The Top 11 Self-Employed Job Ideas for 2024 (2024)

While finding the best self-employed job ideas is an economic necessity for some, others view it as a way to pursue their passion, develop new skills, and earn additional income.

Not every job will be a great fit – what works for one may not work for another, so carefully consider your skillset.

Whatever your goals, here are the 11 best self-employed jobs that offer flexibility, independence, and income potential.

  • The Top 11 Self-Employed Business Ideas
    • Print on Demand: An Easy Way to Start a Business
    • Social Media Management and Consulting
    • Online or Offline Tutoring
    • Social Media Content Creation
    • Freelance Copywriting
    • Freelance Graphic Designing
    • Cleaning Services
    • Childcare
    • Delivery Services
    • Blogging
    • Pet Sitting
  • How to Sell Your Products Online With Printify?
  • A Few Closing Thoughts

The Top 11 Self-Employed Business Ideas

The Top 11 Self-Employed Job Ideas for 2024 (1)

When people choose self-employment, a whole world of benefits opens up, bringing unrivaled advantages.

  • Potential for profit. Unlike traditional jobs where income is usually fixed, you can directly reap the rewards of your work without any limit on how much you can earn.
  • Independence and freedom. Self-employment provides the space to choose clients and projects, allowing you to pursue your passions and do only what aligns with your values.
  • Job security. With self-employment comes the opportunity to diversify your income streams, waving goodbye to relying on a single employer. If a project ends, finding new clients won’t take long.

Today, you can try many self-employment ideas, allowing you to choose the one that fits your lifestyle best.

Print on Demand: An Easy Way to Start a Business

The Top 11 Self-Employed Job Ideas for 2024 (2)

When it comes to self-employed job ideas, Print on Demand is the perfect option for anyone wanting to start their own business.

Experts predict global retail eCommerce sales will reach $8.1 trillion by 2026. A profitable business idea worth a go.

With this convenient business model, you can make money with very little investment, as you pay for the product only after a sale.

Then, our Print Providers take care of everything else – printing, packaging, and shipping directly to the customer’s doorstep.

The Great Advantages of Print on Demand

When it comes to self-employed job ideas, Print on Demand is the perfect option for anyone wanting to start their own business.

Experts predict global retail eCommerce sales will reach $8.1 trillion by 2026. A profitable business idea worth a go.

With this convenient business model, you can make money with very little investment, as you pay for the product only after a sale.

Then, our Print Providers take care of everything else – printing, packaging, and shipping directly to the customer’s doorstep.

  • Easy to Start. With a bit of free time, anyone can start, run, and manage their business completely from the comfort of their home.
  • Low Investment. No need to spend money on inventory, warehousing, or hiring employees.
  • Product Scope. You can customize and sell various products – from apparel to accessories to home decor – easily appealing to customers.
  • Creative Freedom. With Print on Demand comes the freedom to explore endless design possibilities – creating a bestseller that resonates with your target audience won’t be hard.
  • Seamless Integrations. Whether you want to start a Shopify, Etsy, or eBay business, Printify provides seamless integrations with all the major eCommerce platforms and marketplaces.

Quick Tips

If you’re ready to try one of the best self-employed job ideas and join the profitable world of eCommerce, read our quick guide on how to start a print-on-demand business.

In the Printify Blog, we cover various success stories where entrepreneurs share their experiences, advice, and insight on how they launched their online store.

Social Media Management and Consulting

The Top 11 Self-Employed Job Ideas for 2024 (3)

If you know how to engage audiences on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or other outlets, consider offering social media project management services and market businesses online.

Social networks are invaluable for connecting businesses with people worldwide, allowing brands to build awareness of their products, services, and solutions. Today, it plays a big role in the business community.

Although the responsibilities differ from company to company, offering related services to these is a sure-fire way to get clients’ attention:

  • Mapping out marketing strategy, implementing effective campaigns
  • Growing a company’s audience on various platforms
  • Creating content that resonates with the target audience
  • Monitoring the results of campaigns, analyzing market trends

Try platforms like Fiverr or Upwork – they’re useful for finding clients and great for showcasing your marketing consultant skills.

While specific education isn’t required, having a degree or significant marketing experience will make finding clients much easier. With technical know-how, working for an eCommerce business or a computer software company can be very profitable.

If you have the knowledge, becoming a social media consultant may be your perfect business opportunity.

Online or Offline Tutoring

The Top 11 Self-Employed Job Ideas for 2024 (4)

As the global eLearning market continues to grow, the industry welcomes everyone with the knowledge to share. After all, the industry’s market size will reach $400 billion by 2026.

Whether you want to tutor online or in a one-on-one environment, it’s one of the best self-employed job ideas – tried and tested, literally, over millennia.

Today, there are plenty of platforms helping people create businesses teaching kids, adults, and seniors.

  • Teachable. An online course platform helping people make money from their skills, knowledge, and abilities.
  • Skillshare. In this learning community, everyone’s welcome to create, publish, and promote classes on various topics.
  • Udemy. A convenient studying and teaching platform with millions of students. With its user-friendly interface, it’s great for tutors and students alike.

When starting a tutoring business, bringing value is how to draw people in. If you have useful knowledge you’d like to share, it may come as a natural business for you.

The opportunities are endless. You might even become a life coach or a career coach, changing people’s lives for the better and for good.

Social Media Content Creation

The Top 11 Self-Employed Job Ideas for 2024 (5)

If you enjoy creating content and how-to videos, brands will happily pay you for high-quality posts that increase their audience and promote their business.

Whether you prefer TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram, opportunities for content creators flourish on all platforms.

Again, platforms like Fiverr or Upwork are great for getting yourself out there. Alternatively, try solutions like Afluencer or Intellifluence if you’re more interested in creating content as an influencer.

Quick Tip

Regarding self-employment, becoming an influencer is a viable business idea – discover how to make money as an influencer today.

Freelance Copywriting

The Top 11 Self-Employed Job Ideas for 2024 (6)

If you have a way with words and a passion for storytelling, becoming a freelance writer may be your ideal career.

Everyone, from small businesses to large corporations, needs writers to create appealing content, persuading the audience to choose their business.

Freelancers enjoy the freedom of setting their own hours, taking on projects that align with their interests, and working from anywhere with an internet connection.

After building a reputation and demonstrating solid writing skills, freelance writers can negotiate their rates based on the value they bring to the brand.

As one of the best freelance job sites, Upwork is a great place to jump-start your freelance writing career. Whether you want to offer resume writing services for individuals or content writing for companies, Upwork’s the place.

Quick Tip

Try AI-powered tools like Quillbot Co-Writer or Jasper to earn more by creating engaging content faster.

The Top 11 Self-Employed Job Ideas for 2024 (7)

If you’re blessed with artistic talent, it’s never too late to explore a career in graphic design. It’s one of the best self-employed job ideas for creatives of all stripes.

With the rise of digital media, the demand for visual content remains consistently high – every business needs promotional content that will reach prospective customers through beautiful imagery.

While building a strong portfolio may take some time, afterward, on sites like Upwork, you can showcase your work and wait for clients to find you.

Cleaning Services

The Top 11 Self-Employed Job Ideas for 2024 (8)

With flexible schedules and the ability to choose their clients, cleaners can balance personal life with work, set their own schedule, and choose the scope of services they offer.

Whether it’s residential or window cleaning, there are plenty of ways you can earn money by turning things shiny and spotless.

You can advertise your services on social platforms, ask around in your circle of friends, sign up on platforms like TIDY or TaskRabbit, or inquire if upcoming corporate events need some helping hands.

Childcare

The Top 11 Self-Employed Job Ideas for 2024 (9)

While everyone loves taking care of their own kids, often, parents need to rely on childcare to help them balance life’s responsibilities. A sad state of affairs, yet it’s one of the best self-employed job ideas for moms and responsible people dedicated to childcare.

Network, ask around in your circle of friends, and you might find work as a babysitter on an as-needed basis.

Or, think big and go all-out – start your own daycare center. Just remember that it’s a highly regulated business requiring serious research of childcare provider laws in your state, county, and city. Of course, obtaining state licensure is an absolute must.

Delivery Services

The Top 11 Self-Employed Job Ideas for 2024 (10)

As people spend more time on their jobs, on-demand delivery is a valuable service. If you own a vehicle and enjoy driving, it’s a rewarding job and a great business idea.

Try platforms like Uber Eats or Grubhub and start making money on your own terms whenever you have free time. With their easy online payment arrangement, you can wave goodbye to dealing with complicated payment processes.

Alternatively, advertise your services on your social networks, letting friends, family, and colleagues know you’re open for business. Grocery delivery services or running errands in town, you’ve got it covered.

With a friendly approach, finding a few clients won’t take long. After you’ve built a network of customers, you can even combine shopping trips to ease the workload.

Blogging

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While blogging is a viable business venture, it may take time to pay off. Yet, when it does, and you receive a good amount of traffic, ads generate revenue for you – ongoing cash flows provided by pay-per-click advertising. Or, you can work with sponsors or try affiliate marketing.

To build a truly profit-generating blog, you can also create specialized niches like fashion, crafts, or fitness.

Whatever you’re passionate about, plenty of people are as enthusiastic as you, making it one of the best self-employed job ideas for people with a knack for writing.

Use platforms like Squarespace or Wix – they’re a beginner-friendly way to start a beautiful blog.

Pet Sitting

The Top 11 Self-Employed Job Ideas for 2024 (12)

Finding a reliable pet sitter may be challenging with our lives getting busier. That’s where you come in – happily waving leashes and cat toys, providing an invaluable service while pet owners are on vacation, at work, or running errands.

If you have a soft spot for pets, it’s an ideal self-employment idea, bringing you joy and profit.

With sites like Rover and Wag!, anyone can quickly find opportunities in their local area.

Start Your Own Business Today!

Start Selling

How to Sell Your Products Online With Printify?

The Top 11 Self-Employed Job Ideas for 2024 (13)

As one of the best self-employment ideas, Print on Demand remains unrivaled. Everybody’s welcome, and anyone can become their own boss with just a few clicks.

If approached correctly, it can be a rich business opportunity. Here’s how it all works.

Step 1: Sign Up for a Free Printify Account

After signing up, you can access the Printify Catalog of more than 900 high-quality products, our Mockup Generator, and our extensive network of carefully vetted Print Providers.

Step 2: Select a Product

In the Printify Catalog, you can quickly find anything you need. Simply browse our products, select your favorite, and click Start designing.

Step 3: Design Your Next Bestseller

Whatever you’d like to design, our Mockup Generator allows endless customization – add a design, text, illustrations, or a combination of these to create a product unlike any other.

Step 4: Test the Quality

While not mandatory, we strongly advise ordering samples. With them, you can see whether you’re happy with the final product.

Step 5: Add Products to Your Store

With Printify, you can sell on some of the most popular eCommerce platforms and marketplaces. Shopify, Etsy, eBay, and many other platforms are just a few clicks away.

A Few Closing Thoughts

While all of these ideas for self-employed jobs are great ways to make money, they have their own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing the right one, consider your strengths, skills, and goals.

As far as self-employment business ideas go, none are as easy to expand as Print on Demand. With Printify, anyone can easily start a full-scale business – it’s 100% free, beginner-friendly, and available to everyone, everywhere.

Start Your Own Print-on-Demand Business Today!

Start Selling

Written by

The Top 11 Self-Employed Job Ideas for 2024 (14)

Leon Walker

Leon is a professional copywriter, translator, and interpreter. He enjoys reading, writing, and helping people to understand each other better.

The Top 11 Self-Employed Job Ideas for 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What self-employed business makes the most money? ›

Here are the top 7 self employed jobs to consider.
  1. Consulting. If you have particular industry skills and expertise but want to work on your own, consider advising companies like the one you work for—or their clients. ...
  2. Writing. ...
  3. Design. ...
  4. Programming. ...
  5. Marketing. ...
  6. Search Engine Optimization. ...
  7. Social Media.

What is the best trade for self-employed people? ›

Carpentry, electrical and plumbing are the most popular, but it's fair to say these are the most common trades regardless of whether you're self-employed or on wages. Any trade that allows you to run your business out of a vehicle is going to have lower overheads, but you'll also have a lot more competition.

What is best suitable for self-employment? ›

Answer -The best self-employment largely depends on individual skills, interests, and market demand. Some lucrative options include freelancing in fields like graphic design, writing, or programming, where remote work is prevalent. Consulting or coaching in areas of expertise can also be rewarding.

How to make 100k a year self-employed? ›

As an added benefit, those who master them can apply their skills to just about any industry or field.
  1. Business Consulting. According to PayScale, the average self-employed business consultant earns $100,000 per year exactly. ...
  2. Information Technology Security. ...
  3. User Experience Research. ...
  4. Web Development.
Oct 4, 2022

What is the cheapest most profitable business to start? ›

Low-cost business ideas with high profit potential
  • Launch an online store.
  • Offer online tutoring services.
  • Participate in affiliate marketing.
  • Launch a marketing consulting business.
  • Sell branded merchandise.
  • Become a personal trainer.
  • Produce online courses.
  • Start a dog-walking or pet-sitting business.
Jan 25, 2024

What small business makes the most money? ›

Most profitable small businesses
  1. Food trucks. ...
  2. Car wash services. ...
  3. Auto repair. ...
  4. Personal trainers. ...
  5. Newborn and post-pregnancy services. ...
  6. Enrichment activities for children. ...
  7. Mobile apps and entertainment for children. ...
  8. Shared accessories and attire.
Feb 28, 2024

What is the happiest trade to work in? ›

Happiest Trade Jobs?
  1. Electrician: Electricians enjoy a stable work environment, good pay, and opportunities for advancement. ...
  2. Plumber: Like electricians, plumbers tend to have stable job availability and good pay. ...
  3. HVAC Technician: HVAC technicians work on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Jan 21, 2024

What trade is paying the most right now? ›

9 Highest Paying Trade Jobs
  • #1. Construction Manager. There are several methods of getting your first job as a construction manager. ...
  • #2. Elevator Mechanic. ...
  • #3. Dental Hygienist. ...
  • #4. Ultrasonographer. ...
  • #5. Boilermaker. ...
  • #6. Electrician. ...
  • #7. Plumber. ...
  • #8. HVAC Technician.
Feb 5, 2024

What trade is the easiest to get a job? ›

The easiest no-experience trade job to get into is often a position as a laborer or apprentice in construction or landscaping. These roles typically require minimal formal education or prior experience.

How to make a living self-employed? ›

Here's what you need to do to become self-employed:
  1. Make the decision. ...
  2. Choose your niche and narrow it down. ...
  3. Get specific about your target market. ...
  4. Take care of the administrative details. ...
  5. Invest in systems that will work for you. ...
  6. Decide where you'll get your best work done. ...
  7. Make connections and build your visibility.

How to make a 6 figure income from home? ›

work at home a six figure income jobs
  1. New Home Sales Manager. Confidential. ...
  2. Construction Sales Representative. New. ...
  3. Storm Restoration Sales "Base Pay + Commission" Excel Exteriors, Inc. ...
  4. Sales Representatve- Inbound Calls. ...
  5. Client Solutions Consultant. ...
  6. What are your desired job types? ...
  7. Real Estate Agent/Realtor. ...
  8. Sales BDC Agent.

How do I make the most out of self-employed? ›

Use the tips in this article as a guide and be sure to speak to a professional before making any key decisions with your finances.
  1. Make sure you know what expenses you can claim for. ...
  2. Use your Personal Savings Allowance. ...
  3. Be careful with credit cards. ...
  4. Check your phone and internet plan. ...
  5. Make use of refer a friend schemes.

What is a good annual income for self-employed? ›

Salaries at Self-Employed range from an average of $27,817 to $159,760 a year. Self-Employed employees with the job title Attorney / Lawyer make the most with an average annual salary of $79,097, while employees with the title Live-In Caregiver make the least with an average annual salary of $24,069.

How much a day to make 100K? ›

A $100,000 salary can yield a monthly income of $8,333.33, a biweekly paycheck of $3,846.15, a weekly income of $1,923.08, and a daily income of $384.62 based on 260 working days per year.

How to make $100,000 in passive income? ›

Ways to Make $100,000 Per Year in Passive Income
  1. Invest in Real Estate. Rental properties generate income through tenants who pay rent each month to live in a property you own. ...
  2. CD Laddering. ...
  3. Dividend Stocks. ...
  4. Fixed-Income Securities. ...
  5. Start a Side Hustle.
Jul 28, 2023

Can trading be self-employed? ›

Working as an independent trader can be a way for individuals to make extra income, or even possibly a full-time living. But like any business venture, the income generated from trading is taxable. If you are successful as an independent day trader, it can create significant tax liabilities for you.

What is a self-employed trade? ›

You carry on a trade or business as a sole proprietor or an independent contractor. You are a member of a partnership that carries on a trade or business. You are otherwise in business for yourself (including in a part-time business or as a gig worker).

Which type of trading is best for making money? ›

Day trading, a.k.a. Intraday trading, is one of the most common types of trading in the stock market. Although expert traders rely on intraday trading to make higher-than-average profits, it is also the riskiest. Day traders buy and sell stocks or ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) on the same day.

Which skilled trade is happiest? ›

Careers That Make People Happy
  • Carpenter. ...
  • Surgical Technologist. ...
  • Executive Chef or Head Cook. ...
  • Auto Mechanic. ...
  • Photographer. ...
  • Esthetician. ...
  • Veterinary Tech. Help provide medical care to people's pets or other animals by assisting veterinarians. ...
  • Hairstylist. Tap into your creativity while helping people look their very best.
Jan 3, 2024

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