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15 Freelance Jobs Requiring No Degree or Experience (Carefully Researched)
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Did you know there are many freelance online jobs requiring no degree or experience?
Many, or perhaps most, people think that in order to freelance online you must have a degree or experience. That is not true at all! Freelancing is growing exponentially, and there are an increasing number of freelance jobs in which you can succeed as a beginner.
I very carefully researched and created this list of 15 jobs so that you will have comprehensive, accurate information about exactly what kind of freelance jobs with no degree or experience you can get. I updated this article in July 2022 with lots of new information.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
15 Freelance Online Jobs Requiring No Degree or Experience
My goal here is to share with you not just a list but a useful and helpful list.
What you will find is not a regurgitation of all the same information about freelance online jobs requiring no degree or experience that you will find in lists elsewhere around the internet.
I was very selective and careful in curating this information. Under each of these 15 jobs you will not find dozens of freelance companies and platforms listed and then discover that the links are broken, the information given is inaccurate, out of date, or otherwise not of use. Instead, for each of the 15 jobs you’ll find a few companies and a few freelancer platforms with up-to-date and accurate information where you will have a real possibility of finding real freelance work.
This list focuses on quality of information, not quantity.
I’ve independently researched every one of the following entities to ensure that all the information I give here is accurate and current.
Under each job you’ll find links not to each company’s and platform’s homepage but to the most relevant and useful page on which you can find more information, sign up, or submit an application.
I’ve only included companies in this list which have high online reviews as well as high Better Business Bureau ratings.
Where freelancing training exists and is recommended for a certain type of job, I’ve noted that and linked to at least one online course where you can receive training.
Many of these freelance jobs enable you to work from anywhere but for a couple you do need to be based in one location. Some of these jobs are ideal for earning money while you travel.
Some companies that you may find listed elsewhere on the internet are not listed here. This is because in doing my research I found many actually do not offer or no longer offer the type of work other lists said they offered; it appears that they may no longer be in business; I could not find any reviews or ratings; they received a lot of bad reviews; or, if they were an American company, they have a low BBB rating. Again, quality, not quantity.
So, this is not simply a list of many different types of freelance jobs with no degree or experience. This is information carefully curated by me so you don’t have to waste time, chase dead ends or begin your own research from scratch. I’ve focused only on the real possibilities and done the first pieces of the work for you.
1. Freelance Writer
There are so many different genres of writing. You don’t have to be able to pen a best seller in order to make money writing.
How to Start Freelance Writing
If you don’t already have good writing skills, before searching for freelance writing jobs you will need to learn how to write.
The best way to learn how to write is by taking an online writing course. SkillShare has dozens of great online writing courses. Try out SkillShare for one month for free right here.
Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners
There are a huge number of places to find freelance writing work on the internet. I’ve limited it to three of the best for beginners here.
LinkedIn Jobs – Did you know that LinkedIn has a job board? You’ll find a lot of freelance writing opportunities there, and their application process takes just five minutes. Search for a writing job on LinkedIn Jobs here.
ProBlogger – This well-established job board is the leading marketplace for writers to find blog-related writing jobs in a large variety of niches. Look for writing jobs on ProBlogger here.
Writer Access – This is an online content marketing agency that outsources writing assignments to freelancers all around the world. This type of writing does not pay much, but it can be a good place to start. It’s free to join, and there are no fees for writers. Apply to be a writer with WriterAccess here.
2. English Teacher
English is the most common language used all over the world, and lots of people want to learn it. There are many, many English tutors in the world. Learn how to become a tutor in English – or any subject – here.
Online Freelance Teaching Jobs
Preply – Preply is a website where you can find online English teacher jobs with no degree and no experience. You’ll earn money sharing your expert knowledge from the comfort of your home.
(Note: I’ll personally recommend Preply. I haven’t taught there but I studied with Preply, had a fantastic tutor and learned a lot.
You can set your own tutoring rates when you sign up to be a tutor with Preply here.
SkimaTalk – With SkimaTalk you earn money during your free time. No degree or certificate is required for this freelance job, but you must be a native English speaker to teach with SkimaTalk. Sign up to become an English teacher with SkimaTalk here.
You may see the most success looking for freelance English teaching jobs on LinkedIn Jobs as well as freelancer platforms like Simply Hired, Upwork or Fiverr.
3. Foreign Language Teacher
If you are fluent in a language other than English and are good at teaching, you can work as a freelance foreign language teacher.
Freelance Foreign Language Teaching Jobs
Preply – Preply is a website where you can find online English teacher jobs with no degree and no experience. You’ll earn money sharing your expert knowledge from the comfort of your home.
(Note: I personally recommend Preply. I haven’t taught there but I studied with Preply, and had a very positive experience.)
You can set your own rates when you sign up to become a tutor with Preply here.
You may see the most success in finding freelance foreign language teacher jobs on sites like Fiverr and Upwork.
4. Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant (VA) is someone who handles certain aspects of work for companies or individuals remotely rather than in person. VA’s take care of administrative duties, emails, social media accounts and lots more. Discover more than 275 VA services you can offer by downloading this list.
Freelance Virtual Assistant Jobs
You can find virtual assistant jobs all over the place. Look through LinkedIn Jobs, UpWork, FlexJobs and other job search sites.
VirtualAssistantJobs.com – This is a platform on which a variety of different VA jobs for different companies are listed, along with details about requirements. Read through current job openings and apply for a virtual assistant job here.
Virtual Assistant Training
You may want to take training in how to be a virtual assistant before trying to find work. Here are two online courses that teach you how to freelance as a virtual assistant.
VAnetworking – Since 2003, VAnetworking has been the market leader in the VA industry for training, networking, mentoring, exposure and client connections. Get a free ticket to their upcoming VA Virtuosos Summit where you’ll learn the top secrets, strategies, and proven tactics to become a successful VA right here.
Fully Booked VA – The Fully Booked VA online course, founded by VA guru Gina Horkey, promises to help you start and grow a virtual assistant business from scratch in 30 days. Learn more about their virtual assistant course here.
5. Proofreader
Proofreaders carefully check writing for spelling, grammar, punctuation and other errors.
Freelance Proofreading Jobs
There are several places where you can look for work as a freelance proofreader, such as LinkedIn Jobs and freelance marketplaces such as Simply Hired. You can also advertise your proofreading services on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Some companies do prefer that their freelance proofreaders have experience, so building your resume by finding freelance work on one of these platforms first can help.
Proofreading Courses
Proofreading courses will help you see success as a proofreader. You may be able to teach yourself how to proofread from finding information on the internet, but an online proofreading course is really the best way to learn how to do it right.
Proofread Anywhere – This is the number one online proofreading course in the world. Proofread Anywhere will teach you how to proofread from anywhere you wish, starting from scratch. This course also teaches you how to find proofreading clients. Sign up for a free proofreading webinar with Proofread Anywhere here.
6. Transcriptionist
Transcriptionists listen to any of a large variety of audio recordings while simultaneously typing them up into written documents. For more information about freelance transcription, get a free ebook called The Truth About Transcription here.
Freelance Transcription Jobs
GoTranscript – GoTranscript is an online transcription and translation company always looking to fill their open freelance transcription jobs. Sign up to be a transcriptionist with GoTranscript here.
TranscribeMe – TranscribeMe promises that with them, there is no need to look for work; it comes to you. Work as much or as little as you like, transcribing short two- to four-minute clips rather than long interviews. Register as a transcriptionist with TranscribeMe here.
Transcriptionist Training
You definitely should receive training before looking for transcription work online. Probably the best transcriptionist training course is Transcribe Anywhere. Founded by transcriptionist and educator Janet Shaughnessy, Transcribe Anywhere helps aspiring transcriptionists build successful businesses as a general transcriptionist or legal transcriptionist, or both.
Read my interview with Janet about her courses and the field of general transcription here.
Read my interview with Janet about her courses and the field of legal transcription here.
Learn more about the Transcribe Anywhere transcription course by watching their free workshop.
7. Scopist
A scopist is a person who creates final transcripts of trials, depositions and other proceedings which have been first typed onto a steno machine by a court reporter.
Freelance Scopist Training
While you don’t need a degree or experience, you do need training in order to become a scopist. This type of work is very involved and involves a lot of detail. For this reason I won’t list anywhere you can find scoping jobs in this article. Instead, I will list ways in which you can learn scoping. You can earn great money as a scopist, so your training will be really worth it.
Two online scopist training courses are:
Internet Scoping School – Internet Scoping Schools calls itself the most thorough and effective scoping training program on earth. It was created and is taught by long-time professional scopist Linda Evenson. This course teaches you to do far more than edit transcripts for court reporters; it teaches you how to build a successful scoping business. Sign up for a free mini course with Internet Scoping School right here.
BeST Online Scoping Techniques – This popular scoping course is a self-paced program created and taught by long-time professional freelance scopists Cathy Knox and Judy Rakocinski. This course will help you learn all the skills needed to become a successful scopist. Learn more and sign up for BeST Scoping Techniques here.
8. Online Course Creator
Create, market and sell an online course on a topic you know well, and you will earn money. There are online courses in a huge number of niches such as business, computers, health, personal development, finance and a lot more.
How to Create an Online Course
There is a lot you need to know in order to create a good online course. I’m creating an online course myself and have found SkillShare’s courses on how to create an online course really helpful. What I really like about Skillshare is that it’s unlimited. You can take all the courses you want to take for just one flat fee. You can even try out SkillShare for free for one month right here.
Top Platforms to Create Online Courses
In order to create an online course and earn income from it, you do have to pay for any platform on which you create the course. The platform you choose will teach you step by step how to create your course and, frequently, even how to market it. There are several online course platforms from which you can choose.
Ruzuku – Ruzuku gives you everything you need to connect with your audience, create inspiring content, and change the world. Learn more about creating online courses with Ruzuku and begin a 14-day free trial right here.
Udemy – Udemy has a large variety of online courses which will teach you how to create your own online course. Learn how to build an online course with Udemy right here.
Teachable – Teachable helps you easily build a beautiful online course website, share your knowledge, and be rewarded for it. Learn more about creating online courses with Teachable right here.
9. Interpreter and Translator
Interpreters change words from one language to another language, usually verbally. Translators change words from one language to another, usually in writing.
Freelance Interpreter and Translator Jobs
Interpreters and Translators – This is an established and growing company headquartered in Connecticut and offering services all over the world. I worked with this company’s freelance interpreters many times for many years.
Apply to be a freelance interpreter and/or translator with Interpreters and Translators here.
Translators Cafe – This website is a very convenient way to offer your professional translation and interpretation services to registered translation agencies as well as connect with others in the international linguistic community. You will find a large number of interpreter and translator jobs here.
ProZ – This is an online community and workplace for language professionals, with over one million professional translators and translation companies. There are tons of interpreter and translator jobs offered here.
10. Voice Over Actor
A voice over actor is someone who performs voice overs or provides voices to represent a character or to provide information to an audience or user.
Freelance Voice Over Jobs
Jobs in the voice over industry do require training, specifically voice coaching and audio tech training.
SuchAVoice – SuchAVoice has a very large amount of information on their website about how to get started as a voiceover artist. Register for a 2-hour webinar with SuchAVoice here. They offer paid training as well.
Voices.com – Voices.com calls themselves the industry-leading website that connects businesses with professional voice talent. Get a free membership on Voices.com, which is good for beginners. Unfortunately, if you want access to all jobs, you have to pay. Sign up for a Voices membership here.
Bunny Studio – Bunny Studio calls itself the fastest, most reliable and efficient voice over company, with thousands of clients worldwide. There are no application, subscription or commission fees with Bunny Studio. Sign up to be a voice over actor with Bunny Studio here.
VoPlanet – VOPlanet is a network of the world’s top voice over actors who enjoy building their voice over business by working directly with voice buyers. Learn more about VOPlanet here.
You may see the most success finding freelance voice over work on freelancer platforms like Simply Hired and Upwork or by advertising your services on Fiverr.
11. Online Support
Communicating with people, usually in writing but sometimes verbally, to assist them in learning about services a company has to offer.
Online Support Chat Jobs
Arise home-based call center – Arise is a platform that gives you the opportunity to deliver call center services as a freelancer from the comfort of your home. Sign up as a freelancer with Arise here.
ModSquad online moderator or community manager – Online support freelancers at ModSquad are pros in digital engagement: moderating forums, chatting with customers, managing communities, and buzzing in social media. You can ork from any private location with secure high-speed internet access, choose your projects based on your passions and decide when you want to deliver. Submit an application to be an online moderator with ModSquad here.
Home-based call center at Live Ops – Freelance online agents delivering customer service, support and sales from the comfort of your home. Only legal residents of the US need apply. This LiveOps job requires a computer with wired connection to the internet, a corded headset and a quiet place to work with no background noise. Apply to work at LiveOps here.
The Chat Shop online chat agent – This job is ideal for freelancers who love interacting with people as well as learning and sharing knowledge. You’ll be working to drive each chat through to a goal. Apply for a job as an online chat agent with The Chat Shop here.
12. Search Evaluator
Search evaluators perform internet searches on specific topics to rate search results for relevance and quality in order to help improve future accuracy of results.
Search Engine Evaluator Jobs
Appen – Appen is a global leader in the development of high-quality, human annotated datasets for machine learning and artificial intelligence. They partner with the world’s leading technology companies to improve their machine learning based products. Apply to be a freelance search evaluator with Appen here. Click on Raters.
LionBridge – LionBridge is always searching for the best people to work with. They offer both full-time and part-time freelance positions in any of their 47 offices or from your home. Find current search evaluator freelance online jobs with LionBridge here. Click on your country. The evaluator jobs are typically titled assessor, evaluator or reviewer.
13. Bookkeeper
A bookkeeper keeps records of the financial affairs of a business.
Freelance Bookkeeping Jobs
Look on the LinkedIn Jobs job board and you will find a lot of freelance bookkeeping opportunities. You can also find bookkeeping jobs on freelance platforms such as Simply Hired or by advertising for free your writing services on Fiverr.
Bookkeeping Training
Bookkeeping training is a good idea before trying to find a bookkeeping job. Here are two online bookkeeping courses.
Udemy – Udemy has dozens of online courses on a large variety of bookkeeping topics so that you can learn all about how to be a freelance bookkeeper. Choose the right bookkeeping course for you right here.
Penn Foster – Whether you need to earn your high school diploma, work toward a college degree, or upgrade career skills, Penn Foster can help. Sign up for a Penn Foster bookkeeping course here.
14. Online Juror
Online jurors, also called mock jurors, participate in a type of group research that allows lawyers to evaluate the potential reactions of jurors to their evidence and arguments before a case goes to trial.
Online Juror Jobs
Ejury – Ejury’s online mock juries and focus groups allow large groups of people to help attorneys determine case value, develop case themes and discover the facts.
Sign up to be a juror with Ejury here.
Online Verdict – This online juror opportunity was created by experienced trial consultants for the purpose of providing lawyers with case feedback from qualified jurors.
Sign up to be a juror with Online Verdict here.
15. Microworker
Microworkers perform microjobs, which are simple tasks you can do over the internet from anywhere in the world.
Microjobs
You can find microjobs by searching for small, easy tasks on sites such as Fiverr and Upwork.
Appen – A global leader in the development of high-quality, human annotated datasets for machine learning and artificial intelligence, Appen is a great place to search for microjobs.
Find Appen microworker jobs here. Click on Micro Tasks.
Conclusion
Anyone can freelance. Now that you have this list of 15 freelance jobs requiring no degree or experience, you have a big advantage over those freelancers who don’t.
(This post was originally published June 11, 2019.)
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Images by Gerd Altmann and
Sabina Lohr is a lifelong freelancer turned entrepreneur who created World of Freelancers to help others discover how to work for themselves online and live the freelance lifestyle. She’s always really enjoyed the freedom that freelancing brings, including several years on and off of working online while traveling and living abroad.
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Requested Horkey’s 200 Freelance niches through two emails- Received NOTHING.
The Horkey Handbook email server is probably just running behind right now. I think you should receive them shortly. If you don’t get them by tomorrow, let me know and I’ll contact them to see if they can send them to you directly.
I am a freelance. This information is very good for the jobs.
This information is very good for freelancers. I am a freelance
im new here and i have this information very usefull. looking foward to a happy journey ahead.
Very useful information here, I’m a freelance voice over in the Spanish language. And it’s true you may not need a degree, but definitely what’s needed is a good practice, and knowledge of you industry.
Thank you, Mauricio! Practice and industry knowledge can take you quite far.
Hi Sabina,
What a fabulous list. No one has any excuses. We can prosper online with no experience if one is willing to dive in, learn, develop skills and leave their comfort zone.
Ryan
Correct. No excuses!