Forbes Reveals 3 Best-Paying Freelance Jobs For Digital Nomads in 2024

Digital Nomads Are No Longer Welcome In This European Hotspot

Nine-to-five jobs can be rewarding for well-known reasons but for so many others, they are no longer everyone’s “cup of tea.” 

According to data, 17.3 million Americans have opted to quit their office jobs and join the 40-million-person tribe of digital nomads around the world.

In the same vein, 38% of U.S. workers -64 million-, engaged in freelance activities in 2023, an Upwork report revealed last year in December. 

Thus, if you are looking to have greater control over your schedule, work settings, finances and the people you want to spend your day with, freelancing may be the answer to your prayers.

Here is a list of the three best high-paying freelance jobs in 2024, according to Forbes.

1. Freelance UX/UI Designer

UX/UI designers mostly need to research and design friendly interfaces, carry out usability tests, and develop prototypes to validate design concepts for websites and mobile applications.

This highly demanded service is expected to increase up to 8% by 2027. So, if you want to join the trend, this is the right time to do it.

If you don’t have an academic background in this field, you can complete an internship to learn about web and app design, user research, and other vital aspects of UX/UI design.

Requirements: 

  • Proven UX/UI design skills.
  • Experience with Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign or similar tools.
  • Experience with iOS and Android operating systems regarding what has to do with user interface design.
  • It’s almost mandatory to possess a portfolio.

Average pay: From $68,596 to $82,600.

2. Freelance Project Manager

Freelance project managers are in charge of organizing and managing a project from start to completion, always ensuring that the whole team will achieve the company’s goals on time and without breaking the budget.

Requirements:

  • Having project management experience or holding a bachelor’s degree or certification in the field.
  • Capacity to create an action plan for the project.
  • Carefully planning all tasks needed and their schedule.
  • Capabilities to create a collaborative working atmosphere across all departments.
  • Having the mental strength to handle highly stressful situations.
  • Leadership skills.
  • Conflict resolution skills.

Average pay: From $77,295 to $95,520.

3. Freelance Software Developer

From the comfort of their homes (or beaches), freelance software developers create, design and maintain new software using their multiple programming and technological skills. They also power networks and devices and ensure their functionality.

Their responsibilities include developing content management systems (CMS), creating websites from the very beginning, integrating third-party APIs, as well as developing effective solutions for their clients.

Requirements: 

  • Mastering coding languages.
  • Knowing software development processes.
  • Ability to work together with programmers, software engineers, and other members of the team.
  • Critical-thinking skills.

Average pay: From $79,021 to $110,088 annually.