The Best Independent Contractor Jobs

By Martina Mascali, Monster Contributor

Looking for the best independent contractor jobs? Whether you’re dipping your toes into contractor work for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro scouting for your next venture, you’re in the right place. In this article, we shed light on contract work and reveal some high-paying contract jobs that you just might find irresistible.

Why Are So Many Choosing Independent Contracting?

The trend of hiring independent contractors has been on the rise for several years. Companies like Uber, Instacart, and Task Rabbit have built their entire business models around independent contractors. In fact, in 2018, Google’s contractors outnumbered direct employees for the first time.

Now, why are so many choosing to work as independent contractors? Here are some of the key benefits:

  • For starters, contract work offers a level of flexibility that traditional nine to five jobs often can’t. You typically have the liberty to set your own hours, which can be beneficial if you have other commitments or prefer working during specific times of the day.
  • Some contract jobs give you full autonomy on which projects to take on, which clients to work with, and how to approach your tasks. In many cases, you are pretty much your own boss.
  • Independent contracting allows you to work on multiple projects across different sectors or industries. This variety provides experience that can be valuable in your future ventures.
  • Depending on your field and expertise, you might be able to charge higher fees as an independent contractor than as a salaried employee.
  • While the specifics vary by location, independent contractors can often deduct certain business expenses that regular employees can’t. For example, portions of home rent or mortgage for a home office, travel expenses, and equipment costs.

However, it’s essential to note that independent contracting also comes with challenges, such as the need for self-discipline, potential income instability, and responsibility for your own health insurance and benefits. But if you value autonomy and flexibility, and are ready to navigate the challenges, the benefits of the best independent contractor jobs can be incredibly rewarding.

Best Independent Contractor Jobs

Using Monster data, we have put together a list of 15 high-paying contract jobs. We picked a variety of roles from different industries, including healthcare, technology, and marketing. For each, we’ve included the growth projection from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,, their median salary, and a link to jobs you can browse and quickly apply for today.

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts evaluate and optimize an organization’s information systems. They combine IT and business knowledge to boost efficiency and productivity, offering tech solutions tailored to a company’s needs. This is one of the best independent contractor jobs if you like merging business and technology.

  • Median Salary: $49,403 to $107,611 per year.
  • Job outlook: 10% growth over the next decade or about 37,600 openings each year.

Browse computer systems analyst jobs on Monster.

Travel Nurse

Travel nurses fill short-term nursing positions in hospitals and other medical facilities across the country or internationally. They provide care to patients, adapt quickly to new settings, and often enjoy the flexibility and adventure of working in various locations. Learn more about how to become a travel nurse.

  • Median Salary: from $22.78 to $47.87 per hour.
  • Job outlook: 6% growth over the next decade or about 193,100 openings each year (valid for the entire category of registered nurses).

Browse travel nurse jobs on Monster.

Management Consultant

Management consultants help organizations enhance their performance by analyzing existing organizational issues and developing strategic solutions. They advise on best practices, suggest recommendations, and assist in the implementation of new strategies or procedures.

  • Median Salary: from $54,483 to $112,759 per year.
  • Job outlook: 10% growth over the next decade or about 92,900 openings each year.

Browse management consultant jobs on Monster.

Applications Developer

Software developer for applications is one of the best independent contractor jobs. They design and create software tailored to user needs, ensuring that applications function seamlessly, and updating or creating new ones as user needs evolve.

  • Median Salary: from $63,012 to $123,157 per year.
  • Job outlook: 25% growth over the next decade or about 153,900 openings each year (valid for the entire category of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers).

Browse application developer jobs on Monster.

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists work with patients to improve their movement and manage pain, often following injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. They develop individualized plans using exercises, hands-on therapy, and other techniques to promote mobility and reduce discomfort. Learn more about how to become a physical therapist.

  • Median Salary: from $17.35 to $44.57 per hour.
  • Job outlook: 15% growth over the next decade or about 13,900 openings each year.

Browse physical therapist jobs on Monster.

Technical Writer

Technical writers craft clear and concise technical materials like instruction manuals, journal articles, or how-to guides. They take complex information and make it easily understandable, often working with product developers or engineers. Learn more about how to become a technical writer.

  • Median Salary: from $23.94 to $43.09 per hour.
  • Job outlook: 7% growth over the next decade or about 4,800 openings each year.

Browse technical writer jobs on Monster.

Interpreter and Translator

Two more of the best independent contractor jobs are interpreters and translators. By converting information from one language into another, interpreters and translators break down language barriers and enable clear communication across different languages.

  • Median Salary: from $16.41 to $33.05 per hour.
  • Job outlook: 4% growth over the next decade or about 7,200 openings each year.

Browse interpreter jobs and translator jobs on Monster.

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers craft visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. They develop overall layouts and designs for various applications like advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports. This is one of the best high paying contract jobs if you like crafting compelling designs that tell a story.

  • Median Salary: from $16.97 to $37.18 per hour.
  • Job outlook: 3% growth over the next decade or about 22,800 openings each year.

Browse graphic designer jobs on Monster.

Online Teacher

Online teachers deliver educational instruction over the internet, using digital platforms to engage with students remotely. They design lesson plans, evaluate student performance, and leverage technology to offer interactive and dynamic learning experiences. This is one of the best independent contractor jobs if you enjoy the flexibility of teaching from any location.

Browse online teaching jobs on Monster.

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers oversee an organization’s marketing campaigns and strategies to promote products, services, or brands. They analyze market trends, develop promotional initiatives, and coordinate advertising and promotional efforts to reach target audiences effectively.

  • Median Salary: from $42,287 to $122,072 per year.
  • Job outlook: 6% growth over the next decade or about 34,000 openings each year (valid for the entire category of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers).

Browse marketing manager jobs on Monster.

Sales Manager or Director

Sales managers lead and guide sales teams, setting targets, analyzing performance data, and developing strategies to achieve sales goals. Sales directors oversee an organization’s entire sales department, developing long-term sales strategies and working closely with senior management to align sales objectives with business goals.

  • Median Salary: from $42,717 to $106,492 per year for sales managers and from $55,766 to $143,065 per year for sales directors.
  • Job outlook: 4% growth over the next decade or about 43,200 openings each year.

Browse sales manager jobs and sales director jobs on Monster.

Heavy Equipment Operator

This is one of the best independent contractor jobs if you like working outdoors. Heavy equipment operators manage large machinery used in construction, mining, and similar industries. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of equipment like bulldozers, cranes, graders, and excavators.

  • Median Salary: from $15.41 to $27.52 per hour.
  • Job outlook: 3% growth over the next decade or about 42,300 openings each year.

Browse heavy equipment operator jobs on Monster.

Web Developer

Web developers design, create, and maintain websites and web applications. They work closely with clients or project teams to bring online visions to life, ensuring that websites are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, often mastering a mix of programming languages and design tools. Learn more about how to become a web developer.

  • Median Salary: from $53,985 to $118,869 per year.
  • Job outlook: 16% growth over the next decade or about 19,000 openings each year.

Browse web developer jobs on Monster.

Database Administrator

Database administrators (DBAs) ensure that databases run efficiently and securely. They are responsible for organizing, storing, and retrieving data, implementing backups, and making data available to authorized users while protecting it from unauthorized access. Learn more about how to become a database administrator.

  • Median Salary: from $39,145 to $110,917 per year.
  • Job outlook: 8% growth over the next decade or about 10,200 openings each year.

Browse database administrator jobs on Monster.

Project Manager

Project managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of projects, ensuring they’re completed on time and within budget. They coordinate cross-functional teams, set milestones, manage resources, and communicate project progress to stakeholders. Learn more about how to become a project manager.

  • Median Salary: from $51,027 to $106,045 per year.
  • Job outlook: 6% growth over the next decade or about 68,100 openings each year.

Browse project manager jobs on Monster.

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