Tech companies have been making headlines with mass layoffs lately. Google, Microsoft and Amazon all announced they would be laying off tens of thousands and Twitter and Meta also announced layoffs in the fall.
But demand for tech skills remains high. “The skills gap is still clear, there’s still a significant gap,” said Vicki Salemi, career expert at Monster. “Employers are struggling to find workers in this tight labor market” who can fill a variety of technology needs.
While employers will not always be looking for full-time experts, some are also looking for part-time or contract work. If you’re tech-savvy and looking for opportunities, here are seven skills that freelancers will want this year according to freelancer platform Upwork, along with a breakdown of what’s needed and how much freelancers are worth on the site.
Full stack development
Full stack developers are trained to build front and back end websites. The front end is where the user views and interacts and the back end powers the site. They understand coding languages like JavaScript and Python and test the site and software to make sure they both run smoothly.
Full stack developers on Upwork charge up to $135 per hour.
Mobile application development
Mobile app developers are software engineers who specialize in creating apps for smartphones, tablets and computers. They understand coding languages, fix bugs that appear in software and work with graphic designers and data scientists to create applications.
They charge up to $155 an hour.
Web design
Web designers build websites, creating relevant functionality and appearance using programming languages like HTML and JavaScript and graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop.
Web designers on Upwork charge up to $250 per hour.
UX/UI design
These designers focus on creating user-friendly experiences on websites and apps. They design the site structure, develop content, create prototypes and test bugs.
They charge up to $120 an hour.
CMS development
A content management system, CMS, is software that helps users manage a variety of content, from creation to publishing. It also stores content in a database for later use. CMS developers are responsible for developing back-end and front-end software.
CMS developers charge up to $105 per hour.
Manual test
These professionals test software functionality without the help of automated tools. They ensure the software works correctly in various scenarios and note any bugs or issues along the way.
Manual testers charge up to $50 per hour on Upwork.
Scripting and automation
Automation scripts are lists of commands for software that help automate tasks like sending emails to customers. Specialists write in coding languages such as Python and JavaScript.
Scripting and automation specialists charge $350 per hour.
“We use technology every day,” says Margaret Lilani, vice president of talent solutions at Upwork. “We use it to work, we use it to study, we use it to communicate, we use it to transact.” This has been especially true over the last three years, as people increasingly use their devices to connect.
“The genie will never go back in the bottle,” he said, adding, “in terms of business and digital presence, they have to have it.”
If you want to acquire these skills, Salemi recommends looking into online certificate programs, MBA programs or community college courses.
Look at:
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