20 part-time jobs Earn over $ 250 an hour for these high-paying independent jobs

20 part-time jobs Earn over $ 250 an hour for these high-paying independent jobs

That’s according to new research from Upwork, a global freelancing platform which has identified a list of 20 of the most lucrative jobs for independent workers right now.

Those jobs, which are presented in terms of the key skills they require, span industries from law to marketing and tech, and can command average hourly earnings of $165 to $255, the report found.

Shifting workplace norms and a tight labor market in the U.S. are giving employees the freedom to strike out on their own while raking in impressive sums.

Upwork’s CEO Stephane Kasriel said the findings highlight the growing freedoms of professionals with the right skills.

“This is a clear indication that there’s an incredible opportunity for this increasingly important segment of the workforce and that businesses are willing to pay top dollar for access to high-quality talent,” he said.

Not all independent jobs command such high pay, and freelance work, by its very nature, can be unpredictable. However, even at the lower end, freelancers who earn $50 an hour rank among the country’s top wage earners, according to Upwork’s chief economist, Adam Ozimek.

“While wages for the most lucrative skills are high, they aren’t outliers,” Ozimek told CNBC Make It. “One-third of U.S. freelancers on Upwork earn at least $50/hour, which would put them in the top 10% of U.S. wage earners overall.”

The study, which drew on Upwork’s database of 5,000 skills across 70 categories, ranked top skills according to the hourly rates charged by U.S. freelancers from January to June 2019.

1. Legal entity structuring

Average hourly rate: $255

When starting a business, deciding the legal form it will take is vital.

Such structures can range from sole proprietorship, where the business leader is the sole owner, to a partnership, corporation or a limited liability company. Each has wide-reaching implications for taxation and other factors. Therefore, most savvy business owners are willing to pay for experts who can help make the call.

2. Blackline

Average hourly rate: $220

Blackline is a U.S. software company that helps automate accounting and finance processes. Professionals who can implement and operate the software for businesses can earn up to $220 per hour, according to Upwork.

3. Bitcoin

Average hourly rate: $215

Bitcoin, arguably the most widely recognized blockchain-based cryptocurrency, has fluctuated in popularity — and price — since its launch in 2009. Yet, as cryptocurrencies gain traction, for instance with the launch of Facebook’s Libra, those with bitcoin expertise are raking in good money.

4. International accounting standards

Average hourly rate: $215

Any individual or company that conducts business internationally needs to ensure they operate according to the appropriate tax systems. Failure to do so can mean big fines, so prudent business leaders are willing to fork out money for guidance from such professionals.

5. Software licensing

Average hourly rate: $200

A software licence is a document that provides legal guidelines for the use and distribution of software. Such licenses are vital for both the increasing number of software businesses and the individuals who use their services.

6. Applied behavioral analysis

Average hourly rate: $195

Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is a form of therapy that seeks to alter and improve behavior in humans and animals. Typically, ABA is used to treat individuals with social disorders, such as autism, but it can also be applied as a therapy for other psychological conditions.

7. Behavioral design

Average hourly rate: $195

Behavioral design focuses on how design can influence human behavior. Such design processes have wide-reaching social applications, ranging from health and well-being to sustainability and crime prevention, making it a lucrative career route for designers.

8. Trade law

Average hourly rate: $185

Trade law relates to the rules and customs surrounding the exchange of goods and services between businesses and countries.

As trade continues to weigh on international relations, professionals with expertise in this domain are in high demand.

9. Image object recognition

Average hourly rate: $180

Image object recognition refers to technology that can find and identify objects in an image or sequence.

The technology has proven transformative for a host of industries, from commerce to transportation and security. That means programmers with the expertise to develop and implement it are cashing in.