If you're looking to start or maximize your income as a freelancer, 2025 is full of lucrative opportunities. Top examples include established gigs like software and app development and high-ticket copywriting, to emerging areas like AI and Web3.
But you want to join everyone cashing in on this highly rewarding and flexible way to earn a living, the first step is to be aware of what’s out there.
Here’s a list of 30 of the best freelance jobs, followed by a handy table showing the typical qualifications for each in addition to how much money you can make with them along with tips on how to maximize your income as a freelancer:
The 30 highest paid freelance jobs in 2025
1. AI/Machine learning developer

Artificial intelligence is the hottest sector today, so it’s no wonder that AI/Machine learning developers are among some of the highest paid and most in-demand freelance jobs in 2025.
Since the pace of development of this technology is far faster than what university developers can teach, companies are scrambling for individuals who have acquired the skills on their own to work as technical builders in the AI and machine learning field.
Check out: Top Discord servers for machine learning
2. Specialized virtual assistant
The demand for virtual assistants (VAs) has increased astronomically in the past few years as distributed teams have become the norm post-pandemic. While many companies are cost-cutting by hiring cheaper labor overseas, others are looking for domestic or specialized VAs that they are willing to pay more for.
In order to position yourself as a specialized, high-paid VA, you need to first highlight your expertise and build up case studies showing your ROI in terms of time, money, and convenience.
3. Blockchain/Web3 developer
Another field that is moving too fast for universities to keep up with is that of cryptocurrencies and their underlying technology of blockchain and Web3.
Starting with a previous programming background is ideal, but you can educate yourself through bootcamps and by building new projects on your own even if you’re brand new if you have the right drive.
4. AI content creator

For creative individuals who aren’t highly technical but still want to make money with AI, becoming an AI content creator is a great choice for a top-dollar freelance gig.
Once you learn the correct prompts and which software to use, creating content isn’t only easy, it can be done insanely fast, meaning you can make quite a bit per hour as some complete jobs can take mere minutes. In addition to ChatGPT, get familiar with MidJourney, ElevenLabs, and others.
Read more about making money with AI content creation here
5. Community manager
Building and managing online communities has become a crucial part of business success in 2025, making skilled community managers increasingly valuable. Solopreneurs, personal brands, and companies are often on the hunt for helpful managers of their communities.
This can pay quite well, especially because the creators of private communities are sometimes easily generating six figures per month. Your best entry is to start as a member, proving your worth, then ask for the position.
If community management sounds interesting to you, check our our guide on community moderation made easy: steps to creating safe, successful online communities.
6. Call setter
While many aspects of sales have been automated, setting qualified appointments remains a highly valuable, real human-preferred skill. Call setters (aka remote closers) who can consistently book meetings with top decision makers to close deals are in demand, particularly in the B2B space.
This role is great for you if you have a strong sales background and are good at networking. It can be highly rewarding and is largely commission based, so although sometimes little or nothing is guaranteed, the upside can be massive.
Check out how Alexis Seleste made $100k in 27 days as a remote closer.
7. Full stack developer

Even as AI gets better at writing code, there’s still a strong demand for skilled full stack developers that are well-versed in both front and back-end development.
The highest paid earners understand how to overlap their skills with business needs in high paying sectors such as technology, finance, and healthcare.
8. Mobile app developer
Skilled app developers continue to be in high demand, and since they’re harder to come by in comparison to web developers, they still command premium rates.
Additionally, mobile app development requires more ongoing maintenance including debugging and testing in addition to updates meaning that you can get consistent, long-term work even from just one client.
9. Technical writer

AI writing tools have taken over the market with their ability to handle a wide variety of writing tasks, putting many entry-level freelance writers out of work. However, these language models still fail to capture the nuance and accuracy of knowledgable writers, particularly in technical fields.
Whether you’re well versed on the latest in tech, law, finance, or science, you can get paid handsomely as a technical writer on these topics.
- How to become a freelance writer (and why you should!)
- How to become a sports writer
- How to make money writing: Expert tips, tools, pay guide & more
10. Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) specialist
Ecommerce is absolutely booming, and while this is creating more opportunity than ever before for well-positioned sellers, it’s also making for increased competition.
Conversion rate optimization (CRO) specialists help businesses stand out and turn more visitors into customers, so good ones demand premium pay. Make sure to build case studies of increased ROI from your work to get top-dollar clients.
11. Shopify developer
Shopify continues to dominate the ecommerce market as a well-known solution for online business owners both new and established. While the platform is user-friendly and includes both free and paid themes, it offers customization through code.
However, Shopify has code that’s unique to its platform–Liquid–and not every web developer knows how to work with it. So, by learning Liquid and specializing in Shopify store customization, you can position yourself as a dedicated developer for the platform.
12. Fractional CMO

For those who are strong all-around marketers with a strong track record or career can make the shift to the well-paid and highly flexible role of fractional chief marketing officer (CMO).
Many companies don’t have the need or budget for a full-time CMO, so they’re on the lookout for fractional CMOs. In this role, you’ll provide high-level marketing strategies on a part-time basis while easily earning a full time income, especially if you’re working with multiple companies.
- Are digital marketing side hustles the best way to make money?
- Ecommerce marketing strategies to increase your sales
13. Prompt engineer
Although AI has been out for some time now and many business owners have already used it, few have mastered the art and skill of crafting prompts that get the most use out of AI’s capabilities.
Since this field is still quite new, you can learn on your own and get hired without any formal qualifications beyond previous demonstrable results of being able to effectively use AI for specific needs.
Check out these useful tips to help you improve your ChatGPT prompts.
14. UI/UX designer
Designers who specialize in both the user interface and user experience (UI/UX) are still in strong demand in 2025. Today, more companies are willing to take on part-time freelancers in this field compared to those in full-time roles.
Although this field is becoming increasingly competitive, building a good portfolio that focuses on ROI or increased user engagement from past projects will help you get hired.
15. Direct marketing specialist
Top-earning businesses understand the importance of direct marketing, and today, this field is evolving fast. New direct methods such as SMS or Whatsapp marketing are quickly becoming preferred to older methods like email, leaving business owners scrambling for well-rounded specialists.
As a direct marketing specialist, you will need to frame yourself as someone who can get results and foster customer loyalty through a compelling variety of innovative direct marketing methods.
16. UGC creator

Well-known influencers are losing the clout that they once had, and consumers are shifting their trust and money to recommendations from individuals that are more relatable. UGC creators fill this need, and the best part about being one is that you can get paid well even if you don’t have a massive audience.
Position yourself in a niche that you’re truly passionate about and consider making content for free for brands before asking to get paid to show that you can resonate with a specific target audience.
- What is a UGC creator, and how do I become one?
- UGC creator jobs: How to get brands to pay you big money
17. Project manager
The role of project manager is no longer something that is tied to a full-time career–more companies are looking to hire flexible and skilled freelancers in this high-paying field.
Companies are willing to pay premium rate for PMs who can consistently ship projects on-time and under budget, especially in tech and finance where demand remains consistent.
18. Automation specialist
Business owners are well-aware of the benefits of delegating mundane or repetitive tasks, but most don’t have the time to set up effective automations to get this done. Automation specialists fill this need and are often hired on a freelance basis.
The great thing about being an automation specialist is that you don’t need extensive experience or qualifications as you can get almost everything done with user-friendly tools like Zapier and Make.
19. Video editor

Video is continuing to dominate in social media and marketing, and skilled freelance video editors are still in high demand. If you want to earn premium rates, consider focusing on a specialty such as long form YouTube videos or short-form, viral content.
While there are plenty of video editors, the best don’t just cut clips–they’re able to understand storytelling, user psychology and engagement to create videos that drive loyalty and revenue.
Did you know that you can get paid to clip content for Whop?
20. Data analyst
As business owners collect more data than ever, they still need individuals to help organize reports and extract the most actionable insights as data analysts.
While companies love freelance data analysts that are highly technical in skills, they need these individuals to be able to communicate these insights in ways that non-technical individuals can fully understand.
21. Course creator
While this isn’t a freelance role per se, becoming a course creator is a highly flexible role with massive income potential that you can take on actively at first and eventually make passive.
If you know more than most people about a topic that has strong market demand, you should capitalize on this knowledge by creating a course. Picking a good idea in addition to a good platform to sell on is essential for your success.
- Profitable online course ideas
- 200+ online course ideas across all niches
- How to use the Courses app on Whop
22. Ebook author

Not every writer has the skill to piece together an entire guide or ebook, so if you have this capability, you should capitalize on it as an ebook author.
As a freelancer, you can take on a top-dollar project as a ghostwriter for someone’s ebook or if you have topical authority and knowledge in a popular niche, you can create a book yourself that you can sell for passive income.
23. Online coach
In lieu of fully building out a course or ebook, you can still capitalize on your topical knowledge at a high hourly rate as an online coach.
The best online coaches are effective marketers that are able to gain social proof and a loyal audience on social media platforms, so focus on organic growth if you want to start charging premium rates.
24. Trader
Capitalizing on movements in the financial markets as a trader remains one of the most lucrative opportunities in 2025 that you can take part in on your own schedule.
Whether it’s in traditional stocks, forex, or crypto, the market presents endless possibilities for those that learn about specific segments and what specific opportunities each present. While you can certainly trade alone, joining a private trading community is the secret that many individuals use to find success and gain valuable advice and feedback.
25. Web3 community strategist

Building a community in the Web3 space is in high demand, as many new companies are looking to stand out and foster loyalty in this new landscape where trust is essential.
The great thing about this freelance gig is that you can get jobs simply by networking and proving your value as this field generally doesn’t require any formal qualifications beyond direct experience. You can also get paid in project tokens that have the potential to rise significantly in value.
26. Consultant
One of the highest paying six figure jobs is in the field of consulting. Although in many cases becoming a consultant requires committing to an intensive full-time role, there are ripe opportunities to become a freelance consultant and earn top dollar while keeping your flexibility.
Be sure to highlight your previous expertise and gather social proof, case studies, and testimonials so you can justify high hourly rates. You should also put your knowledge into a digital product (like a course or mastermind) to earn passive income in addition to your active earned income.
Check out these 6 signs that you’re ready to start a consulting business.
27. Online tutor
Whether it’s in academics or languages, the demand for online tutors is stronger than ever in 2025, so it’s one of the best freelance gigs you can get today.
The secret to making serious money as an online tutor is to focus on areas where students have clear ROI while positioning yourself as a top solution. Professional certification prep, university entrance exams, and language coaching can all pay very well.
- How to become an online tutor in 5 simple steps
- Wyzant review: Is it the best tutoring platform for you?
28. Personal brand strategist

As more professionals realize the importance of personal branding, demand for strategists who can help build and maintain these brands have skyrocketed this year. The best part about being a freelancer in this field is that you have the flexibility to work with clients across multiple industries.
You’ll have the most success starting off by building your own personal brand so your results and methods speak for themselves. This will increase your inbound marketing and decrease your need to invest time and effort into outreach.
Check out these personal branding examples
29. Podcast editor
The podcast industry continues to grow, and many newcomers are realizing that editing is perhaps the most important part of the equation for success and much more intensive than they’d initially planned for.
This creates steady demand for freelance podcast editors. In order to stand out and charge premium rates, you’ll need to know how to create an engaging listening experience and helpful summaries with show notes.
30. Affiliate marketer
While not exactly a freelance job, becoming an affiliate marketer is highly flexible. Additionally, there’s no limit to the amount of money you can make, so if you learn how to effectively promote a program, you can earn a lot.
Another great thing about becoming an affiliate marketer is that there’s also basically no limit to the amount of programs you can sign up for and promote. This gives you even more opportunity to increase your income which can also be mostly passive.
- Best affiliate marketing programs
- What is high-ticket affiliate marketing?
- Whop Affiliates - Earn recurring income by referring whops
Income potential and required skills for high paying freelance jobs
You're likely wondering what you need to start these freelance jobs, and how much you could earn. check out this table for an easy comparison of roles, qualifications, and earning potential.
Freelance Job | Qualifications | Income potential |
---|---|---|
AI Developer | Well versed with AI models and algorithms. Fluency in coding languages like Python, experience with TensorFlow or PyTorch | $80-$300+/hour |
Specialized Virtual Assistant | 3+ years in administrative assisting experience with specific industry expertise. Proficiency in productivity tools and strong communication skills | $30-$120+/hour |
Blockchain/Web3 Developer | Understanding of cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based coding languages like Solidity and Rust, ability to create smart contracts and other functionality | $70-$300+/hour |
Community Manger | Strong communication skills and previous experience positively interacting with community members. Crisis management when necessary. Content creation ability a plus | $30-$80+/hour |
Call Setter | Sales experience, strong call presence, ability to qualify leads. CRM experience is also often necessary | Base $20-$40/hour plus commission (extra $2000-$10,000+ monthly) |
Full Stack Developer | Well versed in multiple programming languages with demonstrable experience in both front and back end architecture. Database management and API development is a big plus | $90-$250+/hour |
Mobile App Developer | iOS and/or Android development skills including expertise with Swift and Kotlin, understanding of UI/UX is helpful | $50-$200+/hour |
Techincal Writer | Strong writing skills combined with a technical background, ideally with industry experience and expertise that is publicly recognized | $40-$150+/hour |
Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) Specialist | Understand customer psychology, copy, page design, and A/B testing to demonstrate clear ROI. Experience with analytics tools and reports | $40-$200+/hour |
Shopify Developer | Fluency building complete projects with Liquid in addition to a foundational knowledge including both HTML/CSS and Javascript. Familiarity with existing Shopify themes | $50-$200+/hour |
Fractional CMO | 10+ years in marketing with a strong track record, strategic planning skills, comprehensive experience with the latest marketing and growth hacking methods | $150-$300+/hour |
Prompt Engineer | Understanding of AI and ML concepts and how to communicate with LLMs to get preferred outputs to prompts. Ability to creatively approach and solve unique problems. Specific industry and technical knowledge will earn you higher pay | $50-$150+/hour |
UI/UX Designer | Proficiency in design software, portfolio of work, user research experience and ability to create prototypes | $40-$120+/hour |
Direct Marketing Specialist | Well-rounded in copywriting, analytics, and several marketing channels | $50-$100+/hour |
UGC creator | Content creation skills, platform specific knowledge, ability to keep up with the latest trends, basic video editing | $20-$500+ per video or feature |
Project Manager | Experience overseeing important projects such as product launches or big pivots. Helps to have project management certifications such as PMP, CSM | $75-250+ per hour |
Automation Specialist | Knowledge of tools and integrations including working with APIs or using Zapier and Make. Being able to integrate with AI is becoming more essential | $50-$150+/hour |
Video Editor | Proficiency in different video editing software, motion graphic skills, and an ability to craft engaging hooks and stories | $30-$100+/hour |
Data Analyst | Ability to create and present exetenisve data reports, proficiency with SQL and working with databases combined with business acumen | $50-$200+/hour |
Course Creator | Subject matter expertise, content creation skills, video production and marketing ability | $300-$5000+ per course sale |
Ebook author | Subject matter expertise, writing skills, marketing ability | $5-$50+ per ebook sold |
Online coach | Industry-specific expertise, ability to teach and empathize with clients, deliver results | $40-$200+/hour |
Trader | Market knowledge, ability to manage risks, trader psychology, technical analysis ability | Highly variable, but can easily turn into a six or even seven figure living |
Web3 Community Strategist | Crypto and Web3 knowledge, previous community management experience. Project-specific knowledge is required | $25-$50+/hour, sometimes paid partially or fully in project tokens |
Consultant | Strong track record delivering results for businesses in an in-demand field, ability to produce efficient and actionable advice that drives results | $100-$300+/hour |
Online Tutor | Subject expertise with demonstrable experience, ability to teach and communicate effectively | $20-$100+/hour |
Personal Brand Strategist | Marketing experience, social media experience, content strategy, understanding of personal brand image and presence | $30-$150+/hour |
Podcast Editor | Audio editing skills, basic sound design knowledge, proficiency working with DAWs, ability to craft a story line and create show notes | $20-$80+/hour |
Affiliate Marketer | Well-versed in knowledge of and belief in the product being promoted | Paid purely by commission, monthly income can range anywhere from $200-$10,000+ per month |
The major benefits of working as a high-paid freelancer
If you’re thinking about making the jump to freelancing but want to earn as much or more than your current full-time job, 2025 is a great time to do so.
Here’s a summary of all of the benefits you’ll have as a freelancer:
No salary cap
Unlike traditional jobs where you are stuck in a salary while waiting for a small raise or potential bonus, you’re in full control of your income as a freelancer. So, the only thing stopping you from making maximum money is yourself and your ability to showcase your skills and market yourself.
Flexible schedule
One of the biggest perks of freelancing is the freedom it allows to ditch the strict schedule of the 9-5 grind. You are free to pick which clients you want to work on depending on time zones.
Also, when it comes to choosing what times you want to work, you’ll often have a high degree of flexibility in that realm as well as long as you can deliver projects on time as promised.
Ability to work remote
Becoming a digital nomad that works from all around the world is the dream of many, and in 2025, more people than ever are achieving it thanks to freelancing.
All of the jobs mentioned in this guide can be done completely online, so as long as you align with the schedule of the client, you can work remotely from wherever you watnt.
Can quickly adapt to the latest market trends
One of the biggest reasons that there’s a demand for freelancers in the majority of these roles mentioned is that apitalize on new things quickly, not boxed in a role
How to make the most money as a freelancer
Maximizing your freelance income takes a strategic approach, and while the specifics might vary per niche, these can be applied as broad guidelines:
Brush up your skills
The highest paid freelancers get to where they are because they are highly curious, passionate, and never stop learning. Today, being a viable candidate in the market is shifting further away from formal degrees, with an increasing importance on self-led education.
You can always improve and become even better no matter what point you’re starting at. Check out the courses and communities on Whop to gain skills in anything from SEO, to sales, to AI.
Assess current market demand
When you’re selling any product or service, you need to make sure there’s a market for it before taking the time to craft an offering. Pay attention to what people are asking for now and also what they’re willing to pay so you can position yourself to profit by matching what the market wants.
Study the competition
Competition is inevitable, and rather than being frustrated by it, you should learn from it. Platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork will show top ranking profiles, so use this public information to your advantage to help refine your offering.
You’ll also learn what range you can realistically charge based on your current qualifications and set goals for future ones that will earn you higher pay.
Stay on top of the latest trends
When you’re on the cutting edge of innovation and technology, the market can fluctuate faster than most can keep up with. Top earners know this, so they’re always staying on top of the latest trends by joining newsletters, current courses, or forums and groups for real-time advice on the latest.
Scale to an agency
While it can be nice to charge a high rate per hour, there will come a time where you either burn out or are capped on the amount of hours you can handle as a single person.
At this point, you should consider training and delegating staff to effectively handle client work under your name as an agency. With an agency, you can have the potential to earn even more while outsourcing all the busywork to staff while you laser focus on high-leverage decisions.
Read: How to start a digital marketing agency
Sell digital products
Digital products should be the end goal of anyone hoping to make a living online as they provide perhaps the biggest opportunity in the online money today. If people are willing to pay you hourly as a freelancer, they will likely buy a digital product you make, especially if you’re a coach or consultant.
While there is a slight learning curve when it comes to learning how to launch and scale them, digital products will give you the biggest return on investment from initial efforts compared to almost any other business model.
Level up your freelance income with Whop
Now that you’re armed with this full list of the most elite freelancing jobs you can take on this year, you should take action and start cashing in ASAP. If you really want to level up your skills and supercharge your income, here are some of the best ways to do so:
Get advice and education by joining a community

Going off on your freelance path solo can prove difficult. Joining a community can help to give you the support and feedback you need to succeed.
You can share wins, get feedback, and find potential collaborations or even job opportunities under the guidance of a niche-specific expert inside of the right dedicated community.
Check out the top communities on Whop that are dedicated to getting you top-paying work
Sell your product or service with Whop!

Ready to showcase your skills or product to a hungry and motivated audience? Whop is home to the largest marketplace for all things digital products, from courses and communities to tools and services.
No matter what freelancing realm you’re in or which type of product you are choosing to sell, as long as it has to do with self improvement or money-making, you can find a product-market fit and launch to the perfect target audience on Whop.
All you have to do is create your whop (which is your online hub) and add your digital products or services - you can sell all kinds of digital products, including ebooks and guides, courses, communities, software, masterminds, webinars, and more. All of these can be sold individually or alongside other products.
Join the savvy group of modern day entrepreneurs cashing in online– sell on Whop today.