We all want to earn competitive income while at the same time, having power over our time and to work anywhere. These can be achieved with freelancing and we, Filipinos are also jumping on the bandwagon. Estimates suggest that there are around 1.5 million Filipinos registered on international freelancing platforms as of 2023. This indicates a rapidly growing freelance market in the Philippines and in 2024, it’ll grow even bigger.
So you might be thinking, “What Freelancing jobs should I do?”. Well, to make it easy for you, here are the Top 10 highest-paying freelancing jobs for Filipinos that are easy to do.
Table of Contents
1. Content Writer
Personally, I am doing this, which explains why I wrote this article, and you can earn well with this job! Aside from that, it could be project-based so you can write anywhere at any time. You have great control over your time and how much you can earn. Usually, you set the price until you can agree with your client. If you have good writing skills and can create blog posts, website content, or social media content for clients, then, this freelancing job is best for you.
To give you an idea, here’s how much a content writer can earn:
Beginner: $5 – $15 per article (USD)
Intermediate: $20 – $50 per article (USD)
Experienced: $50+ per article (USD)
So where can you do this? Try some Freelancing websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com. Just search for writing jobs and see posted rates. You can also join Facebook groups for Filipino freelance writers that can offer insights into typical rates.
2. Editor/Proofreader
For those with a keen eye for detail and a passion for language, freelance editing and proofreading can be a rewarding career path. Filipino freelancers are particularly sought-after in this field due to our strong English language skills and competitive rates.
So, what will you do as a freelance editor/proofreader? You’ll do a final quality check before a piece of writing is published. As a freelance editor and proofreader, you’ll work with a variety of clients to ensure their written content is error-free, clear, concise, and consistent. You also have to verify facts and figures which is crucial, especially for academic or technical writing.
Who are your clients? Mostly, writers and authors who need help polishing their manuscripts or blog posts. You can also work with businesses on their websites, marketing materials, and reports. Academic Institutions could also hire you and some Content Marketing Agencies.
Here’s a rough estimate to provide a general idea (USD):
- Beginner: $12 – $16 per hour
- Intermediate: $20 – $30 per hour
- Experienced: $35+ per hour
Just like with content writing, Freelancing websites like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com are good places to find clients. There are also Facebook groups for Filipino freelance editors or proofreaders where some jobs were posted.
3. Virtual Assistant (VA)
This one is very popular nowadays in the Philippines, to the point that when you say, you’re a freelancer, they’ll immediately assume, you’re a Virtual assistant. So, VAs actually provide administrative, technical, or creative assistance remotely. Tasks can include scheduling, email management, data entry, or social media management. It’s almost like office work, but you’re at home.
As the remote work trend continues to grow, the demand for freelance VAs is expected to rise. There are a lot of companies that are hiring VAs nowadays. With VAs’ adaptability and ability to streamline business operations, they are sure to remain a valuable asset in the evolving business landscape.
But here’s what you need to know: The average earnings of a freelance VA in the Philippines depend on several factors like your experience, skillset, client, and platform:
But to help you picture out, here’s a general idea of what Filipino freelance VAs can earn (per hour, USD):
- Entry-Level: $3.00 – $5.00
- Intermediate: $5.00 – $8.00
- Experienced: $8.00+ (with specialized skills)
Unlike freelance writing which is project-based, being a Virtual Assistant is not. Here, you’re like an employee who has a working shift and has to work for some specified hours. Where to find VA jobs aside from Freelancing websites? Try Virtual Staff.ph, Jobstreet, VAJobs.ph, OnlineJobs.ph, and Virtual Assistant Philippines.
Facebook is also a great place to look for VA jobs. Companies even use sponsored posts to reach more applicants so you can easily see job postings on your feed.
4. Graphic Designer
If you’re passionate about visual communication and designing software, then freelance graphic design is good for you. You’ll transform ideas into compelling visuals. Projects can encompass a wide range, such as designing logos, business cards, brochures, and other visual elements that represent a brand’s identity. You can also create social media graphics, website banners, flyers, and posters for marketing campaigns. Just make sure you’re good at editing and choosing the best designs. It’s also good to collaborate with web developers to design user interfaces (UIs) for websites or applications (focusing more on visual elements).
With graphic designing, you can set your hours, choose your clients, and build a portfolio that reflects your vision. Just remember to invest in design software training (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator) and online courses to improve your design skills. It’s also important to build a portfolio so create a website or online portfolio showcasing your best design work, highlighting versatility, and catering to your target clientele.
Here’s a general estimate to give you an idea (USD):
- Beginner: $5.00 – $10.00 per hour
- Intermediate: $15.00 – $25.00 per hour
- Experienced: $25.00+ per hour (with specialized skills)
As for project-based, there’s no initial estimate but you can check some freelancing websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com. For resources. The Philippine Graphic Designers Association (PGDA) may offer salary benchmark information for its members.
5. Social Media Manager (SMM)
Everyone has social media nowadays and businesses of all sizes recognize the power of online communities. You’ll see tons of ads on social media platforms and content that makes businesses closer to their customers. As a social media manager, you work behind the scenes. SMMs wear many hats, overseeing a brand’s social media strategy across various platforms.
As SMM, you’ll develop a social media plan that aligns with the brand’s overall marketing goals and target audience. You’ll also be responsible for content creation, crafting engaging content, including text posts, images, infographics, and videos, to connect with followers. So if you are good at making content, this will be easy for you. Businesses are busy so you’ll be responding to comments, messages, and mentions, fostering a positive online community around the brand. You’ll also monitor online conversations and brand mentions to understand audience sentiment and adapt strategies accordingly.
Do you know what’s good about being a Social Media Manager? Once you become an expert, you can be a content creator or influencer yourself.
Here’s a possible range to give you a general idea of how much SMMs earn in the Philippines:
- Entry-Level: ₱20,000 – ₱30,000 per month
- Mid-Level: ₱30,000 – ₱45,000 per month
- Senior-Level: ₱45,000+ per month (with specialized skills or managing large teams).
Here are some platforms where you can find Social Media Manager jobs: JobStreet Philippines, LinkedIn, Upwork, and FlexJobs.
6. Freelance ESL Teacher
The demand for English language instruction continues to soar globally, and the Philippines, with tons of qualified teachers and native English speakers, is a prime source for online English language educators. This job is very fulfilling and fun. If you have private students, the pay is more rewarding.
All you have to do is to deliver online English lessons to students of all ages and backgrounds. What’s fun about this is, you can learn about other countries’ cultures. You might even meet VIP students like. Believe me, it’s possible. I’m an ESL teacher myself, and some of my students are models or children of some celebrities.
To get started as a Freelance ESL Teacher, prepare a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate because employers often prefer this. Of course, you should invest in a reliable internet connection, a good-quality webcam, and a headset for clear communication. That’s all and you’re good to go.
Here’s a possible range to give you a general idea:
- Beginner: ₱110-250 per hour
- Intermediate: ₱250-350 per hour
- Experienced: ₱350-550
Here are 8 companies hiring WFH Filipino ESL teachers with links:
- VIPKid
- Cambly
- iTutorGroup
- Qkids
- Gogokid
- Magic Ears
- Whales English
- DadaABC
7. Transcriptionist
If you have good listening skills, earn from it! In today’s fast-paced world, the need to convert spoken word into written format is ever-present. As a Freelance transcriptionist, you’ll play a vital role in transforming audio recordings into clear and accurate text documents. You’ll usually transcribe lectures, interviews, meetings, or even legal proceedings. Freelance transcriptionists listen to audio recordings and meticulously type them out, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
Just remember that you must understand industry-specific jargon or technical terms used in the audio and accurately represent them in the transcript. Once they are transcribed, you’ll have to proofread the transcribed document for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling to ensure high-quality output. Another reminder, there are usually tight deadlines with this job.
Skills-wise, you must have excellent typing speed and accuracy. Active listening, attention to detail, and technical skills are almost must-haves.
Here’s a possible range of income to give you a general idea.
- Beginner: ₱8.00 – ₱12.00 per audio hour
- Intermediate: ₱12.00 – ₱18.00 per audio hour
- Experienced: ₱18.00+ per audio hour
As for where to find transcription jobs, try Scribie, TranscribeMe, TranscriptionStaff, Appen, Gengo, and Ava®.
8. Data Entry
Data is the lifeblood of many businesses today. However, keeping this data organized and readily accessible often requires meticulous behind-the-scenes work. Here’s where freelance data entry specialists step in, offering their skills to ensure information is captured, categorized, and stored efficiently. As a Freelance data entry specialist, you’ll manually enter information from physical documents, scanned images, or audio recordings into digital databases or spreadsheets. This can involve customer details, product information, survey responses, or financial records.
Aside from that, you’ll do data cleaning and verification where you cross-check information for accuracy, identify inconsistencies, and correct errors to maintain data integrity. Categorizing and organizing data according to specific criteria, ensuring it’s easily retrievable for future use, is also a must.
If you want to start becoming a Data Entry Specialist. You must be familiar with basic computer skills, and data entry software (like Microsoft Excel), and strong typing skills are essential.
Here’s how much you can earn as a Data Entry Specialist:
- Beginner: ₱7.00 – ₱10.00 per hour
- Intermediate: ₱10.00 – ₱15.00 per hour
- Experienced: ₱15.00+ per hour (sometimes with additional incentives for complex projects)
To get Data Entry Jobs, try searching on LinkedIn, indeed, outsource.ph, weekendtyping, and Upwork.
9. Bookkeeper
Keeping track of a business’s financial health is crucial for success. This one is not for everyone. You must learn bookkeeping first and take some courses. Freelance bookkeepers maintain accurate financial records and ensure smooth financial operations. Here in the Philippines, we have tons of accountants and even accounting tech. Clients from around the world already know that Filipinos can be trusted when it comes to bookkeeping.
As a Freelance Bookkeeper, you’ll record financial transactions like income, expenses, and bank statements into accounting software. You also need to ensure that the bank statements and financial records match to identify and rectify any discrepancies. You can be responsible for accounts payable and receivable, payroll processing, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
While formal qualifications aren’t always mandatory, a strong foundation in accounting principles is essential. You might need a degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field that can be beneficial. You should also be familiar with popular accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero is crucial.
Here’s a possible range of how much Bookkeepers earn:
- Beginner: $3-$5 per hour
- Intermediate: $6-$8 per hour
- Experienced: $9-$15 per hour.
Look for Bookkeeping jobs on MyOutdesk, remotebookkeepera, Upwork, Fiverr, JobStreet Philippines, OnlineJobs.ph, and LinkedIn.
10. Customer Service Representative
Everyone knows that one of the booming industries in the Philippines is the BPO industry. Many Filipinos love this job because of the employee benefits and competitive salaries. But you can also do this freelance. We Filipinos have strong communication skills and a customer-centric culture so we fit well for this job.
As a Freelance Customer Representative, you’ll be answering customer questions about products, services, or orders via phone, email, or live chat. You’ll also be resolving issues, providing information, building relationships, and doing data entry and documentation.
The barrier to entry for freelance customer service can be lower compared to other freelance professions. You just need strong communication skills, problem-solving skills, technical skills, and a positive attitude.
Here’s a possible range to give you a general idea (converted to Philippine Peso – PHP):
- Beginner: $10-15 per hour
- Intermediate: $15-$20 per hour
- Experienced: $20-$25 per hour
Try looking for CSR jobs here: Jobstreet, Online Helpers, indeed, Upwork, OnlineJobsPh, Workana, Truelancer, and Kalibr.
Conclusion
The Philippines is now a hub for skilled freelancers. From bookkeeping and customer service to social media management and transcription, the freelancing landscape caters to a diverse range of talents and interests of Filipinos.
Freelancing empowers Filipinos to set their hours and work from the comfort of their homes, creating a schedule that aligns with their needs. Especially now that the weather is too hot and the transportation fee is getting higher, working from home is best. Aside from that, freelance work opens doors to international projects, allowing Filipinos to collaborate with businesses and valuable people worldwide.
With the right skills, experience, and commitment, freelancers can command competitive rates, potentially exceeding traditional office salaries here in the Philippines. 1 day of work here in the Philippines could be just a couple of hours of freelancing. Overall, freelancing is a very rewarding career path for Filipinos seeking flexibility, growth, and the opportunity to contribute their talents on a global scale.
