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When life gets expensive (which is often), it can make sense to take on a side job to earn extra money. If you have skills you can put to work on a part-time basis (such as writing, landscaping, or driving), you may be able to generate enough income to help pay down debt, build up emergency savings, or get some breathing room in your budget.
What are the best self-employed jobs? Keep reading to find out.
Key Points
• Self-employed jobs offer flexibility, which can be beneficial for balancing other responsibilities.
• These jobs provide opportunities to earn extra income, gain experience, and expand professional networks.
• Popular self-employed roles include writers, business consultants, and software developers, each with varying pay rates and growth outlooks.
• While self-employment offers the chance to pursue passions, it also comes with challenges, such as fluctuating income and increased responsibility.
• The best self-employed job depends on individual skills, passions, and industry knowledge, with many roles offering potential for full-time opportunities.
What Are Self-Employed Jobs?
Being self-employed means working for yourself. For tax purposes, you may be considered a sole proprietor or an independent contractor. You can be self-employed on a full-time basis or part time on the side.
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Reasons for Getting a Self-Employed Job
These are some great reasons to get a self-employed job:
• Gain experience and improve your skills.
• Expand your professional network.
• Make your own schedule around other responsibilities.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Self-Employed Job
Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages associated with self-employed jobs and side hustles, including:
Pros:
• Flexible hours
• Ability to choose your work environment (home, cafe, office)
• Great learning opportunities
• Chance to pursue a passion
Cons:
• Less collaboration
• Potentially long hours
• Fluctuating earnings (having a budgeting app can help here)
• A lot of responsibility
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What to Expect From Self-Employed Jobs
It can be hard to know what to expect from self-employed jobs since they don’t come with a job description or HR department. Some jobs can be done on a work-from-home basis, whereas others require showing up in person.
Self-employed workers know to “expect the unexpected”: Don’t assume that your workday or client roster will be consistent or predictable, as it is with a full-time job. It’s normal for there to be speed bumps along the way to a more steady routine.
Self-Employed Job Tips
Here are some tips for making self-employment easier:
• Focus on a passion. Having a second job or working as an entrepreneur is hard. But if you choose a field or mission you’re passionate about, it can be easier to stay motivated and on track.
• Develop industry expertise. To really stand out and impress clients, it’s important to have a deep knowledge of the industry and skills required to do the job well.
• Learn from your mistakes. Mistakes happen, but they aren’t a reason to give up. Try to learn from your mistakes and improve.
• Make the most of your income. Once you start making extra money, you may need help managing it. A money tracker lets you connect all of your accounts in one place so you can track your debts, keep tabs on your cash flow, and find ways to save.
16 Best Self-Employed Jobs 2026
What are the best self-employed jobs? Take a look at these 16 options, considering how much they pay and the skills they require. All of these jobs can be done on a n basis to generate supplemental income. They also have the potential to turn into full-time opportunities.
1. Writer
National average pay: $31.80 per hour
Job growth outlook: 4%
Job description: Write articles, books, scripts, advertising copy, and other materials.
Requirements: Strong understanding of grammar, communication skills, professional or academic writing experience
Duties:
• Write short-form or long-form copy.
• Edit written copy.
• Craft headlines and campaign slogans.
2. Business Consultant
National average pay: $41.93 per hour
Job growth outlook: 11%
Job description: Consult businesses on how they can improve their performance.
Requirements: Business experience and good communication skills
Duties:
• Help a business perform better in its chosen area(s) of focus.
• Measure and report business performance.
• Create a strategy and present it to key stakeholders.
3. Videographer
National average pay: $20.97 per hour
Job growth outlook: 10%
Job description: Capture video content and edit it for clients.
Requirements: Video and editing skills
Duties:
• Shoot and direct video content.
• Edit video content using professional software.
• Plan video shoots.
4. Social Media Specialist
National average pay: $24.80 per hour
Job growth outlook: 8%
Job description: Plan social media marketing strategies, create and post social content, and engage with an audience.
Requirements: Marketing analytics and social media marketing knowledge
Duties:
• Plan social media campaigns: organic and paid.
• Create written and visual content.
• Interpret metrics to understand strengths and weaknesses.
5. Makeup Artist
National average pay: $19.72 per hour
Job growth outlook: 17%
Job description: Apply makeup on models, individuals for special events, or actors for movies and red carpet events.
Requirements: License in cosmetology and strong cosmetic skills
Duties:
• Apply makeup to professionals or individuals.
• Consult on beauty looks before big events.
• Design and apply special effects makeup for the film industry.
6. Graphic Designer
National average pay: $23.77 per hour
Job growth outlook: 3%
Job description: Design graphics, such as logos and advertisements, using digital tools.
Requirements: Understanding of design and color theory and knowledge of digital design programs
Duties:
• Use software to create visuals for digital or printed materials.
• Edit photographs.
• Create company branding.
7. Career Coach
National average pay: $20.12 per hour
Job growth outlook: 10%
Job description: Help clients set professional goals and guide them as they work toward them. Coaching can be a rewarding way to make money from home.
Requirements: Strong understanding of the job market and active listening skills
Duties:
• Help clients complete job applications effectively.
• Assist with cover letter and resume writing.
• Practice interview scenarios.
8. Software Developer
National average pay: $42.08 per hour
Job growth outlook: 21%
Job description: Write computer code in order to create applications, websites, and other digital products or to update existing ones. Coding is considered the quintessential job for introverts.
Requirements: Knowledge of coding languages
Duties:
• Write computer code.
• Design and install programs and applications.
• Create or update websites.
9. Event Planner
National average pay: $24.78 per hour
Job growth outlook: 18%
Job description: Plan corporate events, weddings, and parties.
Requirements: Knowledge of event and business management, as well as good communication skills
Duties:
• Plan events from start to finish, from concept to tiny details.
• Run and manage the event.
• Connect clients with vendors.
10. Hairstylist
National average pay: $18.38 per hour
Job growth outlook: 11%
Job description: Cut, color, and style hair for clients, as well as provide other beauty services.
Requirements: Cosmetology license (most states)
Duties:
• Cut and color hair.
• Style hair.
• Educate clients on hair care and products.
11. Photographer
National average pay: $16.33 per hour
Job growth outlook: 9%
Job description: Take photographs of places, objects, and people for business clients or individuals who want a special moment or event recorded.
Requirements: Digital photography and photo editing skills
Duties:
• Plan photoshoots.
• Take digital photographs.
• Edit photos in post-production.
12. Transcriptionist
National average pay: $21.21 per hour
Job growth outlook: -7%
Job description: Listen to recorded or live speech and transcribe it into text. (Transcribing is a good job for antisocial people.)
Requirements: Active listening, typing, and spelling and grammar skills
Duties:
• Accurately transcribe audio into text.
• Edit transcripts for proper spelling and grammar.
• Work for businesses or transcription services.
13. Driver
National average pay: $16.72 per hour
Job growth outlook: 11%
Job description: Pick up and drive passengers to their desired locations safely.
Requirements: Valid driver’s license and good driving record (if driving for a company, you may have to pass a driver’s test and own a car)
Duties:
• Pick up passengers at their desired location
• Drive passengers to their location safely.
• Provide ride-share services or private driving services.
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14. Landscaper
National average pay: $13.92 per hour
Job growth outlook: 5%
Job description: Plan and plant landscaping and maintain existing plantings to ensure garden health and aesthetic appeal.
Requirements: Knowledge of landscaping best practices
Duties:
• Plant grass, flowers, trees, and shrubs.
• Maintain the health of plants.
• Mow grass, trim and prune plants, and manage water landscaping.
15. Nanny
National average pay: $19.36 per hour
Job growth outlook: 6%
Job description: Take care of children: Cook for them, clean up after them, play with them, and transport them to and from school and social activities.
Requirements: Childcare experience and safety certifications, such as CPR
Duties:
• Keep children safe, clean, and fed.
• Play with children and help them with their homework.
• Assist with household chores.
16. Personal Trainer
National average pay: $17.89
Job growth outlook: 19%
Job description: Help clients master workout routines and make physical health progress. While this used to be an in-person job exclusively, many trainers now work from home, coaching and leading classes via webcam.
Requirements: Education in kinesiology or exercise science
Duties:
• Create custom workout routines for clients.
• Help clients set fitness goals.
• Instruct clients on how to properly perform exercises and monitor their physical progress.
The Takeaway
The best self-employed job for you depends on your skills and passions. There are many self-employed job opportunities across various industries that can help you earn extra money. Benefits include flexible hours and schedules, your choice of workplace, and the opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills. Disadvantages include fluctuating income, unpredictable workdays, and total responsibility.
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FAQ
How can I make $1,000 a month passively?
Passive income takes work to set up, but it can be rewarding once the initial labor is done. Investing is a good example of passive income. It takes time and money to build a strong investment portfolio, but once you do, you can earn money passively each month with little effort.
What self-employed jobs make a lot of money?
Personal trainer, event planner, software developer, business consultant, videographer, and writer are some high-paying self-employed jobs. But many different types of jobs can generate good income once you have some experience.
Which career is best for the self-employed?
As they say, one person’s heaven is another’s hell. And so it is with self-employed jobs. Think carefully about what you’re good at, your industry knowledge and experience, and the type of role you’re passionate about in order to find the right self-employed job for you.
Do I need a college degree to be self-employed?
Although you do not need a degree to be self-employed, potential clients may see you as more reliable and credible if you have one. Plus, getting a degree can help you build a network before starting your own business and teach you soft skills such as critical thinking and effective communication.
What’s the best way to start my own business?
When starting your own business, it’s a good idea to learn about the industry you plan to enter so you can stand out among the competition. Focusing on your passion can help you stay motivated, as well.
About the author
Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/dusanpetkovic
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