A freelancer is an independently contracted individual who is hired for their services and expertise in certain fields. While many people choose to freelance in their spare time to earn extra money, kind of like a side hustle, others make a full-time career out of freelancing.

With enough experience and determination, you can earn a full-time salary while enjoying the flexibility and autonomy of freelancing. Discover what it takes to freelance and top jobs that you can do as a freelancer. If you're interested in learning more about setting up a successful freelancing career, consider enrolling in the Building Your Freelancing Career Specialization from CalArts, where you'll learn how to build a steady income stream.

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Building Your Freelancing Career

Launch Your Successful Freelancing Business. Get paid for your talents. Explore how to become your own boss by monetizing your expertise and obtain the freedom that comes with operating your career as a freelancer.

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What is a freelancer?

A freelancer is a self-employed individual. Unlike a part-time or full-time job that entails working for a company a certain number of hours per week, freelancers make their own schedules, choose their own work location, and take on as many projects or clients as they need or want at any given moment. They are essentially their own company and they hire out their services.

As a freelancer, you’ll be hired for your knowledge and specific skill set in your preferred field or niche. Freelancing is an increasingly popular mode of work. An estimated 58 million Americans have decided to start their journey as freelancers, rejecting the nine-to-five lifestyle in favor of a flexible work schedule, according to McKinsey's 2022 American Opportunity Survey [1].

Which industries hire freelancers?

Because freelancing has grown in popularity in recent years, a number of different industries may be open to hiring you as a freelancer, depending on what skills you have to offer. Following the freelance boom entering 2023, roughly 78 percent of companies would rather hire freelancers than grow their staff during times of economic uncertainty [2]. These are the industries that typically hire freelancers:

• Accounting and finance

• Business

• Creative arts and design

• Digital marketing

• Health care

• Media

• Real estate

• Technology

14 freelance jobs to explore

A freelancer can offer almost any service imaginable, and most industries have job listings that are specifically geared toward freelancers. By freelancing, you can turn your passions into profitable projects and use your skills to help clients resolve their problems.

We've gathered 14 jobs that you can explore when you're interested in doing them as a freelancer.

*All annual base salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of October 2024 and does not include additional pay, such as commission or benefits.

1. Accountant

Average annual US salary: $74,734

A freelance accountant performs the same tasks as a regular accountant but works independently from a firm. Some standard job offerings for freelancing accountants may include bookkeeping services, preparing invoices, filing taxes, and creating budget reports. As a freelance accountant, you can choose which services you'd like to offer and your rates.

• Gain a foundational understanding of accounting principles and an introduction to QuickBooks Online through hands-on practice with the Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Professional Certificate.

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Intuit Academy Bookkeeping

Launch your career in bookkeeping. Gain the professional skills you need to succeed in the bookkeeping field. No degree or prior experience required.

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Bookkeeping, Data Analysis, Accounting Concepts and Measurement, Bank Reconciliations, Double-Entry Bookkeeping System, Business Analysis, General Accounting, Accounting, Finance, Accounts Payable and Payroll, Long-Term Liabilities and Note Payable, Accounting for Liabilities and Equity, Owner’s Equity and Owner’s Draw, Financial reports analysis, Bank Reconciliation, financial statement analysis, Cash Flow, Accounting Cycle, Creating Financial Statements, Basis Of Accounting, accounting software, Inventory costing methods, PP&E Accounting, Asset Accounting, Accounts receivable and cash receipts, Depreciation

2. App developer

Average annual US salary: $103,079

As a freelance app developer, you’ll create, manage, and improve digital applications for a select client base. The type of app you develop as a freelancer will determine the kind of app developer you are, specifically in regard to software specialization. If you specialize in iOS software, your job prospects may be different than someone who works with Android applications. If you work with a variety of platforms, your job prospects may be wider, and you might work to develop cross-platform applications.

• Learn how to build applications for iOS devices and start a new career as an iOS Developer with the Meta iOS Developer Professional Certificate.

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Meta iOS Developer

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Github, Version Control, Linux, Web Development, Bash (Unix Shell), Accessibility, Front-End Web Development, User Experience, Web Design, User Experience (UX), React (Javascript Library), Mobile Development, React, Application development, iOS App Development, Computer Programming, Swift Programming, Data Structures, • Create and manipulate objects and arrays, • Write unit testing using Jest, Programming Principles, Software Engineering, • Create simple JavaScript code, Core Data, APIs, Json, use navigation in your apps, Computer Programming Tools, Algorithms, Computer Science, Pseudocode, Data Structure, Communication, Software Architecture, Data Management, UI development, React (Web Framework), Web Application

3. Data entry specialist

Average annual US salary: $39,369

On a day-to-day basis, data entry specialists organize and analyze data in spreadsheet format. A vast number of industries need data entry specialists, so the type of data you work with as a freelance specialist may vary, but the work of managing the data will not. This versatile role allows you to adapt your skills to diverse data-related projects while maintaining the core principles of data management throughout your freelance career.

4. Graphic designer

Average annual US salary: $66,803

Freelance graphic designers create digital images and content. As a freelancer, clients typically hire you on a project-by-project basis. Therefore, all of your work would depend on a client’s needs and expectations so you can assist them in bringing their ideas to fruition. If you specialize in visual arts like drawing, painting, or digital art, this might be a good position for you.

• Learn about visual storytelling principles and how to effectively communicate ideas through design with the Adobe Graphic Designer Professional Certificate. 

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Visual Design, Generative AI, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Branding, Graphic Design, AI Responsibly, Adobe Firefly, Creativity, Typography, Visual Storytelling, Color Theory, Drawing, Digital Design, Brand Identity, Document Design, PDF editing, Layout and Composition, Photo Retouching, Image Editing, Photography

5. UX designer

Average annual US salary: $81,603

Similar in some respects to graphic design, a UX designer optimizes the interaction between humans and digital products, such as an app or website. If you're hired as a freelancer, you'll have to work to understand both the brand and its users so you can create an engaging experience for both.

• Learn about UX design and work toward a professional portfolio that will include three end-to-end projects with the Google UX Design Professional Certificate.

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Google UX Design

Get on the fast track to a career in UX design. In this certificate program, you’ll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required.

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User Experience, Wireframe, User Experience Design (UXD), Prototype, UX Research, User Experience (UX), Figma, mockup, Usability Testing, UX design jobs

6. Interior designer

Average annual US salary: $84,968

Freelance interior designers work with a variety of clients to aid in the decorating, furnishing, and styling of homes and offices. You can bring client ideas to life, working closely with them throughout the design process. It is recommended that interior designers have a bachelor’s degree in fine arts or interior architecture to boost credibility, but not all clients or companies require it.

7. Photographer

Average annual US salary: $59,209

Clients hire freelance photographers for their skills in photography and image editing. As a freelance photographer, you may work on different scenarios such as weddings, family portraits, sporting events, or food or wildlife photos. Versatility is always great when it comes to creative positions, but here it might benefit you to specialize in one or two types of photography to build a solid network of clientele.

• Learn about the fundamental principles in photography, from camera control to principles of composition and creativity with Michigan State University's Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization.

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Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR

Create photographs you will be proud to share.. Build a solid foundation in digital photography, growing in knowledge from camera to composition!

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Copywriting, Writing, Leadership and Management, Creativity, Social Media, Photography, Art, Project, Confidence, History

8. Public relations specialist

Average annual US salary: $57,982

As a public relations specialist, you’d help maintain the public image of an organization or private client. In today’s ever-growing digital age, public relations is centered around technology and social media. A successful public relations specialist is good at coordinating with people and will be able to help clients promote and manage their company or brand’s image.

• Learn about public relations and communications strategies and how to identify and evaluate metrics for strategy success with the Microsoft Public Relations and Communications Associate Professional Certificate.

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Microsoft Public Relations and Communications Associate

Launch your career in public relations!. In this program, you’ll learn in-demand skills that will have you job-ready in 5 months or less. No degree or experience required.

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Content Development, Media Relations, Communications, Campaign Planning, Generative AI, Marketing Communication, Integrated PR Campaigns, Marketing Communications, Proofreading, Public Relations, Integrated Marketing Communications, Content Management, Writing a pitch, Media relations, generative AI, Public relations strategy, Integrated Campaign Development, AI-Enhanced Communication, PR Storytelling, Communication Channels, Stakeholder Analysis, Strategic Communication, Communication Planning, Campaign Reporting, Content Editing, Content Creation, Media Engagement, Crisis Communication, Crisis Management

9. Social media manager

Average annual US salary: $55,465

Freelancing as a social media manager typically entails the management of brands, products, companies, or other clients through social media marketing. As a social media specialist, you’ll work closely with clients to help them build and promote their brand across various social media platforms, whether it’s Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), or TikTok.

• Gain the skills and learn the tools needed to grow an engaging social community and run effective social media advertising with the Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate.

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Meta Social Media Marketing

Launch your career as a Social Media Marketer. Build job-ready skills – and must-have AI skills – for an in-demand career. Earn a credential from Meta 5 months or less. No degree or prior experience required.

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Digital Marketing, Performance Advertising, Generative AI in Social Media Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, Brand Management, Marketing, Social Media Marketing Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Advertising, Communication, Social Media, Campaign Management, Research and Design, Ad Management, Sales, Meta Ads Manager, Meta advertising, Leadership and Management, content management, Planning, Content Development, Strategy and Operations, Marketing Content Development, Creativity, Marketing Strategy, Ads Manager, Digital Analytics, Marketing Optimization, Data Analysis, Probability & Statistics, General Statistics, Business Analysis

10. Translator

Average annual US salary: $50,766

Freelance translators often work on a project-by-project basis to translate different types of writing or audiovisual materials from one language to another. As a translator, you may specialize in the creation of subtitles to make movies or TV shows more accessible for people who speak different languages. You could also translate a written document word-for-word as a freelance translator.

11. Virtual assistant

Average annual US salary: $46,678

Working as a virtual assistant can mean various things, but essentially, a virtual assistant works to support a client or business from a home office. As a virtual assistant, you might manage social media or email accounts, schedule appointments, book travel accommodations, or aid in digital marketing. Some freelance assistants choose to specialize in marketing or social media management, while others work with the full scope of tasks.

12. Web developer

Average annual US salary: $81,523

Freelancing as a web developer is a great way to use your programming and computer skills to build a career with more flexibility. Web developers are typically tasked with the creation, improvement, or management of websites to streamline business success. To be a successful web developer, you should be proficient in things like coding, programming, and graphic design. These skills will help you help your clients bring their goals and ideas to life.

• Learn how to plan, build, deploy, and test web designs and applications with the IBM Front-End Developer Professional Certificate.

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IBM Front-End Developer

Build job-ready front-end skills employers need. Master the development skills to plan, build, deploy, and test web designs and application interfaces in just 4 months! 

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front-end development, Continuous Delivery, Continuous Integration, Devops, agile, Mongodb, React (Web Framework), Front-end design, Software Development, Web Development, Front-end Development, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Web, JavaScript, User Interface, UI/UX Designer, Wordpress, No-code, Front-End Web Development, Progressive Web Development, Figma, Website Wireframe, User Interface design (UI Design), User Experience (UX), Web Development Framework, Responsive, Grid system, Bootstrap, Software Architecture, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Agile and Scrum, Software Engineering, Communication, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Python Programming, javascript library, Webpack, Debugging, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Coding Challenge, Career, interview Preparation, Full Stack Developer, Software Engineer, Distributed Version Control Systems (DVCS), Cloning and forking, open source, Github, Git (Software)

13. Writer

Average annual US salary: $54,142

Freelance writing is a popular choice given the different types of writing that businesses and clients typically need. Depending on your area of expertise, you may be a copywriter, content writer, copy editor, social media specialist, technical writer, scriptwriter, journalist, or fiction writer, and take on different projects or clients.

• Learn how to arrange a complex set of information in a reader-friendly way and how to consistently hit deadlines with the University of Michigan's Good with Words: Writing and Editing Specialization.

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14. Content creator

Average annual US salary: $52,539

With the growth of social media and video platforms like TikTok, making content to develop and grow audiences has become an incredibly popular freelancing career. Content creators either make content for brands or run their own channels as influencers, producing videos and other content to engage with their audience.

• Learn about the principles of visual storytelling and design as well as how to effectively communicate ideas through your content with the Adobe Content Creator Professional Certificate.

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Adobe Content Creator

Launch your career in content creation. Learn to create strategic marketing content using industry best practices and generative AI, and earn a credential that opens doors. No experience necessary. Three-month free trial offer included.

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Visual Design, Generative AI, Content Production, Social Media, Content Strategy, AI Responsibly, Multimedia, Digital Media, Podcasting, Short-form video, Communication, Adobe Firefly, Graphic Design, Creativity, Typography, Visual Storytelling, Color Theory, Branding, Social Content, Social Media Marketing

Benefits and risks of freelancing 

As freelancing becomes more popular each year, initiating a career as a freelancer is now more straightforward; however, it's vital to consider its advantages along with its disadvantages.

Benefits of freelancing

There are a number of benefits to freelancing. Working as a freelancer is a great side gig you can do from home to bring in some additional income. Depending on what your regular schedule looks like, it may be possible for you to generate more income without adding too many working hours to your day.

As a freelancer, you’ll have a lot of independence and freedom to coordinate your workload. When you’re self-employed, you’ll get to choose which clients to take on, what type of work you want to conduct, and how many projects to handle at once.

Starting a freelance career can also be very affordable if you already possess the right tools and skills for the jobs you want.

Risks of freelancing

While there are many benefits to freelancing, you should also be aware of a few of its drawbacks. One of the biggest things to remember is that it will take time for you to generate enough clients and projects to obtain full-time pay. Also, your work stability and income can be inconsistent, depending on your field or skill level.

Full-time freelancing does not come with any additional benefits paid for by a company, such as health care, since you are working independently. That also means freelancers have to report their own taxes. According to the IRS, self-employed individuals must file annual returns and make quarterly payments on estimated tax [3].

If you’re serious about becoming a freelancer, don't let the drawbacks deter you. With confidence, dedication, and organizational skills, you can start your freelance journey.

How to get started as a freelancer

Although there's no set way to freelance, many choose to find an "anchor client," which provides a significant percentage of their income, and then pick up additional clients as needed. Here are some strategies to help you get started as a freelancer:

1. Determine if freelancing is right for you.

The freelance work style sounds great on paper—flexible hours, being your own boss, choosing your own clients—but, like in any other career change, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks and consider how freelancing might fit into your current lifestyle. You may be very well-prepared to be a full-time freelancer, or you may choose to freelance on the side. Regardless, consider easing into freelancing to see if it’s right for you.

2. Choose which services you'll offer.

Freelancers are hired for their expertise in a specific industry or skill set. Because freelancers can offer almost any skill, it’s important that you determine which skills you feel most equipped to offer clients. If you have a clear set of skills conducive to freelancing, it will be easier to build a portfolio and take on new clients.

3. Define your target market.

When setting up your freelancing business plan, especially if you plan to do it full-time, you’ll need to choose a specific market and set of services within that market to offer to your clients. Once you've chosen a target industry, you can market yourself more effectively to potential clients.

4. Obtain licensing/permits.

Whether you need specific licenses or permits depends on where you live and where you work from. Typically, you don’t need any permits to work under your legal name, but if you are working under a business name, you may need to look into obtaining the proper licensing before conducting work.

5. Organize and promote your business.

After you’ve chosen a target market and determined what skills you’re most equipped to offer, it’s time to set your prices and start marketing yourself. One way to create a strong online presence is to build a website that displays your credentials, resume, and portfolio of your work. A website link is easy to include in messages to potential clients and will help boost your professional credibility.

A portfolio is a great way to demonstrate your abilities to potential clients. A strong portfolio may include things like past work examples, testimonies, mock-ups for future projects, and accomplishments. Think of your portfolio as your way to show (not just tell) your clients the real value of your work and how they can take advantage of it. 

It's crucial to maintain a LinkedIn profile because it provides a specific online space for marketing and networking among professionals. If you haven’t updated your LinkedIn profile in a while, now may be the time.

6. Find and retain clients.

It’s important to actively pursue jobs as a freelancer. Although you may receive offers through your marketing efforts, actively pursuing projects or clients aligned with your interests can further enhance your network. A great part of freelancing is getting to turn your passions into a career, so be sure to pursue projects you’re passionate about.

After establishing a client base, it's crucial to maintain those relationships while actively promoting your services to expand your professional network. Take advantage of resources that are available to you. Many freelance websites like Fiverr, Freelancer.com, Guru, and LinkedIn, can help you find job listings in your niche. 

Freelancing can be unpredictable at times, since you’ll work on a project-by-project basis. This is why it helps to build a larger network, to avoid missing out on work opportunities for extended periods of time.

Learn about freelancing on Coursera

Navigate freelancing by first learning about it with CalArts' Building Your Freelancing Career Specialization. In this five-course series, you'll learn how to overcome imposter syndrome and get paid for your talents by equipping yourself with the basic skills to operate your career like a business, including how to create a solid business plan and develop your financial planning skills.

specialization

Building Your Freelancing Career

Launch Your Successful Freelancing Business. Get paid for your talents. Explore how to become your own boss by monetizing your expertise and obtain the freedom that comes with operating your career as a freelancer.

4.7

(105 ratings)

8,193 already enrolled

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Average time: 1 month(s)

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Skills you'll build:

Planning, Marketing, Critical Thinking, Leadership And Management, Strategy and Operations, Business Analysis, Entrepreneurship, Strategy, Personal Branding, Leadership and Management