10 of the Most Popular Types of Independent Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Independent jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Independent Jobs

• Side Hustle

  Salary range: $40,500 - $45,500

  Side Hustle is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Side Hustle jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $45,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Side Hustle job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Flexible Side

  Salary range: $40,000 - $51,000

  If you are looking for a flexible side job, you can find a variety of different jobs, including rideshare or delivery driver, pet sitter, dog walker, babysitter, executive assistant, or freelance writer or designer. These jobs are usually part-time, and many allow you to set your own hours and provide services to the clients you choose. However, some child and pet care roles require availability during a specific shift, since parents often need your help on a regular schedule. The duties and responsibilities of a side job depend on the nature of the work, but in general, you should be reliable, self-motivated, and detail-oriented, and you need strong communication skills.

• Work Alone

  Salary range: $34,500 - $44,000

  Work Alone is a common job search query. Most salaries for Work Alone jobs pay between $34,500 (25th percentile) and $44,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Work Alone job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Full Time

  Salary range: $32,000 - $39,500

  Full Time is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Full Time jobs pay between $32,000 (25th percentile) and $39,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Full Time job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Online Independent Contractor

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

  As an online independent contractor, your job is to provide freelance support for your client on a specific project. In this virtual role, you may provide customer service, help test software or other technology, participate in marketing campaigns, copy and paste messages, perform data entry, give input on product design, or assist their IT department as specified in your agreement with them. Online independent contractors usually take jobs that require little or no training aside from general computer skills. While you may work with a single company for a long time, most people in this industry move between different companies as work becomes available.

• Remote Independent Contractor

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

  A remote independent contractor performs tasks for a client or business on a freelance, often short-term basis. Independent contractor jobs exist in industries such as administration and support, scientific and technical service, health care, publishing, real estate, arts and entertainment, and transportation. As an independent contractor, you sign a contract with a client or business and work to provide a specific service or product at an agreed upon rate. You may need to establish a business license as a remote independent contractor. Because you are not an employee of a business or organization, you can work a flexible schedule from home or otherwise remotely.

• Solo

  Salary range: $50,000 - $86,000

  Solo is a common job search query. Most salaries for Solo jobs pay between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $86,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Solo job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Independent Contractor Sales

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

  Independent contractor sales jobs refer to a wide array of positions in which you work as a sales representative on a freelance basis. Your duties and responsibilities vary depending on the products or services you sell on behalf of your clients. You may sell goods to existing customers or promote goods to potential customers on a sales lead list. Independent sales representatives are paid on a commission basis, if and when they make a sale or provide a lead that turns into a sale. Business-to-business (B2B) salespeople develop relationships with companies and attend trade shows to make new contacts.

• Freelance Work From Home

  Salary range: $50,500 - $128,500

  Different types of freelance work from home jobs include remote web developers, remote software developers, online data entry clerks, freelance writers, online teachers, virtual personal assistants, remote customer service agents, to name just a few. Your duties and responsibilities may vary with the field and the type of contract you have. For example, a freelance writer works to create written material for websites, marketing material, and books. You generally have no set schedule, but you must submit all assignments by the deadline. You should have strong technical skills and a flexible schedule in any of these careers.

• Independent Contractor Accounting

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

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