10 Freelancing Top Countries with fastest growing earnings

Freelancing has become a popular choice for professionals seeking flexibility and diverse opportunities. In 2023, several countries will have risen to prominence as leading destinations for freelancers globally. The freelancing top countries in the world are highly engaged in this field, with the majority of them being from Asia and Europe. Global freelancing has created employment opportunities for millions of people worldwide, providing freelancers with work flexibility, earning potential, and the freedom to work from anywhere.

However, some countries have more favorable working conditions, provide better infrastructure, and reliable payment systems, and offer various incentives, such as tax exemptions and support programs for freelancers. Currently, there are over 1.57 billion freelancers worldwide, and the number is expected to rise even more in the coming years. The freelancing industry has changed the way people work and interact with businesses globally.

United States: The Land of Abundant Freelance Opportunities

The United States is a longstanding player in the global freelancing industry, with a diverse range of projects and a high demand for freelancers. According to a study by Upwork, 12.1% of the US workforce started freelancing during the pandemic, and 59 million Americans freelanced in some capacity in 2020. 

The industry is estimated to be worth $1.5 trillion, and it has contributed to the growth of small businesses and startups. However, the growth in the industry also highlights the need for better protections and benefits for independent workers. Overall, freelancers in the United States is a significant and growing force in the US economy, offering both opportunities and challenges for workers and businesses alike.

In-Demand Freelancing Opportunities in the United States:

• Data Science and Analytics Consultant
• UX/UI Designer
• Content Strategist and Copywriter
• Mobile App Developer
• Virtual Assistant and Administrative Support Specialist
  

Where to Get Freelancing Jobs in the United States

• Online Freelance Marketplaces: Websites such as Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, and Guru connect freelancers with clients and projects in a wide range of industries.
  
• Specialized Platforms: Certain platforms cater to specific niches, such as Toptal for top-tier developers and designers, or Behance for creative professionals.
  
• Networking: Building professional connections, attending industry events, and joining relevant online communities can lead to freelance opportunities through referrals and word-of-mouth.
  
• Personal Branding: Creating a professional website or portfolio, showcasing previous work, and maintaining a strong online presence can attract potential clients.
  

India: A Rising Giant in the Freelancing Realm

India has emerged as a major player in the freelancing market, with over 15 million freelancers offering a wide range of services. Freelancers in the country charge significantly lower rates than those in the US or Europe, making them a cost-effective option for businesses worldwide. 

India’s freelance community includes highly skilled developers and programmers who have worked with top tech companies across the globe. The rise of gig workers and freelancers in India can be attributed to several factors, including the growing demand for remote work and increased access to the Internet and digital technologies.

India has the potential to become one of the top 10 countries in the world for freelancing, and the industry is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. With its vibrant startup ecosystem and highly skilled workforce, India is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the gig economy. 

In-Demand Freelancing Opportunities in India:

• Web Developer (Front-end/Back-end)
• SEO Specialist
• E-commerce Specialist
• Hindi Content Writer
• Social Media Manager
  

Where to Get Freelancing Jobs in India:

• Truelancer: An Indian freelance work platform offering a wide range of job categories, including web development, content writing, graphic design, and more.
  
• WorknHire: A platform connecting Indian freelancers with clients seeking services in areas like programming, writing, design, marketing, and more.
  
• Freelance India: A dedicated platform for freelancers in India, providing job listings, project collaborations, and networking opportunities within the local market.
  

Brazil: Harnessing the Freelance Boom

The number of self-employed individuals in Brazil has been continuously increasing, reaching over 25 million in 2021/22. In recent years, many Brazilians have turned to freelancing due to corporate closures, unemployment, and economic insecurity. 

Despite facing challenges like language barriers and a lack of knowledge in international markets, 83% of Brazilian freelancers plan on expanding their services to new countries, particularly France and Germany. 

Half of all freelancers have seen a significant increase in demand, and 90% are optimistic about the future of their business. Although there are obstacles to exporting services to foreign nations, such as understanding regulations and accounting, as well as acquiring new clients, many freelancers are eager to acquire new skills to overcome these hurdles. 

In-Demand Freelancing Opportunities in Brazil:

• Portuguese-English Translator
• Graphic Designer (Branding and Marketing)
• Video Editor and Motion Graphics Artist
• Social Media Influencer and Marketer
• Event Photographer
  

Where to Get Freelancing Jobs in Brazil:

• Workana: A popular freelancing platform in Brazil that connects freelancers with clients across various industries, offering a wide range of job categories and project opportunities.
  
• 99Freelas: A Brazilian platform exclusively dedicated to freelancing, providing a space for freelancers to find projects and clients within the local market.
  
• Trampos.co: A platform primarily focused on creative and marketing freelancers in Brazil, providing job listings and networking opportunities within the industry.
  
• GetNinjas: While primarily focused on local services, GetNinjas also offers freelance work opportunities in Brazil, including areas such as home improvement, events, tutoring, and more.
  

Pakistan: Unlocking the Potential of Online Freelancing

Over the past few years, the number of Pakistani freelancers has expanded swiftly, as demonstrated by freelancers earning around $400 million in export remittances during the 2021-2022 fiscal year. 

This amounts to roughly 15% of Pakistan’s total ICT export remittances of $2.616 billion during the same period. Professionals have advised that the government educate young individuals about the sector to secure continual growth in the technology-driven gig economy. 

This may entail running brief courses in post-secondary institutes and employing media to advertise freelancing prospects. It is also worth noting that Pakistani freelance developers and programmers are considered good global earners in the freelance workforce, which has led to a rise in their earnings. 

In-Demand Freelancing Opportunities in Pakistan:

• WordPress Developer
• Urdu Content Writer
• Social Media Manager (Urdu Language)
• Software Tester
• Digital Marketer (Local SEO)
  

Where to Get Freelancing Jobs in Pakistan:

• Rozee.pk: While primarily a job portal, Rozee.pk also features freelance job listings across various industries and job functions in Pakistan.
  
• WorkForce: A Pakistani freelance platform that connects freelancers with clients in fields such as software development, web design, digital marketing, and more.
  
• Remotebase: A platform catering to remote work opportunities, including freelancing, for Pakistani professionals in areas like IT, design, writing, and customer support.
  

Philippines: A Thriving Hub for Freelancers

The Philippines is currently experiencing remarkable progress, as it has established itself as one of the leading countries in freelancing. Freelancers in the Philippines is thriving, consisting of approximately 1.5 million individuals engaged in freelancing. As per the 2019 Global Gig Economy Index published by Payoneer, the country is the 6th fastest-developing marketplace and consistently ranks among the top countries with the most freelancers.

With the emergence of the internet, this trend has accelerated, resulting in an increase in the number of freelancers in 2020-21. More Filipinos are discovering the advantages of employment flexibility and income potential, making hiring freelancers from the Philippines a consistent choice for those who require exceptional freelancing assistance. The demand for freelance services is high, with freelancers earning a good income from online freelancing jobs. 

In-Demand Freelancing Opportunities in the Philippines:

• Virtual Assistance and Administrative Support
• Content Writing and Copywriting
• Graphic Design and Multimedia
• Virtual ESL Tutor
• Digital Marketing and Social Media Management
• Customer Service and Technical Support
• English Language Tutoring and Online Education
  

Where to Get Freelancing Jobs in the Philippines:

• Onlinejobs.ph: A Filipino platform connecting local freelancers with remote job opportunities across various industries and job functions.
  
• 199Jobs: A Philippine-based platform where freelancers can offer their services at fixed rates starting from PHP 199, covering areas such as writing, design, programming, and more.
  
• Remote Staff: A platform specializing in remote work opportunities for Filipinos, catering to various job roles and providing support throughout the employment process.
  

United Kingdom: Nurturing Freelance Talent

In 2021, freelance workers in the United Kingdom made a significant contribution of £147 billion to the country’s economy, mainly in the fields of creative, literary, and media support. However, the number of freelancers dipped by 11% due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Nevertheless, freelancers continue to enjoy flexible work schedules and remote working. Freelancing has gained immense popularity in the United Kingdom, with 4.2 million claiming it as their major source of income. There was a dip from over 5 million in January 2020 but still a considerable jump from the 3.3 million recorded in November 2002. 

Although there was a decline in numbers, freelancers in the UK are still making a substantial contribution to the economy, making it one of Europe’s top freelancing destinations. 

In-Demand Freelancing Opportunities in the United Kingdom:

• Business Consultant
• Virtual HR Manager
• Financial Planner
• British Sign Language Interpreter
• Voiceover Artist
  

Where to Get Freelancing Jobs in the United Kingdom:

• PeoplePerHour: A UK-based freelance platform offering job listings in various categories, including writing, design, programming, marketing, and more.
  
• Freelancers.net: A platform connecting freelancers in the UK with clients across different industries, providing job listings and networking opportunities.
  
• The Work Crowd: A UK platform that connects freelancers with clients seeking services in areas such as marketing, PR, writing, design, and more.
  
• Freelance UK: An online community and job board dedicated to UK freelancers, providing resources, networking opportunities, and access to freelance projects within the UK.
  

Bangladesh: Empowering Freelancer Workforce in South Asia

Bangladesh has also emerged as a key player, particularly in the fields of software development, graphic design, and digital marketing. The country’s freelancers enjoy a supportive ecosystem, with increasing opportunities and earnings. With its growing pool of skilled professionals, Bangladesh has solidified its position among the top freelancing countries in South Asia. 

As per the ‘Digital Economy Report-2019’ by UNCTAD, Bangladesh is standing out as a significant contributor in the worldwide freelance market. Approximately 650,000 freelancers in the country earn over $100 million each year through international remittances. Moreover, Bangladesh’s extensive young population offers an opportunity for economic development through digitalization. 

Nevertheless, to fully capitalize on the potential of the freelance sector, satisfactory training and government support are necessary. For young freelancers, the freelance market has boomed and emerged as the top choice for freelancing prospects. 

In-Demand Freelancing Opportunities in Bangladesh:

• Bengali Content Writer
• WordPress Developer
• E-commerce Manager
• Bengali-English Translator
• Social Media Marketer (Bangla Language)
  

Where to Get Freelancing Jobs in Bangladesh:

• Bdjobs.com: A popular job portal in Bangladesh that also features freelance job listings, covering a wide range of industries and skill sets.
  
• Workzilla: A Bangladeshi freelance marketplace connecting freelancers with clients seeking services in web development, design, writing, and more.
  
• Gighire: A platform specializing in freelancing opportunities in Bangladesh, providing a variety of job categories and opportunities for local freelancers.
  

Russia: Expanding Opportunities for Freelancers

Freelancing has seen a surge in popularity in Russia, with more than 18 million individuals working as freelancers by 2021. The number of freelancers has been gradually increasing in recent times, contributing to a market worth 41 billion US dollars in 2020.

In 2020, freelancers involved in mobile development and programming earned the highest monthly average income in Russia. Architecture and engineering followed, with an average pay of around 55.6 thousand Russian rubles.

Russia is expected to witness tremendous growth in the coming years, with a projected worth of 102 billion US dollars by 2025. This indicates consistent expansion over the next five years as compared to the 41 billion US dollars market size in 2020. Freelance workers are expected to rank in the top ten of the highest earners in the country. 

In-Demand Freelancing Opportunities in Russia:

• Russian-English Translator
• 3D Animator
• Voiceover Artist (Russian Language)
• Mobile Game Developer
• Technical Writer (Russian Language)
  

Where to Get Freelancing Jobs in Russia:

• Freelancehunt: A Russian freelance platform offering job listings and project collaborations across various industries, including IT, design, writing, and more.
  
• Fl.ru: A Russian online marketplace dedicated to freelancers, providing job listings and networking opportunities within the local market.
  
• YouDo: While primarily focused on local services, YouDo also offers freelance job opportunities in areas such as web development, design, translation, and more in Russia.
  

Ukraine: A Rising Freelancing Powerhouse

With its skilled developers, designers, and IT specialists, Ukraine has solidified its position as a prominent player in the freelancing field. The country’s flourishing market and potential to collaborate with foreign clients have created a favorable atmosphere for freelancers. Ukrainian professionals who work independently have acquired acclaim for their proficiency, placing Ukraine in the upper echelon of the fastest-growing freelancing nations.

In-Demand Freelancing Opportunities in Ukraine:

• Ukrainian Language Translator:
• IT and Software Development:
• Content Writing and Copywriting:
• Graphic Design and Branding:
• E-commerce and Online Store Development:
  

Where to Get Freelancing Jobs in Ukraine:

• Freelance.ua (freelance.ua): A popular platform that connects freelancers with clients in Ukraine. It offers a wide range of job categories, including IT, design, writing, marketing, and more.
  
• Weblancer.net (weblancer.net): A Ukrainian freelancing platform that allows freelancers to create profiles, showcase their skills and portfolio, and bid on projects posted by clients.
  
• Freelancehunt (freelancehunt.com): A freelance marketplace focused on the Ukrainian market. It provides job listings, project collaborations, and a community of freelancers and clients.
  
• Jobs.ua (jobs.ua): While primarily a job portal, Jobs.ua also features freelance job listings in Ukraine. You can search for freelance positions across various industries and connect with potential clients.
  

Serbia: Unlocking the Potential of Freelancing Talent

By 2022, it is anticipated that nine out of ten new gig workers in Serbia will be residing or operating in one of the country’s 28 urban areas. Despite this concentration, the majority of Serbian gig workers, 80.8 percent, earn less than the global average hourly wage of US$28. 

The most frequent hourly income earned by 13.9 percent of workers is US$10. However, in the span of one year, freelancing has grown to a 15.9 percent increase in the number of Serbian gig workers, and they now ranking for the first time in terms of freelancing opportunities. This has led to a significant contribution to the regional freelance economy. 

In-Demand Freelancing Opportunities in Serbia:

• Serbian Language Translator
• Graphic Designer (Cyrillic Script)
• SEO Specialist (Local Market)
• Virtual Assistant (Serbian Language)
• Mobile App Developer (Local Market)
• Social Media Manager (Local Platforms)
• Video Production and Editing (Serbian Content)
  

Where to Get Freelancing Jobs in Serbia

• Serbian Freelancers (serbianfreelancers.com): A dedicated platform connecting freelancers with clients in Serbia. It offers a wide range of job categories and allows freelancers to showcase their skills and expertise.
  
• Balkan Freelancers (balkanfreelancers.com): A platform specifically catering to freelancers in the Balkan region, including Serbia. It provides job listings, project collaborations, and networking opportunities.
  
• IT Poslovi (itposlovi.rs): While primarily focused on IT jobs, IT Poslovi also features freelance job listings in Serbia. It is a popular platform for freelancers specializing in programming, web development, and other IT-related fields.
  
• Freelance.rs (freelance.rs): A platform where freelancers can create their profiles, showcase their portfolios, and connect with potential clients in Serbia. It offers various job categories, including design, writing, marketing, and more.
  

Freelance Statistics Worth Considering

• There are around 1.57 billion freelancers in the worldwide workforce.
• The whole freelancing platform industry is expected to be valued $3.39 billion globally.
• Annual earnings of US freelancers increased by $100 million last year, reaching $1.3 trillion.
• The typical freelancer earns $21 per hour worldwide.
• Over half of freelancers have postgraduate degrees, an increase of 6% from 2020 to 2021, while those with a high school diploma or less have decreased from 37% to 31%.
• Web design is the most in-demand freelancing service.
• Nearly 70% of freelancers worldwide are 35 or younger.

Check out the comprehensive list at explodingtopics.com.

Wrapping up the 10 freelancing top countries for freelancers

The top 10 freelancing countries in 2023 offer abundant opportunities and a supportive ecosystem for freelancers worldwide. From the diverse projects in the United States to the thriving freelancing communities in India, Brazil, Pakistan, Philippines, United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Russia, Ukraine, and Serbia, these countries serve as global hubs for freelancers across various industries. As freelancing continues to evolve, freelancers can tap into these countries’ growing markets and leverage the immense potential they offer for freelancers to make money, professional growth, and success.