Find out what it means to be a freelancer and learn how you can begin your journey in this field of work that is flexible.
The term “freelancer” refers to a employed person who is paid for their expertise and services in a specific field. Many people opt to freelance during their spare moments to earn additional money, sort of similar to an side business some create a full-time profession out working for themselves.
If you have the right experience and motivation If you have the right experience and determination, you could make a living as a full-time worker with the freedom and freedom of freelance. Learn how to make it a career as a freelancer, and what top tasks you could be able to do by working as a freelancer. If you’re keen on learning about how you can set your career as a freelancer to be successful take a look at enrolling in the Making Your Freelancing Career specialization at CalArts in which you’ll be taught how to create a stable revenue stream.
What exactly is an independent contractor?
The term “freelancer” refers to a self-employed freelancer. In contrast to a full-time or part-time work that requires an organization for a specific amount of time per week, freelancers set their own schedules and choose their work locations and can undertake as many assignments or clients they require or desire at any time. They’re basically an independent company, and employ their own services.
When you freelance is a good option, as you’ll be paid by employers for your expertise and expertise in your chosen area or field. It’s becoming a more popular method of working. Around around 58 million Americans are deciding to begin their freelance career and are renouncing the 9-to-5 lifestyle to pursue a more flexibility-based work schedule According to the McKinsey the 2022 survey of American opportunity 11.
Which sectors employ freelancers?
Since freelance work has increased in the last few years in terms of popularity Many different sectors may consider hiring freelancers depending on the skills you possess. With the rise of freelancers entering 2023, 78% of employers prefer to hire freelancers rather than expand their workforce in times that are characterized by economic instability 22. This is the kind of industries that generally employ freelancers
- Finance and accounting
- Business
- Design and creative arts
- Marketing via digital
- Health care
- Media
- Real estate
- Technology
14 opportunities for freelance work to consider
The freelancer is able to provide nearly every service you can think of as well as most sectors include job postings that are specifically targeted towards freelancers. Through freelance work, you are able to make your interests into lucrative assignments and apply your talents to help customers solve their issues.
There are 14 opportunities are available to you if you’re looking to work by yourself as a freelancer.
*All base salary information comes from Glassdoor in October 2024 and is not inclusive of any additional salary, like commissions or bonuses.
1. Accountant
The average annual US pay: $74,734
An independent accountant does the same work like a traditional accountant, but is not part of a company. A typical list of job openings that accountants freelance can provide are accounting services, creating invoices as well as filing tax returns, and the creation of budget reports. If you’re a free-lance accountant, you have the option of choosing which services you’d like to provide and the prices you’d charge.
- Get a solid understanding of accounting concepts as well as the overview of QuickBooks Online through hands-on practice by completing this Intuit School Bookkeeping Pro Certification.
2. App developer
Annual average US earnings: $103,079
As a developer for apps who is a freelancer You’ll develop, oversee and enhance digital applications to a specific clientele. The kind of app that you create in your freelance work will decide the type developer you’re particularly in terms of the area of specialization in software. If you’re a specialist with iOS applications, then your employment opportunities may be different from those who work using Android apps. If you’re working on multiple platforms, your opportunities might be more diverse and you could be working on cross-platform apps.
- Learn how to develop apps for iOS devices. You can also begin with a fresh career path in the field of iOS Developer by obtaining an Meta iOS Developer Pro Certificate.
3. Data entry specialist
The average annual US pay: $39,369
Every day the data entry specialists manage and analyse data using spreadsheet format. Many sectors require data entry experts which is why the types of data you handle as a freelance expert could differ, however the process in managing information will remain the same. The flexibility of this job permits you to tailor your expertise to various tasks involving data while retaining the basic guidelines of managing data through your work as a freelancer.
4. Graphic Designer
Annual average US pay: $66,803
The freelance graphic design professionals produce digital photos as well as content. When you work as a freelancer, customers generally employ you on a project-by-project basis. So, your work is contingent upon the client’s requirements and needs to aid them in bringing their visions to life. If you are a specialist in artistic expressions including painting, drawing or even digital art, it could be the ideal job to fill.
- Discover the principles of visual storytelling and the best way to communicate ideas using design. Adobe Graphic Designer Professional Certificate.
5. UX designer
The average annual US earnings: $81,603
Like graphic design In some respects, similar to graphic design, UX developer enhances the interactions between human beings and digital objects like an app or a website. If you’re hired as freelancer, you’ll need be able to comprehend both the company and its customers to create the most engaging experience for everyone.
- Discover more about UX design and develop a an impressive portfolio of work that will consist of three projects that will be completed with The Google UX Design Professional Certificate.
6. Interior designer
Annual average US pay: $84,968
Interior designers who are free-lance collaborate with various customers to assist in designing, furnishing and design of houses and workplaces. It is possible to bring ideas from clients to life by cooperating with them through the process of designing. It is highly recommended to have an interior designer with an undergraduate degree in fine arts, or architectural design to enhance their reputation however, not all customers or firms require it.
7. Photographer
Annual average US pay: $59,209
Photographers are hired by clients to demonstrate their expertise in photography as well as editing of images. When you are a freelance photographer you could work on various situations like weddings, sports events, family photos as well as wildlife or food photographs. The ability to be flexible is a great asset in photography, however here it may be beneficial to focus on certain types of photography so that you can build strong relationships with clients.
- Discover the basic principles of photography from control of the camera to the principles of composition and imagination through Michigan State University’s photography Basics and Beyond from Smartphone to DSLR Specification.
8. Specialist in public relations
Annual average US earnings:$57,982
As a professional in public relations will help to maintain the image and public profile of an organisation or clients. With the ever-changing digital world the public relations industry is built on technology and social media. A professional with a successful track record in public relations can work well with others and can be expected assist clients in promoting and control their company’s or the image of their brand.
- Find out about the importance of public relations and communication strategies and learn how to determine and analyze metrics to measure effectiveness of strategies with the Microsoft Public Relations and Communications Associate Professional Certificate.
9. Social media Manager
Annual average US earnings: $55,465
As a freelancer, you can work as an social media administrator usually involves the administration of products, brands, businesses, and other clients via social media marketing. As a specialist in social media working closely with your client to assist to build and market their business on various social media channels, whether they’re Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) or TikTok.
- Learn the necessary skills and the necessary tools to build an active social network and manage effective social media marketing by completing Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate. Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate.
10. Translator
The average annual US pay: $50,766
Translators who freelance work typically as a team on a project-by -project basis. They transform various kinds of written or audiovisual content between different languages. Translators might specialize in the design subtitles that make films or television shows easier to access for those who are fluent in various languages. It is also possible to convert a document to the exact word in a job as an independent translator.
11. Virtual assistant
The average annual US pay: $46,678
Being a virtual assistant may mean different aspects, but in essence the role of a virtual assistant is to assist a client or company from their workstation at home. A virtual assistant you could be in charge of email and social media accounts, make appointments, make reservations for travel as well as assist in the field of digital marketing. A few freelance assistants opt to concentrate on managing social media, whereas others take on the whole variety of tasks.
12. Web developer
Annual average US pay: $81,523
The opportunity to work as a Web developer is an excellent opportunity to utilize the computer and programming skills you have to create a successful career that offers greater flexibility. Web developers typically are tasked with developing, improving or administration of websites that help to facilitate the business process. For a successful career as a web developer, you must know the basics of programming, coding as well as graphic design. This will allow you to aid your clients in bringing their visions and plans into reality.
- Learn how to create develop, create, deploy and test your web design as well as applications using IBM Front-End Developer Professional Certificate. IBM Front-End Developer Professional Certificate.
13. Writer
Annual average US earnings: $54,142
The freelance writing industry is a popular option due to the various types of writing companies and customers typically require. Based on the area in which you have specialization, you could be a content writer, copywriter or copy editor. You could also be a social media expert or technical journalist, writer, scriptwriter or fiction writer as well as take on various tasks or customers.
- Learn to organize an array of complex information to make it easier for the reader and to ensure that you consistently meet deadlines by taking this course from the U of M’s Great with Words: Writing and Editing The specialization.
14. Creators of content
The average annual US earnings: $52,539
Thanks to the rapid growth of video and social media platforms such as TikTok producing content that helps build and increase the number of followers has grown to be a hugely well-known freelance career. Content creators create media for their brands, or operate their own channels to be influencers creating videos or other material to connect with their followers.
- Find out about the basic principles behind graphic storytelling, design and visuals, as well as the best way to communicate your concepts through your content using Adobe Content Creator Professional Certificate. Adobe Content Creator Professional Certificate.
Freelancing’s benefits and pitfalls
Since freelancing is becoming more and more sought-after every year, establishing the career of a freelancer has become much easier; but, it is important to think about its benefits and drawbacks.
Freelancing has many benefits.
There are numerous advantages to freelance work. Being a freelancer can be an excellent alternative to perform from at home for extra income. Based on the way you work and your routine is you may find it possible to make extra income while not adding too much work hours to your working day.
If you’re a self-employed freelancer, you’ll enjoy a great deal of freedom and independence to organize your tasks. As a self-employed person, you’ll be able to pick the clients you want to work with and what kind of tasks you’d like to do, and the amount of jobs you’ll be able to manage at one time.
The idea of pursuing a career in freelance can be extremely affordable when you have the necessary tools and abilities for the work you’re looking to get.
The risks of freelance work
Although there are numerous benefits when you freelance, you need to be aware of some of the drawbacks. One of the most important things to be aware of is that it takes the time needed to build sufficient clients and projects in order that you can earn full-time wages. In addition, your job stability and your income may fluctuate dependent on the field you work in or your level of skill.
The full-time freelancer is not provided with additional benefits that are paid to a business like health insurance as you work as an independent contractor. Also, freelancers must to pay their own taxes. In accordance with the IRS self-employed persons are required to submit annual returns as well as submit quarterly installments of estimated tax 33.
If you’re determined to become freelance, do not let negatives stop from pursuing it. If you’re able to demonstrate confidence, commitment and organizational capabilities it’s possible to begin your own freelance career.
How do you get started by becoming a freelancer
There isn’t a set method to work as a freelancer, many prefer to locate one “anchor client,” which is a large portion of their revenue in return, then they can take on other clients as they require. Below are a few tips to get you started in the field of freelancers:
1. Consider if freelancing is the right choice for you.
It seems appealing in theory–flexible working time, becoming you own boss, deciding your own clients. However, as when you make a career change you must evaluate the advantages and disadvantages and think about how freelance work might be a good fit for your life. It is possible that you are well-equipped to work full-time as a freelancer, or decide to work as a side hustle. If you’re interested, try beginning to freelance and see whether it’s the right choice for you.
2. Select the services you’ll provide.
The hiring process for freelancers is based on their skills in a certain area or set of skills. As freelancers have the ability to provide almost every skill you can think of, it’s crucial to determine what skills you’re most prepared to give customers. If you’ve got a solid collection of competencies that can be used for freelance work, it’s more straightforward to establish your portfolio and work with new customers.
3. Set out your ideal segment.
If you’re preparing your freelance business plan, specifically when you intend to work this full-time, it is essential select a particular area of business and a set of services within the market that you will give to your customers. After you’ve selected a targeted area, it’s time to promote your services more efficiently to prospective customers.
4. Obtain licensing/permits.
In the event that you require specific permits or permits is contingent on where you live as well as where you are working from. In general, you do not require permission to operate under the legal name of your company However, if using a business name, it is possible be aware of getting a license before working.
5. Promote and organize your business.
When you’ve decided on a market and decided on the skills you’re most qualified to supply then it’s time to decide prices and market yourself. One method to build an effective online presence is to develop a site with your professional credentials including your resume, portfolio, and resume of your accomplishments. Website links are easy to add to messages sent to clients who are interested and can increase your credibility as a professional.
Portfolios are a fantastic method to showcase your skills for potential customers. An impressive portfolio could comprise things such as past works, testimonials as well as mock-ups of projects to come as well as accomplishments. Your portfolio is the opportunity for you to display (not simply to tell) your customers the actual importance of your work and the ways they can make use of your expertise.
It’s essential to update your LinkedIn profile since it offers an exclusive online area to market and network with professionals. If you’ve not updated your LinkedIn profile in the past this could be the moment to update it.
6. Keep and attract customers and keep them.
It’s crucial to be actively seeking opportunities in the field of freelance. Even though you could get offers from your marketing activities, actively seeking out jobs or clients that align to your own interests will increase your connections. The best part about freelance work is the possibility of turning your interests into a profession which is why you must take on projects that you are passionate about.
After you’ve established a client base, it’s important to retain those relationships by actively promoting your service to build your professional network. Utilize the tools that are accessible to you. Numerous freelance sites, such as Fiverr, Freelancer.com and LinkedIn will assist you in finding job opportunities within your field.
The freelance market can be volatile at times because you’re working as a project-by -project type. That’s the reason it’s beneficial to create a network to ensure that you don’t miss the opportunity to work for long periods of time.
Find out more about freelance work through Coursera
Begin by learning about it through CalArts”Building Your Career in Freelancing. Through this series of five courses you’ll discover the best ways to beat imposter feeling and make money to showcase your talent by equipping yourself with the essential techniques to manage your career as a professional, such as the ability to write a strong business plan, and also develop finances skills.
