Best Freelance Jobs You Can Pursue (With Skills Guide)

Freelancing involves working remotely as an independent contractor and providing services for multiple clients in various industries. Freelancers have flexible work schedules and the potential to earn high incomes because they can set their own financial goals. Learning more about different freelance opportunities can help you find the right role for your interests and goals. In this article, we discuss some of the best freelance jobs, their national average salaries, their primary duties and the relevant skills that can help you get them.

Best freelance jobs to pursue

Here are some of the best freelance jobs that you may consider, depending on your professional skills and interests:

1. Consultant

National average salary: $78,226 per year

Primary duties: Consultants provide professional expertise to clients in their niche. They conduct research, analyse statics, assess possible strategies and make recommendations to solve issues for their clients. Consultants provide services in various industries, including finance, business, human resources, real estate, IT and other professions. It's essential to have the relevant skill sets in the field you choose before offering your services as a consultant.

2. Computer programmer

National average salary: $102,219 per year

Primary duties: A computer programmer develops computer applications and software for their clients. They also provide technical solutions as consultants, code and test applications, rewrite programs, fix bugs in coding and secure programs against online threats. It is essential to get academic qualifications, such as a degree in computer science, IT or a related subject to become a programmer and gain membership in the Australian Computer Society.

3. Software engineer

National average salary: $96,812 per year

Primary duties: Software engineers design and develop software applications and systems by coding, testing, troubleshooting and debugging the code to ensure it matches their clients' requirements. They analyse the computer software to determine ways of improving efficiency, including updating, integrating or installing new applications. Knowing coding and programming languages like Java, HTML, XML and PHP is essential for this career.

4. Web developer

National average salary: $84,024 per year

Primary duties: Web development involves turning a web design into a functional website through computer coding and by use of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript and PHP. Web developers create codes that make the web design live, make the website operate smoothly on the server and oversee the overall development of making websites. They may manage technical features such as capacity, traffic and performance. You can become a web developer by obtaining relevant academic qualifications, such as a diploma in IT or a degree in computer science majoring in web development.

Related: How to Become a Web Developer

5. Freelance writer

National average salary: $83,936 per year

Primary duties: As a freelance writer, you may work on contracts with various clients to write content for websites, articles, books, journals, broadcasting networks and magazines. Freelance writers may choose work based on interests, goals and expertise. They research the specific topic, write drafts and abstracts, edit, proofread and supervise work. You can work from anywhere, choose assignments you prefer to work on and increase your earnings by working on more tasks. Becoming a freelance writer requires relevant academic qualifications in your field, such as a degree and skills like time management, communication and flexibility.

6. Social media manager

National average salary: $81,562 per year

Primary duties: A social media manager creates social media strategies for branding and building an online presence on social media platforms for their clients. They create and publish content, engage with the audience, measure site metrics and ensure the page is up-to-date. Academic qualifications, experience in social media marketing and skills such as marketing, analytics and excellent communication are desirable to become a social media manager.

7. Digital marketer

National average salary: $78,447 per year

Primary duties: Digital marketers create online marketing strategies to boost visibility and engagement for brands. They coordinate email campaigns, track website visitors using analytics and assist clients in developing the best offers for their clients. Having the relevant skill set, including a degree major in marketing, is essential to becoming a digital marketer.

8. Accountant

National average salary: $73,914 per year

Primary duties: Accountants interpret, keep and maintain financial records and transactions for clients, including individuals, businesses and organisations. They also ensure that financial records are accurate and file tax reports. The requirements to become an accountant include a bachelor's degree, CPA certification and other credentials that the client may specify. Having maths, analytical, excellent communication and technical skills to use accounting software may increase their efficiency and customer base for their career growth and higher income.

9. Graphic designer

National average salary: $73,702 per year

Primary duties: The primary responsibility of a graphic designer is to create visual concepts for websites and media, including logos, photography and illustrations. They use computer software or draw layouts and designs by hand. A diploma in graphics design can help them work efficiently on projects.

10. Video editor

National average salary: $60,038 per year

Primary duties: Video editors often edit raw video clips to make engaging videos for viewers. They may edit videos for advertisements, events, such as weddings, or entertainment, such as movies. Though you can become a video editor through informal training, having a degree in fine arts, on-screen and media, visual arts, graphic design and other related areas can be helpful for this career.

11. Tutor

National average salary: $58,713 per year

Primary duties: Online tutors assist students in learning to improve proficiency in various subjects using various teaching techniques suitable for the student and subject area. Tutoring can occur at tuition centres, homes, schools or online platforms. They schedule lessons, review homework assignments, evaluate performance, prepare tests and give feedback to the parents on the child's progress. Being a tutor requires knowledge and expertise in subjects, excellent communication skills, academic qualification, a Working With Children Check, knowledge of various teaching techniques and a valid driver's licence if driving to work.

12. Virtual assistant

National average salary: $52,204 per year

Primary duties: Virtual assistants work remotely, mostly from a home or office, to assist customers virtually with administrative tasks. They manage phone calls and emails, schedule appointments and travel plans, organise online research, manage their social media and perform other online jobs for their customers. Having various skills such as excellent communication, time-management, organisational, logic and customer service skills can help you work efficiently.

13. Copywriter

National average salary: $69,338 per year

Primary duties: The primary responsibility of copywriters is to captivate and motivate customers to buy products and services through persuasive content. They use writing and marketing techniques to create white papers, slogans, website copies, advertisements, audio scripts and product guides. Though you can get informal training, taking the relevant courses in advertising, journalism, marketing, media studies, creative writing and communications may make you a better copywriter. It's essential to have creative and artistic skills to create persuasive content.

Related: How to Become a Freelance Copywriter (With Skills and FAQs)

Skills for freelance jobs

The following are some skills that may help get the best freelance jobs:

• Sales and negotiation: These skills are necessary to convince, maintain and attract potential customers to your services. You can use these skills to get jobs since customers may consider several freelancers before settling for one.

• Time management and organisational skills: Freelancing involves time and location independence, which requires creating and keeping schedules to meet project deadlines, run meetings, create invoices and make follow-ups. As a freelancer, managing your time well is essential, since projects have time limits.

• Communication and interpersonal skills: These skills help freelancers succeed and build a network to grow their freelance business. Freelancing involves research, reports, meetings and following instructions from clients, which require excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Passion for learning: Freelancing fields are dynamic and keep changing. You can stay current by learning new relevant skills related to the services you offer.

• Marketing skills: Marketing is essential to boost your freelance business and get exposure. You can use social media to market your services.

• Flexibility: Changes in the market and customer preferences require the ability to adapt quickly. You can adjust by compromising, learning new skills and paying attention to the new requirements.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location. Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

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