Full-stack development is the most sought-after tech skill among freelance talent, according to Upwork's March list of the most in-demand skills for freelancers in 2024. Among Upwork's list of the most in-demand skills for freelance talent, Fastest growing skills in data science and analytics were generative AI modeling, machine learning, and data analytics. Generative AI modeling, in particular, saw a 70% year-over-year increase in Q4 2023.
Below, we've listed the most in-demand skills for freelancers based on what companies are looking for in the categories of technology, marketing, customer service, accounting and consulting, and design and creativity.
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Top 10 Most In-Demand Data Science and Analytics Skills by 2024
- Analysis of data.
- Machine learning.
- Data visualization.
- Data extraction.
- Data engineering.
- Data processing.
- Data processing.
- Experimentation and testing.
- Deep learning.
- Generative AI modeling.
Top 10 Most In-Demand Coding and Web Development Skills by 2024
- Complete development.
- Front-end development.
- Web design.
- Mobile application development.
- Back-end development.
- E-commerce website development.
- UX/UI design.
- Scripting and automation.
- CMS development.
- Manual test.
The 10 Most In-Demand Marketing Skills by 2024
- Social media marketing.
- SEO.
- Sales and business development.
- Leading generation.
- Telemarketing.
- Search engine marketing.
- Marketing automation.
- Junk mail.
- Marketing strategy.
- Campaign administration.
Top 10 Most In-Demand Customer Service and Administrative Support Skills by 2024
- General virtual assistance.
- Data entry.
- Digital project management.
- General research services.
- Dropshipping and order processing.
- Market research.
- Executive virtual assistance.
- Manual transcription.
- Development and marketing of IT projects.
- Virtual medical assistance.
Top 10 Most In-Demand Accounting and Consulting Skills by 2024
- Accounting.
- Bookkeeping.
- Recruitment and search for talent.
- Financial analysis and modeling.
- Management consulting.
- Instructional design.
- HR Administration.
- Analysis and business strategy.
- Tax preparation.
- Financial management/CFO.
The 10 most in-demand creative and design skills by 2024
- Graphic design.
- Video edition.
- Presentation design.
- Illustration.
- Image editing.
- 3d animation.
- Video production.
- Product and industrial design.
- Cartoon and comic illustration.
- Logo design.
Why is freelancing so popular now?
Even during economic uncertainty and with many professionals reevaluating their work priorities, companies continue to face a persistent talent shortage. Recent data from Upwork indicates that 64 million Americans performed freelance work in the 12 months leading up to the election dates of October 24, 2023 and November 9, 2023. That represents 39% of the US workforce, a historical maximum.
When asked reasons for being self-employed, respondents often cited “having flexibility in my schedule,” “being in control of my own financial future,” and “working from a location of my choosing.” Of the self-employed, 60% work remotely, compared to 32% of the non-self-employed professionals surveyed.
“In 2024, emerging technologies like generative AI will have a major impact on the skills-based economy,” wrote Kelly Monahan, CEO of the Upwork Research Institute, in the 2024 Skills in Demand report. “Of course, business demand for these types of skills is increasing, but we are also seeing a complementary impact, whereby artificial intelligence technology is driving greater demand for all types of work in our market.”
Upwork Survey Methodology
The skills data was pulled from Upwork's database and is based on the earnings of U.S. freelancers from Jan. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2023, Upwork said. Each competition had a minimum of 250 projects with active work during the period. Year-over-year growth was estimated by comparing self-employed income in 2023 to self-employed income in the same period in 2022.
Note: This article was updated from the original version, which covered the same report last year.
