, you can make a decent income doing freelance data entry and work from home.
You can find work on a freelance market like Upwork, or you can find clients through your network.
The best way to further your freelance career is to specialize in a specific type of data entry, such as medical billing or bookkeeping.
This way, you can show potential clients you have the skills they need to do the job.
17. Data Analysts
Average Hourly Rate: $35 – $44
A freelance data analyst gathers and analyzes data from various sources to help a company make better business decisions.
The company may hire them on a temporary or contract basis, or they may work as a consultant.
Data analyst jobs are one of the highest-paying freelance jobs, and often work from home.
Data analysts are in high demand these days as more and more businesses realize the importance of data-driven decision-making.
If you have strong analytical skills and are interested in working in a fast-paced environment, then a career as a freelance data analyst may be right for you.
18. Business Consultants
Average Hourly Rate: $30 – $45
Another one of the highest-paying freelance jobs is a business consultant.
If you’re good with numbers and have a knack for problem-solving, consider becoming a freelance business consultant.
You can help small businesses get on their feet by providing advice and guidance on financial planning, marketing, and operations.
As a consultant, you’ll be able to work from home as a freelance consultant, making your own hours and charging by the hour or project.
19. Digital Marketing Manager
Average Hourly Rate: $50 – $65
A freelance digital marketing manager is a professional who helps companies with their online marketing efforts.
This can involve creating and executing digital marketing plans to manage social media accounts.
To become a freelance digital marketing consultant, you’ll need to understand the latest online marketing tools and techniques.
You should also be comfortable working with clients and have excellent project management skills.
20. Online Tutor
Average Hourly Rate: $23 – $33
Being a freelance online tutor is one of the top freelance jobs for teachers and college students.
Freelance work can be done from home, even as a tutor, and you’ll set your own hours and help students learn new concepts and improve their academic skills.
There are many different subjects that you can tutor, such as math, science, English, and history.
If you are interested in finding online teaching jobs, there are many different ways to get started. You can find tutoring jobs on websites like BookNook.
You can also contact schools and universities in your area to see if they have any openings for part-time or full-time tutors.
21. Public Relations Specialist
Average Hourly Rate: $25 – $33
Public relations (PR) is all about managing the reputation of a company, product, or individual.
It’s essentially about creating and maintaining a positive image for someone in the eyes of the public.
As a freelance PR specialist, you could work for a range of clients, from small businesses to well-known brands.
Your day-to-day tasks as a PR specialist might include writing press releases, organizing media events, conducting market research, managing social media accounts, and more.
22. Voiceover Actor
Average Hourly Rate: $20 – $31
Being a voiceover actor can be a very lucrative career, but it can also be very competitive.
If you have the talent and the drive, there are many opportunities out there for you to earn a good living as a voiceover artist.
The best way to get started in this field is to take voiceover classes or workshops and submit your demos to various casting directors.
23. Freelance Translator
Average Hourly Rate: $21 – $35
Translating is one of the best freelance jobs in high demand, but often there are not enough translators to meet the needs of businesses and other organizations.
Many translation companies are always looking for qualified translators, so it is worth your while to research companies in your area of expertise and make a list of potential clients.
You can also search job boards or freelancer websites like Upwork or Fiverr to find translation gigs.
24. Media Buyer
Average Hourly Rate: $23 – $32
As a media buyer, you are responsible for purchasing advertising space or time from a media outlet.
This can be done in various ways, such as negotiating rates, placing orders, and monitoring campaigns.
It is crucial to be able to understand the audience that you are trying to reach so that you can buy the most effective advertising space.
One of the great things about being a media buyer is that you can often work from home.
It’s a perfect small home business for stay-at-home moms because you can have a flexible schedule and make your own hours.
Additionally, it can be a very lucrative career, as successful media buyers can earn a lot of money.
25. Freelance Illustrator
Average Hourly Rate: $20 – $31
As a freelance illustrator, you have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients. This can include creating illustrations for books, magazines, and advertising campaigns.
You can also work on freelance projects for product packaging, corporate communications, and educational materials.
When starting as a freelance illustrator, building up a strong portfolio of your work is essential. This will help you attract new clients and land jobs.
You can create a portfolio by showcasing your work on your website or online portfolio platforms like Behance.
Best Freelance Job Websites
You have all these freelance business ideas, but now you need to know where you can find clients and get paid!
You can always start your own website or promote yourself on social media platforms, but the best way freelancers find clients are on job sites.
We have 5 freelance job sites that we recommend you check out for freelance jobs:
1. Steady
Looking for a freelance gig can be a frustrating process, and launching freelance careers doesn’t go far without income.
You comb through freelance job boards and side gig apps, sending out dozens of applications, only to hear crickets to your job search.
It’s enough to make you want to give up and go back to your day job.
But there’s an app that might make your job search a little easier. Steady is an app that connects freelancers with businesses that need freelance services.
Check out our Steady App Review to learn more about this excellent option for freelance workers looking for flexible work.
2. Fiverr
When it comes to finding freelance work, Fiverr is a great resource. With Fiverr, you can browse through various gigs, all of which are organized by category.
That makes it easy to find the perfect gig for your skillset.
You can build up positive reviews and attract more clients by providing quality work and delivering it on time.
As a result, Fiverr can be a great way to find both one-time and long-term freelance opportunities to use as an additional income stream.
However, the average pay on Fiverr can vary because gigs can be posted for as little as $5, but you can list what you expect for average pay on your own jobs and negotiate for jobs you apply for.
3. Upwork
One of the best ways to find freelance jobs as a new freelancer is to use online platforms like Upwork.
Upwork is a website that connects businesses with freelancers for various projects, from website design to social media management.
You can find work quickly and easily by creating a profile and bidding on projects that interest you.
What’s more, Upwork makes it easy to for people to hire freelancers and make sure freelancers are paid.
Agree to terms with your client and create an invoice, and you’ll receive payment through the site.
Learn more about how we think Upwork and Fiverr differ in our Upwork Vs. Fiverr review.
4. FlexJobs
On FlexJobs, you can search for high-paying freelance jobs such as telecommuting, part-time, and flexible schedule jobs.
You can also search job categories, such as writing, editing, or digital marketing.
You can be sure that you’re applying for legitimate jobs on FlexJobs.
All of the jobs on the site are screened by FlexJobs’ staff to ensure that they offer good working conditions and pay rates.
And because FlexJobs charges employers to list jobs on the site, you can be confident that the employers are serious about finding qualified candidates.
5. Freelancer
There are a lot of different websites out there that you can use to find other freelance jobs, but Freelancer is one of the most popular.
With millions of users and a wide variety of available projects, it’s no wonder many people use this site to find work.
The best part about Freelancer is that it’s straightforward to use. You simply create a profile, post your skills and experience, and then start bidding on projects that interest you.
And since the competition can be pretty stiff, you’ll need to be sure to put your best foot forward if you want to land a side hustle job.
Key Takeaways
The 25 best and highest paying freelance jobs are a great way to earn income without committing to a full-time job.
You can use Steady to pursue a freelance career and find side hustles to increase your income, whether you want to become a freelance writer or social media manager.
These jobs offer a variety of opportunities for people with various freelance skills, so you can find one that’s a good fit for your high-income skillset.
You can find gigs in many different categories, so you’re sure to find one that matches your skills well.
Moreover, these jobs offer the flexibility to work from home in a self-employed job, a major plus for many people.
So now that you’ve got a list, it’s time to run with it! Good luck with the job search, and have fun freelancing and your own schedule.
Earn more money on your terms when you need it most. Steady members can make an extra $5,500 in average yearly income!