The Internet and digital technologies have changed and are increasingly changing the way we do business. Freelancing is no longer just a “side job”, but is becoming an increasingly popular career choice. There are more and more people who decide to make this way of working their way of life as well. The demand for freelance jobs is constantly growing.
When someone thinks about this step, there are many questions, and one of the most important is in which direction to develop his freelance career. This decision should definitely take into consideration the most in-demand skills and jobs in 2021. We have researched several sources to make a list of the most in-demand freelance jobs. Different sources list different jobs, but some of them are on many lists.
These are the freelance jobs that will be most in demand in 2021:
1. Data Analysis
Data analytics is one of the quickest growing sectors on the job market. A data analyst creates informative reports which helps companies to solve problems and improve a business. You also need to have additional skills to interpret data, pay great attention to spot patterns, and analyzing large quantities of data. The average rate for data analysts ranges from $40 to $100 per hour on UpWork.
2. Consulting
Demand for freelance consultants is also on the rise. There are different types of consultants, sales consultant, advertising consultant, marketing strategy consultant… As a consultant, you help businesses by providing some in-depth knowledge that can help them make more money. As a beginner, consulting is a difficult skill to learn, particularly because it requires you to have prior experience in the industry of your choice. Consultants charge around $60 per hour for their services (source freelancinghacks.com).
3. Website Design and Development
These are actually two skills, but with an increasing number of CMS and page builders, there are more and more developers providing design services as well as designers creating complete websites. That’s why I decided to put these two skills in the same position.
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As a website designer, you’ll be responsible for researching design trends and design page layouts and templates. It’s a big bonus if a designer can create a good UI, or if he has UX skills.
Many businesses used websites to inform customers, sell goods and services. Today, there is almost no serious business that does not need a website. This is one of the main reasons why the demand for web development still growing.
4. Writing and Content Creation
WizCase reports that “62% of businesses hire external talent to create content on their blogs or virtual magazines.” This provides a huge opportunity for those who know how to create social media content, write articles, product reviews, and more. If you can offer quality writing, you will always be able to find a lot of work.
5. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is growing rapidly, and sooner or later, it will replace many jobs. In fact, a recent survey found that 70% of large organizations require workers to have both automation and AI skills (source Payoneer). According to LinkedIn research, AI roles make up a majority of the top emerging positions. Choosing AI as your freelance career will enable you to work for high-end companies.
6. Web-app Development
Since the pandemic, many businesses switched to selling their products and services online. This is one of the main reasons why the demand for web app development saw a rise in 2020 and continues in 2021. There are more and more businesses that use the web app to attract customers and market their goods or services. This is an opportunity for app creators to find their place in the freelance world.
7. Programming
Since we have already mentioned web programming and web app development, this may sound like a repeat. But other types of programming are meant here, such as JavaScript, PHP programming, as well as CSS and HTML coding skills. These skills are ranked among the 15 most in-demand in 2020 and the need for them is growing.
Software development skills have been on the list for the most in-demand for quite some time now. Demand for this skill is growing very fast, probably the fastest in the IT industry. Game programming is also very popular, given the growing demand for good games.
The possibilities are great, but keep in mind that with more demand comes more competition.
8. Cloud Computing
Another skill that many companies are seeking workers for is cloud computing. Indeed.com recommends cloud computing as the most in-demand skills to learn this year.
Amazon defines Cloud computing as the on-demand delivery of IT resources over the Internet with pay-as-you-go pricing. Instead of buying, owning, and maintaining physical data centers and servers, you can access technology services, such as computing power, storage, and databases, on an as-needed basis from a cloud provider like Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Mostly large organizations and companies need this skill. So, if you want to work with big companies, this is a skill you need to learn.
9. Mobile App
Mobile application developers create and program apps for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. This job requires knowledge of iOS and Android programming. Companies are constantly looking for new freelancers to design, code, and test their apps for mobile phones and tablets. This is not a surprise considering that the average person spends about three hours a day using a mobile device. Even many freelancers use different apps to make work easier and faster and to organize life. The average rate on UpWork for mobile application developers ranges from $40 to $100 per hour.
10. SEO (search engine optimization)
SEO specialists maximize the traffic to a website by analyzing the website and implementing changes to improve page rank within search engines. Internet users relies a lot on search engines to find goods, services or advice online, what makes SEO the most effective way to increase traffic to your website. The average rate for SEO specialists ranges from $20 to $75 per hour on UpWork.
Conclusion
The most in-demand freelance jobs and skills are constantly changing. Many websites follow trends and use different methods to determine which jobs and skills will be most in demand. Depending on the method, these predictions vary, but some jobs also appear on multiple lists. So, here are the predictions of some other websites.
1. Machine learning
2. Automation
3. Data analytics skills
4. Mobile application skills
5. VR (virtual reality) skills
6. Video production
7. SEO (search engine optimization)
8. Product management
1. Artificial Intelligence
2. Web-app Development
3. Cloud Computing
4. Software Development
1. Content Producer
2. Bilingual Services
3. Office and Customer Support Services
4. Mental Health Support Services
5. Home Design and Renovation Services
1. Web Designers
2. SEO Specialists
3. Sales Representatives
4. Financial Advisors
5. Graphic designers
6. Content Creators
1. JavaScript, CSS, and HTML
2. Web App Development
3. WordPress Design & Development
4. Project Management
5. Cloud Computing
6. Data Science & Analysis
7. Administrative Assistance
8. Consulting
1. Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Programming
2. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Development
3. Mobile App Development
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development
5. Website Design
6. Website Development
7. Data Analysis
8. Online Security and Ethical Hacking
9. Accounting and Bookkeeping
10. Writing
1. Medical writing & science content writing (Life sciences/Pharma)
2. Statistical consulting
3. Regulatory compliance support
1. Creative Freelancers
2. Freelance Voice Actors
3. Marketing Freelancers
4. Writing and Editing Freelancers
5. Programming and Tech Freelancers
1. Web Design & Landing Page Design
2. Development
3. Video Editing & Explainer Videos
4. Consulting
5. Online Advertising
