Five in-demand skills on Upwork that often command rates of more than $200 per hour.

Some skills are almost always in demand on freelance marketplace Upwork.

In 2023 and 2024, full stack developers were in demand, and they are now listed on Upwork's 2025 Most In-Demand Skills. Similarly, graphic designers have appeared on the list in each of the past three years.

Upwork has observed some emerging skills on its platform that are rapidly expanding.

According to Kelly Monahan, managing director of the Upwork Research Institute, the report highlights that in technical categories such as AI, specialized skills are in demand. Instead of seeking a general machine learning expert, employers are now looking for more specific AI data annotation experts.

Upwork's fastest growing skills for 2025 are in high demand, and freelancers with specialized skills can command higher wages. Here are five of these skills, how to learn them, and the potential earnings.

Career coaching

Career coaches guide their clients on their journeys to achieve their professional goals.

With the emergence of generative AI, the labor market is undergoing significant transformations. As a result, many individuals are being forced to make drastic changes in their careers or shift to unrelated fields in order to remain employed. According to Monahan, career coaches can assist individuals in making these necessary pivots.

Often, career coaches possess a bachelor's degree, work experience, and a certification from organizations such as the International Association of Career Coaches.

One career coach on Upwork is charging $185 per hour.

Scripting and automation

Monahan asserts that the use of scripting languages to automate code is becoming increasingly popular due to the high demand for generative AI. By 2026, she predicts that this skill will be among the top 10 most in-demand skills in coding and web development.

There are various online courses available through universities and websites like Coursera that can help you learn to code, including those on automation.

Scripting experts on Upwork charge as much as $250 per hour.

Supply chain and logistics project management

As more people are purchasing their daily necessities online, managing supply chains is becoming increasingly crucial for businesses to provide services and products. This is precisely the responsibility of supply chain and logistics project managers.

"She is ensuring that there is sufficient inventory in the warehouses and that there are enough vehicles in transit from a transportation standpoint."

Gaining experience on the job is common for many individuals with this skill who earn a bachelor's degree in subjects like business administration.

These types of project managers charge as much as $120 per hour.

Pattern design

An engineer can improve the consistency of coding data by using design patterns while developing a website or app. Coursera offers courses on pattern design to help engineers enhance this skill.

She states that specificity within the coding world is gaining popularity on their platform and is likely to become increasingly important.

Pattern design specialists on Upwork charge as much as $250 per hour.

Display advertising

The skill of designing display ads for website banners and platforms like YouTube is gaining popularity due to the continued use of social media and consumer behavior, according to Monahan.

One can acquire experience in this type of design through various means, such as obtaining a bachelor's degree in advertising or graphic design, enrolling in online courses, or undertaking internships in the field.

Display ad experts on Upwork charge as much as $210 per hour.

To enhance your AI abilities and increase productivity, enroll in CNBC's online course titled "How to Use AI to Succeed at Work." Skilled instructors will guide you through getting started, practical applications, effective prompt-writing techniques, and common pitfalls to avoid. Register now and use the promo code EARLYBIRD for a 30% discount off $67 ($67 + taxes and fees) through February 11, 2025.

Sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to receive tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life.