There are almost 54 Million Americans who are considered freelancers and the number of freelance writing gigs are on a sharp incline.
The typical freelance writer is a young female, well-educated degree holder who earns 10K part-time income on the side because she hates her 9 to 5 grind. She has a dream of going full-time, a passion for writing and a constant challenge of finding new clients.
Here is a survey summarized in an infographic so you can see the state of freelance writers and their gigs.
Age, Gender and Education
The majority of freelance writers are female and they account for 67% of writers in this industry.
55% of freelance writers are between the age group of 25 and 44, which includes 32% who fall between the age group of 25 and 34 – the majority age group.
61% of freelance writers surveyed are well-educated with a bachelor’s degree, college or university educated, 39% of which are bachelor’s degree holders. Some even have a master’s degree; 18% to be exact.
Location and Reason for Freelancing
The majority of freelance writers are from America, accounting for a whopping 57%. The other locations are quite disperse.
The majority of freelancers wanted to earn money on the side and hence started freelancing; this group accounts for 30%.
24% of freelancers didn’t like the 9 to 5 grind and working in an office environment.
The Perks of Freelancing and the Challenges
The best thing about freelancing according to 82% of the survey participants is freedom of location and work timings. In other words they can work whenever and wherever.
35% of participants loved the fact they don’t have a boss, who wouldn’t?
The main obstacle of being a freelance writer is uncertainty of income and was ranked by 59% of freelancers. 57% also found bringing in new clients challenging.
Work Hours, Rates and Earnings
On average a freelance writer works for 3 to 5 hours a day.
45% of writers charge a flat rate, 25% charge per word written and 20% charge per hour.
52% of freelance writers earn under $ 10,000 per year and that is not encouraging while only 7% earn more than $ 40,000 a year.
43% freelance writers have on average 1 to 3 regular clients. Most freelance writers are working on a novel in their free time when they are not busy with client work.
43% writers are looking for new clients and projects every day of the week.
According to 81% of freelancers, the most important factor for a project is pay followed by location – remote or semi remote with 45%.
Wrapping it up
If you are disheartened by some of the numbers above, don’t be! After all, this is a survey and is influenced by the sample size. You can always beat the average if you do things differently and offer something unique.
Find corporate or agency clients who can give you repeat freelance writing gigs; they might pay a little lower than direct clients but are easier to work with. Good luck with your next freelance writing gig.
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