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Social Media Manager
Social media managers create, plan, and evaluate content shared across one or more social
platforms. This requires knowing the rules and best practices for each platform and having
an eye for the kinds of designs and written content that resonate with followers on that site.
Many SMM work on retainer or on an hourly basis, and plenty choose to specialize in one kind
of social media and sell this support in packages.

Software to know: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tailwind, MeetEdgar, Buffer,

Facebook, YouTube

GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Graphic designers are in high demand in gig-driven marketplaces. These creatives take on a
variety of tasks including logo design, email and social media template design, illustrations,
infographics, and more. Graphic designers who have the skillset to create effective visuals for
clients can make between $75 to $100 an hour, though newer and less experienced
freelancers tend to charge between $25 and $50 an hour. The most necessary skill for this job
is having creativity—you need to have the ability to conceive original, innovative ideas that
complements your client’s marketing strategy.
 
Software to know: to bring your client’s ideas to life, knowledge of Adobe’s creative software
is essential. Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, as well as a basic understanding of
HTML, CSS, Javascript, and Microsoft Office products, such as Word and Excel.

IT SUPPORT
Freelancers offering IT support are invaluable for businesses who lack in-house tech savvy
talent. IT professionals are sought out to perform a plethora of tasks: installing computer
systems, maintaining networks and databases, preventing cyber attacks by monitoring
business networks, modernization of outdated IT infrastructure, etc. IT freelancers are in
lower demand than web developers, but tend to charge higher hourly rates. The going rates
tend to sit somewhere between $50 and $90. 

To be successful as an IT support freelancer, you have to have strong customer relation skills,
good working knowledge of all desktop and malware applications, the ability to load and
troubleshoot various software and hardware systems, and good knowledge of various
networking concepts. Knowledge of Microsoft and Apple operating systems, troubleshooting
methods, and programming is instrumental to your success in this field.
 
Software to know: Zendesk, JIRA, GitLab, Ninite, CCleaner, HWiNFO, Sysinternals Suite,
Malwarebytes.

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BOOKKEEPER
Bookkeepers perform tasks such as updating financial records, creating financial reports,
checking records for accuracy, posting financial records in computer programs, and putting
debits and credits to appropriate accounts. Other facets of bookkeeping services include
managing all components of accounts payable and accounts receivable and generating
monthly financial reports. 

While accountancy requires a formal education, bookkeeping does not, and it can be a
profitable venture for those seeking an entry level side-hustle. Bookkeepers charge anywhere
between $18 and $60 an hour, averaging somewhere around $30. For those with expertise in
payroll management and tax preparation, hourly rates go anywhere between $80 to $150 an
hour.
 
Software to know: QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage.

CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST

Customer service specialists handle tasks such as maintaining customer records, scheduling
appointments, providing accurate information about a company’s products or services,
handling a high volume of calls, researching answers and solutions as needed, generating
sales leads, making outbound prospecting calls, and entering data into the company’s
databases.

A successful customer service freelancer has strong listening, speaking, and writing skills.
Though these freelancers tend to make less than others, between $10-$25 an hour, though
those who can also perform clerical/secretarial duties can get paid up to $30 an hour, and
top-notch sales assistants charge as high as $65.
 
Software to know: customer service software such as Zendesk, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Help
Scout, Kayako and UserVoice.

DEVELOPER
Web and software developers take on responsibilities such as designing, coding and
modifying websites, implementing contingency plans, maintaining and expanding the
website once built, and writing efficient code. Developers are proficient in working with
several coding languages such as HTML, PHP, and Java. They also have extensive knowledge
of front-end frameworks, website platforms, plugins, and databases. This field is highly
saturated—if you’re interested in treading the waters it will be very beneficial to establish a
niche. 

Specializing in Amazon Web Services, React Native, and WordPress will make you stand out
tremendously. Varying based on specialized skills, developers can make between $50-$80 an
hour. Knowledge of several coding languages such as the aforementioned, familiarity with
design, marketing, and SEO (search engine optimization) are important.
 
Software to know: Photoshop, InDesign, WordPress, Macaw, Mockplus, Weebly, Adobe
Dreamweaver.

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3D MODELING
3D modelers create three-dimensional computer graphics which have a variety of uses,
including animation, special effects, video games, and 3D printing. Architects and engineers
also seek out 3D modelers to create pre-project visualizations. With the ever-increasing
power of technology, more and more companies are looking for individuals who are skilled in
3D modeling.

Though completing these gigs requires a level of expertise, this can be self-taught. Software
programs used for 3D modeling, such as Sketchup and Blender, is available for free online,
complete with YouTube tutorials to expedite the learning process. Currently the lowest
hourly rate for a 3D modeler on Upwork is $20, and most charge between $30 and $60 an
hour.
 
Software to know: 3D modeling software such as Sketchup, Blender, AutoCAD, Rhino, and
Revit.

WEBSITE BUILDER/DESIGNER
Web designers specialize in the creation and lay out of the visual aesthetics of a website.
They have extensive knowledge about creating user experiences (UX), the fundamentals of
making sites visually appealing and easy to navigate. Successful web designers have solid
artistic and design skills, basic to advanced coding knowledge, are proficient in graphic
design, understand SEO and marketing concepts, and are great at conceptualizing projects. 

Web designers spend time working with a variety of design and optimization tools, creating
banners and landing pages to drive sales or leads, choosing layouts and page elements to
optimize visual appeal, and collaborate with graphic artists, programmers, and writers. Web
designers tend to make between $20-$40 an hour, and more experienced ones tend to
charge over $60 an hour.
 
Software to know: web building software such as Wordpress, Squarespace, Wix, Duda,
Weebly, Strikingly, SITE123

VOICEOVER ARTIST
Voiceover artists are hired for a variety of projects including commercials, movie-trailers,
tutorials, audiobooks, podcasts, short videos, etc. Top voiceover freelancers likely have
professional recording set-ups including a microphone (not the built-in laptop microphone),
and basic skills in audio mixing using software such as Adobe Audition or Logic. The hourly
pay varies widely. Beginners earn between $18 and $30 an hour, and those with more
experience charge anywhere between $50 and $100 an hour. To be a standout candidate in
this marketplace, having an American or British accent, the ability to speak multiple
languages, and awareness of intonation patterns can set you apart. There is a fairly high
demand for voiceover artists, both for smaller and larger projects.
 
Software to know: Adobe Audition, Audacity, Pro Tools, Logic, and GarageBand.

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MARKETING EXPERT
Marketing experts are hired to plan, execute, and analyze multi-faceted digital campaigns,
monitor traffic, implement data-driven targeted marketing, and to design strategies. These
individuals understand the tech and data driven nucleus that marketing has evolved into and
know how to use tools such as social media, SEO, content, search engine marketing, email,
video, and paid advertising to create successful marketing campaigns. 

Many freelancers in the marketing field tend to specialize. The highest paid freelancers tend
to be SEO Consultants and offer expert advice to business owners looking to increase search
engine traffic and higher positioning of their webpage in search engine results. These
freelancers have rates ranging from $65 an hour to over $250. The average rate for marketing
freelancers is around $50.
 
Software to know: Knowledge of CRM (customer relationship management) software such
as Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Infusionsoft, and Zoho CRM is useful, as is familiarity
with email marketing software such as MailChimp, as well as understanding data
visualization and analytics tools such as Crazy Egg, EyeQuant, and Google Analytics.
Additional software to have an understanding of are tools within Adobe Creative Cloud and

DATA SCIENCE
content marketing platforms such as Contently and Clear Voice.

Data scientists are sought out by companies who want to gain a competitive edge by
understanding their data. These freelancers use a mixture of skills including computer
science, applied mathematics, visualization, and statistics to extract large amounts of
information and find deeper insights. Tasks include organizing raw data in spreadsheets,
analyzing data and deciphering key takeaways, creating charts, creating data infrastructures,
and using machine learning to create new products. 

Data scientists can charge very high hourly rates due to their unique skillset, which often
includes experience with programming languages like R, Python, Julia, or Scale and a
background in SQL databases. Many charge around or above $100 an hour, with the lower
end sitting around $40-$50 an hour.
 
Software to know: Apache Spark, Linux, Apache Hadoop, SAS, and Tableau

PODCAST PRODUCER/MANAGER
Podcast producers help develop and maintain the creative vision of the podcast, map out the
story that is being conveyed, oversee the podcast production, coordinate podcast interviews,
and do editing and post-production work. On top of these responsibilities, a podcast
producer keeps track of the analytics of the podcast’s performance, suggests adjustments
and strategies to make sure that the podcast’s listener base continues to grow. The hourly
rate is usually around $40 to $50 an hour, with more experienced producers charging over
$100 an hour.
 
Software to know:, GarageBand, Apple Logic Pro, and Adobe Audition.

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ENGINEERING
Engineers tend to be highly specialized, in the freelance marketplace the highest demand is
for software and network engineers. Software engineers build software products,
applications, and computer games, and run network control systems. 

There’s a high demand for software engineers and the hourly rates reflect the value of this
skillset. Inexperienced freelancers make around $50 to $75 an hour, while seasoned software
engineers charge between $100 to $300 an hour. Network engineers handle the strategy and
technology behind a network, including configuration and installation, IT security protocol
implementation, penetration testing, and firewalls. Inexperienced freelancers in this niche
can expect around $30 to $60 an hour, while experienced network engineers charge between
$100 and $150 an hour.
 
Software to know: GitHub, Excel, Linux, SVN, Visual Studio, IntelliJ IDEA, PuTTY, Notepad++,
WireShark, ZenMap, Python, GNS3, Oracle VirtualBox

VIDEO & AUDIO EDITORS

Video specialists help clients create, edit, and publish videos. Jobs may involve establishing a
storyline, sourcing clips, designing transitions, mixing audio, and coordinating with voiceover
artists and scriptwriters. There is a high demand for video editors; however, there’s also a lot
of freelancers out there with these skills. The average hourly rate is between $20 to $30.
Video editors hired for more than just their editing expertise and are tasked with project
management, storyboarding, live action video, or video direction charge $60-$100+ an hour.
 
Software to know: Adobe Premiere Pro CC, Final Cut Pro X, iMovie, Adobe Premiere
Elements, CyberLink PowerDirector, DaVinci Resolve, Fairlight.

PUBLICITY EXPERT
Publicity experts are hired to create public awareness and attention around an existing
brand. These individuals will identify the proper channels to publicize the client’s products
and services to the target audience. Tasks may include research and development, drafting
press releases and posting them regularly, maintaining web content, and designing and
distributing marketing materials. Publicity experts focus on creating viable and valuable
opportunities for promoting their client’s brand and expanding the pool of potential
customers. New freelancers charge around $25 an hour, while seasoned experts can expect to
bring in between $50 and $75 an hour.
 
Software to know: Prowly, Muck Rack, Meltwater, Prezly, Mention, Critical Mention,
Brandwatch, Business Wire, Coverage Book.

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TUTOR
Tutors are sought out by individuals who need one-on-one sessions to improve their skill and
fluency in a variety of subject matters. Though English, ESL, standardized testing prep,
foreign language, math, science, and computer science are the most popular disciplines for
which a freelancer may be hired, there are people looking for extra help in nearly every
subject matter. Successful tutors have a high level of education in the subject they wish to
tutor, have patience and empathy, are able to carefully and coherently explain material, have
problem-solving and analytical skills, and know what it takes to tailor to different client
needs and prepare lesson plans accordingly. Though hourly rates go as low as $10 an hour,
most freelance tutors charge between $25 and $40 an hour.
 
Software to know: IDroo, Baiboard, Groupboard, WizIQ, Google Docs, Camtasia, Extempore,
Khan Academy, Mometrix Academy, TutorsClass.

SEO SPECIALIST
SEO specialists conduct in-depth keyword research and competitor analysis, study traffic and
analytics, maximize local search exposure, and have experience with programming, building
backlinks, and creating effective ranking strategies. Clients seek out SEO experts to gain
greater visibility on search engine results pages such as Google, Yahoo, and Bing. The
intended outcome of hiring an expert is an increase of organic traffic to the client’s website
and a strong search engine placement. 

SEO specialists often make adjustments to client’s websites using code and layout
optimization in order to maximize page speed, the site’s navigational structure, and resolving
conflicts with the page’s efficacy. SEO specialists make between $35 and $95 an hour on
average. Pricing depends on the depth of their skillset—whether it includes coding and UX
design, or if their focus lies on keyword research and analysis.
 
Software to know: Excel, Ahrefs, Search Console by Google, SEMRush, KWFinder, Moz,
Ubersuggest, SpyFu, Majestic.

BRAND STRATEGY
Brand strategists coordinate the marketing efforts of their clients to help them establish a
consistent and distinct brand identity. Cultivating a brand identity consists of creating a
narrative about the company and its products—top earning strategists have a versatile skillset
that includes persuasive writing/copywriting, public relations expertise, search engine
optimization and graphic design knowledge. Additionally, brand strategists create style
guides, marketing plans, and creative briefs, as well as perform market research and
competitor analysis. The hourly pay varies widely, starting at a rate of $40 an hour, with most
charging between $75-$100 an hour, and top freelancers can make as much as $150+ an hour.
 
Software to know: Slack, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Podio, Salesforce, Pipedrive,
MailChimp, HubSpot, SmartDraw. 

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TRANSLATION
Individuals who can speak, write, and translate between two or more languages have a
lucrative edge in the freelance market. With the boom of global commerce, more and more
businesses are looking for people with unique translation skills spanning across many
different languages (most commonly Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic—but all languages are in
demand). Translators don’t simply translate, they also make sure that the translated content
flows, makes sense, and achieves the intended outcome of the text. 

Translators often have specialties, such as website translation, marketing materials, literary
translation (books, articles), software localization, technical translation, medical translation,
legal and financial translation, and video or multimedia translation. Hourly rates vary. Those
translating popular languages (Chinese, Spanish, German, Japanese, etc.) tend to make
between $15 to $30 hourly. Those translating niche languages (Swedish, Korean, Finnish, etc.)
make between $20 to $35 hourly. Those offering specialized services (marketing, technical,
legal, etc.) charge between $35 to $45+ an hour.
 
Software to know: Trados Studio (Computer Aided Translation tool that is an industry
standard), OmegaT (free alternative to Trados Studio), Goldendict. 

PROJECT/CONTENT MANAGER
Content managers handle all aspects of planning and executing a content marketing
campaign. This involves keyword research and search engine optimization, creating lead
magnets, scheduling of blog posts, social media feeds, infographics, podcasts, and videos,
and conducting market research and analysis in order to help businesses manage, track, and
create content with intent. Freelancers in this niche tend to specialize in particular content
sharing platforms such as Facebook and Instagram and have knowledge of organization and
coordination tools (such as roadmaps and Gantt charts). There’s a high demand for content
managers in the freelance sphere but there is also a decent existing supply. On average,
these freelancers make between $30-$45 an hour.
 
Software to know: Jira, Trello, Teamwork, HubSpot, WordPress, Drupal, Acquia, Squarespace,
Contentful.

TRANSCRIPTIONIST
Transcriptionists are contracted to listen to recorded audio and type them into written form.
The most necessary skills to become an excellent transcriptionist are strong listening
abilities, accurate grammar and spelling, attention to detail, fast typing, and the ability to
deliver within a narrow timeframe. Transcription jobs vary widely—often clients are looking
for a one-time transcription, though some companies use transcription services on a long
term basis. On average transcriptionists are paid between $10 and $15 an hour—though that is
definitely not the ceiling. Experienced transcriptionists charge around $25-$35 an hour.
 
Software to know: Audacity (to adjust unclear audio files), Microsoft Word, QuickTime

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WRITER
Writers create original content in the form of sales copy, emails, newsletters, website pages,
blogs, brochures, product descriptions, and more. Writers can work on projects that appeal to
them and their clients. Most writers feel they have a way with words, but it’s not required to
have a professional degree or certification to get started as a writer. 

Many books cover the topics of content writing based on your specialty, so it’s easy to get
started if you have strong grammar, spelling, and writing ability. I literally wrote a book with
Entrepreneur Press about how to start a freelance writing career, so please check out some
of the links for it here if you’re interested in learning more! Writers charge anywhere from
$30-50 an hour as beginners, but many scale this up. 

Skills to know: Grammar, writing form and structure, WordPress content management
system, SEO keyword tools

VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Virtual assistants help their clients from solopreneurs to major companies accomplish a
variety of goals. While many virtual assistants focus on particular niches or software types,
others work as generalists to help with a variety of tasks. Virtual assistants do research, data
entry, customer service, editing, graphic creation, email organization, and calendar
management, among many other kinds of tasks. 

Most virtual assistants charge $20 per hour and up.

EDITOR/PROOFREADER
An editor or proofreader plays an important role in spotting and correcting mistakes before a
piece of content writing goes to publication, whether that’s print or online. Proofreaders are
looking for typos, grammar issues, and misspelled words, whereas an editor might also
provide feedback on content, flow, organization, and concepts of the written piece in
question. 

Editors should have a firm grasp on grammar in their preferred editing language, some
knowledge of various styles (AP/Chicago, etc) and should become familiar with software
like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Copyscape, Grammarly, and the Hemingway App. 

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