Best Freelance Writing Jobs
Freelance writing is undeniably the most prominent freelance field, with its vastness catching the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ notice. They reported that freelance writers accounted for 64 percent of all writers in the United States in 2016.
Freelance writing salaries can greatly fluctuate, which is typical of most freelance professions. On average, freelance writers earn about $63,830 annually, but there are many who earn a six-figure income. Moreover, freelance writing offers a wide range of individual specialties, which we will now explore.
1. Article Writing
Depending on the subject, freelance writers stand a chance to earn good money by penning articles for websites and magazines. Personal finance, real estate and digital marketing are some of the high-paying genres.
2. Blog Writing
One alternative approach to earning money through writing is by providing content for blogs that are medium to large in size. When bloggers expand their website beyond their ability to produce content, they frequently enlist the assistance of freelance writers to address content gaps.
3. Technical Writing
Technical writers devote their time to crafting materials such as manuals, whitepapers, how-to guides, and scholarly articles, possessing the skill to convey intricate technical information with ease.
4. Ghostwriting
Ghostwriting is a type of freelance writing that involves writing on behalf of someone else using their tone. Although you do not receive recognition for your work, it could be for a blogger or a well-known person in business. Various businesses have blog sections on their websites and require assistance in creating content that mirrors their leaders’ tone. Ghostwriting services are usually highly paid by companies.
Linked: A Guide to Turning into a Ghost Writer [and Earning Over $150 Per Article]
5. Copywriting
When browsing a corporation’s web presence, it’s common to encounter verbiage on the majority of its pages. This content may describe the establishment’s offerings, provide a background on the organization, address common inquiries, among other things. Such text is known as copy, and professionals who craft such material for websites, promotional campaigns, and other media are called copywriters.
6. SEO Content Writing
Search engine optimization, or SEO, involves writing content for online platforms in a way that appeals to readers and boosts rankings in search engines such as Google. Website owners and businesses seek out such optimized content and are willing to pay for it since ranking higher in search engines is crucial.
7. Editor
It is possible to earn money not only by writing articles for websites, blogs, and magazines but also by working as an editor. Some companies or websites may not have a permanent editor as part of their staff. Editors’ roles encompass various tasks such as going through all content, verifying sources, fixing grammar and spelling mistakes, arranging the layout, collaborating with writers and website owners, and more.
8. Accountant
The hourly pay rate is $38 on average.
Maintaining financial records and recording financial transactions are among the tasks performed by accountants. These duties often include managing ledger accounts, generating balance sheets and P&L statements, and producing financial reports. Holding a bachelor’s degree is a must, and securing a CPA certification can increase your earning potential.
9. Account Executive
The hourly wage average is $43.
Freelancers who have a few years of experience and a solid track record can earn a higher rate as account executives, tasked with building relationships with new clients and seeking out new business opportunities for both the company and its clients. Sales quotes and proposals may also be part of the job responsibilities.
10. Graphic Designer
The hourly pay rate is $36 on average.
Freelance opportunities for graphic designers with several years of experience are lucrative as they are responsible for producing art and visual content for advertisements, packaging, websites, and movies. A strong portfolio and a bachelor’s degree are necessary qualifications.
11. PR Manager
The hourly pay rate is $52 on average.
Public relations managers are responsible for managing the public image of their employer or client through various means such as writing and disseminating press releases, liaising with media agencies, and managing social media platforms. Usually, a minimum of five years of experience is preferred for those seeking this position.
12. Programmer
The hourly wage is $38 on average.
Programmers are responsible for developing software applications and writing code that enables operating systems to function. Their coding skills enable them to convert design concepts into instructions that computers can understand and execute. Proficiency in various computer languages, such as C++ and Java, is necessary for creating software.
13. Software Developer
The hourly wage average is $42.
Designing and building software programs through coding, debugging, testing, and resolving issues is a frequently available freelance job that is highly compensated. Familiarity with HTML, PHP, and XML is typically necessary, and possessing a solid collection of previous work enhances one’s earning potential.
14. Web Developer
The typical wage is $35 per hour.
The responsibility of designing and creating websites falls on web developers who are tasked with ensuring the site has both aesthetic appeal and functionality. These professionals utilize programming languages, write code, incorporate multimedia elements, and consult with clients to better understand their needs.
14. Public Relations Manager
The career field of public relations encompasses multiple responsibilities and offers significant earning potential to freelance consultants. This line of work requires various skills, such as writing, marketing, researching, communication, management, and negotiation. Within this field, public relations managers play a crucial role in shaping effective strategies, forming partnerships, and identifying possibilities for their clients. On average, a public relations manager earns a salary of $65,967.
15. Branding Strategist
Any marketing strategy requires branding, which goes beyond just a logo or tagline and involves capturing a company’s or project’s vision. The capacity to market products or services is also essential. Branding strategists can expect an average annual salary of $62,619.
16. Business Consulting
As long as you have experience in the business field, working as a freelance business consultant can earn you a good income. Business consultants offer assistance to clients in various aspects of their business such as planning, training, strategy, negotiating, and financial advice. On average, a business consultant earns $73,269 per year.
17. Virtual Assistant
Small business owners and entrepreneurs are increasingly opting for virtual assistants who take care of administrative tasks, allowing clients to focus on other aspects of their business. These tasks include managing appointments, responding to emails, arranging travel, organizing, and transcribing. On average, virtual assistants are paid $15.73 per hour.
18. Customer Support
As a freelancer, offering Customer Support services can be a profitable option. This entails rendering assistance to customers of your client, which could be either in the form of general customer service or a technical support role. Proficiency in communication and familiarity with the client’s business or products are crucial. The mean annual income for a Customer Support specialist is $43,788, while that of a Technical Support specialist is $50,662.
19. Sales
Generating leads for clients is a common task for freelance sales representatives, often conducted through internet sales, email marketing, and affiliate marketing. Prior experience in sales and marketing can also be beneficial. Glassdoor reports that the average salary for a sales representative is $59,561.
20. Data Entry
Freelancers often come across numerous job openings for data entry work that typically involves entering information into electronic formats for clients. While prior experience is not a mandatory requirement, the skill to type at least 30-40 words per minute is preferred by most clients. The average hourly salary for a data entry clerk is $13.08.
21. Tax Professional
As tax time nears, the demand for freelance jobs increases. Freelance accountants, CPAs, and tax consultants can secure employment by offering lower bids than competing companies or by securing contracts for busy firms. Freelance tax professionals earn an average salary of $27,950.
