Full List of Job Ideas for Freelancers and Contractors

The gig economy has been on the rise in recent years, with more people seeking flexible working options. According to a study by Upwork, 60 million Americans performed freelance work in the past 12 months, representing 39% of the entire U.S. workforce. 

The demand for flexible work arrangements has led to a surge in the popularity of freelancing and contracting as career options. This trend is likely to continue as more people seek greater control over their work-life balance. For those considering entering the gig economy, one of the biggest challenges can be deciding which freelance job to pursue. With hundreds of options available, it can be daunting to determine where to begin.

In addition to our free foundations course, we have created a comprehensive list of job ideas for freelancers to consider. This guide covers a broad range of freelance job options, from creative roles such as graphic design and content writing to technical roles like programming and web development.

It is important to note that while our list includes a broad range of freelance job ideas, it is not an exhaustive list. There are numerous other freelance job options available that may suit your individual needs and interests. Nonetheless, it’s a starting point to help you explore the diverse range of possibilities available in the gig economy.

Graphic Design

Job Title	Description
Book Cover Designer	Creates eye-catching book covers that visually represent the content and attract readers.
Brand Identity Designer	Develops the visual aspects of a brand, including colors, typography, and style guidelines.
Icon Designer	Creates custom icons for apps, websites, and other digital platforms to improve usability.
Illustration Designer	Creates custom illustrations for various projects, such as editorial, advertising, or packaging.
Infographic Designer	Designs informative and visually engaging graphics that simplify complex data or concepts.
Logo Designer	Creates unique and eye-catching logos for businesses, products, or services.
Motion Graphics Designer	Creates animated graphics, videos, and visual effects for digital media and advertising.
Packaging Designer	Designs packaging and labels for products, ensuring they are both functional and visually appealing.
Presentation Designer	Designs visually appealing and effective presentations for businesses and individuals.
Print Designer	Creates layouts and designs for print materials, such as brochures, business cards, and posters.
Social Media Designer	Creates visual content tailored for various social media platforms, including ads and posts.
T-shirt Designer	Designs graphics and typography for t-shirts and other apparel.
Typography Designer	Focuses on the design and arrangement of type, creating custom fonts or arranging existing ones.

Creative Writing

Job Title	Description
Content Writer	Creates written content for various platforms, such as websites, marketing materials, and social media.
Copywriter	Writes persuasive and engaging copy for advertising and promotional materials.
Ghostwriter	Writes books, articles, or other content that is officially credited to another person.
Grant Writer	Writes proposals and applications for funding from governments, foundations, or other organizations.
Product Description Writer	Writes concise and appealing descriptions for products on e-commerce platforms.
Social Media Writer	Writes engaging and shareable content for various social media platforms, including posts and captions.
SEO Writer	Creates content optimized for search engines, focusing on keywords, structure, and readability.
Speechwriter	Writes speeches for public figures, such as politicians, executives, or celebrities.
Technical Writer	Writes instructional materials, such as user manuals and guides, for products or services.
Translator	Translates written content from one language to another while maintaining the original meaning and style.
Video Scriptwriter	Writes scripts for video content, such as explainer videos, promotional videos, or commercials.

Web Development

Job Title	Description
Front-end Developer	Develops the user interface and user experience of websites and web applications using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Back-end Developer	Creates and maintains the server-side logic, databases, and integrations for websites and web applications.
Full-stack Developer	Handles both front-end and back-end development tasks for websites and web applications.
WordPress Developer	Develops and customizes WordPress themes, plugins, and websites.
E-commerce Developer	Builds and customizes online stores and shopping platforms using e-commerce solutions like Shopify or WooCommerce.
Web Designer	Designs website layouts, user interfaces, and visual elements for digital platforms.
UI/UX Designer	Designs user interfaces and user experiences for websites, apps, and other digital products.
Game Developer	Creates video games and interactive experiences for various platforms, using game engines and programming languages.
Software Developer	Develops, tests, and maintains software applications and systems for various platforms and devices.
Quality Assurance Tester	Tests and evaluates software and web applications to identify and fix bugs and ensure optimal performance.
Database Developer	Designs, develops, and maintains databases for web applications and software systems.
DevOps Engineer	Streamlines the development, testing, and deployment processes of software and web applications using automation tools and best practices.
Data Scientist	Analyzes, processes, and visualizes large datasets to extract insights and build predictive models for decision-making.
Machine Learning Engineer	Develops and deploys machine learning models and algorithms for various applications, such as natural language processing, computer vision, or recommendation systems.

App Development

Job Title	Description
iOS Developer	Develops mobile applications for Apple’s iOS platform, using programming languages like Swift or Objective-C.
Android Developer	Develops mobile applications for Google’s Android platform, using programming languages like Kotlin or Java.
Cross-platform Developer	Develops mobile applications that work on multiple platforms, such as iOS and Android, using frameworks like React Native, Xamarin, or Flutter.
Mobile App Designer	Designs user interfaces, user experiences, and visual elements for mobile applications.
Mobile App QA Tester	Tests and evaluates mobile applications to identify and fix bugs and ensure optimal performance on various devices.
Mobile App Project Manager	Oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of mobile app development projects, coordinating with team members and stakeholders.
Mobile App Marketer	Develops and implements marketing strategies to promote mobile applications and increase user acquisition.
Mobile App Localization	Adapts mobile applications to different languages, cultures, and markets by translating text, adjusting UI, and considering local requirements.
Mobile App Security Expert	Ensures the security and privacy of mobile applications by identifying vulnerabilities, implementing best practices, and conducting security audits.
Mobile App Analytics	Analyzes user behavior and engagement data to optimize mobile applications and improve their performance.

Consulting

Job Title	Description
Branding Consultant	Helps businesses develop and refine their brand identity, messaging, and positioning in the market.
Career Advisor	Helps individuals identify their career goals, develop job search strategies, and improve their job marketability.
Financial Advisor	Assists individuals and businesses with financial planning, investment strategies, and risk management.
Fitness Advisor	Assists individuals in developing personalized fitness plans, setting goals, and providing motivation to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Legal Consultant	Offers legal advice and assistance to businesses and individuals, typically in a specific area of law.
Nutrition Consultant	Provides guidance on nutrition and dietary planning to help individuals achieve their health and wellness goals.
Parenting Advisor	Offers support, advice, and guidance to parents on topics such as child development, discipline, and education.
Real Estate Consultant	Assists individuals and businesses with real estate transactions, investments, and property management.
Relationship Consultant	Offers advice and support to individuals and couples seeking to improve their interpersonal relationships.
Sales Consultant	Works with businesses to improve their sales processes, strategies, and overall sales performance.
SEO Consultant	Helps businesses improve their online visibility by optimizing their websites for search engines and developing effective SEO strategies.
Social Media Consultant	Assists businesses with developing and implementing social media strategies to increase brand awareness, engagement, and conversions.
Travel Consultant	Provides personalized travel planning and recommendations to help clients create memorable travel experiences.

Video Production

Job Title	Description
Corporate Video Producer	Produces videos for businesses and organizations, such as training materials, internal communications, or promotional content.
Explainer Video Creator	Produces videos that explain a product, service, or concept in a clear and engaging manner, often using animation or motion graphics.
Green Screen Video Producer	Specializes in creating videos with green screen technology, allowing for the addition of custom backgrounds and visual effects during post-production.
Intro Video Creator	Creates introduction videos for businesses, products, or services to engage viewers and convey key information.
Live Streaming Specialist	Manages the technical and creative aspects of live-streaming events, such as webinars, conferences, or performances.
Lyric Video Creator	Designs and produces videos featuring the lyrics of songs, synchronized with the music for artists and bands.
Social Media Video Creator	Produces promotional videos for businesses and brands to be shared on social media platforms, with the goal of increasing awareness and engagement.
Stop-Motion Video Creator	Crafts videos using the stop-motion technique, often involving physical objects or models that are manipulated frame by frame to create the appearance of movement.
Video Animator	Develops animated video segments for clients, such as businesses and YouTubers, using various animation techniques and software.
Video Captioner	Adds captions or subtitles to videos, making them accessible to a wider audience, including those with hearing impairments.
Video Testimonial Producer	Creates videos featuring clients or customers sharing their positive experiences and opinions about a product or service.
Wedding Videographer	Films and edits wedding ceremonies and receptions, capturing the special moments and emotions of the event.
YouTube Video Editor	Assists YouTubers with editing and enhancing their video content, including adding effects, transitions, and other visual elements.

Animation

Job Title	Description
2D Animator	Creates two-dimensional animated content, often using software such as Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, or Moho.
3D Animator	Creates three-dimensional animated content, often using software such as Autodesk Maya, Cinema 4D, or Blender.
Storyboard Artist	Creates visual storyboards that outline the sequence of events and shots for animation or film projects.
Character Designer	Designs and illustrates characters, often based on specific briefs or client specifications, for animation, gaming, or advertising projects.
Background Artist	Creates detailed and visually appealing backgrounds for animation, gaming, or film projects.
Motion Graphics Designer	Creates animated graphics and visual effects for various projects, such as promotional videos, presentations, and website content.
VFX Artist	Creates complex visual effects for film, television, or video games, often using software such as Autodesk Maya or Houdini.
Stop-Motion Animator	Creates animated content using stop-motion techniques, often involving physical objects or models that are manipulated frame by frame to create the appearance of movement.
Logo Animator	Creates animated logos for businesses and brands, often involving special effects, transitions, or 3D elements.
Whiteboard Animator	Creates educational or instructional content using whiteboard animation techniques, often involving hand-drawn illustrations and text.
Game Animator	Creates animated content for video games, including character movements, cutscenes, and special effects.
Animated Music Video Producer	Creates animated music videos for artists and bands, often incorporating various animation techniques and styles.

Audio Production

Job Title	Description
Audio Engineer	Records, mixes, and masters audio tracks for various projects, including music albums, podcasts, and commercials.
Music Producer	Guides the creative process of music production, overseeing songwriting, arranging, and recording to create polished and cohesive music tracks.
Sound Designer	Develops and edits sound effects and music for various media projects, such as films, video games, and podcasts.
Voiceover Artist	Provides voiceovers for various types of media, including commercials, videos, and audiobooks, using a range of vocal styles and techniques.
Podcast Producer	Coordinates and manages the production of podcast episodes, from pre-production planning to post-production editing and distribution.
Audio Editor	Cleans up and enhances audio tracks, removing background noise and adding effects to create a polished and professional sound.
Audio Book Producer	Records and produces audiobooks, coordinating with narrators and authors to ensure a high-quality final product.
Foley Artist	Creates and records sound effects for films, TV shows, and other media, using various objects and techniques to simulate realistic sounds.
Jingle Composer	Creates catchy and memorable jingles for radio and TV commercials, incorporating vocals, music, and sound effects.
Audio Restoration Specialist	Cleans up and restores old or damaged audio recordings, preserving their quality and integrity for future use.
Audio Mixing Engineer	Balances and adjusts the levels and tonal qualities of audio tracks, creating a cohesive and balanced final sound.
Audio Equipment Technician	Installs, maintains, and repairs audio equipment and systems, ensuring optimal sound quality and performance.

Supportive

Job Title	Description
Bookkeeper	Maintains financial records for businesses or individuals, such as tracking expenses, preparing invoices, and managing accounts.
Live Chat Agent	Provides customer support via live chat on websites or social media, responding to inquiries, troubleshooting issues, and providing information.
Data Entry Specialist	Enters and organizes data into databases, spreadsheets, or other formats, and ensures accuracy and completeness.
Content Moderator	Reviews and moderates user-generated content on websites, social media, or online forums, ensuring compliance with guidelines and policies.
Technical Support Specialist	Provides technical assistance and support to users, either remotely or in-person, troubleshooting issues with hardware, software, or other technology products.
Social Media Manager	Manages and creates content for social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Customer Service Representative	Responds to customer inquiries and complaints via phone, email, or chat, and resolves issues in a timely and professional manner.
Virtual Assistant	Provides administrative support remotely, such as managing emails, scheduling appointments, and organizing documents.
Transcriptionist	Transcribes audio and video recordings into written documents, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
Online Researcher	Conducts research and gathers information on specific topics, such as market trends, competitors, or product features.
Email Marketing Specialist	Creates and manages email marketing campaigns, including designing email templates, writing copy, and analyzing metrics.
Translation Specialist	Translates written or spoken content from one language to another, ensuring accuracy and cultural relevance.