15 Highest Paying Freelance Jobs in 2023
Do you enjoy working independently, cultivating your own successful business, and making the most of your time? If so, freelancing may just be perfect for you.
There are certainly some challenges that come with freelancing. These include running a more complex business and keeping track of your finances by yourself. But there are many perks as well, like the freedom to work on multiple jobs at once and the ability to create your schedule. If you do plan to work independently as a freelancer, then this article is for you.
This article aims to give you all the information you need to know about listing your skills and what jobs pay the highest rates. First, we’ll list the highest paying freelance jobs, and then we will give you tips on how to become a successful freelancer. But before we do that, let’s first define who a freelancer is.
Who is a Freelancer?
Freelancers are individuals who do work for themselves and not as part of a company or management structure. This means that your employer is someone you work with, but your client might be a business that hires you directly.
A freelancer could also be an employee if they are doing some work at home on their own, without the help of a company or boss. These freelancers typically do not have full-time jobs. Instead, they volunteer to work on specific projects or tasks from time to time. You may even see websites like UpWork allowing regular part-time employees to freelance in addition to their standard duties.
Freelancers often have the freedom and flexibility to work where they please. This is because they are not bound by a 9-to-5 job, or relegated to a small office space. But this also means that freelancers need to be organized, self-motivated, and able to keep track of their finances on their own. If you are interested in becoming a freelancer, here are some specific jobs that tend to pay the highest.
Highest Paying Freelance Jobs
1. Software Developers
Freelance software developers can find many different full-time positions, from individual website coding and development to app development for major corporations. Some of the most popular freelance jobs include building new software or fixing bugs on other programs.
If you are great at getting computers to do your bidding and understand how they work, then this could be a good fit for you.
If you are a software developer looking for freelance jobs, then several websites specialize in connecting talented workers with companies that need them. If you already have some experience with this kind of work and a portfolio to show it off, then reaching out directly to potential clients is a good way to go about finding new opportunities.
However, if you are a novice in this field or simply want to learn more, then sites like Codecademy and Thinkful are great for you. These websites provide all the materials you need to become an expert software developer. After honing your new skills, you can then take them out into the real world and earn some money.
Software developer is also one of the best careers to start at 30 years old. The average salary for a software developer is $115,245, making it one of the highest paying freelance jobs in the United States of America.
2. Web Developers
Another type of freelancer is a web developer. These workers create and update websites for individuals or companies that need assistance with their online branding strategy.
You can get paid for creating attractive websites that are attractive to the eye. And when the user doesn’t even have to register or have an account, this makes it easier for them to find what they need.
Web developers are often freelance programmers who know how to build websites from scratch, as well as fix any bugs or bugs found in other sites.
The best way to start freelancing is by getting your portfolio together and entering into contests that offer cash rewards for winning first place. This will help you prove that you are talented enough to earn a full-time job in this field.
This is one of the high-paying freelance jobs in the United States of America and is also the best for people with anxiety.
The average salary for a web developer in the United States of America is $82,918 per year.
3. Graphic Designers
Graphic designers may not be considered one of the highest paying jobs for freelancers, but just about everyone uses them.
They help you express your message better by adding images and design elements to your digital content. You can use a graphic designer to create websites, apps, and even t-shirts. Graphic designers also customize printed materials like flyers, business cards, posters, calendars, and more.
To become a freelance graphic designer in today’s competitive market, you must have both strong visual design skills and excellent communication skills. This means that you must be able to work well with clients on a proven track record of customer service and meetings in person or over the phone.
The average salary for a graphic designer, which is also one of the best jobs for dyslexics in the United States of America is $56,348 per year.
4. Marketing and Advertising
Freelancers who want to work in marketing and advertising can put their creative minds to good use in this field. The best jobs in this field pay the most due to how difficult it is to get hired, considering that many companies only hire full-time employees these days.
However, if you just want to see if you would like to work as a marketing and advertising freelancer, then you should consider entering into contests that reward you for your work.
Keep in mind that many of these types of contests ask you to submit several different projects that prove your expertise. If this is the case, then follow our steps here to learn how to become a successful freelance marketer.
Marketing and advertising is one of the best high-paying freelance jobs in the United States of America.
The average salary for professionals in the marketing and advertising industry is $71,902 per year.
5. Copywriters
Copywriters take written words and turn them into effective ideas and content. This means that copywriters need to be able to write from a variety of different perspectives, whether they are selling a product or working with a client on their marketing strategy.
The best way to build up your portfolio is by creating several sample pieces for potential clients, as well as following marketing trends, and creating content for specific industries.
Copywriters are also great designers, so if you are interested in a freelance career, this would be a good starting point. Follow the steps here to learn how to enter into the copywriting field and get started with your portfolio.
Copywriting is also one of the creative jobs for communication majors in the United States of America.
The average salary for a copywriter is $60,050 per year.
6. Social Media Managers
A social media manager helps companies manage their social media accounts, create content that draws in users and provide feedback to their company on what they should do next. This is a popular job for those who want to work from home because it allows them to work when they want and from wherever they want as well.
Many sites allow you access to the company library of potential clients for different areas of expertise, including copywriters and graphic designers.
The average salary for a social media manager in the United States of America is $57,274 per year.
7. Content Editors
If you want to work from home, then working in the content editing field is a great way to get started. Here, you will edit articles for different types of websites.
This means that content editors need to be good writers who can take raw information and turn it into a written piece that is easy for readers to understand, but also has enough information so it’s interesting and valuable.
Follow this guide here on how to become a freelance content editor so you can start creating what clients will pay you for and start earning money right away.
The average salary for a content editor in the United States of America is $48,652 per year.
8. Translators and Interpreters
A translator is someone who translates information from one language to another to make it accessible to an audience in their native language.
This is a type of job that is still on-the-rise, as there are more and more people who want to travel the world but don’t speak the language. In addition, this kind of freelancing provides an extra source of income for those who live in areas where homeschooling their children isn’t popular.
Freelance interpreters can work in many fields, including sciences, entertainment, and social media. If you are interested in working as an interpreter or translator, then you can get started by creating a strong portfolio on sites like Upwork or Fiverr, which are also good online business ideas.
The average salary for translators and interpreters in the United States of America is $53,778 per year.
9. Web Designers
Web designers are freelancers that specialize in building websites. If you have a background in coding, then this would be an excellent choice for you to get started as a freelance web designer.
Getting more experience and demonstrating your expertise will help you move forward, so consider working on some projects with friends or family members and entering contests online to build up your portfolio. Even if you don’t win first place, it’s still something to add to your resume.
The average salary for a web designer in the United States of America is $50,170 per year.
10. Writers
Writers earn money writing articles for various forms of media, including books, magazines, newspapers, and even for advertising purposes. If you like storytelling and wish to work from home, then you can consider getting started in freelance writing.
You will need to provide editing services and proofreading for clients depending on the type of writing that you do, but some content is so good that you won’t even have to do much.
The very best way to get your freelance career started is by creating a blog for yourself or a client. Lots of companies are looking for talented writers to create their content, so this is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door as a freelance writer. If you need help with setting up your blog, check out the video below.
The average salary for a freelance writer in the United States of America is $52,340 per year.
11. Transcriptionists
A transcriptionist is a freelancer that creates accurate transcripts of conversations or interviews for their clients. This can be done for movies, TV shows, and radio programs.
In the past, this was a popular job for those who wanted to work from home and enjoyed listening to audio recordings. Now, there is more software available so that you can type out the audio more quickly than in the past.
You don’t need any special skills to become a transcriptionist, although you will want to use good equipment and techniques like using headphones while you transcribe to avoid mistakes. If you want to pursue this career path, then watch the video below.
This is one of the high-paying work-from-home jobs without a degree and the average salary for professionals in this career is $46,622 per year.
12. Writers for Websites
Writers for websites are freelance writers who create content for different types of websites, including blogs, magazines, and newspapers.
These types of freelance writers can also get started by how they approach their work. Do they like to create blog posts with many in-depth points or do they prefer doing short articles that are more to the point? Do you have a strong sense of humor and enjoy creating a story or do you like to provide detailed information?
All of these things will help you determine what type of writing is most appealing to your clients. The average salary for a web content writer in the United States of America is $51,360 per year.
13. Technical Writers
Technical writers are freelancers who produce documents that explain how systems work or the purpose of a certain program or application.
They have a strong background in the field of technology and software, so they can understand what goes on in the programs and how things work. This is a type of job that is perfect for those who are skilled in writing because they can write from a technical point of view.
Technical writers also know how to perform as an editor since they understand the entire project from start to finish.
Technical writing is one of the highest paying freelance jobs in the United States of America and the average salary for professionals in this career is $85,809 per year.
14. Proofreaders
Proofreaders are freelance writers who read through content that has already been created so that it is free from any errors or mistakes before it is published or sent to customers.
This is a good career choice for those who like to proofread or have a strong background in English. You can provide many different types of services as a freelance proofreader, including working on documents and transcripts or even proofreading websites.
As with all of the other jobs mentioned in this article, you will want to make sure that you are offering the type of service that you want to do and that it fits your brand.
The average salary for a proofreader in the United States of America is $52,397 per year.
15. Mechanical Designers
Mechanical designers are freelancers who come up with ideas for structure, assembling, and electronics for different types of machinery. This can include machines used in assembly lines or automotive parts and engines.
They work closely with engineers, so they must have a good understanding of how to design things and put them together.
Mechanical designers may work with different types of materials like plastics and metals, which can be tricky and require a lot of experience.
The average salary for a mechanical designer is $82,052, making it one of the best-paying freelance jobs in the United States of America.
1. Join Online Freelance Markets
Once you become successful doing freelance work, then starting your own business is easy enough. The real key is starting when you have nothing and don’t know anyone. That’s why it’s important to start building your network of markets and clients along with your reputation.
There are many places online where you can do freelance work, including Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and Elance. There are also many options for finding clients for freelance work including Craigslist, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook groups, and more.
2. Join Online Forums
Get and stay active in any online/local community where you are a member as often as possible. This is critical when starting your freelancing career.
You can join forums dedicated to working from home like Work at Home Moms and Dads in Puerto Rico or Work at Home Moms in Puerto Rico or Work from Home for Moms in the Philippines. You’ll have access to job leads, opportunities, and tips throughout the forum.
3. Start Small
You don’t have to start at the top. You can begin by offering unpaid services to businesses or companies that you know and ask them for referrals.
4. Be Realistic
Be realistic about your skills and what type of gigs you can offer. Don’t waste time on gigs that won’t bring in the income you want to earn.
5. Make Your List
Get a whiteboard to write down all of the different services that you can provide online. It can be a long list, but it will help you think through which types of jobs will bring in the most money for your projects. You’ll be able to generate even more ideas for different services you can offer when starting.
FAQs on Highest Paying Freelance Jobs in the U.S.
1. What services to offer on a freelance marketplace?
Many different types of jobs can bring in good money for freelancers, but you should always offer more than one if possible.
The best practice is to have three at least, one of which will be the most profitable (perhaps 5-10%). Examples include writer, editor, SEO and copywriter expert, blogger, translator, virtual assistant (VA), statistician/predictive analyst/marketing specialist/data wrangler, and more. These are just a few of the many available opportunities for freelance workers in the U.S.
2. How many hours do you work per day?
It depends on the type of job and what you’ll be doing with your time. For example, if you are a writer, you may only need to work very few hours per week to produce good results. It all depends on your skills and what type of client will hire you.
3. Can you make any money from home if you are a full-time student?
Sure, and it’s possible to make more money working than you would work as a full-time employee for the same amount of time. It just depends on your work ethic and also how much time and energy you put into getting your business off the ground.
Having said this, it’s best to have some sort of steady income to take care of those expenses while still being able to save money for retirement or other financial goals that you may have in the future.
4. What do freelancers do all day?
It usually varies depending on the type of freelance work that you’ll be doing, but you should expect to spend most of your time creating content or doing your research to create content.
You might even find yourself answering questions from clients and making sure that all of the pieces are in place for you to produce a great outcome for them.
