Thinking about making extra money with GIS? I’m not super excited about freelance GIS work. There are some downsides, like no steady paycheck, no benefits, and no paid time off. That sounds pretty meh.
But, despite all the negative stuff, there might be some good things about freelance GIS work. Let’s check it out and see what it’s all about.
GIS Freelance Work
It’s tough to find freelance work in GIS because there isn’t a lot of demand. But, if you already know people who need GIS services, it’s easier to get started. Once you get going, people will recommend you to others, and you won’t need to worry as much about finding new clients.
It’s hard to start freelancing in GIS if you don’t have experience or know people in the field. But, as you work, you can build a portfolio of your projects. Knowing what you’re good at helps, and having a degree or GIS certification is even better – the more, the better!
If you don’t know anyone, it can be tough to get started. You can try signing up for websites like Upwork or Fiverr, but remember that you’ll be competing with experienced GIS workers from other countries. Also, these websites take a cut of your earnings, so it’s not the most profitable option.
Remote Contract Jobs: A Better Option?
Instead of freelancing, have you thought about working remotely as a contractor? Since the pandemic, many companies have realized that remote work is a great way to get things done. Some companies even prefer it!
Most remote contract jobs are usually monthly, and you can earn a good income. Plus, having a Bachelor’s degree or a GIS certification is often enough to qualify for many companies.
When it comes to skills, knowing how to code or develop software is a big plus. If you’re already working with Esri, learning Python, Arcade, and Javascript can be really helpful.
Getting Started with GIS Freelance Jobs
The hardest part of freelance work isn’t the work itself, but finding clients. Who can you work with?
Here are some great options for potential clients:
- Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs): These businesses might need GIS services for specific projects, like market analysis, site selection, or environmental monitoring.
- Local Government: Smaller cities or towns might hire a GIS freelancer when they don’t have the expertise in-house. This could be for urban planning, infrastructure management, or app development.
- Researchers: Individuals working on projects, like professors or researchers, might need custom mapping or spatial analysis to support their work.
- Consulting Firms: Companies that offer environmental or engineering services might hire GIS freelancers to supplement their team when they need specific expertise.
- Startups: New companies, especially in tech, logistics, or location-based services, might hire GIS freelancers to help with data analysis without hiring a full-time employee.
GIS freelancers can charge between PKR 5000(approximately) to PKR 10,000 per hour, depending on the work. Lower rates usually apply to cartography or analysis, while higher rates are for programming, development, and complex analysis.
More GIS Side Jobs
The best part about working with GIS is that you can do it on your own schedule. That’s where finding extra GIS work comes in.
Your friends and colleagues are super important for finding work, but sometimes you can find online jobs without knowing anyone. Here are some top websites to find GIS freelance work:
- LinkedIn – Join a community of professionals who love GIS! You can find freelance work using ArcGIS Pro and QGIS.
- Etsy – You can sell maps online on Etsy! It’s a great way to practice making maps and earn some extra money.
- Upwork – This website helps companies find the perfect GIS freelancer. Show off your skills! You might even get to add maps to websites or create custom maps.
That’s all for now! We’d love to hear from you. Have you had any luck finding GIS freelance work? Please share your questions and experiences in the comments below!
