Are you someone who likes to set your own work hours? Maybe you're a night owl or an early bird. Or did you get a taste of the work-from-home lifestyle during the pandemic and want to keep doing it?
Or maybe you just like the idea of being your own boss. Whatever your motivation, an independent contractor job may be the right choice for you.
And you're not alone. Research studies from Gallup, McKinsey, and the Bureau of Labor of Statistics (BLS) all point to somewhere between 25% and 35% of U.S. workers are part of the burgeoning gig economy. And while the number of independent contractors was already growing before the pandemic, the global health and economic crisis definitely fueled its numbers.
This article will explain what an independent contractor is and offer some examples of some of the wide range of jobs you can get in this growing part of the economy.
What Are Independent Contractor Jobs?
An independent contractor is a self-employed person who provides work or services for another individual or entity. Often called a freelancer, an independent contractor must pay their own Social Security and Medicare taxes, and businesses that use their services do not provide them with any employment benefits.
The main advantage of working as an independent contractor is the freedom to set your own hours and rates and choose your own clients. A disadvantage is that you do not receive employee benefits such as health insurance and retirement accounts, and you may not have as much job security as employees do. You also must keep careful records of your income for your taxes.
Many skilled professionals work as independent contractors. They typically provide agreed-upon services within a specified timeframe under an independent contractor agreement. Freelancers usually negotiate their own working arrangements and fees and frequently work for more than one client at a time.
Types of Independent Contractor Jobs
Is the idea of being your own boss is appealing to you? You may be interested in the variety of independent contractor jobs there are and how much they typically pay. Keep in mind that we are listing national averages. Wages vary greatly depending on your location and your experience level.
Construction Jobs
If you are a trained construction professional, you may find yourself with a wide choice of job opportunities in today's economy. All forms of skilled tradespeople are in high demand. Once again, you'll need to provide your own equipment, scheduling, and transportation to the job site.
Electrician. The average pay for a freelance electrician in the U.S. is $29 per hour.
Plumber. Independent contractor plumbers currently make an average of $38 per hour.
Carpenter. If you enjoy building or repairing things made out of wood, you will earn an average of $26 an hour as a freelancer.
Get your Construction Contract Now
Healthcare Jobs
Many healthcare positions are available on a freelance basis. Many clinics hire doctors, nurses, veterinarians, and technicians on a freelance basis. Virtual therapists and pharmacists are also options for independent contractors.
Here are a few examples:
Doctor. According to Ziprecruiter.com, the average weekly pay for a freelance doctor in the U.S. in August 2021 was $47 an hour. However, freelance wages vary widely based on location and medical specialty.
Veterinarian. The national average income for freelance veterinarians is $38 an hour. Experience, skill levels, and location play a significant role in the pay scale.
Medical assistant. There is a growing need for home-based freelance medical assistants. These professionals remotely handle appointments, schedule meetings, get prior authorization from insurance companies, and reach out to see how patients are doing after a procedure. The average national income for these jobs is $21/hour.
Esthetician Jobs
Many people in the hair and beauty industry contract with salons and spas for their work. Here are some examples of these jobs and what you can expect to earn.
Hairstylist. The average salary for a hairstylist is $16.32 per hour in the United States.
Nail salon technician. Self-employed nail technicians in the U.S. earn an average of $28 an hour.
Esthetician. An esthetician helps in cleaning, beautifying, and maintaining their clients' skin and face. Freelance estheticians make an average of $25 an hour in the U.S.
Web Design Jobs
If you enjoy working with computer graphics and web design, you may find many options for freelance work.
Website designer. These freelancers earn between $25 and $75 per hour for the initial setup of a new or revised website and between $30 and $60 per hour for website maintenance.
Graphic designer. Freelance graphic designers earn an average of $27 per hour in the U.S.
Delivery Jobs
Do you have a reliable vehicle and a clean driving record? You might enjoy the freedom of a freelance driving or delivery position.
Delivery driver. You've heard about Door Dash and Uber Eats, but, in addition to food, delivery driving jobs also include documents, packages, and other time-sensitive goods on a per-contract basis. The average pay in the U.S. is $19 per hour.
Truck driver. There is a current shortage of truck drivers, so if you have your own rig, you may find yourself with plenty of job opportunities. The average earnings for an independent Commercial Driver's License truck driver are $29 per hour.
Writing and Editing Jobs
Are you a wordsmith? Many people who like to write, edit, and proofread have successful careers as independent contractors.
Writer. The national average pay for freelance writers in the U.S. is $30 an hour. These professionals write and ghostwrite blogs, website copy, and articles for newsletters, magazines, and newspapers.
Transcriptionist. Transcriptionists listen to live or recorded material and transcribe it into text. The average hourly pay for this work is $20.
Proofreader. If you enjoy finding the mistakes in other people's writing, this may be the freelance job for you. Freelance proofreaders earn an average of $25 per hour.
Photography Jobs
As an independent contractor or under a service agreement, this kind of job, due to the duration can be also one-time services.
Freelance photographers. Are in demand for portraits, weddings, and special events.
Videographers. Are needed for marketing and advertising, and educational purposes. Be prepared to have your own equipment and to travel to where your clients are located.
Photographer. The hourly average for freelance photographers in the U.S. is $28.
Videographer. A freelance videographer can expect to make an average of $45 in the U.S.
Teaching and Tutoring Jobs
The recent boom in online instruction has opened up many opportunities for freelance teachers and tutors.
Tutor. The average hourly pay for a freelance tutor is $28.
Teacher. Freelance teacher salaries vary widely by state. Both in-person and online opportunities are available for independent contractors. The average hourly pay in the U.S. is $28.
Household Jobs
Many busy families hire independent contractors or find to due a service agreement to help them run their homes periodically or occasionally. Jobs range from caregivers to dog walkers and just about everything in between. Here are a few examples.
Dog-walker. If you love animals and outdoor exercise, this could be an enjoyable job for you. The national average hourly pay is $14, but it can easily scale up depending on the number of dogs you can handle and the location of the work.
Housekeeper. If you're the kind of person who likes making things clean and organized, you will find many opportunities as a freelance housekeeper. The national hourly average pay is $36.
Nanny. Nannies provide childcare, assist with household chores and drive children to and from their activities. Pay scales vary widely throughout the nation, but the average is $20 an hour.
Office Jobs
Many professionals have turned to virtual office assistants to help them run their offices and stay organized. You can use your skills and have the freedom to work from anywhere with these positions.
Virtual assistant. If you're a jack of all trades, you'll do well at this job. The average hourly pay is $32.
Bookkeeper. If you're good with numbers but want to be your own boss, a freelance bookkeeping career could be right up your alley. The average hourly salary is $26 in the U.S.
Working as an independent contractor isn't for everyone. You have to be able to balance the lack of job security and benefits as an employee with the freedom of working for yourself as a freelancer.
It's also essential that you protect yourself by drawing up a clear contract for your clients. That way, everyone knows what to expect, when to expect it, and at what price. You can quickly and easily download an independent contractor agreement or a service agreement depending on the duration of the contract, by visiting lawdistrict.com.
Helpful Resources:
Independent Contractor -IRS
Alternativa Work Arrangements - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statictics
Table of Contents:
Table of Contents:
Are you someone who likes to set your own work hours? Maybe you're a night owl or an early bird. Or did you get a taste of the work-from-home lifestyle during the pandemic and want to keep doing it?
Or maybe you just like the idea of being your own boss. Whatever your motivation, an independent contractor job may be the right choice for you.
And you're not alone. Research studies from Gallup, McKinsey, and the Bureau of Labor of Statistics (BLS) all point to somewhere between 25% and 35% of U.S. workers are part of the burgeoning gig economy. And while the number of independent contractors was already growing before the pandemic, the global health and economic crisis definitely fueled its numbers.
This article will explain what an independent contractor is and offer some examples of some of the wide range of jobs you can get in this growing part of the economy.
What Are Independent Contractor Jobs?
An independent contractor is a self-employed person who provides work or services for another individual or entity. Often called a freelancer, an independent contractor must pay their own Social Security and Medicare taxes, and businesses that use their services do not provide them with any employment benefits.
The main advantage of working as an independent contractor is the freedom to set your own hours and rates and choose your own clients. A disadvantage is that you do not receive employee benefits such as health insurance and retirement accounts, and you may not have as much job security as employees do. You also must keep careful records of your income for your taxes.
Many skilled professionals work as independent contractors. They typically provide agreed-upon services within a specified timeframe under an independent contractor agreement. Freelancers usually negotiate their own working arrangements and fees and frequently work for more than one client at a time.
Types of Independent Contractor Jobs
Is the idea of being your own boss is appealing to you? You may be interested in the variety of independent contractor jobs there are and how much they typically pay. Keep in mind that we are listing national averages. Wages vary greatly depending on your location and your experience level.
Construction Jobs
If you are a trained construction professional, you may find yourself with a wide choice of job opportunities in today's economy. All forms of skilled tradespeople are in high demand. Once again, you'll need to provide your own equipment, scheduling, and transportation to the job site.
Electrician. The average pay for a freelance electrician in the U.S. is $29 per hour.
Plumber. Independent contractor plumbers currently make an average of $38 per hour.
Carpenter. If you enjoy building or repairing things made out of wood, you will earn an average of $26 an hour as a freelancer.
Get your Construction Contract Now
Healthcare Jobs
Many healthcare positions are available on a freelance basis. Many clinics hire doctors, nurses, veterinarians, and technicians on a freelance basis. Virtual therapists and pharmacists are also options for independent contractors.
Here are a few examples:
Doctor. According to Ziprecruiter.com, the average weekly pay for a freelance doctor in the U.S. in August 2021 was $47 an hour. However, freelance wages vary widely based on location and medical specialty.
Veterinarian. The national average income for freelance veterinarians is $38 an hour. Experience, skill levels, and location play a significant role in the pay scale.
Medical assistant. There is a growing need for home-based freelance medical assistants. These professionals remotely handle appointments, schedule meetings, get prior authorization from insurance companies, and reach out to see how patients are doing after a procedure. The average national income for these jobs is $21/hour.
Esthetician Jobs
Many people in the hair and beauty industry contract with salons and spas for their work. Here are some examples of these jobs and what you can expect to earn.
Hairstylist. The average salary for a hairstylist is $16.32 per hour in the United States.
Nail salon technician. Self-employed nail technicians in the U.S. earn an average of $28 an hour.
Esthetician. An esthetician helps in cleaning, beautifying, and maintaining their clients' skin and face. Freelance estheticians make an average of $25 an hour in the U.S.
Web Design Jobs
If you enjoy working with computer graphics and web design, you may find many options for freelance work.
Website designer. These freelancers earn between $25 and $75 per hour for the initial setup of a new or revised website and between $30 and $60 per hour for website maintenance.
Graphic designer. Freelance graphic designers earn an average of $27 per hour in the U.S.
Delivery Jobs
Do you have a reliable vehicle and a clean driving record? You might enjoy the freedom of a freelance driving or delivery position.
Delivery driver. You've heard about Door Dash and Uber Eats, but, in addition to food, delivery driving jobs also include documents, packages, and other time-sensitive goods on a per-contract basis. The average pay in the U.S. is $19 per hour.
Truck driver. There is a current shortage of truck drivers, so if you have your own rig, you may find yourself with plenty of job opportunities. The average earnings for an independent Commercial Driver's License truck driver are $29 per hour.
Writing and Editing Jobs
Are you a wordsmith? Many people who like to write, edit, and proofread have successful careers as independent contractors.
Writer. The national average pay for freelance writers in the U.S. is $30 an hour. These professionals write and ghostwrite blogs, website copy, and articles for newsletters, magazines, and newspapers.
Transcriptionist. Transcriptionists listen to live or recorded material and transcribe it into text. The average hourly pay for this work is $20.
Proofreader. If you enjoy finding the mistakes in other people's writing, this may be the freelance job for you. Freelance proofreaders earn an average of $25 per hour.
Photography Jobs
As an independent contractor or under a service agreement, this kind of job, due to the duration can be also one-time services.
Freelance photographers. Are in demand for portraits, weddings, and special events.
Videographers. Are needed for marketing and advertising, and educational purposes. Be prepared to have your own equipment and to travel to where your clients are located.
Photographer. The hourly average for freelance photographers in the U.S. is $28.
Videographer. A freelance videographer can expect to make an average of $45 in the U.S.
Teaching and Tutoring Jobs
The recent boom in online instruction has opened up many opportunities for freelance teachers and tutors.
Tutor. The average hourly pay for a freelance tutor is $28.
Teacher. Freelance teacher salaries vary widely by state. Both in-person and online opportunities are available for independent contractors. The average hourly pay in the U.S. is $28.
Household Jobs
Many busy families hire independent contractors or find to due a service agreement to help them run their homes periodically or occasionally. Jobs range from caregivers to dog walkers and just about everything in between. Here are a few examples.
Dog-walker. If you love animals and outdoor exercise, this could be an enjoyable job for you. The national average hourly pay is $14, but it can easily scale up depending on the number of dogs you can handle and the location of the work.
Housekeeper. If you're the kind of person who likes making things clean and organized, you will find many opportunities as a freelance housekeeper. The national hourly average pay is $36.
Nanny. Nannies provide childcare, assist with household chores and drive children to and from their activities. Pay scales vary widely throughout the nation, but the average is $20 an hour.
Office Jobs
Many professionals have turned to virtual office assistants to help them run their offices and stay organized. You can use your skills and have the freedom to work from anywhere with these positions.
Virtual assistant. If you're a jack of all trades, you'll do well at this job. The average hourly pay is $32.
Bookkeeper. If you're good with numbers but want to be your own boss, a freelance bookkeeping career could be right up your alley. The average hourly salary is $26 in the U.S.
Working as an independent contractor isn't for everyone. You have to be able to balance the lack of job security and benefits as an employee with the freedom of working for yourself as a freelancer.
It's also essential that you protect yourself by drawing up a clear contract for your clients. That way, everyone knows what to expect, when to expect it, and at what price. You can quickly and easily download an independent contractor agreement or a service agreement depending on the duration of the contract, by visiting lawdistrict.com.
Helpful Resources:
Independent Contractor -IRS
Alternativa Work Arrangements - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statictics
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