In an environment where professionals are increasingly facing workplace fatigue—which is driving a significant yearning for improved work-life harmony—freelance jobs, often referred to as gig work or consulting, are drawing an ever-growing number of U.S. workers.
As revealed in an Upwork study, 64 million Americans engaged in freelancing in 2023, representing 38% of the U.S. labor force and contributing $1.27 trillion to the national economy. Among the generations that engaged in freelance work the most, Gen Z led with 52%, closely followed by millennials at 44%.
According to Upwork’s 2023 Freelance Forward survey, 47% of freelancers (about 30 million individuals) offer services in sectors like IT, computer programming, marketing, and business consulting. The company’s rankings of top gig economy jobs feature food delivery drivers, freelance writers, and online tutors as the most sought-after roles, followed by graphic designers, short-term rental hosts, and virtual assistants. Additional options for income include dog-walking, pet-sitting, performing task-oriented gigs, delivering goods, offering home improvement services, managing social media accounts, or transcribing audio content.
Some freelance roles require specialized skills, and those holding specific degrees or certifications often find more opportunities. Yet for many, a bit of expertise combined with determination suffices.
Below, freelancers share insights from their respective industries along with tips for newcomers:
1. Social Media Manager
Overview: As outlined by ZipRecruiter, duties encompass developing social media strategies and content for marketing, which may include videos, content schedules, and email communications.
Required Education, Certifications, or Experience: Although degrees and certifications in social media marketing are available, they are not mandatory. Practical experience and a robust portfolio of completed projects are crucial for securing roles.
Advice: “Gain experience in any way possible,” suggests Christina Catania, a freelancer and founder of Burro Social Co. in Los Angeles. Her services include social media management, digital advertising, and email marketing. “Begin by focusing on your own social media profiles or start a personal project to enhance your portfolio. The entry barrier is low, but competition is fierce.”
She further mentions, “You will need a portfolio to display your abilities—even if it starts with personal endeavors. Additionally, providing virtual assistant or social media coordination to a more seasoned professional can be a valuable way to gain experience and mentorship.”
Income: Catania indicates that those in this field can expect monthly retainers ranging between $1,500 and $6,000.
2. Financial Consulting, Advising, or Planning
Overview: “A typical day for me includes a combination of client consultations, financial assessments, and strategic planning,” explains Brian Quigley, a finance expert and founder of Beacon Lending in Denver. “I review client financial portfolios, perform detailed analyses, and develop tailored financial strategies to meet their needs. Client meetings, follow-ups, and market research also fill my day to keep informed about trends and regulations.”
Required Education, Certifications, or Experience: You can achieve certification as a certified financial planner (CFP) or chartered financial consultant via the CFP Board. Certification prerequisites can vary.
“My journey in finance consulting began with a desire to help individuals navigate complex financial scenarios,” Quigley shares. “Over the years, I’ve refined my capabilities in delivering financial solutions to clients dealing with various challenges, now focusing on providing finance consulting services specifically for credit-challenged borrowers, foreign nationals, and those with complicated financial situations.”
Advice: “For those considering a career in finance consulting, my primary recommendation is to establish strong relationships with clients and industry connections,” he continues. “Good communication, empathy, and a solid grasp of financial principles are essential. Keeping current with industry developments and regulations is crucial for offering informed advice. Moreover, adhering to ethical standards and transparency is vital for enduring success in finance consulting.”
Income: Beginners can anticipate earnings ranging from “$1,500 to $2,500 monthly,” according to Quigley.
3. Cybersecurity Consultant
Overview: A cybersecurity consultant safeguards and enhances businesses’ networks by conducting security evaluations and developing security policies, as well as addressing threats as they arise.
Required Education, Certifications, or Experience: It is advisable to have a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or complete cyber threat intelligence training, alongside certifications through GIAC. Previous experience in technical support can be advantageous, as is demonstrating the capacity to explain technical concepts to non-experts.
Advice: “Working in various roles has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of this industry,” shares Michael Robert, a cybersecurity expert and tech professional. “Currently, the pay isn’t sufficient as a primary income but allows me to develop new skills and network. I suggest gaining experience in several entry-level positions before specializing. Start simply and maintain a mindset of continual learning; opportunities will arise.”
Income: According to Payscale, the average annual salary for a cybersecurity consultant is approximately $96,000.
4. Event Staffing
Overview: Numerous roles can be part of event staffing, such as bartending, catering, and modeling, as stated by Daniel Meursing, CEO and founder of Premier Staff, an event staffing agency in New York and Los Angeles. These roles aid various events, including concerts and trade shows.
Required Education, Certifications, or Experience: Some positions may require specific certifications, which vary by state, so it’s crucial to understand your local regulations. Certifications can include food safety, bartending licenses, CPR, and first aid, explains Meursing.
“In addition to these specific certifications, building strong communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills is vital for success in event staffing,” he emphasizes. “Practical experience and a professional demeanor can significantly enhance your reputation and help you secure future opportunities.”
Advice: “Be open to new experiences and willing to take on various roles to broaden your expertise,” he adds.
Income: Hourly rates measured on specific roles vary from $15 to $200, per Meursing’s insights.
5. Bookkeeping
Overview: If numbers fascinate you and maintaining balanced accounts excites you, bookkeeping could be a suitable career path. Duties include managing accounts payable and receivable, reconciling bank statements, and logging transactions, according to Leo Smigel, a personal finance expert and founder of Analyzing Alpha in Pennsylvania.
Required Education, Certifications, or Experience: Proficiency in basic math is essential. One can also earn a bookkeeping certification from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers.
Advice: “Freelancing can unlock numerous opportunities in finance, whether you seek flexible income or career experience,” remarks Smigel. “While the tasks may require evenings and weekends, they also provide scheduling control. Delivering quality work can help spread your reputation through word of mouth.”
Income: According to Salary.com, hourly earnings can range from $19 to $24.
6. Freelance Floral Design
Overview: If you aim to blend creativity with fresh flowers, floral design presents a remarkable opportunity. As a freelance floral designer, you can craft bouquets, table decorations, and event embellishments.
Required Education, Certifications, or Experience: No formal credentials are necessary for this vocation.
“My journey in floral design commenced with freelancing for other florists,” shares Leneille Moon, a floral designer and owner of Special Event Factory in Atlanta. “You begin by assisting with event setup and takedown, later transitioning to filling buckets and preparing flowers for designers. If they recognize your growing skills, you might be invited to help with substantial installations, progressing to crafting small arrangements, personal wedding items, and centerpieces. Subsequently, if friends and family begin hiring and referring you, the supplemental income can be significant.”
Advice: “Utilize YouTube [Shorts] and [Instagram] Reels to learn floral design techniques and practice with flowers from grocery stores or farmer’s markets at home,” Moon advises.
Income: ZipRecruiter reports that floral designers earn approximately $18 per hour, depending on location and experience.
7. Social Media Researcher
Overview: Are you an avid social media user? Do you possess insight into nascent viral trends? A role as a social media researcher may be an excellent fit for you.
“The concept involves scrolling through social platforms, identifying viral trends or content ideas, and sending them to the client for their future content,” describes Katya Varbanova, brand marketing professional and CEO of Viral Marketing Stars®. “This enables the client to produce relevant, impactful content and attract more customers without resorting to paid advertising. It’s a win-win situation.”
Required Education, Certifications, or Experience: “A passion for engaging with social media through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X, and others is all you need,” Varbanova asserts. “Businesses often lack the bandwidth to monitor what’s trending online, so they could benefit from someone who is consistently aware of viral shifts in certain topics or niches. Being part of Gen Z gives you an advantage that many businesses targeting that demographic do not have.”
Advice: “Delve into books about human psychology, as understanding human behavior is often more crucial than mastering social media algorithms,” she adds.
Income: Social media researchers typically charge a baseline of $300 monthly for two to three hours of work per week with each client, according to Varbanova.
8. Wedding Officiant
Overview: As a wedding officiant, you play a vital role in a couple’s momentous day. Your responsibilities include leading the ceremony and ensuring the necessary paperwork is correctly filled out and submitted to officially sanction the marriage.
Required Education, Certifications, or Experience: Credentialing is necessary in some locations. Public speaking experience and knowledge of the legal requirements for submitting marriage documents can also be beneficial.
Advice: “This is fulfilling work for anyone who enjoys public speaking and values marriage,” affirms Rev. Rachel Norman, a wedding officiant in Toronto, Canada. “I recommend seeking agencies that assist in connecting with couples or researching the necessary credentials in your locality. Referrals play a significant role; successfully officiating ceremonies can lead to more opportunities.”
Income: Officiants generally earn between $150 to $400 per wedding, according to Norman.
9. Event Planning and Volunteer Recruiting
Overview: Running an event requires teamwork—and a multitude of volunteers. An event planner and volunteer recruiter is responsible for sourcing, scheduling, and overseeing volunteers for major events such as marathons.
Required Education, Certifications, or Experience: “I hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree, but anyone with a passion for the events sector can thrive in this field,” states Mira Reverente, an independent event planner, volunteer manager, and owner of Got Volunteers?
“You should enjoy long hours, repetitive email communication, being mobile for [one to four] days, and navigating the unpredictabilities that come with events,” she adds.
Advice: “Prepare mentally for the extensive hours of standing, walking, and transport,” she advises. “Keep a positive attitude, and maintain a smile even in challenging times.”
Income: Compensation typically ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 per event, as stated by Reverente.
10. Financial Content Creator or Writer
Overview: Finance can be intricate and convoluted. A financial content creator simplifies and clarifies financial principles for an audience through mediums like social media, videos, or email newsletters.
Required Education, Certifications, or Experience: To work as a financial content creator, you need a certification as a certified financial planner (CFP), chartered financial consultant, or chartered life underwriter. CFPs must fulfill coursework requirements and pass an exam, in addition to holding a bachelor’s degree, while other types of consultants may not have additional academic requirements.
Advice: “Since finance encompasses a wide array of topics, concentrate on an area that you inherently enjoy learning and writing about,” suggests Steven Kibbel, a CFP and financial consultant at Prop Firm App, a site dedicated to proprietary trading and investment strategies. “Prioritize creating high-quality, valuable content that resonates with readers. Invest time in research and ensure your writing is captivating—that’s how you will cultivate a loyal audience. Once the time is right, you can cautiously monetize through advertising, affiliate marketing, or offering premium content. Yet, prioritize value over profit; the latter will follow if you maintain quality.”
Income: Content creators can earn an average hourly wage of $56, based on ZipRecruiter data.
So get out there… and good luck!!!
