Freelancing in the U.S. has seen a significant increase, with 64 million people, or 38% of the workforce, working as independent contractors in 2023. This trend is driven by businesses looking to save on costs by hiring freelancers for project-based work. The number of independent workers making $100,000 or more a year has also grown by 53% between 2021 and 2023. In order to help freelancers find the best opportunities, Freelancer.com has identified five in-demand freelance jobs that pay over $100 per hour, all of which can be done from home.
The top five in-demand freelance jobs identified by Freelancer.com are programming, eCommerce development and management, graphic design, transcription, and creative writing. The average hourly rates for these jobs range from $140 to $250 per hour. While tech specialties like coding and programming have always been popular freelance services, the demand for e-commerce contractors has significantly increased recently. The growth of the global e-commerce market has led to a higher demand for freelance services related to managing and developing online businesses, such as user interface design and copywriting.
For those interested in freelancing, it is important to understand the timeline and payment structure of the job being applied for. Freelance jobs can vary in duration from a few hours to several months or even longer, and payment can be hourly or based on a fixed project rate. Creating a digital portfolio of work samples can help freelancers stand out and attract clients. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer.com, Fiverr, TaskRabbit, and others can help freelancers find job opportunities and showcase their services.
To stay updated on the latest job trends and career advice, individuals can enroll in CNBC’s online course on how to ace job interviews and subscribe to CNBC Make It’s newsletter for tips on success at work, with money, and in life. The freelance market continues to grow, offering high-paying opportunities for skilled professionals in various fields. With the right skills, understanding of the market, and a strong portfolio, freelancers can take advantage of the increasing demand for independent workers and secure lucrative freelance opportunities in the current job market.
