Freelancers and the self-employed are a significant part of the British workforce, accounting for over 13% of total employment. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics indicates that as of early 2024, there are approximately 4.3 million self-employed individuals in the UK. This marks a notable increase of 146,000 self-employed workers in the past six months.

This growth highlights the resilience and appeal of self-employment despite recent economic challenges. It reflects a broader trend of individuals seeking greater flexibility and control over their work-life balance, as well as the continuing recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While there is certainly money to be made, it's always worth knowing which are the most lucrative freelance careers for creatives. So, we did some digging and compared the careers that pay the most with those in the highest demand. Bear in mind, the hourly rates are based on averages. Here’s what we found:
 

1.    Graphic Designer

    •    Description: Graphic designers create visual content for various media, including websites, advertisements, magazines, and corporate branding.

    •    Hourly Rate: £20 - £70

    2.    Web Developer

    •    Description: Web developers design and build websites and web applications, ensuring they are visually appealing, user-friendly, and functional.

    •    Hourly Rate: £25 - £120

    3.    Copywriter

    •    Description: Copywriters craft compelling written content for advertisements, websites, blogs, and social media, aiming to engage and persuade the audience.

    •    Hourly Rate: £20 - £55

    4.    Photographer

    •    Description: Photographers capture images for various purposes, including commercial, editorial, and personal use, often specialising in areas like portraits, events, or products.

    •    Hourly Rate: £30 - £70

    5.    Video Editor

    •    Description: Video editors assemble raw footage into a polished final product, working on projects such as commercials, films, and online content.

    •    Hourly Rate: £25 - £80

    6.    Illustrator

    •    Description: Illustrators create original artwork for books, magazines, advertisements, and other media, often working in a variety of styles and techniques.

    •    Hourly Rate: £20 - £50

    7.    Social Media Manager

    •    Description: Social media managers develop and execute strategies to promote brands and engage with audiences across social media platforms.

    •    Hourly Rate: £20 - £50

    8.    Interior Designer

    •    Description: Interior designers plan and furnish interior spaces to make them functional, aesthetically pleasing, and aligned with clients’ needs and preferences.

    •    Hourly Rate: £30 - £90

    9.    Animator

•    Description: Animators create moving images for films, television, video games, and online content, using both traditional and digital techniques.

    •    Hourly Rate: £25 - £60

    10.    UX/UI Designer

    •    Description: UX/UI designers focus on the user experience and interface design of digital products, ensuring they are intuitive, efficient, and visually appealing.

    •    Hourly Rate: £30 - £110