A recent MBO Partners’ State of Independence in America 2022 report confirms that independent contractors are establishing a more central role in the economy as the pool of full-time independent workers has increased from 38.2 million in 2020 to 64.6 million in 2022. 

As more work becomes available, skilled contractors discover new work options and projects that fit their skills. These opportunities foster a more profound sense of career opportunity and afford contractors better lifestyle choices. 

Market demand for skilled IT field contractors gives contractors more choices

In late 2022, the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) cited the 25th straight month of net employment growth for the U.S. tech industry. The report’s analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Jobs Report showed that the industry’s unemployment rate in the U.S. was 1.8% (as compared with an overall national rate of 3.5%).

Professional field service independent contractors confirm the trend on labor platforms like Field Nation, which adds more than 600 qualified IT field service professionals nationwide each week.  Also, the Radius – Field Nation 2022 Independent Contractor study of more than 800 IT field service professionals found 98% of respondents prefer independent contracting in some capacity, and 4 out of 5 IT field service independent contractors are satisfied with their work.

In IT field services, experience reigns 

According to the Radius-Field Nation 2022 Independent Contractor study, the workforce choosing IT field services contract work is highly experienced, with two-thirds (67%) having a decade or more of experience, and nearly half having a decade or more of independent contracting experience.

Skilled IT professionals can command high salaries and attractive perks as full-time, salaried employees. Still, they intentionally choose field service contracting positions instead to support the new way they want to work. Additional work opportunities make a contracting career more feasible. 

Another key driver for contract workers: better options

Reflecting strong national trends, contract workers also report workstyle-based reasons for opting to contract. Flexibility (36%), and control and autonomy (27%) of the type of work are important factors. The availability of more choices means they can also have more control over their career path. 

Increased autonomy leads to higher job satisfaction for contractors

Contractors express high satisfaction levels on work/life balance, placing value on more family time or the ability to address health and wellness needs. 

Overall, contractors find it easier to align their work with their top priorities, leading to increased job engagement and a willingness to continue their work.

The growth in contract work creates a need for smarter points of connection

The development of a permanent and growing contracting sector is leading to positive change industry-wide. Contractors can now be more strategic about how they look for work and identify projects that hold the highest value. Labor platforms play a central role in helping contractors market themselves for the work they want to do. Through platforms like Field Nation, contractors can establish direct connections with hiring managers in the industries and markets where they’re most eager to work.

For more information on how independent contracting is changing the field services landscape, download our full report on “The State of Independent Contracting in Field Services.”