The Most In-Demand Skills and Jobs for 2024

Our team at the Upwork Research Institute is always keeping an eye on the job market—and now, we’re seeing a significant uptick in interest related to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) professionals. This demand for innovation isn’t unexpected; as more companies embrace AI disruption, they need skilled consultants who know how to make the most of these technologies while providing uniquely human oversight.

But AI and ML expertise aren't the only high-demand skills equaling new opportunities for today's workforce. Clients are seeking talent with hands-on experience managing projects, creating marketing materials, and more.

Desirable skills and job opportunities for 2024

If you're looking to take on new client work in 2024, these are some of the most in-demand skills—and related jobs—on Upwork today.

Data science and analytics

Our research shows that an increasing number of companies want to work with pros who have analytical skills that include:

• Generative AI modeling
• Data analysis
• Machine learning

The work available to professionals with these skill sets varies—they might help a tech client implement an existing large language model (LLM) into an organization or build a generative AI application from the ground up.

Clients on Upwork are hiring for roles including:

• Data scientist
• Stable Diffusion consultant
• AI applications engineer
  

Coding and web development

Professionals with coding and web development skills are regularly in high demand—and now, there's an AI twist. Clients are particularly eager to work with talent skilled in:

• AI-assisted web and software development
• Scripting and automation
• Database development

Of course, there's still demand for development that doesn't involve AI—but many clients and independent professionals alike see the benefit in using tools like Github Copilot and ChatGPT.

Whether you choose to use Al in your development projects or not, you can find work on Upwork as a:

• Front-end developer
• ERP system specialist
• WordPress developer

Project management and administrative support

Clients always need talent who can help them keep track of moving parts—and move projects to completion. The most in-demand professionals have admin and project management skills that include:

• Information Technology (IT) project management
• Executive virtual assistance
• Logistics coordination

Whether you're just starting your career or you're a seasoned pro, you can use Upwork to find admin and project management jobs like:

• Insurance verification specialist
• Technology virtual assistant
• Third-party logistics (3PL) project manager

Sales and Marketing

While good communication skills remain the backbone of sales and marketing work, this field continually evolves along with technology. Right now, clients want to work with professionals who have solid sales skills or experience with:

• Business development
• Al-assisted copywriting
• Email marketing

With skills like these, you can find sales and marketing roles on Upwork across an array of industries. Look for opportunities for:

• Sales consultants
• Content writers
• Brand managers

Accounting

ChatGPT may have very basic math skills, but it can't run Quickbooks or audit business finances. For that, companies still need professionals with skills in:

• Bookkeeping
• Tax preparation
• Financial modeling

Whether you're seeking clients at tax time or looking for accounting work at another time of year, there are jobs on Upwork for:

• Fractional CFOs
• Certified public accountants (CPAs)
• Bookkeepers

Consulting

Consulting opportunities are popping up in more industries than ever. While many clients do need the help of AI consultants,  increasing numbers of opportunities are available for professionals skilled in:

• Branding and marketing
• Business development
• Human resources (HR) administration

If you have deep experience in your industry, you can start offering consultations on Upwork (including Instant Consultations!) today. By adding a consultation offering to your profile, you can begin working as a:

• Career coach
• Cybersecurity consultant
• Business analyst

These are just a few of the ways people work as a consultant on Upwork—you can tailor consultations to nearly any need or industry.

Design and creative

In-demand creative skills go beyond marketing and expand into other roles and industries. Three of the top skills we’re seeing a demand for right now are:

• Packaging design
• Music production
• Videography

Plus, you can find even more creative job opportunities on Upwork by upskilling and learning how to use AI in your work. When you’re comfortable working creatively with AI, you can find roles like:

• AI artist
• Video production assistant
• AI-assisted presentation design

Expand your skill set for career advancement

Today’s skills-based economy is rapidly developing, and continuing to brush up on existing (and new!) skills can help you position yourself for greater career growth—and higher earning potential.

While the specific competencies you work on will depend on your current role—and how you'd like to evolve as an independent professional—think about the following:

• What services do your clients need or want? Are you able to offer them solutions right now? If not, these requests can help you identify ways to upskill.
• How are your soft skills? Many conversations around AI and technological disruption focus on hard skills, or technical skills—like writing code or using Photoshop. But soft skills are incredibly important in the AI age too. These include things like digital literacy as well as communication, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills.
• Are you familiar with any AI tools? Understanding the AI tools that relate to your industry can open up new job opportunities. Even if your clients aren't already aware of and requesting specific platforms, you can use AI to provide new solutions and work faster than ever before. (If you aren't sure where to start, try out Upwork Chat Pro, powered by Uma™, Upwork’s Mindful AI, with GPT-4.)
• Can you develop a niche or speciality? For example, if you've been working as an executive virtual assistant, think about the kinds of clients and projects you enjoy the most. If you find you're drawn to one particular industry over and over again—such as finance or healthcare—you may want to exclusively work as a VA for leaders in those sectors.

You can often gain key skills for your career through hands-on work, mentoring, books, and free online courses. We put together a variety of resources to help you learn new soft skills and technical skills quickly and easily.

Find in-demand jobs for 2024

There's a huge demand for a diverse array of skills on Upwork right now, and you can take advantage of these opportunities by signing up for an account today. Easily find jobs in our Talent Marketplace™, list specific services for sale in Project Catalog™, or offer consultations—as an independent professional, you can work however (or wherever!) you want.

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Disclosure: Upwork is an OpenAI partner, giving OpenAI customers and other businesses direct access to trusted expert independent professionals experienced in working with OpenAI technologies. Upwork does not control, operate, or sponsor the other tools or services discussed in this article, which are only provided as potential options. Each reader and company should take the time to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.