GigLeadSlide.jpg
A young businessman surrounded by moving boxes celebrating while using a laptop
PeopleImages.com/Getty Images

10 best gig economy jobs

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

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.
p19jrpuv0idvv1jul1oaq1s261pk0g.jpg
accountant with abacus over white bacground
Marco Varrone/marcovarro - Fotolia

1. Accountant

Median hourly wage: $32.30
Wage growth outlook: 11%
SoundEngineer.jpg
Sound engineer in the recording studio with headphones on,, adjusting the settings,, a girl in the background sound boot
Oktay Ortakcioglu/Getty Images

2. Broadcast and sound engineering technician

Median hourly wage: $20.09
Wage growth outlook: 7%
p1962ob4058bbsni1d8212pf1u261r.jpg

3. Carpenter

Median hourly wage: $20.24
Wage growth outlook: 6%
TruckDriver.Getty.jpg
An image from the transportation industry of a truck driver giving the thumbs up from inside his cab.
shotbydave/Getty Images

4. Delivery truck driver

Median hourly wage: $13.34
Wage growth outlook: 5%
Translator.jpg
Caucasian businessman dealing with two chinese businesswomen.
AIMSTOCK/Getty Images

5. Interpreter/translator

Median hourly wage: $21.24
Wage growth outlook: 29%
1. Computer analyst.jpg
Scientists working together in lab
Hybrid Images/Getty Images/Cultura RF

6. Management analyst

Median hourly wage: $39.10
Wage growth outlook: 14%
p19i7mi6051sp3rk9du27u514vs8.jpg

7. Multimedia artist

Median hourly wage: $30.76
Wage growth outlook: 6%
p19d8mq61chni11c81atgiibqlbd.jpg

8. Occupational therapist

Median hourly wage: $38.54
Wage growth outlook: 27%
p1b7ajbl8mutab5ihnq1bcs1m86k.jpg
Asian Outsource Developer Looking Screen Sitting At Desk Working Laptop Computer Mobile Application Software Real Office
mast3r - Fotolia

9. Software developer

Median hourly wage: $48.41
Wage growth outlook: 17%
7. Web developer.jpg
Young computer programmer working at his desk at a startup company
alvarez/Getty Images

10. Web developer

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

To view CareerCast's full report, click here.
MORE FROM EMPLOYEE BENEFIT NEWS