There are some freelance writing jobs that pay much more than average. In this article, I’ll talk you through the niches where you’ll find the highest paying freelance writing jobs out there.
The 14 highest paying freelance writing jobs are:
- Technical writing
- Financial, legal and medical writing
- Copywriting
- Ebooks
- Digital marketing
- Ghostwriting
- Real estate
- White papers
- Research reports
- Travel writing
- Email newsletters
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Video scripts
- Long-form blog content
Below, I’ll explore this list of the best paid freelance writing niches in more detail and how you can maximize your earning potential. I’ll also discuss how to choose a freelance writing niche and some of the best places to find high paying freelance writing jobs.
Note: These can all be very high paying freelance writing niches and jobs, and they’re not listed in any particular order
The 14 Highest Paid Freelance Writing Jobs
1. Technical Writing
If you have a knack for simplifying complex topics and a passion for accuracy, technical writing might be the perfect niche for you. Technical writers are in high demand as they play a crucial role in bridging the gap between technical experts and the general audience. This type of writing involves crafting user manuals, software documentation, instructional guides, and other materials that help users understand and navigate intricate concepts and processes.
One of the reasons technical writing is highly valued is because of its inherent complexity. Not everyone possesses the ability to unravel intricate technical jargon and translate it into layman’s terms. As a technical writer, you have the opportunity to break down complex information into digestible chunks, allowing readers to grasp technical concepts without feeling overwhelmed.
Companies recognize the value of well-crafted technical documentation in enhancing customer satisfaction, reducing support costs, and improving overall user experience. As a result, they are willing to invest in skilled technical writers who can effectively communicate complex information.
Glassdoor suggests the average salary for a freelance technical writer is almost $65,000 per year, while Technical Writer HQ puts a range on it that tops out at a whopping $91,000 per year!
2. Financial, Legal And Medical Writing
Financial, legal and medical writing jobs all tend to pay much higher than the average freelance writing job. It’s not hard to see why, as these are what are often referred to as YMYL niches – Your Money or Your Life. They are niches that could significantly impact the health, safety, financial stability and overall well-being of the reader.
For that reason, clients in these niches usually pay for expertise – and they pay pretty handsomely as well!
According to Glassdoor, a financial freelance writer in the USA makes an average of close to $72,000 per year (which is above the average American income). Writers in the legal niche can make around $44,000 to $70,000 per year, while freelance medical writers can earn nearly $100,000 per year!
3. Copywriting
When it comes to freelance writing jobs that pay the best, copywriting is usually always up there. As a copywriter, you have the power to sway and influence readers through your words. Companies and businesses rely on skilled copywriters to craft compelling content that converts potential customers into loyal buyers.
Because the aim of this type of writing is to make sales or indirectly earn the business money, clients typically have larger budgets. But they’ll also often have stricter guidelines than many other forms of freelance writing jobs.
As a copywriter, your main goal is to create persuasive and engaging content that compels readers to take action. Whether it’s convincing them to make a purchase, sign up for a newsletter, or simply click on a link, your words are designed to persuade readers to act.
One of the most lucrative areas of copywriting is direct response copywriting. This type of writing is all about getting an immediate response from the reader. You’ll often find direct response copy in sales letters, email campaigns, landing pages, and advertisements.
Freelance copywriters can expect to earn an average hourly wage of $27, but the sky is the limit with this niche. You can learn more about this in our article on copywriting vs content writing.
4. Ebooks
Ebooks have become increasingly popular as a medium for sharing knowledge, stories, and expertise. If you have a passion for writing and a desire to create in-depth content, delving into the world of freelance ebook writing can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding.
Ebook writing can involve writing full-length books designed to be published, or ebooks being sold or given away for free by content creators. Both can be very lucrative.
How much you can earn as a freelance ebook writer will depend on a wide variety of factors, including:
- What kind of ebooks you write
- The niches you operate in
- Whether your clients are selling the ebook or giving it away for free
- How long the ebook is
5. Digital Marketing
Most businesses now rely on some form of digital marketing for the growth of their business. For this reason, digital marketing companies are constantly looking for freelancers to take on writing gigs. And as this kind of writing is generally designed to drive sales (either directly or indirectly), rates for these jobs can be very high.
A digital marketing writer can earn around $60,000 a year, and it’s predicted that this will continue to increase over the next five years. There are many types of digital marketing, so it’s a good idea to pick a niche in the area in which you have the most experience. That could be:
- Email marketing
- Social media posts
- Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
- Ecommerce
6. Ghostwriting
Lots of people are looking to publish books or guides about their industry or lifestyle, but they don’t have the time or the skills to do so. So, they often turn to ghostwriters. These are freelance writers who can write, proofread, or edit materials under the client’s name.
Salary Expert reports that ghostwriters in the United States can earn an average base salary of more than $71,000 per year. While an entry-level ghostwriter (with one to three years’ experience) makes around $52,000, an experienced ghostwriter (with eight or more years’ experience) can make over $88,000 per year.
As a ghostwriter, you can write (or edit):
- Newsletters
- Blog posts
- Books and eBooks
- Website content
8. Real Estate
Real estate writing involves creating engaging content that informs and educates readers about various aspects of the property market. As a freelance real estate writer, you will share your valuable insights, tips, and trends, catering to both buyers and sellers in the ever-evolving real estate industry.
You can explore topics such as home buying guides, investment strategies, property market trends, and neighborhood profiles. By providing well-researched and engaging content, you can assist readers in making informed decisions about buying, selling, or investing in real estate.
Given these are big-money decisions, you can expect some big-money payments from clients. Real estate agents and brokers are the typical clients, but real estate software providers and marketplaces may also require freelance writing services too.
9. White Papers
Freelance white paper writing is a niche that requires strong research skills and the ability to put together long-form content that reads well and informs the audience about a particular topic. White papers present expert insights on specific topics, helping businesses make informed decisions.
White paper writing can be very financially rewarding, especially in industries like technology and finance. By presenting complex information clearly, you can establish yourself as an authority and build long-term client relationships.
As white papers are long (often very long) pieces of content, they’re typically taken on by freelancers alongside other forms of writing. This means freelance writers are rarely ‘just’ white paper writers. However, it’s not uncommon for these kinds of projects to edge into the 4-figure range in terms of compensation per project.
7. Research Reports
Research reports serve as a vital tool for organizations, businesses, and academic institutions to communicate findings, present data-driven insights, and inform decision-making. As a freelance research report writer, you have the opportunity to dive deep into diverse subjects, uncover valuable information, and present it in a concise and impactful manner.
Research reports hold immense value because they provide a comprehensive analysis of a particular topic or issue. By conducting thorough research, collecting and interpreting data, and drawing meaningful conclusions, you can help your clients or organizations make informed decisions.
This means these pieces require more than just good writing skills, and your research abilities will be put to the test. Salaries for these freelance writing jobs vary a lot, and it will depend on the subject, the industry, and the company you’re writing for.
10. Travel Writing
With international travel having experienced lulls due to the pandemic in 2020/2021, the travel industry is booming once again. Travel companies are eager to convince customers to spend their money on traveling the world, discovering new places, and making memories that last a lifetime. Plus, there are also lots of travel bloggers looking for help with their content creation too.
A freelance travel writer based in the United States makes an average of $52,000 a year. Plus, there are lots of different writing styles you can use in the travel niche, such as:
- Travel guides
- Travel storytelling blogs
- Hotel reviews
- Travel deals/discounts
- Travel lifestyle
11. Email Newsletters
Freelance email newsletter writing is a dynamic niche that focuses on creating engaging content to connect with subscribers. Through well-crafted email campaigns, you can help businesses drive engagement, promote products or services, and nurture customer loyalty.
Newsletters require concise yet impactful content that captures readers’ attention and compels them to take action. By carefully choosing compelling subject lines, writing engaging copy, and incorporating relevant visuals, you can create newsletters that stand out in crowded inboxes.
As these newsletters are often a form of sales copy, writing rates can be very lucrative. Taking on these kinds of jobs can therefore net you a yearly salary of around $55,000 if your primary output is copywriting (in the form of newsletters).
12. Software As A Service (SaaS)
SaaS writing is a niche that focuses on creating content to effectively communicate the value and benefits of software solutions. As a freelance SaaS writer, you have the opportunity to help businesses promote their products, educate users, and drive conversions. By crafting compelling content that highlights the features, functionalities, and advantages of SaaS offerings, you’ll play a crucial role in attracting and engaging potential customers.
The SaaS industry is highly competitive, and companies understand the importance of compelling content in differentiating their products from their competitors. Much like newsletter writing, SaaS writing can often involve copywriting, which itself is a very high paying freelance writing niche.
13. Video Scripts
Freelance video script writing is a fairly new niche that involves creating compelling content for videos, often those destined for YouTube. By crafting concise and impactful scripts, you can help individual content creators and businesses deliver their stories, showcase products, and engage viewers.
Video script writing offers opportunities to showcase your creativity and storytelling skills. To do well as a freelance video script writer, you need to understand the target audience and video goals and tailor the script accordingly.
Clearly smaller creators won’t necessarily pay a lot for these freelance writing jobs, but bigger businesses know the value a good video script can bring and the level of engagement it can achieve. Video scripts can therefore command anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars.
14. Long-Form Blog Content
Freelance long-form blog content writing involves creating informative and engaging articles that captivate readers. Long-form articles require you to explore subjects in depth, providing in-depth analysis, practical tips, or advice based on your own experience. By delivering high-quality content, you can build credibility, foster engagement, and establish your presence as a trusted voice in the blogging community.
When it comes to the rates you can expect, it varies a lot in the world of long-form blog content. However, Salary.com suggests the range for freelance content writers is between $46,000 and $65,000.
Where To Find High Paying Freelance Writing Jobs
5 places to find high paying freelance writing jobs are:
You can find high paying freelance writing clients through freelance writing job boards, online marketplaces, and by reaching out to businesses yourself. Websites like Fiverr and Upwork are usually home to lower paying clients, so you’ll find the best rates outside of these platforms. However, there are still many high-paying Fiverr gig opportunities out there!
Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces like Fiverr and Upwork are great places to help you land your first few clients at the start of your freelance writing career. However, it’s good to find other sources of clients in the long term, as online marketplaces are very competitive and there is typically a lower earning potential in the long run.
Job Boards
If you’re new to freelance writing, you can also try job boards like ProBlogger. Gigs advertised on job boards generally pay better than entry level offers on freelance marketplaces. Plus, they don’t usually charge the freelancer any fees. As your business grows, you can also try cold-pitching and networking at seminars and events, but these take far more time and effort.
How To Choose Your Niche As A Freelance Writer
As a freelance writer, specializing in a niche allows you to become a subject matter expert. This allows you to then charge more for your services. But how do you find and choose your niche?
A good place to start is to narrow down from a general area of interest to a more specialized topic.
Let’s imagine that you like writing about finance. From there, you can niche down to more specific topics, like personal. Then, inside that specialisation, you could go even more specific, perhaps focusing on budgeting for your expenses as a homeowner or providing tips for self-employed people.
It also helps to pick a niche that you have some interest in. Freelance writing can be a very demanding career, so if you don’t have some passion for what you’re writing about, you’ll risk burning out.
Picking The Right Niche
In summary, to pick your ideal freelance writing niche, consider the following:
- Your existing knowledge and expertise
- Topics that interest you or that you’re passionate about
- What the market for those topics looks like (are there lots of writing opportunities or very few?)
- The level of competition
- The pay you can expect for these niches
Finding The Highest Paid Freelance Writing Jobs
Now you have a better understanding of some of the highest paid freelance writing jobs and how you can find them! If you’re still curious as to whether freelance writing is right for you, I recommend you check out our other article to find out if freelance writing is a good career.
Raquel is a freelance writer with a knack for technology and a passion for science. She draws on her own years of freelance writing experience to craft articles for Freelance Ready on topics including freelancing on Fiverr and the popular blogging platform Medium.com. Learn more about Raquel here.
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