25 of the Best Types of Independent Contractor Jobs in 2024

Discover some great types of Independent Contractor jobs that are hiring now.

High Paying Independent Contractor Jobs

• Software Engineer Independent Contractor

  Salary range: $120,000-$173,000 per year

  Most software engineers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, mathematics, or a related field. Master a variety of programming languages, such as C++, C#, JavaScript, and Python and practice building software. Seek an internship or an entry-level position at a software company or in the IT department of a corporation to learn from experienced software engineers. You may need to start as a programmer and work your way up to software engineer positions.

• Independent Contractor Scrum Master

  Salary range: $103,000-$137,500 per year

  The tasks required of a scrum master may vary from one job to the next, but generally speaking, the scrum master’s main responsibility is facilitation and maximization. A good scrum master has a solid working knowledge of scrum and experience working in an Agile environment. They are often tasked with facilitating team decisions and maximizing teamwork, helping rules and goals guide the scrum team’s work. They are organizers and communicators who aim to remove any obstacle that might slow the team down.

• Independent Contractor Sales

  Salary range: $77,000-$118,000 per year

  The qualifications needed to start working in an independent contractor sales job include sales skills, thorough knowledge of the industry and products you sell, and, in some cases, a degree. Companies that work with independent salespeople seek contractors who have previous sales experience or who have worked in the industry related to the product or service they promote. Some prefer freelancers who have a degree in business or marketing. You can also seek professional accreditation such as becoming a Certified Sales Professional (CSP).

• Independent Contractor Manual Qa Tester

  Salary range: $70,000-$101,500 per year

  The qualifications you need to become a Manual QA Tester are a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology, between three to six years of software testing experience, or a combination of education and work experience. You have the option to earn certification as an ISTQB Certified Tester or a CSTE certified software tester. You need strong analytical and communication skills. Your responsibilities are to test software applications and identify bugs and communicate defects to developers. Your job duties include documenting each step of your manual test for quality assurance purposes, executing tests, and analyzing results.

• Independent Contractor Bachelors Biology

  Salary range: $36,500-$76,500 per year

  Independent Contractor Bachelors Biology is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Independent Contractor Bachelors Biology jobs pay between $36,500 (25th percentile) and $76,500 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Independent Contractor Bachelors Biology job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Independent Contractor Interpreter

  Salary range: $50,000-$69,000 per year

  In order to work as an interpreter, earn a bachelor’s degree in a foreign language, sign language, or a related field to increase your language proficiency. Become fluent in at least two languages, practicing conversation and interpreting from one language to another daily. Acquire an internship or volunteer at a place that needs interpreter services to gain experience in facilitating communication between people who speak different languages. Network with various organizations who need interpreters regularly to find job opportunities.

• Independent Contractor Accounting

  Salary range: $37,500-$63,000 per year

  An accounting independent contractor provides accounting services on a temporary, freelance basis. Your responsibilities as a contract accountant depend on the needs of each client with whom you work. In this position, you can specialize in a specific area, such as tax preparation, bookkeeping, or working to prepare financial documents for businesses. If you specialize in tax preparation, your work may be seasonal. An accountant can also help a business or individual audit their finances, organize their financial records, and handle payroll, accounts receivable, and accounts payable bookkeeping duties. You can work for more than one client at a time.

• Delivery Independent Contractor

  Salary range: $37,500-$63,000 per year

  Delivery independent contractor jobs include work in construction, retail, freight, and driver transport, such as being a rideshare or taxi driver. In one of these jobs, your duties may include driving your passengers or your freight to and from a location and ensuring that everything is delivered safely and on time. If you work as a food courier or someone who does delivery for retail, you may need to know how to take payment for goods, fill out invoices, and provide some customer service. As a freelance contract driver, you typically have to maintain your vehicle, pay for insurance, and route your deliveries yourself.

• Independent Contractor Pickup Truck

  Salary range: $37,500-$63,000 per year

  To become a pipefitter apprentice, you need a high school diploma or equivalent and the ability to work with your hands. Post-secondary degrees are not required, though completing a certificate program or associate degree in pipefitting teaches you essential skills to use on the job and may make you more competitive in the job market. Proficiency with power tools is helpful. Many employers prefer candidates with some industry experience though it is not required. Pipefitter apprenticeships are typically offered by maritime organizations, construction companies, and trade unions. Some companies may require you to pass a background check, a drug test, and a physical exam.

• Independent Contractor Chat

  Salary range: $37,500-$63,000 per year

  Independent Contractor Chat is a typical job search query. Most salaries for Independent Contractor Chat jobs pay between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $63,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Independent Contractor Chat job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Cargo Van Independent Contractor

  Salary range: $37,500-$63,000 per year

  As a cargo van independent contractor, your job is to drive a specific route and ensure the safe delivery of your freight. In this role, you may use a large truck or cargo van, check each contract for special transportation requirements, and otherwise work as an independent driver and operator for your company. Independent cargo van drivers can transport a wide variety of different supplies and products, ranging from medical supplies to packaged consumer goods. Depending on what you transport and how large your van is, you may need a commercial driver's license or be eligible to transport a wider variety of packages. Most independent cargo van drivers work in a set region, but some roles require long-distance travel.

• Independent Contractor Organ Transport

  Salary range: $37,500-$63,000 per year

  Independent Contractor Organ Transport is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Independent Contractor Organ Transport jobs pay between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $63,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Independent Contractor Organ Transport job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Independent Contractor Amazon Delivery Partner

  Salary range: $37,500-$63,000 per year

  Independent Contractor Amazon Delivery Partner is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Independent Contractor Amazon Delivery Partner jobs pay between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $63,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Independent Contractor Amazon Delivery Partner job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Independent Contractor Courier

  Salary range: $37,500-$63,000 per year

  The qualifications that you need to start working as an independent contractor courier include a high school diploma and driving skills. Most companies do not require postsecondary education. However, they do seek drivers with a clean driving record. As a courier, you do not need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) unless you drive a vehicle that is more than 13 tons or carry hazardous materials. Most independent couriers use a personal car, so you need a reliable vehicle with proper insurance and valid license plates.

• Independent Contractor Sprinter Van

  Salary range: $37,500-$63,000 per year

  Independent Contractor Sprinter Van is a typical job search query. Most salaries for Independent Contractor Sprinter Van jobs pay between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $63,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Independent Contractor Sprinter Van job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Independent Contractor Retired Law Enforcement

  Salary range: $37,500-$63,000 per year

  Jobs for retired law enforcement officers focus on education and security positions, such as security guard, private investigator, and criminal justice instructor. In these roles, you may investigate security problems or people of interest, inspect the security plans for a facility, or teach others what they need to know about criminal justice. In this context, being retired refers to retirement from regular law enforcement activities like patrolling neighborhoods and facilitating traffic stops. Most jobs for retired law enforcement officers focus more on monitoring video cameras or giving lessons.

• Independent Contractor Travel

  Salary range: $37,500-$63,000 per year

  Some jobs in the travel industry are in demand, while others are experiencing contractions. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there will be a 12% drop in the demand for traditional travel agents in the coming years due to the ease with which travelers can now book their own flights and hotels online. However, the leisure and hospitality industries have numerous openings. In general, strong economic forecasts increase the amount of leisure travel and tourism, and corresponding job demand.

• Independent Contractor Solar Installer

  Salary range: $41,500-$55,000 per year

  Solar Installers, or PV Installers, work in a variety of jobs. Some work for or own residential solar companies that specialize in installing solar panels on people’s homes. Others specialize in commercial solar power systems, which tend to be larger and more complex projects. Other Solar Installers may work for municipalities and electric companies as more and more cities are turning to solar to meet the energy needs of the population.

• Independent Contractor Medical Billing & Coding

  Salary range: $37,500-$48,000 per year

  Independent Contractor Medical Billing & Coding is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Independent Contractor Medical Billing & Coding jobs pay between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $48,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Independent Contractor Medical Billing & Coding job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Cna Independent Contractor

  Salary range: $34,000-$47,000 per year

  Requirements to become a CNA differ depending on the state. Typically, the requirements include completing a state-approved nursing assistant training program offered in vocational schools, technical schools, and community colleges. The programs include supervised hands-on clinical work. After completion of the educational program, aspiring CNAs must pass a state competency exam. Additionally, some states may require continuing education courses to maintain certification.

• Independent Contractor Data Entry

  Salary range: $34,000-$45,500 per year

  Most data entry jobs require a high school diploma or GED certificate. In many cases, no college degree is needed to get a job in this field. To be skilled at data entry, you need to be detail-oriented, possess excellent reading comprehension, and have at least basic knowledge of whatever word processing program or software you will be using. Many employers also require a typing test to be completed before making an offer to a data entry specialist. The exact words per minute (WPM) that you need may vary from employer to employer. But, of course, being a speedy and accurate typer is always a benefit if you’re aiming to secure a position in this field.

• Independent Contractor Merchandiser

  Salary range: $34,000-$40,000 per year

  As a merchandiser, you might work either directly for a company, or for a specialized agency. Many stores create their own merchandising departments, but in some cases, they rely on a third-party agency to develop larger creative displays. For example, the creation of an elaborate store window display might be outsourced to a company solely dedicated to one-off creative work. A merchandising role may open up a wide range of advancement opportunities, including positions within wholesale buying, retail operations, and retail management. The fashion industry is the most sought-after for merchandising jobs, and these roles typically require a degree in fashion, design, or merchandising. Relevant internships and previous hands-on experience can significantly increase chances of securing an interview.

• Independent Contractor Pharmacy Delivery Driver

  Salary range: $32,000-$40,000 per year

  Qualifications for pharmacy delivery drivers include a high school diploma and a commercial driver’s license. A clean driving record, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to lift, squat, and sit for long periods are also general requirements for this job. Since different types of companies employ delivery drivers, specific duties may vary, and, therefore, qualifications may also vary. An understanding of the mechanics of your truck is also an important aspect of a pharmacy delivery driver since it is your responsibility to discover any potential concerns.

• Independent Contractor Auto Parts Delivery Driver

  Salary range: $30,000-$38,000 per year

  Qualifications needed to become an auto parts delivery driver include a valid driver’s license, a high school diploma or GED certificate, and a good driving record. Excellent communication skills when working with co-workers and interacting with customers such as mechanics and automotive dealers are also crucial. Some knowledge of customer service is helpful, and your employer may require a Fleet Safety Certification through the DOT. You must be physically fit, as auto part packages can be heavy. If you operate a larger vehicle, experience in the shipping or transportation industry is helpful.

• Independent Contractor Caregiver

  Salary range: $28,500-$36,000 per year

  The qualifications needed to start working as an independent contractor caregiver include certification, a high school diploma or GED certificate, and general housework skills. If you provide transportation, you need a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. Some clients seek applicants who are certified nursing assistants (CNAs) or home health aides (HHAs). The requirements for these certifications vary by state and training typically lasts a few weeks or a few months. Some clients only ask for certification in CPR and basic life-saving.

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