Freelance work is a great option if you’re looking to set your own hours, work from anywhere, or pick up projects that interest you most. It’s no surprise, then, that countless professionals are switching to freelancing as more companies recognize the benefits of engaging independent professionals through platforms like Upwork. The good thing is that market pay rates differ, making it easy to find better-paying freelance jobs to match your experience level.
In this article, discover some of the highest-paying independent gigs and the benefits of showcasing your skills and expertise.
Note: Market rate data is reflective of the time of writing and may vary from one project or freelancing platform to another. This information acts as a general guide on what you can expect from the market. Rates are based on statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and average rates earned on Upwork.
What is a freelance job?
A freelance job is a project involving contract work assigned by a company or individual to a self-employed professional. The freelancer can handle the work remotely or on-site, depending on the client’s requirements.
If you decide to participate in the freelance market, you can browse and apply for jobs via
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By venturing into the world of freelancing, you can enjoy several benefits. These advantages include:
15 of the highest-paying freelance jobs
Whether you’re a tech expert, designer, or writer, there are countless projects for freelance professionals. And with so many categories of jobs to choose from, there’s no reason you shouldn’t find something to match your skills.
Some of the best-paying freelance jobsinclude:
The copywriting field is one of the most viable options for freelancers. As a freelance copywriter, you might compose newsletters, advertising copy, emails, e-books, articles, and other types of polished content that grabs readers’ attention.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the jobs outlook for this field is likely to grow 9% between 2020 and 2030. And although statistics show that roughly 15,400 job openings become available to writers in the United States each year, the figure is undoubtedly much higher for freelancers considering that you can work with clients from various parts of the world. On average, copywriters working on freelance writing jobs via Upwork earn between $19 and $45 per hour.
If you want to find the best copywriting gigs, explore extensive project listings on Upwork.
Web designer
Web designers help clients create websites to suit specific requirements. The role of a web designer might also encompass updating existing websites. This industry is ideal for anyone with creative and technical know-how who can create high-quality webpages and other website features.
To handle various projects, though, you may need to develop skills in specific programming languages, such as JavaScript, Python, or SQL, and proficiency in relevant software programs. Depending on your experience, it’s possible to earn between $15 and $30 per hour or more on platforms like Upwork. And with job opportunities in this field likely to grow 13% by 2030, you’ll be in high demand as a web designer.
To maintain a steady supply of work, browse current web design projects on Upwork.
Digital marketing consultant
As a freelance digital marketer, you’ll help businesses bolster their online visibility and lead generation to increase sales. You can achieve these objectives through various activities, such as search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, social media marketing, content marketing, and online advertisements. In addition, clients can tap into your expertise to solve specific digital sales and marketing challenges.
In return, you can expect excellent pay rates. In fact, average hourly rates for digital marketers on Upwork range between $15 and $45, depending on various factors (e.g., project scope).
To find well-paying consultancy projects, check out digital marketing jobs on Upwork.
Social media manager
Social media is a lucrative way for businesses to promote products and services directly to their target audiences. Social media managers help brands formulate and implement marketing strategies to enhance lead generation.
As a freelancer, you can work with several brands at any given time, helping them improve communication techniques on various social media platforms. In most cases, clients will expect you to provide expert advice about content generation and targeting, so you’ll need to demonstrate savviness with different social media channels.
On average, you can expect to command a pay rate of $14 to $35 an hour via freelance platforms as a social media manager.
Are you currently looking for the highest-paying gigs? If so, browse social media management projects on Upwork.
Editor
Editors play an important role in the editorial process by reviewing and revising written texts to ensure they meet specific guidelines. They check various aspects, such as syntax, punctuation, flow, style, and verify facts. Editorial processes are vital to producing high-quality content.
If you’ve got a knack for identifying grammar and other issues, you can explore opportunities in this field as a freelancer. On Upwork, it’s easy to find high-paying freelance jobs for editors. Average pay rates for copyediting projects range between $20 and $40 per hour, depending on experience and other factors.
Finding quality editing work just got easier thanks to Upwork’s extensive freelance job listings. Gain access to the highest-paying projects by browsing and bidding for editing jobs on Upwork today.
Web developer
Web developers use their advanced programming skills to develop code that determines how websites function. The best freelance jobs typically require professionals with experience in either front-end or back-end web development or both (full-stack development). Front-end web developers concentrate on the design and visual aspects of a website, while back-end specialists focus on the behind-the-scenes components or administrative areas of a website that aren’t visible to users.
The best part about working as a self-employed web developer is that you can earn between $15 and $30 per hour or more, according to average rates earned on Upwork. In addition, job opportunities in the web development field are likely to grow 13% by 2030.
To find the right web development projectsthat pay higher rates, check out the current listings on Upwork.
Media buyer
Media buyers help businesses determine the ideal ad placement to suit their specific budget and targeting needs. Placement options might include physical, print, digital, and broadcast advertisements. Depending on the client’s requirements, a media buyer’s roles and responsibilities may also include managing social media ad campaigns. Large, midsize, and small businesses tap into media buyers' ability to negotiate better rates to reduce the cost of advertisements.
Media buying professionals typically charge between $50 and $200 per hour. According to the BLS, job opportunities for advertising agents are expected to grow 3% by 2030. This trend presents opportunities to venture into this field as a freelancer.
If you’re keen to supercharge your freelance career, check out Upwork’s media buyer job listings.
Photographer
Photography is a popular field that requires high levels of creativity and technical expertise to produce high-quality images for companies and individuals. As a freelance photographer, you can earn a living capturing images of events, physical products, places, and people. Clients are willing to pay well if you can capture images that tell a captivating story.
Whether you’re keen to work as a photographer full time or as a side hustle, you can find high-paying photography work on Upwork. Job outlook data published by the BLS shows that photography job opportunities will likely grow 17% by 2030. When it comes to average hourly rates for photography projects, you can expect between $40 and $100.
To keep your freelance work pipeline full, browse and bid for photography projects on Upwork.
Data analyst
As a freelance data analyst, you can help clients analyze specific pieces of data involving historical transactions or events. You’ll play a critical role in uncovering key trends in customer behavior or other business aspects, allowing companies to make informed decisions about day-to-day operations. Businesses of varying sizes count on data analysts to predict future trends more accurately. Your role is to tap into big data collected from various operational sources.
The average hourly rate for data analysts via Upwork hovers between $20 and $50. Although many data analysts work full time for companies of varying sizes, you can find a steady supply of well-paid projects on freelance platforms.
Discover an array of data analyst jobs by browsing Upwork’s project listings.
Business consultant
A business consultant helps clients gain an in-depth understanding of specific operational matters. In many cases, the professional plays an active role in solving complex business challenges. Companies typically hire consultants to seek advice on practical ways to improve day-to-day operations or profitability. The consultant may specialize in one or more business areas, such as marketing, finance, or human resources.
As a freelance consultant, you can work with multiple entrepreneurs at any given time, allowing you to maximize your income. In fact, the average hourly rate for business consultants ranges between $28 and $98depending on your skill level and project scope.
Find the right clients and projects by browsing business consultant job listings on Upwork.
Programmer
Programmers play an important role in today’s digital world by writing code that controls the features and functions of computer and mobile applications. In addition, they keep systems running smoothly by handling maintenance routines and troubleshooting technical issues. Tech professionals with advanced programming skills typically help businesses handle software and web development.
On average, programming jobs pay between $15 and $30 per hour. Find well-paid gigs by checking out the comprehensive list of programming projects on Upwork.
Videographer
Videography involves capturing events and editing the videos to ensure a quality presentation. A combination of filming and video editing skills is vital to success in this field. You can operate as a solo freelancer or collaborate with other professionals to get the job done efficiently and correctly. Examples of events requiring professional videography services include weddings, corporate seminars, and parties.
You can market your services via Upwork to keep a steady stream of high-paying videography projects. The average salary for videographers on Upwork hovers between $15 and $30 per hour.
To find new clients and maintain a steady stream of freelance jobs, take a look at Upwork’s videographer jobs.
Accountant
An accounting professional performs record-keeping of business finances and may help interpret the records. The professional plays an integral role in ensuring the accuracy of all financial records for reporting and tax purposes. Companies rely on accountants to provide accurate and well-presented financial information to help them make informed decisions about business operations.
Proper record-keeping processes make it easier to analyze profits and losses more effectively. Additional duties may include preparing invoices, determining payroll requirements, collaborating with auditors, and analyzing operating budgets.
If you’re keen to kick-start your freelance career as an accountant, you can find an extensive list of high-paying accounting projects on Upwork. On average, these projects pay hourly rates of between $12 and $32 depending on your skill set and other factors.
Get your share of the action by browsing and bidding for accounting jobs on Upwork.
Virtual assistant
Clients hire virtual assistants to perform various administrative tasks, such as data entry, calendar organization, and managing email communications. These professionals may run errands on behalf of their clients, such as making restaurant reservations, scheduling medical appointments, and making purchases. These services enable busy clients, particularly small business entrepreneurs, to focus on day-to-day operations. Most virtual assistants handle tasks directly with the client or through freelance platforms.
As a virtual assistant, you can earn between $12 and $20 per hour performing wide-ranging administrative duties on Upwork. Typically, your experience determines the type of projects available to you.
Keep the freelance projects flowing by bidding for the best virtual assistant jobs on Upwork.
Public relations manager
Public relations (PR) managers help companies develop effective PR strategies that promote a positive image of an organization. Regular duties might include crafting well-polished press releases, building relationships with key media contacts, and managing crises. Companies in various sectors require the services of experienced PR professionals to improve public communications via several channels, including social media.
Experience and qualifications in media, online marketing, and other related fields are critical to success. You can qualify for the highest-paid freelance projects once you gain considerable experience handling the most challenging PR campaigns. Public relations consultancy work pays between $50 and $100 per hour. Analysts predict job opportunities for public relations managers will grow 13% by 2030.
Access a wide selection of public relations manager jobs by browsing Upwork’s listings.
What is the best freelance job for beginners?
In-depth knowledge of digital marketing, SEO, and copywriting can prove beneficial for beginners involved in several fields, such as public relations, editing, web design, and social media management. These skills can help make a positive impression on potential clients.
Some benefits of familiarizing yourself with these topics include faster career growth and the ability to cross-leverage digital media channels. In turn, you can offer a more comprehensive service to clients.
Copywriting can be a useful skill when handling public relations campaigns, while SEO boosts content visibility across the internet. When it comes to web design, it’s critical to integrate SEO elements that allow search engines to crawl and index webpages more efficiently. By doing so, you provide a high-quality service to clients looking to maximize the visibility of their content.
Bottom line
Whether you’re just starting out as an independent professional or are a seasoned freelancer, you can access higher-paying jobs by choosing the right freelance platform. Upwork provides access to wide-ranging jobs for independent professionals posted by clients from around the world. There are projects for graphic designers, software development specialists, freelance writers, online marketing experts, and more.
If you’re keen to grow your freelance career, take the next step by browsing job listings on Upwork.