Top 20 Freelance Job Ideas That Are In-Demand Right Now (2024)

As a freelancer myself earning 5 figures a month, I know a thing or 2 about the freelancing biz.

Freelancing is no longer viewed as a “side hustle” or a way to sustain oneself while unemployed.

You can now work full-time from the comfort of your own home!

As technology and simple internet connection make it easier to obtain online work, nearly 57 million workers in the United States alone have already shifted to self-employment.

With the potential of a better work-life balance, significantly higher pay, and more job satisfaction, the number of self-employed professionals will only grow.

However, as appealing as a freelance career may sound, you must first determine which vocation best suits you and where to begin before quitting your day job.

So, I studied every available great opportunity in the freelance market to develop a list of the most in-demand freelance jobs, allowing you to identify the necessary skills for your dream freelancing work today!

1. Virtual Assistant

Average Annual Salary: $57,000

Are you super-organized? Able to complete tasks fast?Good with all kinds of productivity software?

If so, a freelance virtual assistant (VA) job might suit you. Most VAs are paid hourly, and earnings can range from $15-$25 per hour or more, based on the client’s needs and the specific expertise required.

Tasks include managing email, making phone calls, data entry, bookkeeping, research, social media, content creation, travel arrangements, or setting appointments.

Potential clients often seek VAs to handle these tasks efficiently and effectively.

Here, the more you can do, the more your services are worth.

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need a ton of experience.

Many small businesses and individuals offering freelance services seek VAs to support their operations.

It would be best if you’re computer-savvy, accountable, responsive, and able to work quickly.

Most clients who are looking for VAs have specific projects they need to complete and don’t have time to do them.

So, the more agile and capable you are, the more valuable you’ll be to them.

Luckily, there are online courses that can help you develop these skills and make you more attractive to potential clients.

2. Web Designer

Average Annual Salary: $79,000

Nearly 90% of buyers will choose a competitor if a company’s e-commerce website is poorly built.

Companies are well aware of this and invest millions of dollars in their designs since the general trend is that every dollar invested in web design generates $100 in sales.

As a website designer, your responsibilities will include researching design trends and developing engaging drafts with creative software such as Photoshop.

Web designers are also familiar with website-oriented coding languages like Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and HTML, as they frequently collaborate with front-end developers to construct each site.

User experience is a key focus in creating effective designs that keep users engaged and coming back.

To start freelance work as a web designer, you must have a basic understanding of computer programming.

As a total newbie, you can begin with a comprehensive Codecademy course on website development that covers all aspects of UI and UX design.

This will equip you to create marketing materials and websites that look great and function smoothly to meet the needs of businesses and their customers. 

3. Web Developer

Average Annual Salary: $75,000

You may make $1,000 or more per month by freelancing if you have the necessary expertise.

One of the most profitable freelance ideas for experts is to design websites or apps.

Developers are intimately familiar with operating systems (Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, etc.) and the coding languages necessary to create products within them.

As a web developer, you’ll be responsible for a digital property’s technical requirements, including speed and performance.

While both developer professions pay above average, independent app developers often earn more than website developers.

When you’re ready to start looking for easy freelance jobs that fit your interests and skills, consider leveraging your previous work as a developer to secure full time or part-time opportunities.

Even if you’re just starting, you can still find projects that require a little bit of expertise and pay well.

Consider exploring platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr to find your next best freelancing jobs.

4. Freelance Writer

Average Annual Salary: $63,000

Contrary to popular belief, becoming an author is not necessary to make a career as a freelance writer.

With the rapid expansion of online media, 62% of firms engage freelancers to write content for their blogs or virtual magazines.

It’s a great way for those who understand how to capture people’s attention through the written word.

Because the freelance writing industry can be overcrowded sometimes, it’s best to focus on and acquire the skills necessary to generate useful and entertaining essays in a specialized field.

It may be technology, history, medicine, education, parenthood, and so on—there is no limit.

If you have a particularly interesting topic, you can easily turn it into a profitable freelance writing venture.

Developing good writing skills is key to success in this field.

The good news is that no qualifications in your chosen field are required to become a freelance writer.

As long as you have a passion for creating content and know your way around language, you can improve your talents through a variety of courses.

Even if you have previous writing experience, Udemy’s writing tasks can help you refine or develop your skills and create engaging blog posts that attract readers and potential clients.

5. Video Editor

Average Annual Salary: $57,000

If you don’t want to film videos but enjoy working with moving visuals, you should try learning video editing.

Video editors are rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after careers, with 93% of businesses reporting increased clients after publishing a video ad on social media.

That is why marketers are rebranding and focusing on publishing short, informational video advertising to increase sales.

This is especially true for any business using social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube.

As video editors, the clients will give you raw clips or videos to edit together interestingly and appealingly.

The role comes with a lot of pressure because your final output must attract viewers to make a buy.

Make sure your editing approach is appropriate for each assignment to ensure optimum client satisfaction (and the likelihood of being hired again).

Compiling audio, videos, and sound effects is not as simple as it may appear at first.

Fortunately, most video editing tools can be learned fast with the correct resources.

YouTube is an excellent free resource containing hundreds of videos with step-by-step editing tutorials for every editing software accessible.

If you want to learn more about Adobe Premiere Pro, Skillshare has a great course for beginners.

Press releases are also in high demand as companies seek to promote their video content and reach a wider audience.

Average Annual Salary: $50,000

With over 4 billion social media users worldwide, each represents a potential customer for any firm operating online—but only if its products are correctly advertised.

To increase their popularity and revenue, businesses of all sizes must exhibit their services online, which they do by engaging experienced social media marketers.

Social media marketing is ideal for folks who get bored fast because no two days are the same.

As a social media marketer, you’ll create online campaigns with a specific demographic in mind.

Each campaign will be unique depending on what your clients require.

Therefore, you’ll need to maintain your inventiveness at its peak.

Understanding how each platform works is the key to becoming an effective social media manager.

Udemy has a large selection of highly rated online social media marketing courses that will provide you with the information to begin delivering freelancing services.

To apply for any project or role, you must still establish a portfolio containing samples of social media styling, and so on.

This will demonstrate to firms that you have the necessary skills and experience to drive traffic and make sales.

Additionally, having a strong online presence and active social media accounts can help showcase your abilities in content creation, social media marketing, and social media management.

7. Business Consultant

Average Annual Salary: $99,000

Freelance business consulting offers numerous opportunities for those with expertise in various fields.

As a freelance business consultant, you can leverage your knowledge and experience to help companies increase efficiency, improve their operations, and achieve their goals.

One of the best aspects of freelance business consulting is the variety of opportunities available.

Whether you specialize in finance, marketing, human resources, or any other business area, there are numerous opportunities to find clients needing your expertise.

If you’re looking for freelance business ideas, consider offering services such as strategic planning, financial analysis, marketing strategy development, or organizational development.

These are all areas where businesses often seek outside expertise to help them navigate challenges and achieve success.

Freelance business consulting is one of the best freelance jobs for those with specialized knowledge and a desire to help businesses succeed.

With numerous opportunities available and the ability to work with various clients, it’s a career path that offers flexibility and the potential for massive earnings.

8. Data Analysts

Average Annual Salary: $74,000

Data analytics is one of the fastest-growing industries in the employment market, but its rapid expansion has produced a labour shortage that cannot be met.

This forces firms to compete for each skilled data analyst, increasing your chances of landing enough clients and living comfortably as a self-employed expert.

As a data analyst, you will collect, organize, and analyze enormous amounts of data to generate meaningful reports for each organization.

Each data analyst must pay close attention to detail to identify emerging patterns and system errors.

They frequently collaborate with web developers to construct seamless data collection platforms.

Data entry is a fundamental aspect of this role, requiring precision and accuracy in inputting and managing data.

Data analysts use various abilities, including business intelligence, fast analysis, and coding, so look for a school that covers a wide range of relevant topics.

This will save you significant time you would normally spend learning each skill independently.

Begin with the Udacity Data Analysis course, which will teach you everything about Python and SQL programming, as well as how to identify patterns and insights in collected data. 

9. Financial Consultant

Average Annual Salary: $103,800

If you have a finance degree, you can promote your skills and produce a lot of high-paying freelance work.

For example, freelance accountants can balance a company’s finances and track its financial flows.

Freelance financial advisors go further, using their experience and analysis to assist businesses in planning for a lucrative future.

Certified public accountants (CPAs) who advise businesses on their tax strategy earn some of the highest freelance rates.

Of course, being a CPA requires the necessary schooling and licensing from the Association of International Certified Public Accountants.

Customer service skills are also a great option to highlight, as they can enhance your ability to communicate effectively with clients and provide them with excellent service.

10. Project Manager

Average Annual Salary: $96,000

Freelance project management offers a dynamic and rewarding career path for those with strong organizational skills and a knack for leadership.

As a freelance project manager, you can set your own hours and work from anywhere, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a better work-life balance.

In this role, you will supervise the planning, execution, and completion of projects within a specified timeframe and budget.

You will work with clients to understand their needs and requirements and then coordinate with a team of professionals to ensure these objectives are met.

One of the main advantages of freelance project management is the variety of projects you can work on.

From small, short-term assignments to large, complex projects, there is always something new and exciting to tackle.

This diversity keeps the work manageable and allows you to gain valuable experience in different industries and sectors.

11. Freelance Copywriter

Average Annual Salary: $55,000

Copywriters can make a business stand out by using inventive catchphrases and material that generates sales.

A copywriter’s job includes more than just writing a few words.

They also create intriguing emails, blog posts, and product descriptions that entice customers to click ‘Buy.’

Statistics show that copywriting is one of the few industries that remains in high demand regardless of economic conditions.

This suggests that, if you have the talents, you can climb the income ladder as a freelance copywriter.

This is good news for those looking for one of the easiest freelance jobs to get started in.

Creating sales-worthy content necessitates exceptional persuasion skills.

This skill can be taught quickly, but you must continuously explore new approaches to stay current with the changing consumer market.

You can select from hundreds of specialist websites that provide both free and paid courses, such as The Creative Copywriter Academy’s copywriting program.

Learning to craft compelling website content is key to succeeding in this field.

12. SEO Specialist

Average Annual Salary: $53,000

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization marketing, is another highly specialized digital marketing sector that calls for freelancers to ensure that a client’s website appears on the top page of a Google search.

SEO will open up new options if you want to avoid the tough competition in digital and social media marketing while still enjoying the marketing industry.

It’s a lucrative type of work that offers long-term potential for growth.

To become an SEO specialist, you must thoroughly understand how search engines work and how to apply that knowledge to increase web traffic.

Learning the best ways to optimize websites for search engines is essential for success in this field.

13. Content Writer

Average Annual Salary: $63,000

Companies hire skilled writers to create various content assets, including ebooks and white papers, press releases, blog posts, and website text.

The most effective freelance content writers frequently start by identifying a specialization, such as eCommerce, technology, or finance.

Having a specialization might be especially beneficial in an age when businesses can utilize AI to generate basic content with the touch of a button.

Once you’ve identified your specialization, apply for jobs or pitch your services to publications specializing in that industry.

Developing a strong skill set in content writing and social media content creation is important for attracting new clients and standing out in the competitive freelance writing market.

14. Interior designer

Average Annual Salary: $99,000

If you’ve just finished binge-watching home remodelling shows on HGTV, you might be ready to explore interior design.

You don’t need a degree, but you must know how to transform an empty room into a beautiful and useful living area.

Interior designers choose colours, tiling, and furnishings to create warm and appealing spaces.

As a freelancer, you can work for individuals, home builders, or businesses.

Remember to photograph the areas you redecorate to create an online portfolio that will attract new clients.

Utilizing various social media platforms to showcase your work can be one of the best things you do to grow your interior design business.

It’s a great place to connect with potential clients and showcase your skill level to a wider audience.

15. Technical Writer

Average Annual Salary: $81,000

Freelance technical writing is an excellent career choice for those with a strong grasp of language and a knack for explaining complex concepts clearly and concisely.

Technical writers are in high demand across various industries.

This includes engineering, technology, and healthcare, as they play a crucial role in creating manuals, guides, and documentation for products and services.

One of the advantages of freelance technical writing is the flexibility it offers.

Freelancers can work anywhere, making it a great option for stay-at-home moms looking to earn income while caring for their children.

Additionally, technical writing often requires a deep understanding of the subject matter, so being fluent in a second language can be a plus point, opening up even more opportunities for freelance work.

It’s a great time to enter the field, especially for those who are bilingual or have proficiency in a second language.

16. Freelance Illustrator

Average Annual Salary: $59,000

Companies use illustrators rather than stock photos to stand out from their competitors.

Depending on their style, illustrations can accompany a wide range of online and offline articles, advertisements, and promotional materials. 

Today, most artists work for themselves or manage their own design studios.

That is why, if you select illustration as a freelance career, you should create your own distinct style or specialization.

This will attract more customers interested in purchasing certain designs and allow you to distinguish them from other artists.

Your style will be heavily influenced by what you are most interested in, whether digital design, sketching, portraits, or watercolours.

The main thing is to hone your expertise in whatever medium you choose.

Being well-versed in the digital world can also be beneficial, especially if you’re creating illustrations for video games or other digital media, where understanding digital tools and techniques is essential. 

17. Freelance Graphic Designer

Average Annual Salary: $55,000

The graphic design business provides a wide range of tasks to work on.

With most businesses investing in website and social media design, there have never been more chances for freelancers. 

Also, freelance graphic designers typically report feeling happier because they can constantly express themselves creatively.

The potential professional routes in design also regularly push creatives out of their comfort zones, forcing them to modify their methods and practices.

When each project is completed, there are many hurdles, excitement, and high levels of job satisfaction.

It’s a good idea to consider freelancing as a graphic designer if you enjoy being your own boss and want to have a say in the projects you take on.

Additionally, having a strong understanding of digital marketing and the ability to create engaging social media posts can make you a valuable asset to businesses looking to enhance their online presence.

18. Market Research

Average Annual Salary: $78,800

Freelance market research offers a great opportunity for those with a knack for analysis and a curiosity about consumer behaviour.

As a freelance market researcher, you’ll help businesses gather data to make informed decisions about their products and services.

This can especially appeal to business owners who may not have the resources to hire a full-time market researcher but still need valuable insights to grow their business.

Additionally, the freelance market constantly evolves, with new opportunities and challenges always arising.

This makes it an exciting field to work in, as you’ll always be learning and adapting to new trends and technologies.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your freelance market research business, there are plenty of opportunities to succeed in this dynamic and rewarding field.

19. Email Marketer

Average Annual Salary: $51,900

Email is one of the most effective marketing mediums for businesses.

This provides an excellent opportunity for freelancers who can produce attractive text, send emails and newsletters, and track results.

As a freelance email marketer, you’ll use web tools to assist firms in segmenting their consumers and creating intriguing subject lines that entice readers to open their emails.

Professionals who understand how to use modern marketing automation tools like HubSpot, Adobe Marketo Engage, or Wix’s integrated email marketing tool get paid the most for their efforts.

Providing excellent customer support is also crucial in this role, as you’ll need to understand your client’s target audience and tailor your emails to resonate with them.

The best part is, that you can do this job from anywhere and earn extra money while helping businesses grow their customer base.

20. Voice Over Artist

Average Annual Salary: $33,000

When corporations create training videos, product demos, advertisements, and sizzle reels, they need narrators who can deliver the material in the appropriate tone.

So, if you have a distinctive speaking voice, you can start your own freelancing career as a voiceover artist.

You do not have to have James Earl Jones’s deep baritone voice.

Companies today want various perspectives to reflect modern society’s diversity.

You’ll need an excellent-quality microphone and a computer, a profile on a talent platform like Voices.com, and a love of storytelling.

This can be a great option for college students looking to earn some extra money in their free time and who have specific skills, such as a unique voice or storytelling ability.

Final Thoughts on Getting the Best Freelance Jobs

Getting the best freelance jobs can be a great thing for those looking to enter the world of freelancing.

Whether you’re a college student looking for a freelance gig to earn some extra money in your free time or a seasoned professional looking to transition into the world of freelancing, there are plenty of opportunities available.

Just showcase your skills and expertise, and I guarantee you can attract high-paying clients and build a successful freelance career. 

Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions on Getting the Best Freelance Jobs

What are some popular freelance job ideas?

Popular freelance job ideas include graphic design, writing, web development, digital marketing, virtual assistance, and online tutoring.

These fields offer flexibility and can be done remotely, making them attractive freelancer options.

How do I choose the right freelance job idea for me?

Consider your skills, interests, and experience to choose the right freelance job idea.

Look for opportunities that align with your strengths and passions, which can lead to high job satisfaction and success as a freelancer.

Can I make a living from freelance job ideas?

Yes, many freelancers can make a living from their chosen freelance job ideas.

However, success as a freelancer often requires dedication, hard work, and the ability to market yourself effectively.

Building a credible portfolio and establishing good client relationships can also contribute to your success as a freelancer.