41 best self-employed jobs in 2023

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In a Nutshell

Some of the best self-employed jobs include tech jobs like software development or web design. There are also several personal service jobs where you can work for yourself, like hairdressing, massage therapy or personal training.
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According to March 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 16 million Americans are self-employed. You may want to work independently for many reasons, from flexible work schedules to taking control of your career development. While the best job for you will depend on your unique skills, talents and passions, we’ve compiled a list of 41 ideas to help inspire you. Keep reading to see which job may speak to you.


  1. Financial advisor
  2. Business consultant
  3. Software developer
  4. Architect
  5. Virtual assistant
  6. Editor
  7. Copywriter
  8. Interior designer
  9. Web designer
  10. Event planner
  11. Property manager
  12. Construction manager
  13. Career counselor
  14. Mechanic
  15. Transcriptionist
  16. Carpenter
  17. Translator
  18. Graphic designer
  19. Social media specialist
  20. Videographer
  21. Private music teacher
  22. Bookkeeper
  23. Blogger
  24. Real estate agent
  25. Farmer
  26. Roofer
  27. E-commerce seller
  28. Artist
  29. Photographer
  30. Life coach
  31. Food service manager
  32. Personal trainer
  33. Hairstylist
  34. Massage therapist
  35. Makeup artist
  36. Landscaper
  37. Caterer
  38. Caregiver
  39. Tutor
  40. Ride-share driver
  41. Childcare

1. Financial advisor

A financial advisor helps clients make a financial plan by advising them on taxes, investments, retirement savings and other financial products. Though many financial advisors work traditionally in the finance and insurance industries, many others are self-employed and open their own firms. Independent financial advisors can take advantage of self-employment tax deductions.

Median salary: $95,390

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Industry licenses/certifications (depends on specialty)

2. Business consultant

Business or management consultants may advise companies on their operations, sales, HR, marketing, IT, finance and other aspects of their business. Consultants may help companies increase revenue, create a business plan, improve employee performance and more.

Average salary: $79,932

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master’s degree (recommended)

3. Software developer

A software developer creates and updates software programs. Developers are problem solvers who write and test code behind video games, apps and systems software. Being a freelance software developer may allow you complete control over the jobs you work on.

Median salary: $124,200

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Knowledge of programming languages

4. Architect

Architects plan and design buildings and other structures, ensuring they meet safety requirements and client needs. Some architects are self-employed and design contractually for different businesses and individuals. You can also aim to start your firm.

Median salary: $82,840

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master’s degree (recommended)
  • Paid internship

5. Virtual assistant

A virtual assistant is a remote assistant who helps clients with administrative work. They may assist with calls, emails, calendars, travel plans and other administrative work. This work-from-home job may allow you to work anywhere in the world for various clients.

Average salary: $44,080

Requirements:

  • Office skills

6. Editor

If you love words and proofreading, you may find freelance editing fulfilling. Being a freelance editor may allow you to work from home and take on projects from whichever industries interest you.

Median salary: $73,080

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree (recommended)

7. Copywriter

Copywriters craft words for various content types, whether it be writing emails, landing pages or entire websites. If you have a passion for writing and can assume the brand voice of different clients, you may enjoy being a copywriter.

Median salary: $73,150

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree (recommended)
  • Industry experience

8. Interior designer

Interior designers help their clients create beautiful and practical spaces. They can use design software to create design plans, communicate with clients about their needs and wants and put their creativity to work with each project.

Median salary: $61,590

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree (recommended)
  • State licensure (in some states)

9. Web designer

Web designers use design programs to build and design websites. If you’re well versed in UI and UX (user interface and user experience) design and want to create aesthetically pleasing webpages based on client feedback, a freelance web design career could be for you.

Median salary: $80,730

Requirements:

  • Associate’s degree (recommended)
  • Skills in programming languages

10. Event planner

Consider starting an event planning business if you’re great at organizing and executing get-togethers. Event planners work closely with clients or businesses to plan parties, weddings and other events.

Median salary: $52,560

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree (recommended)
  • Industry experience and certifications

11. Property manager

Property managers generate income by maintaining real estate, property or community associations. They have a variety of responsibilities, including maintaining the properties, showing properties to potential renters, discussing leasing terms and taking care of inspections and repairs.

Median salary: $60,670

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Industry experience

12. Construction manager

A construction manager coordinates projects and stays on top of budgeting and scheduling. Many construction managers are self-employed, with many others working as contractors.

Median salary: $101,480

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree (recommended)
  • Industry experience
  • General contractor credentials

13. Career counselor

A career counselor advises clients on job searching processes and requirements they need to reach certain career goals. They may offer advice on finding the right resources to find financial aid, put together resumes and create a career plan.

Average salary: $60,140

Requirements:

  • Master’s degree (recommended)
  • State licensure (in some states)

14. Mechanic

Mechanics repair and conduct routine maintenance on cars and other motor vehicles. Mechanics may work for auto repair shops and dealerships, but if you’re confident in your abilities, you can also opt for self-employment.

Median salary: $46,970

Requirements:

  • Vocational school (recommended)
  • Industry certifications (recommended)

15. Transcriptionist

Transcriptionists type recorded audio or live proceedings into written form. You might make a good transcriptionist if you’re a good listener and a fast typer. You can also specialize in specific fields — for example, medical transcriptionists transcribe documents in the health care field. You can advertise your services or find job opportunities on job boards as a freelance transcriptionist.

Median salary: $34,730 (Medical transcriptionist)

Requirements:

  • Certificate program or an associate’s degree

16. Carpenter

Carpenters work with wood to construct, repair and upgrade houses and other structures. As a freelance carpenter, it may help you to determine a niche (for example, formwork or finishing), learn business management skills and complete various licensing requirements.

Median salary: $51,390

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (recommended)
  • Licensure (depending on your area)
  • Apprenticeship

17. Translator

If you’re fluent in multiple languages and looking for a flexible, work-from-home job, consider advertising your services as a freelance translator. Whether it’s a side job or a full-time job, your fluency in another language may come in handy to help you make some extra money.

Median salary: $53,640

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree (recommended)

18. Graphic designer

Freelance graphic designers take on visual creation jobs for use online and in print. This job can be creative and flexible since many graphic designers work independently and can choose their own schedules. Try building an online portfolio to advertise your services to clients across different industries.

Median salary: $57,990

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Professional portfolio

19. Social media manager

Social media managers help clients create marketing campaigns and strategies for social media platforms. They may also help analyze performance to track and improve their communication strategies.

Average salary: $79,105

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree (recommended)

20. Videographer

Videographers film and edit videos in various industries, including film, short stories, advertisements and weddings. If you like to tell stories through video, you might consider starting your own videography business with the proper camera equipment and video editing software.

Median salary: $58,230

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree (recommended)

21. Private music teacher

If you play the piano, guitar or another instrument, consider turning your musical ability into a job by becoming a music teacher. You can start by offering lessons in your home and move to a music studio if or when it becomes necessary.

Median salary: $69,530

Requirements:

  • Have expert-level music experience
  • Develop a personal brand

22. Bookkeeper

You may enjoy working as a bookkeeper if you have organizational skills and a knack for numbers. You’ll assist business owners with tracking payroll, purchasing, billing and more.

Median salary: $45,860

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Bachelor’s degree (recommended)
  • Industry experience (recommended)

23. Blogger

As a self-employed blogger, you can write about your passion, whatever it is. While it may take some time to build an audience of readers through your blog, once you gain more visibility, you can charge businesses to advertise on your blog through ads, sponsored posts or other engagements.

Average salary: $40,000–$50,000

Requirements: No formal training required

24. Real estate agent

Most licensed real estate agents who help clients buy and sell property are self-employed. They help people put their homes up for sale and search for homes that match clients’ budgets and specifications. Real estate agents may need strong interpersonal skills and salesmanship.

Median salary: $49,980

Requirements:

  • State real estate license

25. Farmer

Many farmers work for themselves, running family-owned farms that can produce crops, poultry and/or dairy. Running a farm might be a tough but rewarding job — you may need to work long hours during harvest, but you can enjoy working with animals and nature.

Median salary: $75,760

Requirements:

  • Industry experience

26. Roofer

Roofers maintain, repair and build roofs for residential and commercial buildings. Roofers may be individual contractors or own their businesses. They may start with smaller residential projects and expand to larger commercial jobs over time.

Median salary: $47,920

Requirements:

  • Industry experience
  • License (in some states)

27. E-commerce seller

If you make jewelry, T-shirts, pet accessories or any other product, investigate selling on Etsy or another platform to try and grow your business.

Average salary: Varies

Requirements:

  • Have a product to sell

28. Artist

Whether you create traditional paintings or make unique pottery pieces, being a self-employed artist could be a creatively fulfilling career.

Average salary: $69,760

Requirements:

  • None

29. Photographer

About 60% of photographers are self-employed, which means it can be flexible. Self-employed photographers can set their own schedules or specialize in their favorite type of photography — from wedding portraits to nature photography. Building up a portfolio of your work is essential to getting your photography business off the ground.

Median salary: $40,170

Requirements:

  • Camera and editing software
  • Networking skills (recommended)
  • Online portfolio (recommended)

30. Life coach

As a life coach, you might advise clients on everything from motivation and social issues to career goals and finding a new hobby. Those drawn to working as a life coach are often empathetic, patient and helpful. Clients may ask you for advice on improving their lives, forming connections and managing relationships.

Average salary: $61,900

Requirements:

  • No formal requirements

31. Food service manager

Food service managers oversee the daily operations of a restaurant or other eating establishment. Being a food service manager can include scheduling staff hours, ordering food and supplies and complying with food safety measures. 

Median salary: $61,310

Requirements:

  • Industry experience
  • Licensure (in some states)

32. Personal trainer

You may enjoy working as a personal trainer if you love exercising and motivating others. This job can be a great way to share your commitment to an active life with others. Personal trainers generally have good communication skills and are in excellent shape, pushing their clients to grow and improve.

Median salary: $45,380

Requirements:

  • First aid certification (recommended)
  • Personal trainer certification (varies by area)

33. Hairstylist

If you become a hairstylist, you could spend your days cutting, coloring and styling hair for different clients. Hairstylists stay on top of the current hairstyling trends and know how to achieve various looks.

Median salary: $33,400

Requirements:

  • Cosmetology school
  • State-issued license

34. Massage therapist

As a massage therapist, you can have the opportunity to provide therapeutic massage of soft tissue and joints. To become a massage therapist, you must go through the proper licensing process before opening your own business. 

Median salary: $49,860

Requirements:

  • State-issued license
  • 500–1,000 hours of training

35. Makeup artist

Makeup artists may offer services for events like weddings and proms. They might also work with models and actors for photo shoots and films. To make it as a makeup artist, you’ll want to hone your craft and develop a portfolio of eye-catching skills.

Average salary: $60,487

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Technical certifications

36. Landscaper

Starting your own landscaping business might allow you to design beautiful outdoor spaces and solve problems for your clients. You may create and implement plans for outdoor spaces like parks, courtyards and lawns.

Median salary: $36,160

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (recommended)

37. Caterer

If you have a passion and skill for cooking, consider starting a catering business. You can gain experience by offering your services at small parties for friends and family and expand your business from there. As a self-employed professional, you can determine your specialty, create your menu and set your prices.

Average salary: $29,796

Requirements:

  • Food service and management skills (recommended)

38. Caregiver

As an independent caregiver, you may support people who are older or need help with everyday activities. You can help manage their medication, change dressings, prepare meals, help perform other necessary tasks and provide company and companionship.

Median salary: $30,180

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (recommended)
  • Certifications depend on the state

39. Tutor

If you enjoy teaching others about your favorite subjects, consider tutoring. You can tutor students as a side job or even start your own business to help young children, high schoolers, college students or adults improve their skills in math, English and other subjects.

Average salary: $44,820

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree (recommended)

40. Ride-share driver

Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft can allow you to make money by driving people where they need to go. Ride-sharing may be more profitable if you live in a busy city or drive long-distance trips.

Median salary: $37,540

Requirements:

  • Pass driver screening
  • Valid driver’s license

41. Childcare

If you’re great with children, one self-employment option is to become a childcare professional. If you work in childcare, clients may pay you to visit their homes to watch their children. You may need to supervise, play with and teach them in addition to helping with chores and driving them to school or after-school activities.

Median salary: $28,520

Requirements:

  • Varies by state

What’s next: Self-employment taxes

If you decide you’d like to work for yourself, it’s important to understand how to do taxes for your business. Depending on your classification, you may need to complete one of several self-employment tax forms, including the following:

  • Form 1040
  • Schedule C
  • Schedule SE
  • Schedule 1
  • Form 8829