In recent years, the corporate world has undergone significant transformations, most notably a pivot towards remote and flexible working conditions. This shift has fueled the growth of freelancing, which reached unprecedented levels in 2023. According to Upwork’s [Freelance Forward: 2023](https://upwork.com) study, freelancers now represent 38% of the U.S. workforce—an increase of 4 million professionals from the previous year. The economic contribution of freelancers has also surged, reaching $1.27 trillion, marking a 78% increase since 2014. By 2028, the number of U.S. freelancers is projected to climb to 90.1 million.
### Benefits of Freelancing
Freelancing offers numerous advantages, including the autonomy to select clients and projects, potentially higher earnings, and a more satisfying work-life balance. This flexibility allows individuals to tailor their careers and schedules to their preferences. For businesses, hiring freelancers is a cost-effective strategy to access specialized skills without commitment, enhancing operational flexibility and cost-efficiency, particularly in volatile market conditions.
### Demand for Flexible Work
There is an increasing desire among professionals to escape the confines of traditional 9-5 jobs. Factors such as remote working options and flexible schedules are becoming priorities over fixed salaries. American workers are seeking the ability to set their hours and are attracted to possibilities like four-day workweeks. This shift not only benefits the mental health of employees but also contributes positively to the profitability of businesses that adopt flexible work policies.
### Corporate Adoption of Freelancers
Businesses are increasingly dependent on freelancers for both short and long-term projects. Freelancers offer rapid scalability and access to specialized skills without the need for extensive training. They provide a means to swiftly adjust workforces in response to economic fluctuations and are seen as a way to enhance efficiency and promote diversity within the workforce.
### The Rise of Fractional Executive Roles
The concept of fractional work, particularly within the C-suite, is gaining traction. Roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and CMOs are increasingly being filled on a part-time or temporary basis by freelancers. This trend aligns with the rise in freelancers possessing advanced degrees and offers businesses a flexible approach to leadership during periods of transition or uncertainty. Fractional work thus supports career growth and provides exposure to diverse industries for professionals.
### Changing Perceptions of Freelancing
The pandemic has shifted the focus from traditional job incentives like salaries and job titles to work-life balance and developmental opportunities. The perception of freelancing as a viable and rewarding career path is improving, reflecting a broader shift towards non-linear, autonomous career trajectories. As more people seek the freedom of self-employment, the appeal of freelancing is likely to grow further, reshaping the way we work and live.
In essence, freelancing is not merely a trend but a substantive shift in the global work landscape, driven by the evolving preferences and needs of the modern workforce.
More Americans are freelancing — and as demand for independent workers surges, so has the availability of high-paying freelance opportunities.
The number of professionals freelancing in the U.S. hit an all-time high in 2023, increasing to 64 million people, or 38% of the U.S. workforce, from 60 million the year earlier according to recent research from Upwork.
Businesses are increasingly relying on freelancers to save on headcount and real estate expenses, Yoav Hornung, head of verticals and innovation at Fiverr, recently told CNBC Make It.
Many of these project-based jobs can come with six-figure payouts. The number of independent workers making $100,000 or more a year grew by 53% between 2021 and 2023, according to an October 2023 report by MBO Partners, a provider of back-office services to independent workers.
However, the services people are hiring independent contractors for are constantly changing. To help freelancers find the best opportunities, Freelancer.com has identified five in-demand freelance jobs, based on more than 250,000 listings posted on its database between January and March 2024. The earnings information comes from this sample of projects.
All of these jobs can be done from home and pay over $100 per hour:
1. Programming
Average hourly rate: $250
2. eCommerce development and management
Average hourly rate: $250
3. Graphic design
Average hourly rate: $140
4. Transcription
Average hourly rate: $200
5. Creative writing
Average hourly rate: $140
While coding, programming, and other tech specialties have long been sought-after freelance services, demand for e-commerce contractors has “exploded” in recent months, Sebastián Siseles, international vice president at Freelancer.com, tells CNBC Make It.
The global e-commerce market has been steadily growing over the last several years, a trend that was accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic when more companies had to shift to online business models. This has sparked demand for other freelance services related to running an e-commerce site, Siseles points out, including user interface design and copywriting.
If you’re interested in freelancing, make sure you understand the timeline of the job you’re applying for and how you’ll be compensated. Freelance jobs may last for part of a day, a week, a month, a year, or even longer — and while some jobs are priced hourly, others might have a fixed project rate.
You can also set yourself apart as a freelancer by creating a digital portfolio of work samples to share with prospective clients. To find out where the jobs are and list your own services, consider creating a profile on Upwork, Freelancer.com, Fiverr, TaskRabbit, or a different website advertising freelance jobs.