Chicago Freelance Jobs Overview
The 9–5 world doesn't work for everyone. Some people prefer the freedom and flexibility of creating their own schedule. Others take on freelance work on the side while working full time or going to school. Freelance jobs can provide a sole source of income or supplementary income. People from a wide range of backgrounds and industries can successfully make the switch to freelancing full time, and many start with next to no experience in their chosen field at all.
When you become a freelancer, you're not employed with a company. Instead, you provide services to a company or individual client on a contractor or per-diem basis. There are many advantages to freelance jobs, such as avoiding a commute, having more time at home to spend with family, and setting your own hours.
The easiest jobs to do on a freelance basis include freelance writing jobs, tutoring jobs, journalist jobs, web developer jobs, and photography jobs.
You can expand your search for business operations jobs by checking out these similar positions:
About Working in Chicago, Illinois
If you're going to Chicago to experience "da Bears," deep-dish pizza, and windy streets, native Chicagoans say "fogetta 'bout it!" While these have made Chicago famous, you'll find many locals eating thin-crust, tavern-style pie. Plus, the city isn't on any list of the windiest cities in the U.S.—a local newspaper named it "The Windy City" after the Chicago elite's propensity toward boastfulness and self-promotion. And while the Chicago jobs list (hit jobs, that is) includes notorious mobsters from Chicago like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and Baby Face Nelson, linguists are noticing that the "Chicago accent" is disappearing.
However, there's a reason Condé Nast Traveler has named Chicago the "best big city in the U.S." Chicago is home to top universities, including Northwestern University, Wheaton College, and Valparaiso. And if you're looking for Chicago jobs, you can relocate to any one of the city's unique neighborhoods, such as North Center with its cozy Irish pubs and breweries or Uptown, the lively entertainment district. For those who want to live further out from the city, you can also find jobs in popular suburbs including Cicero, Oak Park, and Evanston.
Update Your Chicago Freelance Resume
Think of a freelance resume as a sales pitch: You want to make sure a potential client understands what services you bring to the table. You'll need to highlight the key skills that pertain to the freelance job you're applying for. More importantly, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in your field and your ability to deliver results. Read through Monster's resume writing tips to learn how to put together a sleek, professional resume.
Depending on which freelance job you're applying for, you may or may not need to include a cover letter with your application. If you do need one, be sure to briefly introduce yourself, discuss your professional background, and explain why a company should consider using your services. To get a better idea of what to include in your cover letter, see our cover letter samples and writing tips.
How Much Do Freelance Jobs Pay in Chicago, Illinois?
Got money on your mind? You should! Make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth. Our Salary Tools can help you understand what you can expect to make in freelance jobs in Chicago, Illinois, as well as the skills that can boost your value and what the next steps in your career might be. Right now, the median marketing consultant pay in Chicago is $75,242 per year, which is 13% higher than the national average.
Find Your Next Chicago Freelance Job. Monster Can Help Get You Started
Are you prepared for a career in freelance? If so, set up your profile on Monster for free and begin clicking on those freelance jobs. When you sign up with us, you’ll receive custom job alerts and expert advice on how to negotiate your salary in Chicago, how to nail your job interview, and more.