Looking to add to your arsenal of marketable skills? Here are the 10 highest paying gig economy jobs of 2018.


1. Artificial intelligence (deep learning) - $115.06/hour

These freelancers work with the technology that drives the ability of artificial intelligence technology to learn and adapt, says Graham. “As AI applications perform specific actions, it will take the response to those actions and use the response to inform future actions,” he says. Specialized developers in this field can earn a great living as freelancers. The average annual income for deep learning is $239,325, far higher than the country’s median household income of $59.039, FitSmallBusiness noted.


2. Blockchain architecture - $87.05/hour

Blockchain is the underlying technology cryptocurrencies are built on. “There are a lot of other applications people are not familiar with,” says Graham. For developers and architects who are, this can be a lucrative field. There is a lot of work available for those who know how to design and develop the blockchain technology for new alternative coins or help clients build a new cryptocurrency exchange, according to the researchers.


3. Robotics - $77.46/hour

Typically, freelancers in this niche design mechanical elements, pieces, and mechanisms for robots, the researchers found. They also create 3D models and animations using computer-aided design (CAD). Often this work requires a background in mechanical engineering and proficiency in software such as SolidWorks Professional, Photoview 360, Simplify 3D, and eDrawings.


4. Ethical hacking - $66.33/hour

These hackers help companies look for potential gaps in their security that malicious hackers might exploit. They are also involved in fixing vulnerabilities.


5. Cryptocurrency - $65.37/hour

Demand for freelancers with Bitcoin-related skills is on the uptick, the researchers found. Among the work they do is building automated tools for trading exchanges and developing market charts.


6. Amazon web services Lambda coding - $51.00/hour

This is a technology, offered by Amazon, that lets users run code without servers. Developers with the skill to do Lambda coding are highly sought after, the researchers found. Typically they are proficient in Node.js, Python, Java, and C#. They write and load code onto Lambda and design triggers that lead to code being executed on the system.


7. Virtual reality - $50.18/hour

These freelancers develop software apps that merge digital content such as visual and audio into a user’s environment in real life. Pokemon Go is an example of a well-known app in this space. This field requires expertise in developing augmented reality algorithms and fluency in C#, C, and C++, according to the reseachers. Backgrounds in 3D modelling and 3D scanning are also common.


8. React JavaScript developers - $40.75/hour

These specialized developers work with React, an open-source JavaScript library used by front-end software developers. As freelancers, they develop web applications that can update data with no need to reload the page. Developers in this area are typically fluent in JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS.


9. Final cut pro editors (Apple video editing) - $37.12/hour

These videos work with Final Cut Pro X, Apple’s professional-grade video editing software. It is used in making movies, advertisements and music videos.


10. Instagram marketing - $31.23/hour

If you’re not a techie and picking up new skills that will put you in demand, Instagram marketing could be worth considering. With 800,000 users, the social media site is attracting a growing number of advertisers—and demand is high for people with the skills to promote a business on the social media platform. The work includes creating content, adding hashtags, and engaging users to grow a following—and analyzing metrics to see the results of their work.


This list may be intimidating if you don’t do a lot of technological work, but it may still spell opportunity for you. For every new area of technology, there will be freelancers needed in related fields.

Can’t do blockchain architecture? That doesn’t mean you can’t tackle public relations projects for a company involved in blockchain or offer your legal or accounting services to such firms.

There is plentiful work ahead for free agents who pay attention the changing demands of the marketplace—and are willing to adapt. ●

Most of them are skilled jobs thereby out of access to the common man on the street.

okwabayi:
Most of them are skilled jobs thereby out of access to the common man on the street.

Then please try to get a skill. No matter how small or difficult.
There's a Yoruba saying that goes thus "atelewo eni ki tan eni je". It translates into Whatever your hands do will be sufficient to feed you. The world is evolving, certain jobs are being lost into oblivion, and as young people, we must go along with the tide.