Independent contractor jobs are a flexible and well-suited option for individuals seeking a more dynamic work lifestyle. In 2022, there are an estimated 31.9 million independent contractors in the U.S., with more than 45% admitting they want to take advantage of the gig economy and have the most flexible working environment in the coming years. Here are the top 9 best independent contractor jobs to look forward to in 2024.
What Are Independent Contractors?
Independent contractors are people who provide services without being official company employees. They work for themselves, taking on jobs from different people or businesses.
Being an independent contractor has its advantages. You can choose when you work, take on various projects, and sometimes do independent jobs that pay well. It’s a great way to improve your skills and resume while enjoying the freedom to work on your terms.
Our ERA Global Solutions for Independent Contractor Agent of Record “AOR” provides a classification of independent contractors as legal entities ensuring compliance/ ERA allows any company to connect with global talent. Our extensive local expertise enables us to assist customers in securing resources exactly when and where they’re needed.
Benefits of An Independent Contractor
Some advantages we provide you below:
- Flexible Work Style: Based on the specifics of the independent contractor position, you can choose your work schedule and method of approaching projects. You complete tasks on time and achieve the initial goals,
- Workload Management: You can actively manage your workload and have control over the quantity of work you take on.
- Prospective Gains: You can receive well-paying opportunities, especially in jobs where your unique skills are valued and proven. That might mean working with important clients or on high-quality projects.
- Career Adaptability: Being an independent contractor allows you to switch careers based on your expertise.
9 Best Independent Contractor Jobs
Designer (Website, Graphic)
Average salary: Around $20 – $27/ hour + 20%
Many people want to improve their business websites, and as a freelance designer, you can help design and create eye-catching templates, logos, and product images. If you know your way around technology, you can assist older business owners in making their websites look great on the Internet.
The Bureau of Labour Statistics projected that web designer jobs will grow by 16% from 2022 to 2032. So, for passionate designers, this is an excellent chance to earn money independently.
Main responsibilities of a digital designer:
- Produce digital material for a range of initiatives.
- Work together on layout and typography with members of our digital marketing team.
- Provide collateral in the appropriate format and by the deadline.
- Help out with the editing process.
- Maintain the standards of your brand.
Bookkeeper
Average salary: Around $24/hour + 20%
As a bookkeeper, you can work several hours for one or two clients per week and earn $15 or more. You need to keep track of an organization’s financial activities and handle routine tasks, including processing payroll, paying invoices, and tracking sales and invoicing.
Becoming a bookkeeper might be the right fit if you’re looking for reliable work in the highest-paying independent contractor jobs. In 2023, the payroll and bookkeeping services industry experienced a 3% increase in market size, and it will increase even more in 2024.
Main responsibilities of a bookkeeper:
- Maintain thorough records of all financial transactions.
- Maintain and make updates to the general ledger.
- In the accounting system, reconcile the entries.
- Tally the credits and deductions.
- Reconciling general ledgers will preserve the trial balance.
- Account reconciliation can be used to confirm the correctness of transactions.
- Use local legislation to ensure adherence to reporting requirements.
- Track changes in the budget.
Life Coach
Average salary: Around $18/hour + 20%
92% of life coaches work independently now, and life coaching might be an excellent fit if you love connecting with people and prefer not to spend your days alone at home. As a life coach, you assist clients in achieving their objectives, overcoming obstacles, and making constructive life adjustments.
You can prioritize three key areas: personal development, emotional stability, and physical well-being.
Main responsibilities of a life coach:
- Educate practical methods for controlling emotions and conduct.
- Assist clients in creating plans of action focused on achieving their stated goals.
- Assess how well your clients are doing in reaching their goals.
- Encourage steady and long-term development.
Transcriptionist
Average salary: $19.73/hour + 20%
If you can hear and type, you’ve got what it takes to be a transcriptionist. It’s listening to files and typing them out, and it’s pretty easy. Just take one of the many free online courses, find a company with job openings, and you’re good to go.
Main responsibilities of a transcriptionist:
- Ensure the text is proper by listening to recordings and writing down what is stated.
- The client’s formatting and notation guidelines should be followed.
- Ensure that transcriptions are completed promptly, paying close attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- Remain abreast of novel transcribing instruments and propose enhancements where necessary.
- Resolve any errors right away.
- To keep up your typing abilities, practice frequently.
Social media marketer
Average salary: Around $19.73/hour + 20%
In today’s digital landscape, where countless people are active on social media, companies are eager to boost their online presence, especially within social platforms. The social media market has surged in recent years, with growth projected from $219.06 billion in 2023 to $251.45 billion in 2024, marking a 14.8% annual increase.
If you have extensive experience with social media, particularly on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and skills for grabbing people’s attention, you could be a social media marketer. Your expertise could significantly contribute to a company’s sales generation efforts.
Main responsibilities of a social media marketer:
- Making content like text, videos, and images for social media.
- Advertising products, services, and content on social media in line with a brand’s strategy.
- Planning when to post on social media.
- Handling a budget for promoting posts and PPC ads.
- Tracking data and analyzing how well social media campaigns are doing.
Copywriter
Average salary: About $27.93/hour + 20%
The global copywriting services market grows at a CAGR of 7.6%. Now, customers tend to hire a copywriter for expert writing assistance. The customer provides a prompt, often including a word count and a topic. Contract copywriters follow this specification. Either a customer handles editing in-house or contracts out to a professional editor, or copywriters might offer editing services.
Main responsibilities of a copywriter
- Write text that is distinct, readable, and appealing.
- Analyze copywriting briefs to determine project requirements.
- Collaborate on marketing initiatives with PR, designers, and others.
- Make in-depth inquiries and conduct interviews.
- To get more people to read the copy, use SEO.
- Locate pictures and other materials as required.
SEO Specialist
Average salary: Around $30.19/hour + 20%
SEO, or search engine optimization, is about adjusting website content to gain a higher ranking in search engine results for specific words. At the same time, big companies might have full-time SEO experts, many of whom work as freelancers, assisting various clients. This job is increasing growth by 22% demand 2023-2030.
Sometimes, SEO specialists collaborate with other professionals like writers or designers to create excellent client content.
To discover what people like and dislike, test, gather, and evaluate data to improve the efficacy of SEO operations.
Main responsibilities of an SEO specialist
- Monitor and report on website and SEM campaign statistics.
- Keep an eye on campaign expenses to maximize your budget.
- Boost landing page and website content for SEM.
- Conduct thorough research and select your keywords wisely.
- Examine the SEO strategies used by rival companies.
- Increase off-page SEO by building links.
- Use the finest techniques by working together with other teams.
Photographer
Average salary: Around $19.86/hour + 20%
Working as a freelance photographer might be a good idea if you appreciate being in front of the lens. You may spend your days shooting landscapes for stock images or capturing special moments on a wedding day because there are many different types of photographic demands. You might make some quick cash with this fantastic part-time job, as photographers usually make more money with fewer hours.
This rate depends on the photographer’s experience and working hours. It’s also estimated to increase 24% over five years.
Main responsibilities of a photographer
- Arranging photography apparatus.
- Capturing images.
- Modifying and adjusting photos.
- Selecting and arranging venues.
- Printing and framing pictures.
- Doing research and networking.
Delivery Jobs
Average salary: Around $19.56/hour + 20%
Being a delivery driver might not sound glamorous, but if you want to make money and meet some straightforward requirements, it’s a pretty accessible gig. You can attend this job if you have a car and hold a valid driver’s license.
With the rise of online shopping, delivery gigs are in demand and are expected to increase 11%, whether for home deliveries, box trucks, or as independent contractors for services like Uber Eats or Postmates (in the US).
Main responsibilities of delivery jobs:
- Use distinct routes to transport a variety of products to diverse locations.
- Follow the itinerary and the designated route.
- Fill the delivery car, unload it, and check it over.
- As you hear what consumers have to say, address their concerns.
- Inform clients about new products and services.
- Maintain current documentation and reports.
- Observe traffic laws and safety guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Find Independent Contractor Jobs?
When you want to work independence but are wondering where to find jobs for independent contractors, check these platforms below:
- Fiverr: With over 300 categories for the best 1099 jobs, freelancers can easily find the perfect gig on Fiverr.
- Upwork: Known as the World’s Work Marketplace, Upwork links businesses with freelancers and independent contractors by offering hundreds of top independent contractor jobs.
- TaskRabbit: TaskRabbit offers same-day services for professionals in moving, delivery, or handyperson services.
- Craigslist: This platform helps businesses find freelance gigs in your local area.
- Qwick: Qwick matches your interests and skills to connect you with the proper gigs.
Can I have multiple independent contractor jobs simultaneously?
Yes, many independent contractors work on multiple projects concurrently as long as they can manage their time effectively and fulfill their commitments to each client.
How does taxation work for independent contractors?
Independent contractors handle their taxes, which include income and self-employment taxes. It’s a good idea to save money from your earnings to cover these taxes.
In 2024, there are great chances for flexible work in independent contractor careers. With our 9 best independent contractor jobs, whether you love taking pictures, designing, teaching, or helping businesses, the gig economy has many choices. Enjoy the freedom and independence these jobs offer for a fulfilling and flexible career ahead.
See more related articles:
How To Become An Independent Contractor?
How Much Do Independent Contractors Pay In Taxes?
How to Hire Independent Contractors?
Independent Contractor Agreement: Definition & Must-have Clauses
