Freelancing as a SolidWorks designer offers engineers and CAD professionals an exciting opportunity to showcase their skills, work independently, and earn income from global clients. With the growing demand for 3D modeling, product design, and mechanical drafting, SolidWorks users are increasingly sought after on freelancing platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.
As a freelance SolidWorks designer, you can take on diverse projects—from creating mechanical parts and assemblies to designing consumer products, prototypes, and 3D visualizations. This flexibility allows you to work on tasks that match your interests and expertise while building a strong portfolio. Freelancing also enables you to set your own schedule, choose your clients, and scale your career based on your availability and skill level.
Another key advantage is professional growth. Working with different industries exposes you to varied design standards, manufacturing methods, and client expectations, helping you expand your technical and creative capabilities. Additionally, freelancing gives you control over your pricing and workload, unlike traditional employment.
Freelancing as a SolidWorks designer provides independence, variety, and global exposure. For skilled designers who value flexibility and innovation, it’s one of the most rewarding ways to build a sustainable and fulfilling career in mechanical design.
What are the 5 Best Freelancing Websites for SolidWorks Designers?
1. Toptal
For new freelancers specializing in SOLIDWORKS, joining Toptal offers a distinctive and high-quality pathway to remote design work. Toptal is a global marketplace that connects top-tier independent professionals with clients seeking expert talent across engineering, design, and development.
What makes Toptal unique is its rigorous screening process—only about 3% of applicants are accepted—which means your profile is viewed by serious clients who are willing to pay premium rates for high-caliber work. For a freelance SOLIDWORKS designer, this translates into opportunities to work on advanced projects like product design, mechanical assemblies, and CAD deliverables that demand precision and reliability.
Once accepted, freelancers gain access to Toptal’s curated client-matching process and structured payment arrangements, meaning you spend less time chasing jobs and more time designing. While entry can be challenging, the long-term benefit is fewer low-budget gigs and more meaningful collaborations with companies that value your expertise.
In summary, for SOLIDWORKS professionals who are confident in their skills and want to position themselves at the premium end of the freelance market, Toptal is an excellent platform. It provides access to high-quality clients, structured opportunities, and a pathway to elevate your freelance career into a sustainable, high-earning endeavor.
2. Fiverr
Fiverr offers a great platform for SOLIDWORKS designers looking to launch or expand their freelance careers. Known for its easy-to-use gig-based structure, Fiverr enables talented engineers and CAD professionals to showcase their skills and attract clients from around the world. Creating a gig for SOLIDWORKS services allows you to define what you offer — such as 3D modeling, assembly design, rendering, or product prototyping — and set your own pricing tiers to fit different client needs.
One of the main advantages of freelancing on Fiverr is the low barrier to entry. You can begin with minimal investment, create a professional profile, upload examples of your work, and start receiving orders relatively quickly. The platform also has tools to help manage communication, revisions, and payments, simplifying the project workflow. As you complete orders and receive positive reviews, Fiverr’s algorithm promotes your gigs higher, improving visibility and attracting more clients.
Additionally, Fiverr is well-suited for designers who prefer flexibility. You choose when and how much to work, making it ideal for part-time freelancers or those scaling into full-time freelancing. With the global marketplace and broad audience, you can work across industries and design challenges, building a diverse portfolio and increasing your earning potential.
In short, Fiverr is a strong starting point for SOLIDWORKS freelancers. It offers accessibility, structure, and opportunity — all you need is a compelling profile, clear gig offerings, and solid design expertise to succeed.
3. PeoplePerHour
If you’re a skilled SOLIDWORKS designer looking to move into freelancing, PeoplePerHour offers a well-established platform to connect with clients and build your design business. Founded in 2007 and based in the UK, the platform enables freelancers to set up a profile, showcase their 3D modeling or mechanical engineering skills, and bid on projects posted by global clients.
As a SOLIDWORKS freelancer, you’ll benefit from the variety of project options available: from creating parts and assemblies, product visualizations, to technical drawings and simulations. The platform supports both fixed-price offers (pre-set “Hourlies”) and custom project proposals, allowing you to choose how you work and charge for your services.
Payment is protected through escrow, so once a client funds the project, you can begin work knowing your compensation is safeguarded. This adds a layer of security for freelancers starting out.
However, like any marketplace, competition is strong. To stand out, highlight your SOLIDWORKS expertise, include a robust portfolio, and build strong client reviews. With dedication, PeoplePerHour can be an effective launch pad to freelance successfully as a SOLIDWORKS designer—offering flexibility, diverse project types, and international clients all in one place.
4. UpWork
Starting your journey as a SOLIDWORKS freelancer on Upwork opens up a world of opportunity where your mechanical design skills can reach clients across the globe. Upwork is one of the largest freelance marketplaces, connecting independent professionals with businesses that need CAD models, assemblies, renders, and engineering drawings.
For a CAD designer proficient in SOLIDWORKS, Upwork offers a flexible way to both build a portfolio and generate income. You’ll create a detailed profile showcasing your 3D modeling, sheet‐metal design, or simulation work, and submit proposals to jobs that match your specialty. Projects can range from small part modeling to full product development, giving you variety and growth potential.
One of the key advantages of Upwork is its structure: payments are secured through milestones or hourly tracking, so you can focus on delivering value rather than chasing the check. New freelancers should aim for excellent communication, clear project scopes, and consistent quality to earn positive reviews. Over time, you’ll qualify for badges (like Top Rated), which increase visibility and allow you to charge higher rates.
Upwork is a powerful launching pad for SOLIDWORKS freelancers. It gives you access to diverse clients, flexible workloads, and the chance to turn your CAD expertise into a professional freelancing career.
5. Freelancer
Freelancer.com is one of the most popular online platforms for engineers and designers looking to showcase their SOLIDWORKS skills to a global audience. It connects clients who need mechanical design, 3D modeling, and product development services with freelancers capable of delivering professional results. For SOLIDWORKS users, it’s an excellent place to build a strong portfolio and earn income by working on diverse engineering projects.
The platform offers a wide range of job opportunities — from designing mechanical parts and assemblies to creating photorealistic renders or preparing technical drawings. By creating a detailed profile and participating in project bids, SOLIDWORKS designers can demonstrate their expertise and attract clients seeking specialized CAD solutions.
One major advantage of using Freelancer.com is its competitive environment, where freelancers can grow through experience, client feedback, and portfolio development. The secure payment system and milestone-based structure help ensure that both clients and freelancers stay protected throughout the project.
In essence, Freelancer.com gives SOLIDWORKS professionals the freedom to work independently, collaborate with international clients, and continuously improve their skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, it’s a practical platform to build a career in engineering freelancing.
