9 Highest Paying Freelance Jobs for 2019
If you’re considering going freelance, then now is arguably the best time to do it. The term ‘gig economy’ is the latest buzz word right now, with everyone raving about just how many benefits there are for both employees and organizations.
Using the web and a number of modern tools, it’s possible to complete work on a freelance basis – even working remotely – that previously wouldn’t have been feasible.
This way, the freelancer gets to pick and choose their ‘gigs’, work from anywhere they choose, do away with expensive and time-consuming commutes, and manage their work/life balance through ‘lifestyle design’.
At the same time, companies hiring freelancers have the benefit of being able to work with professionals from outside the limited local talent pool and of not needing to spend a large amount of money and effort handling the administrative fees associated with hiring full-time staff.
The best part? There are actually a lot of very high-paying freelance jobs available today. Going freelance doesn’t mean becoming a struggling artist, it can actually be closer to being an ‘in-demand online superstar’.
Here are just some of the highest paying freelance jobs for 2019 (in no particular order).
1. Web Developer
Becoming a web developer is in many ways the perfect set-up for someone looking to earn money online.
For starters, web development is one of the ‘easier’ forms of development – in that it has a lower barrier to entry. Of course, there are some highly demanding web design jobs that require ‘full stack developers’, but the vast majority of web design tasks will tend to be more focussed on installing and modifying WordPress, or creating basic portfolio sites using a little HTML and CSS (which are markup languages, rather than full programming languages).
Pretty much anyone can learn the basics of simple web design, and it shouldn’t take them a large amount of time or any significant investment.
Web design can likewise be done from anywhere, with no specialist tools, and usually with no strict deadline.
What’s more though, is that web design is something that is in incredible demand. Companies understand the need for a well-designed website, but they don’t recognize just how easy a WordPress site is to build.
Thus they might spend $10,000 or more, on a website that is pretty much just a slightly edited template. Even if you were to try and sell the service for considerably less, you’d often find that a lot of companies would assume that they, therefore, weren’t getting the top service – and they’d choose the service provider charging more.
A web developer can easily charge $60 or more per hour for these reasons! All without needing any hard-to-come-by skills.
2. Programmer
A more general programmer can also earn a lot of money, though the range of gigs offered in this instance are a little broader, which brings the average down just slightly.
Again, programmers are in high demand now. More and more companies now offer online services, apps, and more – or rely on internal software to handle a lot of tasks. Automation is replacing a large percentage of the workforce, and by becoming a programmer, you can ensure you’re on the winning side of history.
Certain types of coding are going to pay more highly than others. For example, you should think about the language that you learn. Some of the most in-demand languages for employers are Java, Python, Kotlin, and C++. Other skills, such as familiarity with SQL, can also be very useful.
It’s also a good idea to try to understand the basics of machine learning, and manipulating big data. These jobs will be in increasing demand going forward.
Find freelance work for a bank or a large corporation looking to improve its data management, and you can potentially earn a BIG salary. The average is generally around $35 per hour however.
3. Internet Marketer
Personalities like Tai Lopez recommend internet marketing as the fastest track to wealth online. An internet marketer is someone who tries to help a brand reach a larger audience online, which often involves a combination of SEO (search engine optimization), content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, and more.
An internet marketer is highly valuable to any business, as they can potentially help them to reach thousands more clients or customers. More and more companies are now recognizing the value of this, and so marketers are in increasing demand. They can typically charge up to $50 per hour, though some will charge much more.
4. Translation
Being multilingual has always been a huge advantage. That advantage is only growing as the internet helps to open up huge new international opportunities for businesses. As a translator, your job will be to translate pages of text, audio or other bodies of content.
That said, you might also be able to find work as a live translator, helping to facilitate communication between two or more individuals who do not speak the same language.
If you can speak multiple languages, then you should recognize the inherent value in that skill and strongly consider looking for work in that area. You’ll be able to charge $40 per hour, or more in some cases.
5. Security Specialist
Another topic that is currently at the forefront of business owners’ minds is security. With several high-profile hacks and attacks, it is more important than ever that data is protected. As a security specialist, it will be your job to help keep data safe by advising best practices, looking for vulnerabilities in websites and other targets, and consulting on the best way to go forward.
There will always be a need for this kind of service for businesses, as they will be seen to be taking a large risk by not ensuring maximum IT security.
This sector is only looking to grow, so if you understand IT, marketing yourself as a security specialist can be a great strategy. You can expect to earn somewhere in the region of $50 per hour.
6. Legal Advice/Legal Aid
Many lawyers, conveyancers, and legal services experts are now striking out on their own in order to keep more of their earnings and remove the need for third parties. Legal advice is highly specialist and is something you can’t get anywhere.
It’s also something though that can be delivered remotely, which helps to explain the growing number of professionals offering the service in this manner.
Unlike web design though, this is not the kind of work that anyone can simply pick up and begin selling. Your best chance of being successful in this area is if you have some good experience working with well-known firms. You may even be able to bring some of your clients with you.
Expect to earn anywhere in the region of $70-$120.
7. Video Editing
Video editing is another service that is increasingly popular owing to the impact that the internet has had on business. A YouTube video, or video explainer, can make a huge difference to a company’s first impressions.
However, in order to make a high-quality video that is memorable for all the right reasons, you will need to use an editor who understands the craft and is familiar with tools like Adobe Premiere Pro.
Video editors will earn around $35 per hour.
8. Writing
Writing is another type of job that anyone can do in theory, with just a little practice. While you need to have a certain writing voice, and a mastery over the English language, no specialist tools are required to perform these gigs.
Writing as a freelancer can take a number of forms. You might be a content writer for instance and write blog posts and articles for websites, or you might be a copywriter and predominantly write ad text, SEO posts, press releases, and the like.
As for the rates, these can again vary drastically. If you land an article in a prestigious magazine, you may earn hundreds of dollars. However, other writers will charge only a few dollars per hundred words, and will attempt to churn out as much as they can. The interesting thing? As a writer, your income will be directly tied to the amount you work and how good you are at it. Need more money? Write faster!
A writer can earn up to $50 an hour in most cases.
9. Voice Actor
Finally, voice actors simply have to lend their voice to a script, and can sometimes get paid around $50 for that service. There are an increasing number of projects available today that require voice acting – from the usual movies, radio shows, and adverts, to the newer formats like YouTube videos, podcasts, and audiobooks.
You can even find voice actors on Fiverr making a surprising amount of money.
The pay might start off small, but as you gain notoriety and experience, it can easily shoot up to $30-$40 per hour.
Which Freelance Job is Right For You?
These are just some of the highest paying freelance jobs, but there are many other options out there. Find something you love doing, do it on your terms, and get paid well for doing it!