Which industries are likely to hire the most freelancers in 2025? – College Recruiter

Whether you call it freelancing, gig work, or something else, those who are interested in that kind of work naturally will gravitate to applying for roles in industries which are the most likely to hire the most of these kinds of workers.

Rather than guess at which industries are likely to hire the most gig or freelancer workers in 2025, we asked 20 hiring experts. According to insights from a Sales Operations Manager and a Chief Growth Strategist, the tech industry is expected to lead the charge.

• Tech Industry Leads Gig Hiring
• Marketing and Media Seek Freelancers
• E-Commerce Taps Flexible Talent
• Tech Sector Embraces Gig Workers
• Gaming and Tech Drive Freelance Demand
• Digital Marketing Sector Relies on Freelancers
• Tech Industry Prefers Freelance Engineers
• Finance and Accounting Hire Gig Talent
• Tech and Creative Industries Lead Gig Hiring
• Sustainability Sector Expands Freelance Workforce
• Healthcare Increases Gig Employment
• Cybersecurity Freelancers Protect Businesses
• Data Analysis Industry Hires Freelancers
• Delivery Industry Relies on Gig Workers
• Healthcare and Education Embrace Gig Workers
• IT Roles Increase Across Industries
• SEO Content Freelance Work Grows
• Mental Health Industry Hires Freelancers
• Content Creation and Marketing Demand Freelancers
• Insurance Industry Faces Talent Shortage

Tech Industry Leads Gig Hiring

I expect the tech industry, particularly in operational support roles like RevOps, MarOps, and BizOps, to hire the most gig/freelance candidates by 2025. I’ve seen how businesses increasingly seek flexible, on-demand expertise without long-term commitments. We provide elite fractional operations experts, which has proven to cut operational costs by 30% while accelerating project completion times by 25%.

In fact, one of our standout offerings is custom website creation, delivered in just 48 hours, appealing to businesses eager for rapid turnaround. This reflects a broader trend where companies leverage gig workers for quick, high-value tasks. As traditional roles evolve with AI and automation, companies will continue to opt for specialized freelance talent that can adapt to rapidly changing needs, which I’ve already noticed in AI-driven service delivery.

Ryan T. Murphy, Sales Operations Manager, Upfront Operations

Marketing and Media Seek Freelancers

In 2025, I expect the marketing and media industries to hire the most gig and freelance candidates, especially in areas like video production, content creation, and digital marketing. As more companies look to scale their online presence without committing to long-term contracts, freelance talent offers the flexibility and specialization they need.

In fact, we already rely on freelance video editors, animators, and content strategists to support our campaigns. With video content being one of the most engaging forms of media, we often bring in freelancers to create high-quality, tailored videos for our clients. The ability to tap into a network of skilled professionals without long-term commitment is invaluable, and I think more businesses will follow suit in 2025.

Spencer Romenco, Chief Growth Strategist, Growth Spurt

E-Commerce Taps Flexible Talent

I expect the e-commerce industry to hire a lot more gig and freelance talent, especially in areas like digital marketing, graphic design, and content creation. As the industry grows, more businesses are looking to tap into flexible, cost-effective talent without the overhead of full-time employees. Freelancers are a great option for us because we can scale up our marketing efforts during peak seasons without the commitment of long-term hires.

For example, during our busiest months, we often bring in freelance designers to help with product photography, website updates, and promotional campaigns. It’s more efficient and budget-friendly than hiring full-time staff for short-term needs. Plus, freelancers bring fresh perspectives and specialized expertise that we may not need on a full-time basis. With tools that allow for easy collaboration, it’s easier than ever to work with top talent on a flexible basis.

Matt Little, Founder & Managing Director, Festoon House

Tech Sector Embraces Gig Workers

In 2025, there is likely to be a growing trend toward the use of gig or freelancers by companies in the technology sector due to the increasing demand for skills such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics. AI is vital in automating processes and improving user experiences, which has compelled many firms to look for AI professionals capable of creating more sophisticated algorithms and smart systems. The rising number and sophistication of cyber-attack threats have made cyber security a major concern, which calls for specialists who can ensure data is safe from breaches to maintain the trust of the users and assure the public of the company’s data security. Data analysts are crucial since they are the ones who make sense of large amounts of raw data and interpret it into useful information that fosters decision-making that drives businesses toward growth and innovations.

As organizations undertake digital transformation, there is a need for a flexible workforce that will help them harness the benefits of using advanced technologies. The gig economy offers the ideal solution since it allows companies to hire specialists who possess the necessary skills and are flexible enough to work in a rapidly changing technology environment. This model also enables efficient scaling and rapid business adaptation, which is critical for handling technological projects. In addition, the increasing trend of the industry switching to remote work and sustainable practices aligns well with the gig economy as it lowers operational costs and carbon emissions.

Damien Filiatrault, Founder & CEO, Scalable Path

Gaming and Tech Drive Freelance Demand

I’ve closely observed the growing demand for freelance talent across industries. Gig and freelance hiring have steadily gained traction, and I believe tech and gaming will lead this trend in 2025. These sectors move quickly, and businesses are drawn to freelancers who can provide specialized skills for specific projects without long-term commitments.

In gaming, the need for talented freelancers is particularly strong. From creating immersive designs to developing unique storylines and even optimizing user experiences, freelancers bring fresh perspectives that keep our games exciting. Their flexibility is especially valuable during critical project phases, such as game launches or updates, where speed and quality are essential. At our company, we’ve successfully collaborated with freelance artists, developers, and marketers to deliver innovative experiences for our players.

In addition to gaming, industries like digital marketing and content creation are set to see higher demand for gig workers. Freelancers skilled in areas such as SEO, video editing, and content strategy help companies scale their efforts while maintaining project-specific flexibility. This flexible model allows businesses to access fresh expertise and adapt to their creative needs, driving its growing popularity.

Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO, Online Games

Digital Marketing Sector Relies on Freelancers

The industry expected to hire the most gig and freelance candidates is likely to be the digital marketing sector, particularly focusing on SaaS and e-commerce solutions. This trend is driven by an increasing need for specialized skills in developing and implementing advanced customer engagement strategies. With my background in optimizing customer lifetime value, I’ve observed firsthand how digital marketing freelancers are instrumental in crafting personalized customer experiences and effective data-driven decisions. The flexibility offered by gig workers allows businesses to quickly adapt to the rapid changes inherent in the e-commerce world. This approach not only fosters innovation but also offers a competitive edge in delivering targeted solutions that resonate with consumers.

Valentin Radu, CEO & Founder, Blogger, Speaker, Podcaster, Omniconvert

Tech Industry Prefers Freelance Engineers

I believe the technology industry will likely hire the most gig and freelance candidates in 2025, especially in engineering and technical writing. Freelance engineers can fill gaps for specialized, short-term projects and emerging fields such as robotics will demand niche expertise, making freelancing an appealing option for both professionals and companies. 

For example, engineering and tech professionals create highly complex content such as research papers, and that’s where freelance candidates can help by translating the information into clear and accessible formats, such as blog posts and other marketing materials, for individuals. Freelancers offer scalability, speed, and expertise, making them essential for companies looking to stay agile and effectively communicate their advancements in a fast-paced industry.

Neil Giugno, CEO, Phyla

Finance and Accounting Hire Gig Talent

By 2025, I expect the finance and accounting industry to hire the most gig and freelance talent. Companies are increasingly turning to freelancers to handle project-based work, especially during busy times like tax season or year-end reporting. I’ve seen firsthand how the demand for freelance accountants and financial analysts has grown. The rise of remote work and the need for specialized skills have made freelancers crucial for businesses looking to scale quickly without the long-term commitment of full-time hires. As companies continue to seek expertise in areas like tax advice, forecasting, and compliance, freelance professionals will become a key part of the workforce, offering flexibility and expertise during peak workloads.

Brian Staver, CEO, NetPayAdvance.com

Tech and Creative Industries Lead Gig Hiring

By 2025, I expect the tech and creative industries to lead in hiring gig and freelance candidates. Tech will continue leveraging freelancers for project-based roles in software development, cybersecurity, and AI integration, where specialized expertise is often needed on a short-term basis.

On the creative side, demand for freelance talent in content creation, graphic design, and marketing will soar as companies increasingly prioritize agile, on-demand workflows. Both industries benefit from the flexibility freelancers bring, aligning with the growing trend of project-based employment over traditional roles.

Skyler Khan, CEO, STAFT

Sustainability Sector Expands Freelance Workforce

In 2025, the sustainability and renewable energy sector is poised to dramatically expand its freelance workforce, particularly in green technology and climate consulting. The surge is driven by increasing corporate sustainability mandates and complex environmental reporting requirements.

Specialized freelance roles like carbon footprint auditors, sustainable design consultants, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data analysts are expected to experience exponential growth. Companies are seeking flexible, expert-level talent who can provide targeted, innovative solutions without long-term employment commitments.

A recent industry analysis by GreenTech Workforce Insights revealed that sustainability freelance projects increased by 73% in 2024, with projections suggesting an additional 47% growth in 2025. This trend reflects organizations’ need for agile, specialized expertise in developing comprehensive environmental strategies.

The gig economy in sustainability offers professionals the opportunity to work across multiple projects, driving innovation while helping companies transition to more environmentally responsible practices. Freelancers bring diverse perspectives and cutting-edge knowledge, making them invaluable in addressing complex environmental challenges.

Swayam Doshi, Founder, Suspire

Healthcare Increases Gig Employment

Healthcare may see an increased level of gig and freelance employment by 2025 as demand continues to build for providers of telehealth services, freelance medical writing, and consulting. With this, the healthcare system is constantly evolving into new models of care that are flexible and remote. For instance, a growing number of physicians have turned to part-time telehealth during the pandemic, for they did not need to interfere with their schedules by attending to the needs of patients. That trend, it seems, has not slowed down.

Freelance work in medical research and patient education continues to expand, along with digital health platforms. Similar for companies are short-term and intensive requirements for specialized projects such as patient-guideline development or reviews of medical apps for compliance. This model allows professionals to donate their expertise without the commitments of full-time employment, while organizations quickly fill gaps with flexible yet assured solutions.

The gig economy in health care would continue growing since health systems are striving to outpace each other in terms of innovation and agility. This would thus create a win-win scenario for both the professionals and the organization.

Elisa Branda, Founder & CEO, NuvolediBellezza

Cybersecurity Freelancers Protect Businesses

With data breaches and cyber threats growing in frequency, cybersecurity experts, especially freelancers, will be essential for small and medium-sized enterprises that cannot afford in-house full-time experts. Freelance cybersecurity professionals can step in to conduct security audits, develop risk management strategies, and ensure regulatory compliance on a flexible basis. 

As businesses become more dependent on digital infrastructure, the need for on-demand, specialized support will continue to rise. This allows companies to manage costs while maintaining a high level of security. 

Freelancers also offer specialized skills for certain areas, such as penetration testing or vulnerability assessments, that may not be needed on a full-time basis. With the evolving cyber landscape, freelance roles in cybersecurity will be essential to keeping businesses protected.

Rodger Desai, CEO, Prove

Data Analysis Industry Hires Freelancers

The industry I believe will hire the most gig and freelance candidates in 2025 is data analysis and research. As more industries move toward data-driven decisions, the need for skilled professionals who can interpret and provide actionable insights is growing rapidly. Many companies prefer hiring freelancers for these roles because it allows them to bring in specialized expertise on a project-by-project basis. 

For example, organizations tackling climate change, healthcare challenges, or even urban development projects need analysts to break down complex datasets and identify patterns. These are highly targeted assignments that suit freelancers perfectly, especially since these roles require a mix of flexibility and niche expertise. This combination of demand and adaptability makes data analysis and research one of the strongest fields for gig work in the coming years.

Shaun Bettman, Chief Mortgage Broker, Eden Emerald Mortgages

Delivery Industry Relies on Gig Workers

The delivery industry is projected to be a leading the way in the hiring of gig workers in 2025, driven by several key factors:

1. E-commerce Expansion and Consumer Expectations: The surge in e-commerce sales have heightened demand for efficient delivery services. Consumers increasingly expect rapid, often same-day, deliveries, compelling companies to scale their logistics operations swiftly. Gig workers offer a flexible solution to meet these fluctuating demands without the long-term commitments associated with full-time employees.

2. Flexibility and Cost Efficiency: Contracting with gig workers allows companies to adjust their workforce in response to demand variations, optimizing operational costs. This model enables businesses to maintain service levels during peak periods without the financial burden of a permanent workforce.

3. Technological Advancements: The rise of digital platforms has streamlined the process of connecting delivery companies with gig workers. Apps like ours facilitate efficient job matching, real-time tracking, and seamless payment systems, making gig work more accessible and appealing to a broader workforce.

4. Regulatory Developments: Legislative changes are increasingly recognizing gig workers’ rights, leading to improved working conditions and benefits. For instance, New York City has implemented a minimum wage for app-based delivery drivers, enhancing the attractiveness of gig work in the delivery sector.

5. Diversification of Delivery Services: Beyond traditional parcel delivery, the industry is expanding into areas like grocery and furniture deliveries, requiring a more dynamic workforce. Gig workers provide the necessary flexibility to cater to these diverse services, adapting to various delivery types and schedules.

In summary, the delivery industry’s reliance on gig workers is set to increase by 2025 due to the need for flexible, cost-effective, and scalable workforce solutions in response to evolving consumer demands and market dynamics. Companies like ours will see tens of thousands of new gig workers sign up and earn money in 2025.

Shaun Savage, CEO, GoShare

Healthcare and Education Embrace Gig Workers

In 2025, I expect the healthcare and education industries to be at the forefront of hiring the most gig and freelance candidates. My experience has shown me how these sectors are rapidly adapting to the need for flexible, on-demand workforces. For instance, in healthcare, the demand for specialized services like telemedicine and home healthcare has increased, requiring freelance professionals to meet patient needs efficiently.

Similarly, in education, the rise of online learning platforms and personalized tutoring services creates more opportunities for contractual work. These platforms will increasingly rely on gig workers to provide a flexible and skilled workforce. This shift allows educational institutions to scale up their offerings without the financial burdens of traditional employment models.

Additionally, leveraging technology in both sectors improves their ability to provide services promptly. Both healthcare and education will continue to accept the gig economy, allowing organizations to quickly adapt to changing demands and leverage experts on an as-needed basis.

Craig Lewis, Founder & CEO, Gig Wage

IT Roles Increase Across Industries

This is a somewhat tricky question to answer because I think the greatest demand in freelance and gig workers will be seen, not necessarily concentrated in a certain industry, but in a certain type of role. Specifically, I expect we’ll see a dramatic increase in the number of freelance or contract positions for IT and technology workers, though not necessarily within the technology industry—in fact, based on the trends and data I’ve been following, I believe it will be the opposite. The number of freelancers employed in the technology industry will likely see modest growth, but the employment of freelancers in these roles outside of that specific industry I think is where we’ll see the most significant increase over the coming year. 

The main reason for this gets back to the digital transformation that we’ve seen companies across sectors undertake over the last few years. For instance, I work primarily with insurance firms to help them hire the right talent. In the past, insurance companies would have limited to no need for IT specialists, software engineers, and similar roles. Today, though, many more companies in this sector rely on technology both within their organization and in how they work with their customers. However, they are still not a technology firm, and many don’t need a full-time department of talent—some only have a short-term need to develop a new app or system, for instance, or they may only need someone on a part-time or as-needed basis. This is the kind of situation where freelancers are ideal, and that’s the main reason I anticipate we’ll see an increase in this kind of hiring in the coming year.

Steve Faulkner, Founder & Chief Recruiter, Spencer James Group

SEO Content Freelance Work Grows

I believe SEO content freelance work will continue to be robust in 2025. Anybody who operates an online business now realizes just what it will take to rank organically in today’s search environment, and it’s by providing authoritative, expert-driven content that users find valuable. In my case, running an e-commerce brand, I don’t always have the time to sit down and write the regular blog content that drives the bulk of our traffic. Outsourcing that work to high-quality writers is imperative. Content work will simply always be available for freelancers, especially in the face of people abusing AI tools.

Steve DiMatteo, CEO, Cleveland Vintage Shirts

Mental Health Industry Hires Freelancers

I would say the mental health industry is set to lead in hiring freelancers by 2025. Companies are paying closer attention to emotional well-being, recognizing the value of having flexible experts like therapists, counselors, and wellness coaches. Freelancers bring the freedom to offer support without binding companies to long-term commitments, making them an ideal fit for evolving workplace needs.  

On a broader side, online platforms have made it easier for people to connect with mental health professionals. Businesses are turning to freelance experts to provide virtual therapy sessions, mindfulness programs, and group coaching. This approach ensures companies can quickly adapt to changing demands while maintaining access to specialized care. Remote options also feel more approachable for many, encouraging participation and reducing barriers.  

Plus, freelancers in mental health thrive by focusing on meaningful work that aligns with their expertise and availability. Their contributions allow businesses to offer effective mental health resources in a practical, sustainable way.

Jose Gallegos, VP of Marketing Campaigns, JAS Studios

Content Creation and Marketing Demand Freelancers

Content creation and digital marketing are expected to see a significant rise in freelance hiring. The continuous growth of online platforms and the increasing need for dynamic digital content will drive demand for creative professionals who can craft targeted marketing strategies, engaging content, and manage social media dynamically. Freelancers provide the flexibility and diverse skill sets necessary to keep pace with the fast-evolving trends of the digital marketing world.

In content creation and digital marketing, the push towards gig employment is driven by the need for brands to constantly adapt and personalize their content to meet changing consumer preferences. Freelancers enable businesses to scale their content production up or down without the constraints of a fixed workforce, providing the agility to respond to market dynamics quickly. This flexibility is key in a landscape where digital trends and platform algorithms evolve at a breakneck pace.

Jason Hennessey, CEO, Hennessey Digital

Insurance Industry Faces Talent Shortage

I think it’s going to be the insurance industry. They’re facing a major talent shortage because most of the experienced pros are retiring, or are close to. Meanwhile, the younger folks just aren’t flocking to insurance careers because there are more flexible jobs out there. This gap is forcing companies to rethink their need for freelance professionals. 

If you can tackle specific tasks like compliance, underwriting, or even claims processing, there will be many opportunities for you. Plus, with consumers demanding better service and faster responses, insurers will need all the help they can get. It’s a lot easier to meet these growing demands with the help of freelancers who don’t need extensive training and onboarding. It’s a smart move for companies trying to stay agile.

Alfred Polizzotto, Managing Partner, Polizzotto & Polizzotto, LLC