In today’s dynamic job market, the appeal of self-employment is stronger than ever. For those who crave flexibility, independence, and the ability to shape their own career paths, working for oneself can be a deeply rewarding journey.
Whether you’re looking to break free from the constraints of a 9-to-5 job or seeking a side hustle that could grow into a full-time venture, self-employment offers endless possibilities. From creative pursuits to tech-savvy solutions, there are careers suited to nearly every skill set and passion.
To get a better understanding of some of the best career options for aspiring self-employed professionals, we looked at data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to uncover the occupations with high percentages of self-employed workers that are expected to see the most growth over the next ten years.
According to our findings, here are ten of the fastest-growing jobs that are ideal for self-employed workers:
Top 10 Jobs for Self-Employed Workers
| Occupation | 2023 Employment | 2023 Percent of Self-Employed in Occupation | Projected Job Growth 2023 – 2033 | Median Annual Salary (except where noted) |
| Taxi Drivers
| 153,500 | 89.7% | 15.4% | $34,680 |
| Couriers and Messengers
| 151,200 | 67.1% | 12.3% | $36,760 |
| Exercise Physiologists
| 13,100 | 61.3% | 12.2% | $54,860 |
| Therapists
| 26,200 | 60.5% | 12.2% | $63,650 |
| Photographers
| 98,300 | 65.1% | 7.2% | $40,760 |
| Entertainers, Performers, Sports
| 34,000 | 60% | 6.9% | $116,410 |
| Barbers
| 62,300 | 79.5% | 5.7% | $36,150 |
| Non-radio Disc Jockeys
| 13,800 | 65.6% | 5.7% | $20.00 per hour |
| Psychologists
| 41,000 | 72.5% | 5.3% | $117,750 |
| Writers & Authors | 99,200 | 65.9% | 5% | $73,690 |
Taxi Drivers
According to our findings, the fastest-growing occupation for self-employed professionals is taxi drivers (including rideshare drivers), which is expected to see a 15.4% increase in employment by 2033. Although the median annual salary for taxi drivers ($34,680) is considerably less than the national median salary ($59,383), many rideshare employers offer the ability to work when you want. Therefore, many people who work as taxi or rideshare drivers work part-time in addition to another job.
Therapists & Psychologists
Being a therapist or psychologist is a great choice for self-employment, offering flexibility, meaningful work, and growing demand. In either role, you can run a private practice, set your schedule, and even work remotely through teletherapy, all while making an impact on others’ lives. With both roles making more than the national median salary ($117,750 for psychologists and $63,650 for therapists), both careers require you to complete rigorous education prerequisites. Psychologists need to obtain a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), while therapists need a master’s degree in a field like counseling, social work, or family therapy. As such, these options may not be ideal for those who want to pick up extra work or change careers with relative ease.
Photographers
Several creative jobs made the list, including photographers, which is expected to see a 7.2% growth over the next ten years. Like other artists, many photographers choose to be self-employed because it allows them creative flexibility to work on diverse projects, set their own schedules, and pursue their artistic vision without being confined to a single employer or style. Additionally, being a photographer generally doesn’t require any formal education, as many professionals learn through practice, workshops, or certificate programs. However, some pursue degrees in photography or fine arts to refine their skills and gain a competitive edge, especially in specialized fields like commercial or studio photography.
Writers & Authors
Like photographers, writers and authors are also creative careers that are expected to see considerable growth (5%) in the next decade. Writers and authors don’t need formal education, as many build careers through talent, practice, and self-study. However, some pursue degrees in English, creative writing, or journalism to hone their skills, develop professional networks, and gain credibility in competitive fields. Being a writer can be ideal for those who wish to work for themselves, as it offers flexibility in work hours, the ability to choose projects that align with their interests, work from anywhere, and potentially earn a living by writing for a variety of clients rather than being tied to one employer.
Why Are Workers Switching to Self-Employment?
According to the BLS, 10.1% of the workforce was self-employed at the start of last year, the highest it’s been in ten years. Furthermore, younger generations are flocking to self-employment careers more than their parents did, thanks in large part to the rise of influencer culture and content that attracts young people to freelance work.
According to a 2023 survey, the share of each generation that works freelance is:
- Gen Z – 15%
- Millennial – 45%
- Gen X – 27%
- Baby Boomers – 9%
- Silent Generation – 4%
As more Gen Z workers enter the workforce, the number of young freelancers is expected to grow.
But why do younger generations prefer self-employment over the traditional 9-to-5?
For starters, many Millennials and Gen Zers have a different concept of what success looks like as compared to their parents’ generations. One recent study found that these younger generations define “making it” as not having to work over 40 hours a week while still making enough to support their lifestyle.
Younger generations increasingly prefer self-employment due to its flexibility, autonomy, and alignment with their values. They are drawn to the freedom of setting their own schedule, pursuing creative passions, and avoiding the rigid structure of traditional jobs.
Technology has also made self-employment more accessible, enabling young workers to launch businesses, freelance, or work remotely with relative ease, something that wasn’t as readily available to older generations. Additionally, many younger individuals value work-life balance and purpose-driven careers, which self-employment allows them to design on their own terms. This shift reflects the desire to prioritize personal growth and meaningful work over traditional definitions of job security.
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Sources
https://data.bls.gov/projections/nationalMatrix?queryParams=TE1100&ioType=i
https://luisazhou.com/blog/how-many-americans-are-self-employed/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/531012/freelancers-by-age-us/
