10 Best Self-Employment Careers for 2025 Growth

Top Jobs for Freelancers and Self-Employed Entrepreneurs

Self-employment has emerged as an attractive option for individuals seeking flexibility, autonomy, and control over their career paths. Whether you’re pursuing a passion project, looking to escape the constraints of traditional employment, or planning to diversify your income streams, self-employment offers numerous opportunities across various fields.

According to data compiled by TollFreeForwarding.com and sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), certain professions are witnessing substantial growth. A look at the best scalable ventures, based on growth, percentages, and earnings:

1. Taxi Drivers and Rideshare Operators

• 2023 Employment: 153,500
• Self-Employed Share: 89.7%
• Projected Growth (2023–2033): 15.4%
• Median Annual Salary: $34,680

This profession leads the pack, largely driven by the flexibility rideshare platforms offer. Many taxi and rideshare drivers use this career as a supplementary income stream. However, the rise of autonomous vehicles could disrupt this field, potentially reducing the demand for human drivers over the long term.

2. Couriers and Messengers

• 2023 Employment: 151,200
• Self-Employed Share: 67.1%
• Projected Growth: 12.3%
• Median Annual Salary: $36,760

While the demand for delivery services is growing, advancements in AI-powered logistics and autonomous delivery systems (such as drones and robots) may impact the long-term viability of this role for self-employed individuals.

3. Exercise Physiologists

• 2023 Employment: 13,100
• Self-Employed Share: 61.3%
• Projected Growth: 12.2%
• Median Annual Salary: $54,860

Fitness Professionals face limited disruption from AI, as it relies heavily on human connection and personalized interactions. Technology, however, is improving fitness tracking and health monitoring tools, potentially complementing rather than replacing this profession.

4. Therapists

• 2023 Employment: 26,200
• Self-Employed Share: 60.5%
• Projected Growth: 12.2%
• Median Annual Salary: $63,650

Therapists often establish private practices, offering services such as counseling and mental health therapy. AI-driven mental health platforms, such as chatbots and virtual therapy tools, are becoming popular but are unlikely to replace human therapists due to the nuanced nature of their work.

5. Photographers

• 2023 Employment: 98,300
• Self-Employed Share: 65.1%
• Projected Growth: 7.2%
• Median Annual Salary: $40,760

AI-based photo editing and automated photography tools are making strides, potentially reducing demand for certain types of photography services. However, creative fields like portrait and event photography still rely on human artistry and personal touch.

6. Entertainers, Performers, and Athletes

• 2023 Employment: 34,000
• Self-Employed Share: 60%
• Projected Growth: 6.9%
• Median Annual Salary: $116,410

While AI-generated content, such as music and digital performances, poses competition in certain areas, audiences continue to value human creativity, live experiences, and personal connection, ensuring the ongoing relevance of artists and entertainers.

7. Barbers

• 2023 Employment: 62,300
• Self-Employed Share: 79.5%
• Projected Growth: 5.7%
• Median Annual Salary: $36,150

Barbers and hair salons remain minimally impacted by AI, as it relies on hands-on skills and personal interaction, which technology cannot replicate.

8. Non-Radio Disc Jockeys

• 2023 Employment: 13,800
• Self-Employed Share: 65.6%
• Projected Growth: 5.7%
• Median Hourly Wage: $20.00

AI-generated music and playlists pose a challenge to DJs, especially in casual or non-live settings. However, DJs who provide unique mixes and live performance value are likely to remain in demand.

9. Psychologists

• 2023 Employment: 41,000
• Self-Employed Share: 72.5%
• Projected Growth: 5.3%
• Median Annual Salary: $117,750

Similar to therapists, psychologists face competition from AI mental health tools. However, the depth of analysis and empathy provided by human psychologists remains irreplaceable.

10. Writers and Authors

• 2023 Employment: 99,200
• Self-Employed Share: 65.9%
• Projected Growth: 5%
• Median Annual Salary: $73,690

AI-generated writing tools like ChatGPT are changing the writing industry by automating the creation of basic content. Writers who can adapt and take advantage of these new tools are more likely to succeed in establishing a competitive freelance business.

Resources and Limitations of the Forecasts

The National Employment Matrix provides detailed insights into national employment trends across various industries. It serves as a valuable resource for identifying potential opportunities in self-employment by offering granular data on employment levels, growth projections, and occupational classifications. Use the data as a guide to explore sectors with strong current demand while staying attuned to technological advancements shaping the job market.