Since 2020, there has been a rise in freelancers across the globe due to new work trends during the COVID-19 era. Millions of people have left their 9-5 jobs to pursue a full-time freelancing career. A report from McKinsey estimates that there will be 500 million freelancers working through various content mills and other service platforms by 2030 (Forbes). If you’re considering a freelance career during or after graduation or just need a side hustle, check out the highest-paying freelance gigs.

Copywriter

Copywriters are the go-to for companies needing persuasive content to bring in customers. Copywriters can specialize in different niches, such as health, education, business, or cryptocurrency, producing copy that draws in leads and sales for a company. These freelancers can create copy in the form of blogs, newsletters, emails, or advertisements. Experienced copywriters on Upwork, a content mill for freelancers, can earn between $19 and $45 an hour.

Web Designer

Web designers help to bring their customers’ ideas to light by creating a website that meets their needs. In addition, these freelancers can redesign existing websites to give them a more modern, updated look. Web designers are skilled in using website builders such as Squarespace, Wix, or WordPress and software programs such as JavaScript or Python. Web designers can charge between $29 and $36 an hour based on their expertise.

Social Media Manager

A solid social media presence can help companies with lead generation, increasing their sales. However, many companies are too busy to manage their social media accounts, so they outsource work to freelance social media managers. Social media managers are experts in social media, skilled in SEO (Search Engine Optimization), ROI (Rate of Interest), and content marketing. Responsibilities include creating content, reviewing analytics, designing campaigns, monitoring social media accounts, and engaging with potential clients (Coursera). Social media managers make an average of $20.78 an hour.

Graphic Designers

Graphic designers create visuals that align with a client’s brand and goals. These graphics can range from website design, logos, advertisements, social media content, and much more. Most graphic designers are skilled in digital design, working with software programs such as Adobe Dreamweaver and websites like Canva. Some clients may require that the freelancer have a degree in graphic design, a strong portfolio of previous work, and several years of experience. An expert graphic designer can charge between $65 to $150 an hour. 

Technical Writer

Technical writers are the professionals behind manuals, journal articles, how-to guides, and other technical documents. Technical writers take complex documents and translate them into an easy-to-read format for consumers (U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics). Most technical writers have a background in technology, science, or engineering, as these are some of the industries that outsource talent from these freelancers. Experienced technical writers have a bachelor’s degree and 2-5 years of experience. The hourly rate of a technical writer is between $25 to $32 an hour.

Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants complete administrative tasks for their clients. These assignments can involve bookkeeping, social media management, email marketing, scheduling, data entry, and much more. Virtual assistants don’t require beyond a high school diploma to successfully fulfill their duties, though a bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years of experience can make them more competitive in the industry (Indeed). The average hourly rate for virtual assistants is $15.96 an hour, with the 90th percentile making $25.93 an hour (Payscale).

Editor

When it comes to publishing well-written and grammar-free content, companies hire editors to review their work. Editors are responsible for proofreading and editing written material to ensure it is error-free and structured. They may also be in charge of scheduling and publishing content to a company’s website or social media accounts. There are different types of editors, such as copy editors, managing editors, and book editors. Most editors have a bachelor’s degree in English or journalism and 2-4 years of professional experience. The average hourly rate for editors is between $30 and $40 an hour.

Tutor 

A common freelancing side hustle for high school and college students is tutoring. Tutors provide virtual or in-person sessions with children or adults to assist in subjects like math, science, writing, reading, or history. Tutors can choose to work as independent contractors with a tutoring company or have their own freelancing business. Unlike other freelance jobs, tutors don’t require a lot of previous experience, though a college degree or teaching license can be of benefit. The average hourly rate for a tutor is $25.90 an hour.

Want to explore salaries, skills, education and credentials needed to thrive in these freelance careers? Search your dream profession using our Career Insights tool.