Beginning a career as a freelancer has become a much more popular option in the past few years since the pandemic. 

Working as a freelancer gives you the ability to control your schedule, your revenue, and your work. 

As a data scientist, you can make the decision to leave a traditional office job and strike out on your own to get these benefits. 

However, there is a right way to start a data science freelance career that will bring you success and help you achieve your goals, and a wrong way.

In order to ensure that you are getting the most out of your freelance career, you need to know how to become a freelance data scientist and learn where you can find jobs to get you started on the new path.

Keep reading to learn more about it!

Where to Find Good Freelance Opportunities in Data Science

If you choose to begin a career in freelance data science, then you’ll likely find that it takes a while to build up a client list and find regular work. 

That might mean some extra hours or other up front work to get things moving. It’s helpful to know where you can find good freelance data scientist opportunities online as you begin your career. 

Here are a few of the best places to look:

1. Fiverr

One of the biggest freelancing job sites is Fiverr. Fiverr is a digital marketplace that helps connect people to low-cost providers for their freelance needs. 

It’s a perfect place for a beginner, but data scientists at a higher level might want to look for different sites where they can charge higher prices.

2. Toptal

Toptal is a remote talent agency that helps match up people with specific skill sets to open projects that need that skill set to complete. 

In addition to having many data scientist jobs available, the site also offers many different resources and remote events that can help you improve your skill sets and your craft.

If you’ve ever tried applying to Toptal, you’ll know they aren’t kidding around with their vetting process. It’s not unusual for pretty qualified folks to get turned away, at least on the first shot. Most users report a technical screening and sometimes even a live coding challenge—so be ready for some pressure if you’re going to give it a go. Still, the tradeoff is worth it if you manage to get in, because the gigs can be both lucrative and interesting.

There’s also this unofficial “club” feeling among Toptal freelancers, which is honestly a mixed bag. On one hand, being accepted gives you a bit of a badge (and some clients do notice). On the other, you might find the community a bit insular, especially when compared to places like Upwork or Fiverr where anyone can just jump in and start bidding on projects. If you like exclusivity, great—if you’re more into open collaboration, you might find it a tad closed off sometimes.

Not everyone finds their freelance footing right out of the gate, especially on platforms like Toptal or Upwork where competition can get pretty intense. A trick a few folks use (and yes, it feels a little weird at first) is actually taking on one or two smaller jobs for less-than-stellar pay, just to collect those first positive reviews. It’s not a strategy for the long haul, but having proof that you deliver on time and communicate well does seem to move the needle when people are scrolling through a sea of profiles.

Also, don’t underestimate the old-fashioned power of networking off-platform. Whether it’s messaging folks on LinkedIn, attending webinars, or quietly joining Slack communities focused on data science, some of the best gigs show up via word-of-mouth or an unexpected DM. That kind of visibility takes time, but it pays off—plus, there’s a little less of a race-to-the-bottom vibe than you sometimes find on big freelance job boards. Sometimes those side conversations turn into repeat projects, and suddenly your freelance dance card’s full.

3. Upwork

Upwork is a popular freelance job finding website, helping freelancers of all types connect with clients and find work that will help them advance their careers. 

You can also find different jobs that have either fixed payments or hourly pay, depending on what type of work you are looking for.

4. AngelList

Anyone looking for freelance tech and data science jobs should check out AngelList. 

This website is a great place to find freelance technical roles for every level of experience, from beginners and graduates to full-time freelance professionals. Make sure to look for remote freelance roles.

5. Lensa

Another place where you can find your perfect match in data science is Lensa. This search engine is using technology to search millions of job listings for opportunities that fit your skills, goals, personality, and needs.

With this more personalized approach, you can filter to “remote-only” jobs, as well as search for positions based on salary and benefits, professional growth opportunities, work-life balance, and other essential values.

6. LinkedIn Job Finder

While most of us think of LinkedIn as a place to find full-time employment, you can also use the job finder tool to locate freelance jobs. 

By using the search filters for “contract” or “temporary”, you can track down different job listings that are meant for a freelance worker.

You may also be interested in these articles:

• 10 Key Questions Freelancers Should Ask Clients to Succeed
• 9 Finance Tips for Freelancers to Help You Reach Your Goals
• How to Transition to Freelancing from a Full-Time Job? 13 Steps to Follow

Wrap Up

Starting a data science freelance career isn’t an easy step to take.

It requires advance planning as well as self-assurance in your own skills, so that you have the confidence to move forward, create your own client list, and accomplish your goals without the support of a traditional office setting.

If done correctly, however, you can have a great and fulfilling career as a freelance data scientist.