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A growing number of workers are breaking away from traditional employment to embrace self-employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 10.1% of the workforce was self-employed at the start of last year—the highest level in a decade. TollFreeForwarding.com has identified the top careers for self-employed individuals, analyzing BLS data to reveal jobs with high percentages of self-employed workers and significant projected growth over the next ten years.
Top Careers for Self-Employment
Topping the list are taxi drivers, including rideshare drivers, with 89.7% of the workforce self-employed. The field is projected to grow by 15.4% over the next decade. Although full-time taxi drivers earn below the national median salary, rideshare opportunities offer the flexibility to set schedules, making it an appealing side hustle or primary income source.
Creative professions also rank high among self-employed jobs. Four of the top ten occupations—photographers, entertainers, DJs, and writers—are in the arts sector. These careers allow individuals to set their schedules, pursue diverse projects, and maintain creative autonomy.
The top ten self-employment careers, according to TollFreeForwarding.com, include:
| Occupation | 2023 Employment | % Self-Employed | Projected Growth (2023-2033) | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 34,000 | 60% | 6.9% | $116,410 |
| Barbers | 62,300 | 79.5% | 5.7% | $36,150 |
| DJs (Non-Radio) | 13,800 | 65.6% | 5.7% | $20/hour |
| Psychologists | 41,000 | 72.5% | 5.3% | $117,750 |
| Writers & Authors | 99,200 | 65.9% | 5% | $73,690 |
Generational Trends in Self-Employment
Self-employment has gained traction among younger generations, who value flexibility and work-life balance. Millennials make up the largest share of freelancers at 45%, followed by Gen X (27%) and Gen Z (15%). In contrast, only 9% of Baby Boomers and 4% of the Silent Generation work freelance jobs.
Technology has also contributed to the rise of self-employment, enabling younger workers to start businesses, freelance, and work remotely with greater ease. With 32.6 million Americans expected to work remotely by next year, opportunities for self-employment continue to grow.
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance Drive Appeal
Jason O’Brien, COO of TollFreeForwarding.com, highlights the appeal of self-employment.
“While striking out on one’s own may seem daunting, there is certainly an allure of flexibility and work-life balance that comes with being your own boss. Our findings show that there are some great and diverse options for those who wish to work on their own terms, whether it’s picking up some extra income or being full-time self-employed,” he says.
Image: Envato
