The U.S. Is The World’s No.1 Freelance Market. Here’s How To Cash In

Introduction,

Freelancing is no longer just a side hustle—it’s a full-blown career path. And if you’re based in the U.S., you’re already in the best place to start.

According to a report by Payoneer, the U.S. is the number one freelance market in the world, both in terms of demand and earnings.

That means more clients, more opportunities, and more room to grow your income from anywhere, even your couch.

So, if you’re thinking about going freelance or want to make more money with your existing skills, there’s never been a better time.

I’ve put together everything you need to know—how to get started, where the money is, what skills are in demand, and how to make sure you get paid.

Let’s get into it.

Why the U.S. Is the Top Freelance Market

Let’s start with the basics.

The U.S. leads the global freelance economy. According to Statista, there are over 73 million freelancers in the U.S. as of 2023.

That’s more than a third of the total workforce, and it’s expected to keep growing every year.

But it’s not just about the numbers. U.S.-based freelancers earn more on average than freelancers in most other countries.

One big reason? U.S. businesses are hiring freelancers like never before. They want talent fast, without the slow hiring process or overhead that comes with full-time staff.

That’s where you come in.

How Do I Get Started as a Freelancer?

Getting started can feel overwhelming, but I promise it’s not as hard as it seems. Here’s a simple roadmap to kick things off:

1. Pick a Skill You Can Sell

You don’t need to be a tech wizard or graphic design genius. Think about what you’re already good at. Here are some skills that are really hot right now:

• Writing and editing

• Graphic design

• Web development

• SEO (search engine optimization)

• Social media management

• Video editing

• Virtual assistance

• Customer service

• Bookkeeping

If you can help someone save time, make money, or solve a problem, you have a skill worth selling.

2. Build a Portfolio

Clients want proof that you can do what you say. That doesn’t mean you need a fancy website right away. A simple Google Doc with examples of your work or links to projects is enough to start.

If you don’t have any samples yet, make a few. Write a blog post, design a fake logo, or offer free work to a friend in exchange for a testimonial.

3. Set Up a Profile on Freelance Platforms

Tons of platforms connect freelancers with clients. Some of the most popular in the U.S. include:

• Upwork

• Fiverr

• Freelancer.com

• Toptal (for experienced pros)

• PeoplePerHour

• Contra

• FlexJobs

Start with one or two. Don’t copy and paste someone else’s bio. Write your own, keep it honest, and focus on how you can help clients, not just your resume.

How Do I Land Clients (and Keep Them)?

Getting clients takes time, but there are ways to speed things up.

1. Write Strong Proposals

Clients usually get a bunch of proposals. You need to stand out. Here’s how:

• Use their name if possible.

• Mention something specific about their project.

• Tell them how you’ll help.

• Keep it short and clear.

2. Be Reliable

You don’t have to be the best in the world. You just need to do what you say you’ll do, when you said you’d do it. Clients love working with people they can count on.

3. Ask for Reviews

Once you complete a job, ask for feedback. Good reviews build trust and help you get more work.

Where the Money Is Right Now

Want to earn more? Focus on high-demand skills. According to Upwork’s 2024 report, these freelance jobs are among the highest paying:

These are just averages. As you build experience and get good reviews, you can charge even more.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Freelancing comes with its own set of challenges. Here’s how to avoid the most common ones:

• Don’t undercharge. If you go too low, people might assume you’re not good.

• Don’t skip contracts. Even a simple email that outlines the project, payment, and timeline can save you trouble.

• Track your money. Use tools like Wave or FreshBooks to stay on top of your income and taxes.

• Say no when needed. If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut.

FAQs

Do I need to quit my job to freelance?

No. You can start part-time and grow slowly. Many freelancers start while still working a regular job.

Do I need a business license?

It depends on your state. Some freelancers operate as sole proprietors without a license. Check your local rules to be safe.

How do I pay taxes?

Freelancers pay estimated quarterly taxes. You can use software like QuickBooks Self-Employed to help, or talk to a tax pro.

What if I don’t have experience?

Start small. Do practice projects, offer discounted work at first, or volunteer for a non-profit. Experience builds fast when you take action.

Further Resources

If you want to go deeper, these are worth checking out:

• Freelancers Union – Great for legal, tax, and insurance info.

• The Freelance Institute – Offers free training for new freelancers.

• Side Hustle Nation – Lots of freelance case studies and podcast episodes.

• Skillshare and Coursera – For learning new freelance skills.

Conclusion

Freelancing in the U.S. is a huge opportunity. The demand is there, the pay is good, and you don’t need to be a genius to make it work. You just need to start.

So if you’ve been thinking about freelancing—or already trying but not quite seeing the results you want—now’s a great time to jump in and build something real.

What’s the first freelance skill you’re going to start selling?