📝 usncan Note: 3 Remote Side Hustles That Pay Up To $200/Hr In 2025
Disclaimer: This content has been prepared based on currently trending topics to increase your awareness.
Job security no longer exists
getty
The U.S. has hit the highest number of layoffs this year since the pandemic, according to Newsweek’s recent analysis of a Challenger, Gray, and Christmas report.
This pushes the year’s total to 806,383 layoffs–and we’ve only just barely crossed the first half of 2025.
- February 2025 also saw unprecedented tech layoffs, not seen since the pandemic.
- More companies like Oracle, Scale AI, Indeed, Glassdoor, Intel, and Microsoft are laying off workers by the hundreds and thousands.
- Government policies and federal cuts, combined with the effects of AI on the workforce, are the driving forces behind these cuts.
The workplace is a scary place to be in right now. The era of job security and working one comfortable corporate role that pays the bills and keeps you snug is dead.
What’s taking it’s place?
Side hustles. Freelance work. Portfolio careers.
In contrast to the declining traditional workforce, here’s what’s happening right now:
- The global freelance platform market was estimated at $5.58 billion last year (2024). But recent data reveals that by 2030, it’s expected to almost triple in size, to $14.39 billion. That’s how much side hustles and independent full-time contractors are going to be worth in a few years.
- Freelance professionals are rapidly growing in number and will surpass half of the U.S. workforce by 2027 (86.5 million freelancers) according to Statista.
So, what are the best side hustles and freelance opportunities to future-proof your career while earning supplemental income?
3 High-Paying Remote Side Hustles In 2025
Upwork’s research team collated a list of the top 25 freelance and gig opportunities with the highest hourly rates, from its platform. Here are a few of them:
1. Machine Learning Engineer
- Average hourly rate: $75 – $200/hour
- Why it’s in demand: Surge in AI adoption and implementation, explosion of AI development and use across multiple industries like healthcare, retail, finance, etc.
- Skills: Python, TensorFlow, data modelling, LLMs, prompt engineering
- Remote? Yes, when working a side hustle or full-time freelance role in this field you can often perform this role fully remotely
- Top tip: The more you specialize, the more you can charge at the higher end of the fee range, and you can even charge per project instead of per hour, allowing you to be paid for the value you bring rather than hourly work which has some limitations
2. Media Buyer
- Average hourly rate: $50 – $100/hour
- Why it’s in demand: More businesses are shifting to online-first presence, especially there are an estimated 5.24 billion social media users in 2025 according to DataReportal (this works out to be almost 64% of the global population). Internet-first consumerism means companies are eager to get their brand in front of the right people in the digital market, therefore media buyers are in strong demand right now so they can get their services/products/brand seen.
- Skills: Exceptional negotiation skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, analytical and reporting skills, knowledge of media channels and platforms
- Remote? Yes, this side hustle can easily be performed remotely
- Top tip: Gather a portfolio of success stories and case studies from past clients (formal or informal, it doesn’t matter) to boost your credibility and allow you to comfortably push the highest end of the pay range
3. PR Manager
- Average hourly rate: $50 – $100/hour
- Why it’s in demand: The BLS projects demand for public relations specialists to skyrocket by 7% over the next few years up to 2033–which is higher than the average job growth rate. Companies are competing for positive visibility and credibility, and as more start-ups launch (thanks to AI), more businesses will need the support of PR professionals to ensure their continued growth and a strong brand presence as they launch
- Skills: Strong communication skills, problem-solving, relationship-building, critical thinking, crisis management
- Remote? Yes
- Top tip: Strengthen your skills and portfolio in managing PR for emerging tech start-ups and founders
Feeling inspired and pumped up by these ideas? Let’s keep the momentum going.
Young graphic designer working late night in his studio office. Sketching on paper and using computer for work.
getty
Pick one side hustle idea from this list, then read this Forbes article next: How To Start A Business With No Money In 2025. Then make a strategy and start pitching your first five clients.
