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10 best gig economy jobs

The “gig economy,” or independent contracting employment, jumped in the United States from 12% in 2004 to 18% in 2014, and is expected to continue to grow in popularity. According to Intuit, a financial and accounting software developer, by 2020 close to 40% of the U.S. workforce is expected to comprise of independent contractors.

While there are risks for employees to move to an independent contacting position, such as a lack of healthcare benefits, others find those jobs and its perks, including remote work, appealing.

Job search site CareerCast analyzed wage and growth outlook data for the gig economy to rank the 10 best gigs for this year. Wages and projected growth outlooks through 2024 are culled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and reflect averages and projections across part-time, freelance and full-time positions.
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1. Accountant

Median hourly wage: $32.30
Wage growth outlook: 11%
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2. Broadcast and sound engineering technician

Median hourly wage: $20.09
Wage growth outlook: 7%
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3. Carpenter

Median hourly wage: $20.24
Wage growth outlook: 6%
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4. Delivery truck driver

Median hourly wage: $13.34
Wage growth outlook: 5%
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5. Interpreter/translator

Median hourly wage: $21.24
Wage growth outlook: 29%
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6. Management analyst

Median hourly wage: $39.10
Wage growth outlook: 14%
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7. Multimedia artist

Median hourly wage: $30.76
Wage growth outlook: 6%
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8. Occupational therapist

Median hourly wage: $38.54
Wage growth outlook: 27%
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9. Software developer

Median hourly wage: $48.41
Wage growth outlook: 17%
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10. Web developer

Median hourly wage: $31.23
Wage growth outlook: 27%

To view CareerCast's full report, click here.
Nick Otto
Former senior editor, Employee Benefit News
Recruiting Employee relations Employee communications Employee retention Employee classifications
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