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Freelance Desk Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mint Studios

Freelance Business Writer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$21 - $27/hr

Then read on... this freelance position may be right for you! *Please note: we aren't accepting ... desk research * The process includes one outline, then 2 rounds of edits * Edit content based on ...

Mint Studios

Freelance Business Writer

Austin, TX · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Then read on... this freelance position may be right for you! *Please note: we aren't accepting ... desk research * The process includes one outline, then 2 rounds of edits * Edit content based on ...

Mint Studios

Freelance Business Writer

Austin, TX · Remote

$21.75 - $28/hr

Then read on... this freelance position may be right for you! *Please note: we aren't accepting ... desk research * The process includes one outline, then 2 rounds of edits * Edit content based on ...

Paramount

Freelance Production Assistant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$18.67/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Freelance Production Assistants operate the teleprompter during live newscasts, manage and organize ... Supporting the Assignment Desk: story research, pitching, and newsroom coordination Desired ...

Paramount

Freelance Production Assistant

San Francisco, CA

$18.67/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Freelance Production Assistants operate the teleprompter during live newscasts, manage and organize ... Supporting the Assignment Desk: story research, pitching, and newsroom coordination Desired ...

The New York Times

Senior Staff Editor, Well

New York, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Times Well desk is seeking a senior staff editor to edit our weekly newsletter and other ... You will supervise beat reporters and develop a stable of freelance contributors. * You will ...

The New York Times

Senior Staff Editor, Well

New York, NY · On-site

$124K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Times Well desk is seeking a senior staff editor to edit our weekly newsletter and other ... You will supervise beat reporters and develop a stable of freelance contributors. * You will ...

The New York Times

Video Journalist, International

New York, NY · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The New York Times International desk is looking for a Video Journalist to produce and edit stories ... Strong experience with archival research, including sourcing and clearing user-generated video ...

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Freelance Desk Research information

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How much do freelance desk research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance desk research in the United States is $22.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is freelance desk research?

Freelance desk research involves gathering, analyzing, and summarizing information from existing sources such as online databases, reports, articles, and publications, rather than collecting new data through fieldwork. Freelance desk researchers typically work independently and are hired by clients to investigate specific topics, markets, industries, or trends. Their findings help organizations make informed decisions, develop strategies, or support academic or business projects. The job requires strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, as well as proficiency in using digital research tools.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance desk researchers and how can they be managed?

Freelance desk researchers often encounter challenges such as sourcing reliable data, managing tight deadlines, and maintaining clear communication with clients who may have evolving requirements. To navigate these issues, it's important to use reputable databases, keep detailed notes on sources, and set clear expectations about deliverables and timelines with clients. Regular check-ins and progress updates can help build trust and ensure the research aligns with client goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance desk researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Desk Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in synthesizing large amounts of information, often supported by a background in research or related fields. Familiarity with online databases, advanced search tools, and citation management systems is typically required. Excellent written communication, critical thinking, and time management make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure the delivery of accurate, actionable insights to clients within tight deadlines.

What is the difference between Freelance Desk Research vs Freelance Data Collection?

AspectFreelance Desk ResearchFreelance Data Collection
CredentialsResearch skills, analytical mindsetData gathering skills, attention to detail
Work EnvironmentHome-based, online researchFieldwork or online data gathering
Industry UsageMarket research, academic researchSurveys, data entry, sampling
Search & ComparisonOften compared for research tasksCompared for data collection roles

Freelance Desk Research involves analyzing existing information from online sources, reports, and databases, focusing on synthesis and insights. Freelance Data Collection emphasizes gathering raw data through surveys, interviews, or fieldwork. Both roles require attention to detail but differ in their core activities and skill sets.

More about Freelance Desk Research jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance Desk Research jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Desk Research job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Desk Research jobs?

The most popular types of Desk Research jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Desk Research jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Desk Research jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Desk Research jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Desk Research jobs are:

Freelance Desk Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Desk Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,772 per year, or $23 per hour.

Freelance Business Writer

Mint Studios

Austin, TX • On-site, Remote

$21 - $27/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Please note: We're receiving a high volume of applications and it may be some time before your application is reviewed.
Are you aching to write content that brings in real results and that people actually read rather than another generic piece of content?
Are you obsessed with understanding how a product works and how to make it appealing to a reader?
Do you continuously look for ways to improve your writing, and dream of becoming a writer who can confidently say their content brings in customers?
Then read on... this freelance position may be right for you!
*Please note: we aren't accepting candidates who are in full-time employment
About the position
Mint Studios is a content marketing agency based in the UK and US that helps financial services companies like Modulr, Zai, Confused.com and Jeeves acquire customers with content. We use our four pillar framework to help financial services companies turn their blog into a customer acquisition channel:
  1. A content strategy based on customer research and focused on Bottom of the Funnel keywords
  2. Content written for the level of the reader and focused on the company's product
  3. Content based on interviews with subject matter experts
  4. Content results that can be tracked

We're currently looking for writers to work with us. If you're interested, here's more information on what we're looking for.
Responsibilities
  • Write 3 - 4 articles per month for one client
  • Each article is usually 2,000 - 3,000 words, and takes around 2 weeks to write in between rounds of edits
  • 90% of articles are based on a recording of an interview with a subject matter expert combined with desk research
  • The process includes one outline, then 2 rounds of edits
  • Edit content based on feedback
  • Complete a comprehensive questionnaire and outline (our version of the "brief") before writing the first draft.
  • Acquire knowledge about our clients, their products or services and the audience we're targeting (you don't need a background in fintech or financial services!)
What we're looking for
You don't have to have a background in fintech or financial services - we can teach you that. What we really value is attitude and good writing.
These are the 7 characteristics of the best writers that we work with at Mint Studios:
  1. You have clarity of thought. You can put together logical arguments in the written form and when you don't understand something you'll take the time to understand it.
  2. You are inherently curious. You want to understand a topic inside out. You'll do the right amount of research and ask the right questions till you feel confident writing and talking about the topic.
  3. You are detail oriented. You care about delivering something great, even when no one is watching.
  4. You're constantly thinking of the bigger picture. You like to understand how the content in the interview fits into the product, the client, and the strategy.
  5. You take responsibility for your skillset. You're always trying to become a better writer and are open to new processes and ways of working.
  6. You are empathetic. You can put yourself in the shoes of the reader and of the client. You try to understand their perspective and will ask questions if you don't.
  7. You like working with smart, fun and collaborative people where you are supported and your career is developed!
You might not be a good fit if...
  • You don't enjoy explaining complex topics.
  • You are a creature of habit and prefer to stick to your own writing processes or are not open to learning new processes.
  • You don't enjoy the research process (understanding the topic, product and the content strategy in depth, listening to and analysing the interview for the main takeaways, etc).
  • You don't like asking for advice, asking questions or you are not comfortable with feedback.
  • You are not interested in improving your writing skills

The password to apply is: The Hobbit
About Mint Studios
Mint Studios is a content marketing agency that helps helps financial services companies acquire customers and position themselves as experts with content marketing.
Our main differentiation point from other agencies is that we create content that is optimised for conversions and leads, not just traffic. We do this by creating Bottom of the Funnel content, which involves understanding our client's ideal customer and creating content that is designed to sell, not entertain. You can learn more about BOFU here: What is BOFU (Bottom of the Funnel) Content and Why Is it Important?
Although we only work with financial services companies, these range from crypto, to budgeting apps, to enterprise payments companies and consultancies. You won't be writing about the same topics over and over again.
These are some examples of BOFU content we've written for clients:
  • How To Get Health Insurance As An Expat In The Philippines
  • Paying International Vendors & Suppliers: What's the Best Way?
  • Wave Alternative In Australia: Parpera
  • Top corporate incubators [2023]

Examples of more technical content:
  • Top marketplace payment providers in Australia: We compare 4!
  • Payroll payments solution: How to innovate with Modulr
  • Marketplace fraud prevention: how to fine-tune your current system

You can learn more about why we set up the agency here: Why I Set Out to Build a Financial Content Marketing Agency
  • Why I Joined Mint Studios: Michelle Maiellaro
  • Why I Joined Mint Studios: Elliot McGuire
  • Why I Joined Mint Studios: Katie Norris
  • Mint Studios Careers
Compensation and benefits of working with Mint Studios
  • We pay $300/£250/per article to begin with, and once you're trained on our methodology and we're confident in your writing (this usually takes 3 - 4 articles) we then go to the next stage, where we pay $450/£350 per article.
  • For our payment clients, we pay $600/£500 per article once you're trained.
  • If you pass our "probation period", we can offer a long-term contract (at least 6 months). We can also offer a full-time position if you're interested.
  • We pay on-time, usually on the first Friday of the month.
  • As long as articles are delivered on time, you can work when you want.
  • You don't have to know about financial services (but you do have to be willing to learn). We value good writing more.
  • You'll be able to see how your content delivers impact and helps our clients acquire customers.
  • We give a lot of detailed feedback. You won't get vague feedback like "can you make this less confusing?". We try to make our feedback to the point and we'll always look for ways to improve the article ourselves (so you're not left coming up with alternatives alone).
  • You'll have the opportunity to grow: we only hire content strategists from within, and we're always looking for strategists. You'll have a chance of learning about content strategy and learning how to turn readers into leads.

Interested? Apply on the next page!

Apply