Let’s cut the crap.

You’re here because you want to ditch the 9-to-5 grind and get paid what you’re worth.

Problem is…

Most “freelance websites” lists are filled with outdated platforms, scams, or sites that pay peanuts.

I’ve tested these myself. Dug through the garbage. Found the gold.

Here’s the only list you’ll need to dominate freelancing in 2024.

The 5 Rules of Freelancing (Read This First)

1. Specialize or starve. Generalists get $$5/hour.\; Proget\; \$3$00/hour.
2. Your profile is your sales letter. No portfolio? No clients.
3. Price = perception. Charge less, attract bargain-hunting losers.
4. Speed wins. First to apply? 90% chance you’ll land the gig.
5. Platforms are tools. Master 2-3. Ignore the rest.

Now, let’s get to work.

The 25 Freelance Websites That Actually Pay in 2024

1. Upwork

• Best for: Developers, designers, marketers, writers.
• Fee: 10% (drops to 5% after $10k with a client).
• Why it works: 12M+ clients. Use “Boost Proposals” to outbid competitors.
• Pro tip: Start with small gigs. Get 5 reviews. Then double your rate.
• Inside scoop: Clients filter proposals by “Top Rated” badges. Hit 90% job success to unlock it. Charge $100+/hour.

2. Toptal

• Best for: Elite coders, finance pros, PMs.
• Fee: None (clients pay 100% markup).
• Why it works: Top 3% talent only. Clients like Motorola & Airbnb.
• Pro tip: Crush their 5-step vetting process. Charge $150+/hour.
• Inside scoop: Focus on niche skills like blockchain or AI. Clients pay $200k+ for 6-month contracts.

3. Fiverr

• Best for: Quick gigs (logos, voiceovers, SEO).
• Fee: 20% (plus $2 withdrawal fee).
• Why it works: 3.4M active buyers. “Gig packages” = upsell opportunities.
• Pro tip: Offer 24-hour delivery. Charge 3x for “rush jobs.”

4. 99designs

• Best for: Designers (logos, merch, websites).
• Fee: 5-15% (based on contest prize).
• Why it works: Design contests = instant portfolio fodder.
• Pro tip: Win 3 contests. Become “Top Level.” Charge $5k+ per project.
• Inside scoop: Clients with $10k+ budgets lurk in “Enterprise” tier. Pitch directly.

5. Codeable

• Best for: WordPress developers.
• Fee: 10% (no hidden costs).
• Why it works: Clients pay $100-$250/hour. No bidding wars.
• Pro tip: Learn WooCommerce. Charge $150/hour for plugin tweaks.
• Inside scoop: 70% of clients need ongoing maintenance. Lock in $3k+/month retainers.

6. Gun.io

• Best for: Senior software engineers.
• Fee: 0% (you keep 100% of your rate).
• Why it works: High-end clients. No grunt work.
• Pro tip: Specialize in AI/ML. Charge $200+/hour.
• Inside scoop: Clients hire for 6-12 month contracts. Negotiate equity deals.

7. SolidGigs

• Best for: Curated leads (writers, marketers).
• Fee: $21/month flat.
• Why it works: Saves 10+ hours/week hunting gigs.
• Pro tip: Set alerts for “executive” or “enterprise” clients.
• Inside scoop: 80% of gigs pay $1k+. Use their templates to close deals in 24 hours.

8. Dribbble

• Best for: UI/UX designers, animators.
• Fee: $15/month (Pro required for job board).
• Why it works: Portfolio = lead magnet. Clients DM you.
• Pro tip: Post “behind-the-scenes” videos. Charge $10k+ for branding packages.
• Inside scoop: Hiring managers stalk “For Hire” tags. Update it weekly.

9. FlexJobs

• Best for: Remote work (HR, writing, admin).
• Fee: $6.95/week.
• Why it works: Scam-free listings. Fortune 500 clients.
• Pro tip: Filter for “Freelance” + “High Salary.”
• Inside scoop: Companies like Apple & Salesforce post unadvertised gigs here.

10. LinkedIn ProFinder

• Best for: Consultants, copywriters, coaches.
• Fee: Free (clients pay LinkedIn).
• Why it works: Decision-makers stalk LinkedIn daily.
• Pro tip: Turn on “Open to Work.” Use “#freelance” in posts.
• Inside scoop: LinkedIn Learning certs boost profile visibility. Grind 5 courses.

The Lightning Round: 15 More Goldmines

11. Guru – Old but reliable. Charge $75+/hour for dev work. Pro tip: Use “Work Rooms” to upsell project management.
12. TaskRabbit – For hustlers. $50/hour to assemble IKEA furniture. Pro tip: Offer “Weekend Warrior” packages for busy families.
13. PeoplePer Hour – UK/EU clients. Charge GBP/EUR for better rates. Pro tip: Bid on “Hourlies” for instant $200 gigs.
14. We Work Remotely – No bidding. Apply directly to startups. Pro tip: Filter “Programming” for $150k+ crypto gigs.
15. DesignHill – Sell premade logos. $300 for 30minutes of work. 
16. ServiceScape – Editors/writers.
17. Wellfound – Ex-AngelList. Equity + cash deals. Pro tip: Target pre-seed startups for 1%+ equity.
18. Freelancer.com – High competition. Use AI proposals to stand out. Pro tip: Win $5k+ contests in “Blockchain” category.
19. Truelancer – Cheap gigs. Use to farm 5-star reviews fast. Pro tip: Auto-bid on $50 jobs while sleeping.
20. Catalant – Ex-Gigster. $150+/hour consulting for Fortune 500s. Pro tip: Pitch “Digital Transformation” to C-suites.
21. YunoJuno – UK-based. Charge £500/day for design/tech. Pro tip: Lock in 3-month contracts with Netflix UK.
22. CloudPeeps – Social media managers. Retainers only. Pro tip: Sell “$2k/month Content Calendars” to e-commerce brands.
23. Patreon – Creators. Charge fans $10/month for exclusive content.
24. Reedsy – Authors. $3k+to ghost write a book
25. Crossover – Remote devs. $50+/hour for full-time “gigs.” Pro tip: Negotiate “Results-Based” bonuses for hitting KPIs.

The #1 Mistake 99% of Freelancers Make

They treat freelancing like a hobby.

You want real money?

• Niche down (e.g., “Shopify email marketer for DTC brands”)
• Raise rates every 3 clients
• Fire bad clients (hagglers, micromanagers, slow payers)

Your time is finite. Price accordingly.