Takeaways
- Freelancers work for their own businesses and perform contract work for clients.
- Freelancers have been a growing percentage of the U.S. workforce for the last decade.
- Freelancers determine their hours, enjoy workplace flexibility, and set their rates.
- Many professions, like writing, consulting, and photography, enjoy freelance work.
- Freelancers can work for multiple clients and increase their business skillsets quickly.
Starting your own business doesn’t mean you have to develop the latest tech company. Instead, you can join the ranks of over 64 million Americans enjoying freelance work.[1] In today’s hyperconnected economy it has never been easier to take advantage of countless freelance jobs.
If you are ready to be your own boss, set your own hours, and take control of your work-life balance, then freelancing could be the perfect opportunity for you. Many freelancers set up their own C Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC) to run their businesses and reap the financial rewards of their growing businesses.
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What Is a Freelancer?
A freelancer is an individual who takes on hourly, retainer, or project work for various clients rather than committing to a single employer full-time. Freelancers are self-employed, and they often handle multiple projects simultaneously. They can choose their work based on their skills and interests and control their work schedules.
Over the past decade, there has been a massive boom in freelancers, which has helped establish the gig economy.[2] In the gig economy, freelancers are in many fields, ranging from information technology to creative services, like writing and graphic design.
Best Freelance Jobs for Beginners
If you're looking to enter the world of freelancing, you have a buffet of options available, and you don't even have to look that far. Sites like Upwork and Flexjobs offer easy-to-use platforms for sourcing, securing, and executing freelancing contracts.
If you want to get started, many younger freelancers consider social media management, writing, or data entry to test the market and get a pulse on what freelancing can be like. These positions are particularly useful if you want to earn more money by working extra hours but only want to use basic skills.
Virtual assistant roles offer an opportunity to handle administrative tasks with minimal experience. Alternatively, if you have a knack for teaching or technical skills, there are profitable tutoring and web development roles that provide room for growth and skill development. If you are creative, you might explore graphic design or photography, where you can leverage your artistic talent and potentially earn a significant income
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Best For: Finding Remote and Freelance Work
Success: Freelancers earned $2.3B on Upwork in 2020
10 Popular Freelance Jobs
Depending on where you are in your career, branching out independently as a freelancer or starting a side hustle can be extremely profitable. If you are prepared to leap into full-time freelancing, here are ten popular freelance jobs to consider:
1. Writer
A freelance writer can create a wide range of written content—the content they are often hired for spans from articles to blogs and scripts to technical documents. If a writer specializes in different forms of writing, like search engine optimization or creative writing, they can find a wide range of clients.
The field of freelance writing is projected to grow steadily, which will offer sustainability for freelance writers.
2. Editor
Freelance editors are hired to refine written content. This often focuses on grammar, clarity, and overall flow. A freelance editor can specialize in specific niches, like books, magazine articles, website posts, or academic papers.
A successful freelance editor ensures their client’s writing is high-quality and impactful. Many editors harness information tools like Grammarly to help streamline their editing process.
3. Social Media Manager
A social media manager strategizes, creates, and manages content across social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok. They build online communities and engage audiences for their clients. An effective social media manager blends creativity and analytical skills to enhance their client’s digital presence.
Being a social media manager involves posting updates, engaging with followers, analyzing metrics, and developing strategies to boost online presence and brand awareness. A social media manager must stay updated on the latest digital trends and platform updates so they can effectively engage their target audiences and achieve their client’s marketing goals.
4. Consultant
Freelance consultants offer expert advice in their specialized fields, which can include management, marketing, IT, or any other desirable field. Becoming a freelance consultant is ideal for individuals with extensive industry experience who can help a business improve efficiency, solve problems, and potentially increase profitability.
Consultants often work on projects. These projects can involve conducting market research, providing staff training sessions, or implementing new systems. Strong analytical and excellent communication skills are essential to becoming a successful consultant.
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5. Accountant
Freelance accountants are hired to manage financial records, tax filings, and budgeting for businesses or individuals. You need to have a knack for detail and precision and understand financial regulations. A freelance accounting position can provide a very stable and lucrative career.
Many seasoned freelance accountants have the flexibility of choosing their clients and projects. They can tailor their services to specific industries or company sizes, like startups, small businesses, and independent professionals, or they can even help publicly traded companies listed on the Nasdaq or NYSE. Building a reputation as a reliable and knowledgeable accountant can create a steady stream of inbound client referrals.
6. Photographer
Freelance photography is a highly competitive field. Photographers are hired to capture images for marketing events, product launches, employee portraits, etc. The job market for photographers is expected to grow as businesses hire for more aspects of their marketing. There is a substantial potential for career development and creative expression as a freelance photographer.
Freelance photography allows photographers to specialize in niches that interest them, like wedding photography, fashion photography, or wildlife photography. It is best to stay relevant in the industry by learning and adapting to new photography trends and technologies.
7. Coder
Freelance coders or programmers will write the code to create anything a business needs. Coders are needed to develop software, apps, and websites. As technology expands and artificial intelligence increases freelancers’ capacity, the demand for skilled coders remains high. Becoming a freelance coder can be a very profitable option.
Freelance coders often specialize in specific programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Ruby, or C++. The code you specialize in will determine the projects you take on or the industries you serve, such as web development, mobile app development, or game development.
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8. Web Designer
Freelance web designers will focus on the aesthetics and user experience of websites. If you have skills in graphic design and HTML/CSS, this is a freelance opportunity for you to help clients develop their websites.
If you have an eye for capturing an audience and creating user interfaces, you may have a future in freelance web design. As a freelance web designer, you would help clients develop their websites, making them attractive, functional, and user-friendly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, web developers can command over $92,000 with a 16% year-over-year growth rate.[3]
9. Copy Writer
Copywriters are a very specialized set of freelance writers. It is a copywriter's job to craft compelling marketing and advertising content. This role requires creativity and the ability to engage various audiences.
Copywriters are essential for businesses looking to boost their brand identity and sales. Companies would hire you to write their marketing emails and lead their content creation. Unlike other writing jobs, a copywriter requires the ability to write for many different audiences while capturing the voices of various brands
10. Project Manager
Project managers oversee projects from conception to completion. They are hired to ensure the project runs smoothly, stays on budget, and meets deadlines.
Freelance project managers are hired for many industries, including information technology, construction management, and marketing. A freelance project manager provides organizational skills and leadership.
Should You Freelance as a Sidehustle?
If you are like most people, you want to earn more money to improve your finances. If you don’t want to become a freelancer full-time, you can always set up your own side business and freelance to make extra money. You can use the extra income to:
- Save an Emergency Fund
- Invest in Stocks
- Pay Off Credit Card Debt
- Save a Down Payment
- Pay Off Student Loans
- Save a Wedding Fund
Earning more money can accelerate your path to reaching your financial goals. Some freelancers want to earn more money to achieve financial freedom or try to retire early.
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Smart Summary
Freelancing can be the perfect way to monetize your current skillsets while sharpening your business, sales, and analytical abilities. Enhancing your qualifications while getting paid to serve a diverse set of clients can be incredibly rewarding. Most freelancers enjoy maintaining their flexibility regarding where they work, who they work with, and how long they work. Being able to set your own hourly rates, contract prices, and retainer fees puts you in the financial driver's seat. Are you ready to take the leap?
(1) Upwork. Upwork Study Finds 64 million Americans Freelanced in 2023, Adding $1.27 Trillion to U.S. Economy. Last Accessed January 16, 2025.
(2) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Freelancers in the workforce. Last Accessed January 16, 2025.
(3) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Web Developers and Digital Designers. Last January 16, 2025.
