If you’re interested in finding a new way to earn a living or supplement your income, you might wonder: what are the best independent contractor jobs? Don’t worry. We’ve saved you some time and compiled a list of our top picks here. So, dive in and find the right gig for you!
Getting an independent contractor job is competitive. Think about it like this: you’re selling the company on a major investment in you, so you need to do everything you can to get an edge. Investing a little money to have a professional resume writing service polish up your resume can be the edge you need. Check out our guide to the best resume writing services to get started today.
If you’re interested in landing a job as an independent contractor, start your search on ZipRecruiter! ZipRecruiter is free for job seekers and you can apply for jobs with a single click.
What Are Independent Contractors?
Independent contractors are self-employed small business owners or freelancers. They earn money by completing work for clients, not an employer. Independent contractors:
- Direct their own work
- Sometimes have schedule and location independence (especially if they complete projects remotely on their computer)
- Pay their own taxes (their clients don’t withhold tax from their pay)
- Can write off their business-related expenses at tax time
- Secure their own benefits (they’re not eligible for their clients’ employee benefits because they’re not employees)
Being an independent contractor may seem less stable and predictable (your income will fluctuate based on the projects you take on). However, if you work with multiple clients at once, you have income diversification by default, which gives you more financial assurance than relying on income from just one employer. Plus, independent contractors can earn more than employees if they have in-demand skills, charge appropriately for their expertise, and work efficiently.
Pro Tip: If you’ve never been an independent contractor before, you might want to take some freelancing courses or read up on how to become a freelancer.
14 Of The Best Independent Contractor Jobs
Here are nine of the best independent contractor jobs:
1. Delivery Driver
Median National Salary: $36,000+
Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of Jobs: 1.6 million+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 11% (faster than average)
Job Duties: A delivery driver is responsible for transporting goods and packages to customers or businesses using a variety of vehicles such as cars, vans, or trucks. They must follow delivery schedules, maintain accurate records of deliveries and payments, and communicate with dispatchers or customers to ensure timely and efficient delivery. As a delivery driver, you may also bring customers groceries, take-out meals, or online purchases.
If you want to learn more about becoming a delivery driver, check out our delivery driver job description. You can also explore our round-up of the best delivery driver jobs.
2. Photographer
Median National Salary: $38,000+
Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of Jobs: 125,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 9% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: Photographers take and edit photographs of people, places, and events. As a photographer, you could capture images of a bride, a newborn baby, a home for sale, a stunning landscape, a college graduation ceremony, and more.
3. Landscaper
Median National Salary: $35,000+
Education Required: None (but some companies may require a high school diploma or equivalent)
Number of Jobs: 1.2 million+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 5% (as fast as average)
Job Duties: A landscaper is responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining outdoor spaces such as gardens, lawns, and parks. They must be knowledgeable about plants, soil, and irrigation systems, and may use tools such as mowers, trimmers, and chainsaws to perform tasks such as pruning, weeding, and tree removal.
4. Mason
Median National Salary: $48,000+
Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of Jobs: 267,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: -2% (decline)
Job Duties: A mason is responsible for constructing and repairing structures made of brick, stone, or other materials. They must read and interpret blueprints, measure and cut materials, mix and apply mortar, and use tools such as trowels, levels, and saws to craft and shape materials into structures such as walls, arches, and chimneys.
5. Roofer
Median National Salary: $47,000+
Education Required: None (but some companies may require a high school diploma or equivalent)
Number of Jobs: 158,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 1% (little to no change)
Job Duties: A roofer is responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining roofs on buildings. They must be knowledgeable about different types of roofing materials such as asphalt, metal, and tile, and use tools such as hammers, saws, and drills to cut and install roofing materials, as well as inspecting roofs for damage and leaks.
6. Plumber
Median National Salary: $59,000+
Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of Jobs: 469,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 2% (slower than average)
Job Duties: A plumber is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing systems and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They must be knowledgeable about pipe and plumbing system materials, and use tools such as wrenches, pliers, and soldering equipment to install and repair pipes, valves, and fixtures such as toilets and sinks.
If you want to work as a plumber, we recommend updating your resume. Learn everything you need to know about creating a plumber resume.
7. Carpenter
Median National Salary: $48,000+
Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of Jobs: 948,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 2% (slower than average)
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Job Duties: A carpenter is responsible for constructing, installing, and repairing structures made of wood, such as buildings, furniture, and cabinets. They must read and interpret blueprints, measure and cut materials, and use tools such as saws, drills, and sanders to shape and join materials into finished products.
8. Electrician
Median National Salary: $60,000+
Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of Jobs: 711,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 7% (as fast as average)
Job Duties: An electrician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems and equipment in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They must be knowledgeable about electrical codes and safety procedures, and use tools such as wire strippers, pliers, and multimeters to install and repair wiring, switches, and circuit breakers.
If you want to learn more about becoming an electrician, check out our electrician job description and learn how to write an electrician resume.
9. Real Estate Agent
Median National Salary: $48,000+
Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of Jobs: 562,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 5% (average)
Job Duties: Real estate agents help their clients buy, rent, or sell properties. As a real estate agent, you might specialize in brokering deals for either residential or commercial properties. They must be knowledgeable about the local real estate market, and use marketing and negotiation skills to attract clients and close deals.
To learn more about working as a real estate agent, explore our real estate agent job description.
10. Virtual Assistant
Median National Salary: $39,000+
Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of Jobs: 3.4+ million
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: -8% (decline)
Job Duties: Virtual assistants are online assistants that help their clients with daily tasks like email management, calendar management, social media management, travel planning, and related activities. They must have strong communication and organizational skills, and be proficient in using various computer programs and tools to complete tasks efficiently.
Do you want to work as a virtual assistant? Check out our guide on how to become a virtual assistant. You can also learn how to write a virtual assistant resume.
11. Bookkeeper
Median National Salary: $45,000+
Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of Jobs: 1.7+ million
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: -5% (decline)
Job Duties: A bookkeeper is responsible for recording financial transactions, maintaining financial records, and preparing financial statements for an organization. They must be knowledgeable about accounting principles and software, and use tools such as spreadsheets and databases to track and report financial information accurately.
12. Accountant
Median National Salary: $77,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 1.4+ million
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 6% (average)
Job Duties: An accountant is responsible for managing financial records, preparing financial reports, and providing financial advice to individuals or organizations. They must be knowledgeable about tax laws and regulations, and use tools such as spreadsheets and accounting software to analyze financial data and ensure compliance with financial standards.
Do you want a career as an accountant? Check out our accountant job description, learn how to write an accountant resume and explore the best accounting careers.
13. Writer
Median National Salary: $69,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 142,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 4% (average)
Job Duties: A writer is responsible for creating written content for a variety of mediums such as books, articles, scripts, or advertising copy. They must be skilled in researching, organizing, and editing written material to effectively communicate a message or story to an audience.
If you want to become a writer, read our content writer job description and learn how to craft a writing resume.
14. Social Media Marketing Manager
Median National Salary: $133,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 347,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 10% (faster than average)
Job Duties: A social media marketing manager is responsible for planning and executing social media advertising campaigns to promote a company's products or services. They must be knowledgeable about social media advertising platforms, and use tools such as analytics and targeting software to optimize campaign performance and track return on investment.
15. Consultant
Median National Salary: $93,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 950,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 11% (faster than average)
Job Duties: A consultant is responsible for providing expert advice and recommendations to individuals or organizations in a specific field or industry. They must be knowledgeable about current trends and best practices, and use analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address clients' needs and challenges.
Requirements And Skills To Work As An Independent Contractor
The requirements and skills to work as an independent contractor can vary based on the industry you work in.
In general, these things can help:
- Professional certifications, if applicable: Getting professionally certified or licensed in your field can help you stand apart from the competition. It shows your dedication and proficiency in the field.
- Industry expertise: Brand yourself as an expert in your field.
- Strong communication skills: Communication and collaboration are soft skills that can make you shine in any independent contractor role.
- Flexibility and adaptability: Being flexible and agile so you can adapt to new situations are traits that will help you go far as an independent contractor. It means you can shift easily as things evolve over time.
- Self-motivated: You can work well independently and you’re motivated to perform your job well.
- Excellent time management skills: You can self-manage your time and meet deadlines.
How Do You Get A Good Paying Job As An Independent Contractor?
Getting a good paying job as an independent contractor can happen with:
- Setting your rates competitively
- Developing specialized skills
- Developing a strong online presence
- Marketing your services effectively
- Branding yourself as an industry expert
- Take advantage of continuous learning opportunities
- Networking and forging relationships
Being successful as an independent contractor can take time. It can be a real effort to build up your network and develop your reputation as an industry expert. Be patient with the process and utilize one of more of these strategies to help you land well-paying independent contractor jobs.
Where To Find Independent Contractor Jobs
You can find independent contractor jobs in various places. Here are three websites you should check out:
ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter is an online marketplace where you can quickly find and apply for independent contractor jobs, or gigs. Just enter your search terms, filter your results, and submit your resume to the best matches.
For more information, check out our ZipRecruiter review.
Indeed
Indeed is a well-known job aggregator that pulls gig listings from all over the internet and displays them with one search. The platform functions similarly to ZipRecruiter in that you can search and apply for jobs without leaving the website.
For more information, check out our Indeed review.
LinkedIn is the leading social media platform for professionals. You can use the website to find and apply for gigs, advertise your services, and connect with potential clients.
For more information, check out our LinkedIn review.
Pro Tip: If you want to expand your search for the best independent contractor jobs, check out our suggestions for the best freelance sites.
The Bottom Line
If you want to become self-employed or earn some extra cash, it’s a smart idea to look into popular independent contractor jobs. But, before you start your job search, consider revamping your resume through one of our picks for the best resume writing service. Then, you’ll be ready to apply for exciting gigs through ZipRecruiter!
