4 overlooked skills that can fetch you over ₹75 lakhs in 2025 – The Times of India

In 2025, when AI certifications, full-stack development, and UX/UI design continue to dominate job market conversations, a quieter, more surprising trend is emerging—freelancers and professionals earning over ₹75 lakh annually not from buzzworthy skills, but from underrated ones hiding in plain sight.
These are not flashy or even frequently discussed on career advice platforms. But for those in the know, they are lucrative, in demand, and, most importantly, accessible. Whether you’re a mid-career professional, a freelancer, or someone exploring new income avenues in 2025, these four overlooked skills may already be in your wheelhouse—and they’re proving to be some of the most valuable assets in today’s digital economy. According to Forbes, these skills can help you earn hefty packages.

Technical Writing

Forget generic blog posts. Technical writers are the unsung architects of clarity in fast-paced tech environments. As start-ups and software companies race to release new tools, they lean heavily on writers who can produce onboarding manuals, system documentation, and process guides.
Unlike traditional content writing, this niche pays a premium for precision. Professionals with a STEM or engineering background—paired with strong writing skills—are particularly in demand. Annual earnings can cross ₹90 lakh, especially in freelance or contract roles for SaaS firms and product teams.

Proposal & RFP writing

For non-profits, government contractors, and scaling start-ups, the ability to craft a winning proposal can be the difference between success and shutdown. That’s where proposal and RFP (Request for Proposal) writers come in.
These professionals translate complex project plans into clear, persuasive proposals that meet strict bid criteria. With average earnings ranging from ₹52 lakh to ₹67 lakh, and some freelance projects fetching ₹3 lakh or more per bid, this field offers a stable and high-reward path for those with backgrounds in grant writing, contract management, or strategic communication.

WordPress Website Development

While web development often conjures images of advanced JavaScript frameworks and app development, WordPress quietly powers over 40% of websites globally—and businesses still need developers who understand it inside out.
What makes this skill powerful is its accessibility: It’s self-taught-friendly, open-source, and comes with a robust ecosystem. WordPress developers command average salaries of around ₹72 lakh, with freelance work pushing the ceiling higher, particularly for those who offer full-service branding and e-commerce integrations.

Packaging Design

In a world of endless products, what stands out on a retail shelf or Amazon listing? The answer: Compelling packaging design. This highly specialized creative skill—blending branding, consumer psychology, and 3D rendering—is often undervalued in design circles but not by businesses.
In-house roles offer up to ₹63 lakh annually, but freelancers, especially those who build an agency-style presence, can command ₹75,000 to ₹37 lakh per project. With the D2C (direct-to-consumer) boom continuing in 2025, demand is rising for designers who can deliver not just beauty, but impact.
In a skills economy where the loudest often get the most attention, these quiet performers are proving that you don’t need to chase trends to earn big—just find the gap and fill it well. Whether you’re transitioning careers, freelancing, or upskilling on the side, the path to six figures in 2025 might already be under your fingertips.