Sometimes, a regular 9–5 just won’t work.
Whether you prefer to be your own boss or you’re busy with your college studies and just want to make a few bucks here and there, freelance jobs could be the way to go.
According to a report by Upwork and Freelancers Union, 57 million people held freelance jobs in 2019 in the US alone, which is more than one-third of the entire workforce. And, with 2020 the way it is, you can bet it’ll be even higher on the next report.
“Freelancing is a respected, long-term career path,” said Stephane Kasriel, President and CEO of Upwork. “It’s remarkable to see this way of working empowering the youngest generation more than any prior generation and also to see the ways freelancing is opening up opportunities for inclusion in the workforce. Companies that want access to skilled professionals who are proactively training themselves and incredibly self-motivated should turn to independent professionals. The future of work is now, and they are leading the way.”
In this guide, we’ll walk you through these contract gigs, from the best freelance jobs to choose to how to find a freelance gig that gets you paid.
Let’s get started, shall we?
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Here’s our list of the best freelance jobs on the market:
List of the Best Jobs for Freelancers
1. Graphic Designer
- Average Salary (US): $25.05 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: -4% (Decline)
If you consider graphic design as your freelance job, this article will be a great starting place!
2. Software Developer
- Average Software Developer Salary (US): $51.69 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: 22%
3. Copywriter
- Average Copywriter Salary (US): $30.39 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: -2% (Decline)
4. Computer Programmer
- Average Salary (US): $41.61 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: -9% (Decline)
5. Accountants / Auditor
- Average Salary (US): $34.40 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: 4%
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6. Technical Writer
- Average Salary (US): $35.03 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: 7%
7. Video Editor
- Average Salary (US): $28.76 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: 18%
8. PR Consultant / Public Relations Specialist
- Average Salary (US): $29.40 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: 7%
9. Marketing Manager
- Average Salary (US): $65.34 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: 6%
10. Photographer
- Average Salary (US): $17.44 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: -4% (Decline)
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11. Web Developer
- Average Salary (US): $35.46 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate’s degree
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: 8%
12. Interpreter / Translator
- Average Salary (US): $24.92 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: 20%
13. Computer Support Specialist
- Average Salary (US): $26.33 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: 8%
14. Fitness Trainers / Gym Instructor
- Average Salary (US): $19.42 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: 15%
15. Training and Development Specialist
- Average Salary (US): $29.43 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: 9%
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16. Multimedia Artist / Animator
- Average Salary (US): $36.19 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: 4%
17. Market Research Analyst
- Average Salary (US): $30.67 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: 18%
18. Craft and Fine Artist
- Average Salary (US): $23.44 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: 0%
19. Information Security Analyst
- Average Salary (US): $47.95 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: 31%
20. Computer and Information Research Scientist
- Average Salary (US): $59.06 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Master’s degree
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: 15%
21. Paralegal / Legal Assistant
- Average Salary (US): $24.87 per hour (US BLS)
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate’s degree
- Job Outlook, 2019-29: 10%
Related Read: How to Turn Your Passion Into a Career in 5 Easy Steps
How to Find the Best Freelance Jobs Out There
According to Payoneer’s 2020 Freelancer Income Report, “freelancing is quickly becoming the preferred lifestyle choice for workers all over the world. Mostly led by younger generations, the freelance economy is continuing to grow at a staggering pace not only in developed countries but more so in emerging regions.”
If you’re looking to get started in freelancing, you’ll need to know where to look. While many of the most popular job search websites offer remote jobs and freelance opportunities as well as more traditional work-from-office options, there are some websites out there that cater specifically to freelancers.
Here are the best freelance job search sites to check out:
Good luck on your search!
That’s our post on the best freelance jobs and job search sites, and we hope it helps you better decide what’s best for you! If you have any questions, feedback, or other top jobs for freelancers we should include on our list, let us know below in the comments, and thank you for reading!
Related Read: 15+ Best Jobs For High School Students (Part-Time, Weekends, Summer)