The best freelance jobs for 2024 that are in-demand and high-paying

The shift to freelancing shows no signs of losing pace since being triggered by the pandemic, equating to over 1.57 billion freelancers in the world as of 2023. Being in control of your work life by choosing projects that interest you, setting your own hours, and working from any location are key reasons behind this trend.

Entrepreneurs, subject matter experts (SME), and larger companies are all turning to freelancers to complete projects via job boards, freelance communities, and networks. But, what are the premium freelance jobs to target? 

In this article, we answer:

• What are the 10 best freelance jobs for 2024? 

10 best freelance jobs for 2024

Whether you're a tech expert, freelance writer, photographer, or accountant, there are plenty of opportunities out there. 

Here’s our top 10 best freelance jobs for 2024, with projected employment growth and average hourly rates: 

1. Copywriter

Becoming a copywriter is a great option whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out in your freelance writing career. Copywriters apply their exceptional writing skills and strong command of the English language to create articles, copy, and other high-quality content to grab a reader's attention. These talented storytellers are also tech savvy, utilizing traditional and new media channels to boost traffic and sales.

The job outlook for copywriters is pretty rosy according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), with projected growth of 4% from 2022 to 2032. Job openings in the U.S. are expected at 15,500 each year over this period, but the sky's the limit for writers in terms of working with clients all over the world. Median wages equate to $35.17 hourly.

2. Social media manager

Are you a social media whizz? Then, a role as a freelance social media manager could be perfect. You’ll be responsible for creating targeted and engaging marketing strategies to boost brand awareness and sales across various social media platforms. This may involve working with different brands on their communications projects as well as providing expert advice on content marketing and maximizing social media channels.

Social media allows businesses to market their products and services directly to their target audience, so it’s no wonder this is one of the best freelance jobs. Roles are projected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032 (faster than the average for all occupations) and expected job openings are circa 34,000. The wage here varies greatly, but the median is around $45 per hour.

3. Data analyst

Data analysts are in high demand, with freelance opportunities involving work with clients or companies on diverse projects. This could involve one-off projects to clean specific data or long-term contracts developing systems and dashboards. Data analysts usually have a STEM background, knowledge of data processing languages (MS Excel, Tableau, SQL), strong analytical skills, and commercial acumen. 

Projected employment growth in the next 10 years is a healthy 23% and an average of 9,800 job openings each year. Pay rates are healthy too, with an average of $65.69 hourly.

4. Photographer

Creative types with strong technical skills, a great eye for detail, and the desire to work flexibly will undoubtedly find freelance photography an ideal job. If you’re able to capture inspiring and high-quality images of events, products, places, or people, you’ll be on your way to securing the higher paying photography gigs. 

As one of the best freelance jobs, this role is projected to increase by 4% from 2022 to 2032, with annual job openings predicted at 13,900. Median wages are $19.31 hourly, but with experience and a strong portfolio, the top end of this hourly rate could rise five-fold.    

5. Accounting

There are plenty of freelance accounting opportunities, so if you’ve got the right education and experience, you’ll be busy. This could involve working directly for a small enterprise or supporting an existing accounting department in a larger company during busy fiscal periods. Providing accurate financial information, maintaining records, managing P&L, and overseeing auditing are all areas you could be involved in.

If you’re a newly certified accountant, then getting some experience via an internship or part-time opportunity will help you launch your freelancing career. Employment of accountants is projected to grow by 4% from 2022 to 2032, with a whopping 125,500 job openings estimated each year. Median wages are $37.50 hourly.

6. Web designer

If you’re both creative and technically-minded, then creating websites tailored to client requirements or optimizing existing websites, could be a great freelancing option. Beginners can enhance their skills by using drag and drop website builders as well as completing programming courses (JavaScript, Python, and SQL).

Web designers are in high demand. Overall employment is projected to grow by 16% from 2022 to 2032 and 19,000 job openings are estimated each year over this period. Median wages equate to $40.02 hourly.

7. Editor

Editors play a vital role in the review of text to meet specific requirements and are focused on the delivery of high quality material. If you’ve got a strong command of the English language, are capable of verifying facts accurately, and possess an eye for detail, then editorial freelance work will give you the opportunity to use these skills.

While the projected job outlook for editors is expected to decline slightly by 4% (2022 to 2032), there are still 11,600 job openings projected each year in the U.S. Added to that, you can also complete editorial freelance gigs for clients across the world. Pay depends on experience level, with the median wage at $35.14 hourly. 

8. Business consultant

For more seasoned professionals, working freelance in the field of business consultancy can be fulfilling and potentially lucrative. When you’re assisting clients to optimize their operations by solving complex business challenges and finding practical ways to improve performance and profitability, no day will be the same.

Minimum requirements for this type of freelance role would be a bachelor’s degree and several years of related work experience, across areas such as finance, marketing, or human resources. The job outlook for business consultants is great, with an above-average growth rate of 10% projected in the next ten years and 92,900 job openings estimated each year. Median wages equate to $45.81 hourly, but there’s scope for more depending on experience.  

9 Artificial Intelligence (AI) professional

AI is a rapidly growing field that is revolutionizing the world, so it’s inevitable that this technology will create new jobs. Freelance AI professionals use machine learning algorithms and AI technologies to develop software programs, applications, or systems.

Jobs range from data analysis and natural language processing (NLP) to computer vision and robotics.Employment for these types of roles is projected to grow by 23% from 2022 to 2032, a rate much faster than the average of all occupations. Median wage is $65.69 hourly.    

 10. Teacher

Online teaching opportunities are plentiful. If you have a teaching degree, credentials, and work experience, the world is your oyster. More and more colleges, universities, and online schools turn to the web to deliver education. If you don’t have a teaching degree, you could consider Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) or becoming a tutor in academic subjects. 

Teachers are always in demand and project job openings for high school teachers alone rank at over 67,000 each year in the period from 2022 to 2032. Wages vary greatly depending on your teaching level and certifications, from around $18 an hour for a tutor to up to $60 for an experienced teacher with credentials. 

Looking to plan your ideal career path? Check out Career.io’s Career Pathways tool to explore potential career interests, bridge skill gaps, and stay updated on job demand and salaries. 

Key takeaways

1. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned freelancer, you can secure high paying freelancing opportunities by focusing on in-demand jobs and filling any skill gaps.

2. Creating a strong portfolio of your work, networking, securing client feedback, and actively seeking new freelancing projects will ensure your continued success.

3. If you’re willing to put in the work, freelancing can offer independence, flexibility, and financial advantage, particularly if you target one of our top 10 freelancing jobs.