18 Top Freelance Jobs on the Market
Freelance jobs offer an appealing combination of independence, flexibility, and growth potential. As a freelancer, you’re able to set your own hours and rates while working on projects that interest you. Clients of freelancers win, too, by gaining access to specialized talent at a scalable price. If you’re looking to get into the freelancing game or broaden your skill set, here are the top freelance jobs to focus on in 2023.
1. Graphic designer
Graphic designers create visual concepts for products, company branding, marketing campaigns, printed materials and more. They typically use a combination of design mediums, from hand-drawn sketches to digital design using programs like Adobe illustrator and Photoshop.
Freelance graphic designers typically charge rates ranging from $15 to $150 per hour, with the average hourly rate being around $25. Designers also commonly bill on a project basis, meaning they charge a fixed price for a certain deliverable like a logo or a brochure.
2. Web designer
A web designer creates the visual design of a web page or site. This includes coming up with the design elements, like the color scheme and layout, as well as the elements the user will interact with, like the site navigation and buttons.
A web designer is different from a developer. Whereas a designer focuses primarily on the visuals, a developer creates the code for those visuals and makes the site work the way it’s supposed to. Some freelancers are both designers and developers.
Freelance web designers charge between $15 and $75 or more an hour. Project durations can range from a few hours for a simple single-page design to several weeks for an entire website.
3. Developer
A developer is responsible for taking the idea for a digital program and turning it into reality using a variety of programming languages and frameworks. Web developers may specialize in a certain programming language, like JavaScript or Python; a certain platform, like WordPress; or a certain aspect of development, like user interface or custom applications.
Developers are among the most highly sought after freelancers. If you’re good at what you do, you can command hourly rates of $150 or more.
For a comprehensive guide on how to jump head-first into the gig economy, check out our post on how to start freelancing with no experience.
4. Social media manager
A social media manager manages a company’s presence on channels like Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok. They work hand-in-hand with company stakeholders in creating a strategy that supports the organization’s business objectives. They may also develop the content for social media posts or oversee a team of other social media specialists.
Some social media managers specialize in one platform, while others may focus specifically on social media advertising. Most freelance social media managers charge a monthly rate, which can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a single platform to $10,000 per month or more for enterprise-level management of multiple accounts.
5. Copywriter
A copywriter develops the written content that supports a company’s sales goals. This can include slogans, advertising headlines, product taglines, marketing emails and more. A copywriter typically works collaboratively with other members of the marketing and creative team, like graphic designers and web developers.
Some copywriters charge an hourly rate, which ranges from around $20 to $100 an hour, while others charge per deliverable, like by landing page or social media post.
6. Content writer
Content writers develop all types of written content for a company’s audience, including but not limited to website pages, emails, blog posts, white papers, technical documents and even video or audio scripts. A content writer typically receives direction from the client via a project brief, then develops the content in accordance with the goals and requirements outlined in it.
Freelance content writers may charge by the hour (usually ranging from $15 to $80 an hour), by the project or by the word.
Toptal, Upwork, HireMyMom, and Fiverr are a few of the most popular and reputable freelance platforms to utilize if you are looking for more work!
7. Ghostwriter
These days, business leaders can benefit from positioning themselves as thought leaders within their area of expertise. However, not all business leaders are great writers. So, when they need to develop materials like blog posts, speeches, and even entire books, they often hire a ghostwriter to help craft the written words.
Freelance ghostwriters provide great value by being available on a short-term, limited-duration basis. For their services, ghostwriting freelancers usually earn between $20 and $45 an hour. For long-form projects like memoirs, the rate can be as high as $30,000 to $100,000.
8. SEO manager
An SEO manager helps clients optimize their online content to be discovered and organized by search engines. Their work can include keyword research, on-page optimization, site architecture, link building, paid search marketing and more. SEO managers work closely with web development and content teams to ensure the site is following SEO best practices.
The rates for freelance SEO managers run the gamut from $25 an hour at the low end to $200 or more at the expert level. Some SEO freelancers opt to charge a monthly rate for ongoing services, while some offer performance-based pricing that’s dependent on results.
9. Video editor
Video is currently the most widely consumed form of internet content, so it’s no surprise companies of all sizes are looking to capitalize on its popularity. Video editors help achieve this goal by using digital editing platforms to turn raw footage into a compelling, informative and engaging final product.
Freelance video editors can expect to earn around $20 for basic video editing up to $100+ per hour for complex editing and other services like adding animation.
10. Podcast editor
It seems like everyone is starting a podcast right now. That’s good news for freelancers, because it means there’s a big need for talented podcast editors.
A podcast editor does more than just cut and splice audio recordings. They may also assist with the setup of recording equipment, incorporate music and other sound effects, advise on content flow to ensure a clear narrative from start to finish, and aid with uploading the podcast and creating show notes.
The typical hourly rate for a freelance podcast editor is between $25 and $50 an hour, though some editors charge by the episode or based on the length of recording that’s being edited.
11. Translator
A translator helps people and companies communicate across language barriers by taking content that’s written or spoken in one language and translating it into another. A translator may also aid with interpretation, ensuring the original meaning and context of the message are preserved during translation.
How much you can make as a freelance translator depends on your level of proficiency and the demand for your particular language. The average starting rate for a freelance translator starts around $15 an hour and scales upwards for more niche languages and specialization, like technical terminology.
12. Virtual assistant
If you’re organized, detail oriented and have strong time management skills, you could earn money online as a virtual assistant. Virtual assistants offer a range of services covering pretty much any duty that a client wants to offload, from scheduling appointments and answering emails to planning travel and completing complex research projects.
Virtual assistants usually charge on an hourly basis (ranging from $12 to $50+ an hour) or on a monthly retainer for full-time service.
13. Data analyst
A data analyst helps companies interpret their data as it pertains to a specific business goal or challenge. They may gather the data themselves, like via consumer surveys, or leverage data the client already has, like customer purchasing behavior.
Freelance data analysts typically charge an hourly rate ranging between $15 and $45 an hour.
14. Accountant
From bookkeeping to tax preparation, accountants help clients manage all aspects of their personal and business finances. Some accountants work with clients on an ongoing basis, balancing their ledger from month to month, while others assist as needed, like at tax time.
Freelance accountants may work independently or as a supplement to a company’s in-house accounting staff. For basic freelance accounting work like bookkeeping, you can expect to earn between $12 and $20 an hour. For more complex accounting needs and financial consulting, you can earn $50 or more an hour.
15. Business consultant
If you have expertise in a particular area of business, you could lend your services to companies in need of specialized advice as a business consultant. A business consultant offers guidance and strategies meant to help clients solve business-specific challenges. Operations, HR, legal, finance, and marketing are some of the most in-demand consulting categories.
Since business consultants typically have extensive experience, they can charge a pretty penny for their services. Freelance rates in this niche range from $50 to $125 an hour.
16. Photographer
A freelance photographer provides photography on a contract basis, often for events or special occasions. Weddings, sporting events, news, real estate and professional portraits are some of the hottest photography specialties.
The average freelance photographer charges between $25 and $45 an hour, but if you have a strong portfolio and excellent referrals, you can earn many times that rate.
17. Project manager
A project manager oversees all aspects of a project from start to finish, coordinating deliverables from different service providers and keeping work on schedule. They often make recommendations to save time and simplify workflows, which helps clients maximize their productivity.
Hourly rates for freelance project managers typically range from $30 an hour for basic project management services to $150+ for project managers with specialized PM certifications and expertise.
18. Public relations specialist
In today’s fast-moving, always-connected world, companies must be proactive in order to keep their brands at the top of consumers’ minds. A public relations specialist helps manage a brand’s reputation and seeks out opportunities to earn positive coverage on traditional and digital information channels.
Clients may hire a freelance public relations specialist to tackle a specific project or retain them on an ongoing basis. Rates for this gig range from $20 to $45 an hour.
