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How much does a Independent Contractor make?

The average salary for a Independent Contractor is $108,331 per year in the US.

Independent contractors often enjoy flexibility in their work hours and the freedom to choose their projects. This independence can lead to varying earnings, with the average yearly salary sitting around $108,331. These earnings can fluctuate based on the nature of the work, the number of clients, and the specific industry.


A breakdown of earnings reveals a wide range. For example, some independent contractors earn around $30,000 per year, while others bring in more than $209,000 annually. This range shows that while some contractors start at a lower income, there is potential for significant earnings as experience and client base grow. It’s important to understand these numbers when considering a freelance career.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Independent Contractor?

Independent contractors have great opportunities in many cities across the country. Among them, New Orleans, LA, stands out with an average salary of $207,010. High demand for specialized skills drives contractors to earn well in places like Fayetteville, AR, and Worcester, MA. These cities offer competitive rates for various freelance work, making them attractive to job seekers looking for independent contractor roles.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Independent Contractor jobs, highlighting New Orleans, LA with the highest at $207,010 and Stockton, CA with the lowest at $172,192.
  1. New Orleans, LA
    Average Salary: $207,010
    New Orleans thrives as a cultural hub, offering contractors a diverse marketplace. Opportunities exist in construction, event planning, and hospitality, with companies like Entergy and WWL-TV seeking skilled freelancers. The city's vibrant atmosphere makes it a dynamic place for independent work.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in New Orleans, LA


  2. Fayetteville, AR
    Average Salary: $199,640
    Fayetteville combines a small-town feel with big opportunities. Many local businesses need freelancers for IT, marketing, and creative projects. Companies like Tyson Foods and Arvest Bank look for independent talent. Working here offers a supportive community and a lower cost of living.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in Fayetteville, AR


  3. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $197,375
    Worcester is known for its strong educational institutions, offering contractors a knowledgeable workforce. Opportunities span from tech to healthcare, with companies like Umass Memorial Health and DataArt seeking freelancers. The city's business-friendly environment helps contractors thrive.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in Worcester, MA


  4. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $188,063
    San Francisco is a tech powerhouse, providing many freelance opportunities. Contractors often work in tech startups, digital marketing, and creative services. Companies like Google and Salesforce need independent professionals. The city's innovative spirit makes it a great place to work independently.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in San Francisco, CA


  5. Clarksville, TN
    Average Salary: $184,961
    Clarksville offers a mix of military and civilian opportunities for contractors. The area has a strong focus on education and healthcare, with AIT and Blanchfield Army Community Hospital needing freelancers. The cost of living is lower, making it an attractive place to work independently.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in Clarksville, TN


  6. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $183,433
    Bakersfield is growing rapidly, providing many opportunities in oil and gas, healthcare, and education. Companies like Chevron and Adventist Health look for skilled contractors. The city's friendly community and affordable living make it a good place for independent work.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  7. Rockford, IL
    Average Salary: $179,215
    Rockford has a diverse economy, offering jobs in manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Companies like Rockford Health System and Andersen Corporation seek freelance talent. The city provides a solid base for contractors looking for a mix of industries and a lower cost of living.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in Rockford, IL


  8. Omaha, NE
    Average Salary: $178,808
    Omaha is a central hub for finance, insurance, and logistics, making it a prime location for contractors. Companies like Berkshire Hathaway and Union Pacific Railroad often need independent professionals. The city offers a balanced lifestyle with a reasonable cost of living.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in Omaha, NE


  9. Fargo, ND
    Average Salary: $172,576
    Fargo is known for its strong economy and friendly community, offering many freelance opportunities. The city has a mix of agricultural, healthcare, and tech companies, with Sanford Health and Essentia Health often hiring freelancers. Fargo provides a stable environment for independent work.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in Fargo, ND


  10. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $172,192
    Stockton offers a blend of agriculture, healthcare, and education opportunities for contractors. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and Blue Shield of California seek independent professionals. The city's growing economy and lower cost of living make it an attractive place for freelancers.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in Stockton, CA

What are the best companies a Independent Contractor can work for?

Quality Carriers leads the pack with an average salary of nearly $280,000 for independent contractors. Close behind, The MedServ Group offers an impressive average of around $260,000. Transpro Burgener and Diakon Logistics provide solid options, with averages of just over $250,000 and $243,000 respectively. TransAm Trucking, Maersk, and Ryder System also stand out with attractive average salaries exceeding $200,000. FIDELITONE and Veterans Evaluation Services offer competitive averages of about $160,000 each, while Pilot, a Maersk Company, completes the list with an average of around $127,000.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Independent Contractor jobs, highlighting Quality Carriers with the highest at $279,493 and Pilot, A Maersk Company with the lowest at $127,236.
  1. Quality Carriers
    Average Salary: $279,493
    Quality Carriers offers Independent Contractor jobs with good pay and benefits. They work in many states across the country. Their focus is on providing quality services, making it a great choice for contractors looking for a reliable company.


  2. The MedServ Group
    Average Salary: $260,864
    The MedServ Group provides Independent Contractor positions with competitive pay. They operate in various locations, focusing on specialized services. Contractors can expect a stable and rewarding work environment with good pay.


  3. Transpro Burgener
    Average Salary: $250,000
    Transpro Burgener offers well-paying Independent Contractor jobs. They operate in several states, offering a range of services. Contractors benefit from a supportive company culture and good compensation.


  4. Diakon Logistics
    Average Salary: $243,176
    Diakon Logistics has Independent Contractor jobs with attractive pay. They work in multiple locations, focusing on logistics services. Contractors can expect a stable work environment with good pay.


  5. TransAm Trucking
    Average Salary: $219,378
    TransAm Trucking offers Independent Contractor jobs with good pay. They have locations across many states. They provide a supportive environment for contractors to thrive and earn well.


  6. Maersk
    Average Salary: $215,772
    Maersk offers Independent Contractor jobs with competitive salaries. They operate in various locations globally. Contractors enjoy a stable company and good pay for their work.


  7. Ryder System
    Average Salary: $197,909
    Ryder System provides Independent Contractor positions with good pay. They are located in many areas and focus on transportation services. Contractors benefit from good compensation and a stable work environment.


  8. FIDELITONE
    Average Salary: $161,444
    FIDELITONE offers Independent Contractor jobs with fair pay. They operate in various locations, focusing on specialized services. Contractors can expect a stable work environment with reasonable pay.


  9. Veterans Evaluation Services
    Average Salary: $161,233
    Veterans Evaluation Services provides Independent Contractor jobs with good pay. They work in multiple locations, focusing on evaluation services. Contractors benefit from a stable environment and fair compensation.


  10. Pilot, A Maersk Company
    Average Salary: $127,236
    Pilot, A Maersk Company offers Independent Contractor jobs with reasonable pay. They operate in various locations, focusing on logistics services. Contractors can expect a stable work environment and fair compensation.

How to earn more as a Independent Contractor?

Many independent contractors work hard to find the right gigs and perfect their skills. Yet, earning more as a contractor takes more than just hard work. It requires strategic planning and a proactive approach. By focusing on a few key factors, independent contractors can significantly boost their income.

First, contractors should specialize in a niche. Specializing helps attract more clients and command higher rates. Second, building a strong online presence is crucial. This includes a professional website and active profiles on freelance platforms. Third, networking with other professionals can lead to more job opportunities. Sharing work and recommendations with others can also open doors. Fourth, contractors should always aim to improve their skills. Learning new tools and techniques can make one more valuable. Lastly, setting clear, competitive rates based on market standards ensures fair compensation. Adhering to these factors can lead to increased earnings and job satisfaction.

Consider these strategies to enhance earning potential:

  1. Focus on a specific area or industry.
  2. Create and maintain a professional online profile.
  3. Network with others in the field regularly.
  4. Continuously update and expand skill sets.
  5. Price services competitively based on market research.

Currently 2,026 Independent Contractor job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Independent Contractor in the US?

Learn what a Independent Contractor does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Independent Contractor today.
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Independent Contractor
2,026 Job Openings