Want to determine your hours? Your own work load? Be your own boss?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has released a list of occupations that in 2016, had a large number of self-employed workers. They are:
- Animal trainers
- Door-to-door sales, street vendors
- Farmers and agriculture
- Artists
- Fishermen and hunters
- Hairdressers and cosmetologists
- Massage therapists
- Musicians and singers
- Photographers
- Dressmakers and tailors
- Writers and authors
Among these jobs, farm and agriculture rated the highest income at an annual average of $66,000. Animal trainers were at the bottom of the list with a mere $22,000 annually. Each of the other jobs fell between the two.
What may appeal to many job seekers is that for these careers, on the job training is often more essential than professional schooling. Those that do require certification, such as hairdressers and massage therapists can finish school in a matter of months, rather than years.
The downside, you are responsible for everything – paying taxes, finding insurance, advertising your business and dealing with difficult customers.
The U.S. Small Business Administration has a webpage to introduce people to the world of self-employment and business ownership. Find it here:
To learn more about salary and hiring outlook for specific industries, visit https://www.bls.gov/oes/
