The definitive guide to the top freelance jobs

Potential salary range: $45,000 – $77,000

Are you an artist looking for a way to support your creative projects? Freelance jobs in arts and design are a great way to profit from your artistic touch. Across various industries, companies need photos, videos and designs. While you don’t necessarily need a degree or any specialized training to begin a freelancing job in the arts and design fields, you may need specialized equipment and editing software knowledge (and ownership). Here are a few of the most lucrative freelance art jobs for creative professionals:

Videographer/video editor 

Familiarity with video editing software and techniques can land you lucrative freelance jobs. Companies in need of video content and individuals who want high-quality event coverage will pay for expert recording and editing services.

Event photographer

To photograph events, you need a camera, lenses and an eye for the perfect frame. This is an in-demand field of photography as people look to immortalize events with professional quality.

Podcast producer

Just like video editing skills, audio editing skills are in high demand. As podcasting continues to be a popular medium for news and entertainment, you can develop a healthy career producing and editing sound for podcasts.

Graphic designer

If you’re a whiz with editing software, put your knowledge to use designing websites, logos and other promotional materials for brands and individuals.

Potential salary range: $55,000 – $65,0003

Do you have a way with words? Journalists and authors have had successful freelance careers for decades. And the new world of online marketing gives writers a whole new way to find clients. While marketing requires some specialized knowledge, you can learn the basics quickly and find freelance work opportunities if you have a strong writing background.

You can start a freelance career if you’re an expert with specialized advertising tools. Marketing and advertising strategy are also sought-after freelancing positions.

Top-paying freelance writing and marketing jobs include:

Copywriter

Brands need fresh web copy, blog posts, newsletters and more to keep their customers’ attention. As a copywriter, your role is to produce content aligned with your client’s goals. This is also one of the easier freelance jobs to do remotely since little specialized software or equipment is required.

Technical writer

In the boom of startups and technology, someone has to explain all the “tech talk” to potential customers and investors. That’s your role as a technical writer. Technical writers often need specialized expertise to communicate tech subjects accurately. But for the right professional, it can be a lucrative writing field.

Social media marketer

If you’re an expert at building followings on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or other social platforms, there’s a whole world of brands looking for someone like you to help refine their image, connect with influencers and grow their audiences.

Social media advertising specialist

Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn have their own advertising ecosystems. If you know how to segment audiences, create compelling visuals and get clicks, you can find many eager clients.

Potential salary range: $48,000 – $74,000⁴

If you have extensive knowledge of repair and construction work, you could begin training for a career in freelance construction. In many states, construction professionals will require licensure, so be sure to check out your local requirements before you get started.

Top construction freelance jobs include:

Contractor

Oversee other workers and make sure the job site meets all safety regulations. If you excel at creating clear action plans and understanding construction work, this could be a great fit.

Carpenter

Prefer to work on your own? Carpentry could be a profitable freelance job if you’re a skilled woodworker. This can also be a way to express creativity by creating artistic and functional designs with wood.

Handyman

If you enjoy a job that takes you to different places and requires different skills each day, try handyman work. Being a freelance handyman can provide a variety of opportunities as well as a sense of fulfillment as you help people with minor repairs and other household tasks.

These jobs often require taking an exam, purchasing small business insurance, and applying for a license. However, the extra training and steps are worth the opportunity to enter this booming industry.

Potential salary range: $47,000 – $92,0003

Technology is a driving force in the overall economy, and freelance workers are in high demand with start-ups and larger organizations. Are you interested in working with machine learning, blockchain, cryptocurrency, cybersecurity, virtual reality, robotics, or any other technologies? The tech industry could be right for you.

You’ll likely need knowledge of specialized programming languages or hardware to work in tech. If you have the know-how, the following jobs can be a great fit:

Data scientist

If you’re an expert at using programming and processes to analyze data, you could be well-prepared for a freelance career in data science.

Software engineer

If you know programming languages like Python and C++ and can help your clients create the apps and software they’ve been dreaming about for years, you’ll find an entry into one of the highest-paying freelance jobs.

Penetration testers

Do you have the network and cybersecurity chops to identify entry points and hidden dangers? Penetration testers (typically) attempt to hack into computer systems to identify vulnerabilities and provide solutions. It can be a lucrative and rewarding opportunity.

Whatever your skills and goals, freelance work can provide great potential for added income and financial stability. However, it can also increase risk.

As a freelancer, you’re a small business owner. While some of these jobs present more obvious risks than others — carpentry versus copywriting, for example — all freelancers should consider getting insurance to help mitigate concerns.

Depending on the kind of work you do, you may need different types of small business insurance. That’s why Thimble created Freelancer Insurance, a customizable package of coverage that scales with your business. Furthermore, you can get coverage by the job, month or year on many policies, so you only pay for insurance when you’re working.

It takes a few minutes to get insurance with Thimble. Click “Get a quote” on the Thimble site or app, enter a few details about your business and get your quote in minutes. Purchase online or over the phone and receive your Certificate of Insurance right away in your app and inbox.