With the next half of the year ahead of us, and the number of freelancers increasing quarter over quarter as companies scramble for highly-skilled talent, one might wonder what skills exactly are most in-demand now? To answer this question adequately, you would need to consider the most popular freelance job titles worldwide.
Thankfully, Worksuite, a freelance talent management platform, just released some insightful data on freelance hiring trends within the first half of 2024, and how they compare with the same period in 2023. Their analysis was based on freelance trends observed on their platform—which has more than a million users. The findings revealed that in 2024, the top 10 freelance job titles are writer, editor, photographer, producer, director, translator, copywriter, graphic designer, creative director, and camera operator.
Interestingly, all except two of these roles (translator and writer) pay more on average than the U.S. median pay rate of $28 an hour—making the skills required for them, high-income skills. Here are some skills you will need for each freelance job title, that will enable you to successfully win over customers, produce quality work, and build an extensive portfolio:
1. Freelance Writer/Editor:
As a freelance writer, you might find yourself involved in marketing campaign projects, technical writing, or blogging, for example. You may also be working as a freelance editor for journals medical publications, and other literary works. The most obvious skill is knowing how to write succinctly, effectively, and clearly in a way that entertains and informs the reader. However, as a freelancer, your role extends beyond the actual work itself. You will need to work towards project deadlines, and you are likely accountable for adhering to the writing standards set by your client. you will need skills such as:
- Stakeholder relationship management
- Time management
- Clear communication skills
2. High-Income Skills To Be A Freelance Photographer
Freelance photographers may find that they need a combination of project management, soft skills such as communication and the ability to put their clients at ease, and more technically focused skills such as:
- Proficiency in advanced photography styles and techniques
- Photo editing and retouching software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
- Contract management and sales skills (this is actually necessary across all freelance jobs)
3. High-Income Skills To Be A Freelance Producer And Director
Freelance digital producers can make as much as $40 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter, while freelance directors can expect to see earnings of as much as $55 an hour. However, of course, these high earnings do not come without a cost to you. To be worthy of earning this hourly rate, you need to invest time into learning skills such as:
- Project management and budgeting skills (this is an absolute must)
- Strong creative direction and eye for detail
- Management and leadership skills
- Technical proficiency depending on the project
Here are some other skills you will need according to the rest of the top 10 freelance roles listed above:
4. Translator—nuanced understanding of grammar, idioms, and cultural references, as well as popular and not-so-popular languages, which places you at higher advantage
5. Copywriter—SEO knowledge and persuasive writing skills.
6. Graphic designer—proficiency in graphic design tools and software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva.
7. Creative director—leadership, vision, and strategy skills; being able to consider the bigger picture and how various factors play into this picture is a must.
8. Camera operator—mastery of various camera settings, camera types and models, composition, and lighting techniques.
Acquiring these skills through networking with established professionals, exposing yourself daily to new information relevant to your desired field of expertise, and completing courses, certificates, and even an associate degree can help you achieve your career and financial goals as a freelancer.