Which Freelancing Job Is Best For Beginners? [7 High Paying Gigs]

Last Updated on September 5, 2023 by John Cirelly

New freelancers often ask themselves which freelancing job is best for beginners. As a full-time freelancer, and someone who’s worked in various industries, I’ll share which jobs are best, why, and how you can get started.

Resources For Beginner Freelancers

Before you dive into my list, I wanted to touch on a few great (and often free) places where you can learn freelance skills. That way, if something on this list piques your interest, you can still pursue it without experience.

A few great places to learn freelance skills as a beginner include:

• YouTube – Thousands of videos detailing strategy on any number of freelance services
• SkillShare – Has an entire section dedicated to free classes taught by experts.
• Udemy – Extremely affordable courses taught by experts in various skills.
• Codecademy – A free resource dedicated to helping beginners learn programming

Best Freelancing Jobs For Beginners

1. Online Tutoring

If you’re great at a particular subject or skill, online tutoring can be a goldmine for you. Getting started is often as easy as signing up on platforms like Chegg Tutors or VIPKid.

Some might require certifications or educational degrees, but others are open to real-world expertise. For example, if you’re teaching English as a second language, having a degree in English and being bi-lingual can give you a huge advantage. Rates can vary, but you can easily make between $20 to $50 an hour, sometimes more, based on your specialty.

2. Freelance Video Editing

Have a knack for storytelling through visuals? Video editing is in high demand, especially with the rise of YouTube and TikTok. Software like Adobe Premiere Pro can seem intimidating, but there are tons of tutorials for free, especially on YouTube

Start by doing small projects for friends or on freelancing websites. You could start off earning around $20 per hour, but experienced video editors often charge much more. As you land projects be sure to add them to your portfolio to stand out for future work.

3. Freelance Copywriting

If you have a way with words, freelance copywriting could be your thing. Start by creating a portfolio—write some spec ads, blog posts, or email newsletters.

Websites like Upwork and Fiverr can be good launching pads for finding initial clients. Rates can fluctuate wildly, but beginners often start at around $15 to $25 per hour or per project, with seasoned copywriters making as much as $150/hr.

4. Freelance Handy Work

Good with your hands? Websites like TaskRabbit can help you find local gigs for things like assembling furniture or minor home repairs. Our recent survey found that freelance handy work is one of the most popular side hustles for men, but don’t let that stop you, ladies!

While no certification is generally needed, being insured could win you more gigs. Earnings vary based on task complexity, but you could start making anywhere from $20 to $40 an hour.

5. Freelance Social Media Management

If you’re always scrolling through Instagram or Twitter and understand what makes a post ‘pop,’ consider freelance social media management. Free online courses can teach you the basics of platform algorithms and content strategy. Sites like Upwork often have entry-level gigs that can pay around $15 to $30 an hour.

6. Freelance Paid Advertising Management

If you love data and have a marketing mindset, managing paid ads can be rewarding. You’ll need to understand platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ad Manager, but free online courses through Google can give you a solid foundation.

Rates can start at about $25 an hour but increase dramatically with experience and results. If you’re struggling to find work, consider partnering with an agency specializing in paid ads.

7. Freelance Webdesign

Creative and tech-savvy folks will find web design a perfect blend of their skills. Learning HTML, CSS, and some basic JavaScript can be done online for free or at a low cost. Once you’ve got some skills, create a portfolio site to show off your work. Clients can come from freelance websites or referrals, and you can expect to earn around $25 to $50 an hour as a beginner.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it, folks—a quick rundown of some of the most accessible freelancing jobs for beginners. Whether you’re a wordsmith, a tech guru, or a hands-on kind of person, there’s a freelancing gig out there that’s just right for you. And remember, even if you’re starting from zero, online courses and certifications make it easier than ever to skill up. So why wait? Pick a field, dive in, and start that freelancing journey today. Happy hustling!