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Why more companies are turning to independents to get work done

Independent contracting is the largest and fastest growing segment of the extended workforce

Fast-changing markets pressure companies to move faster, control spend, and access skills that keep work moving. Independent professionals give teams a straightforward way to fill critical skill gaps fast, manage budgets with more intention and stay competitive.

Independent contractors are the fastest growing market segment in the US. They are skilled, experienced, and tech-savvy. In fact our own 2025 State of Independence Report found that 72.9 M Americans now work independently and 5.6M independents earn $100k+.

48 %

Independent contracting
$1.8T

11 %

SOW consulting
$391B

26 %

Other temporary work
$962B

15 %

Temporary staffing
$546B

< 1 %

Talent platform workers
$16B

Finding high quality talent is the key

MBO’s Independent Talent Network has access to the best and brightest independent talent who are vetted, proven, and skilled. With 130k profiles, we can quickly identify talent who meet your specific criteria.

MBO's marketplace has:

  • 130k profiles of skilled, experienced talent across
  • 18 skill domains and
  • 112+ specialties

Top skills include:

  • Project Managers
  • Marketing
  • Finance & Accounting
  • Software Engineer
  • Risk & Compliance
  • IT Infrastructure
  • Data Analysts & Architect
  • Program Manager
  • icon_gear_svg
    Project
    Management
  • download-2
    Technical Writers
  • icon_calculator_svg
    Finance &
    Accounting
  • icon_elements_plus
    Change Management
  • icon_shield_check_svg
    Cyber Security
  • icon_gear_svg
    Project
    Management
  • icon_user_circle
    Human Resource Consultants
  • icon_business_strategy
    Business Strategists
  • icon_db_server
    Data Engineers
  • icon_shield_check_svg
    Cyber Security
  • icon_Lock
    Knowledge
    Management
  • icon_Route
    Digital
    Transformation
  • Icon_Presentation-Line
    Corporate
    Strategy
  • icon_modules_svg
    Technology
    Infrastructure
  • icon_barchart
    Data &
    Analytics
  • icon_aml
    Treasury Leader
  • icon_cursor_Click
    Experience Designers
  • icon_puzzle
    Production Coordinators
  • icon_file_move_svg
    Expense reimbursement
  • Icon_Presentation-Line
    Corporate Strategy
  • icon_modules_svg
    Technology Infrastructure
  • icon_barchart
    Data & Analytics
  • download-Apr-30-2026-05-10-39-6357-AM
    Technology Infrastructure
  • icon_Lock
    Knowledge
    Management
  • icon_Route
    Digital
    Transformation
  • Icon_Presentation-Line
    Corporate
    Strategy
  • icon_modules_svg
    Technology
    Infrastructure
  • icon_barchart
    Data &
    Analytics
  • icon_aml
    Treasury Leader
  • icon_cursor_Click
    Experience Designers
  • icon_puzzle
    Production Coordinators
  • icon_file_move_svg
    Expense reimbursement
  • Icon_Presentation-Line
    Corporate Strategy
  • icon_modules_svg
    Technology Infrastructure
  • icon_barchart
    Data & Analytics
  • download-Apr-30-2026-05-10-39-6357-AM
    Technology Infrastructure
  • icon_terminal
    Front-End Developers
  • icon_pen
    Marketing &
    Creative Design
  • icon_payments_svg
    Investment Analysts
  • icon_Network
    Scrum Masters
  • icon_briefcase
    Private Equity Consultants
  • icon_stopwatch_svg
    Payment processing
  • icon_federal_svg
    Contract Lawyers
  • icon_user_movement
    OCM Specialists
  • icon_cell
    Mobile App Engineers
  • icon_Hidden-Costs
    AML Investigators
  • icon_cash
    Investment Analysts

The benefits of independent workers

Why independents are the smart choice for quick deployment

When companies face hiring challenges and budget restraints, skilled independents can offer quick results. From increased flexibility to full project alignment, engaging independent talent means lower overhead costs, fast onboarding, and reduced benefits administration.

Watch the video to see the benefits of hiring contractors vs employees.

The benefits of independent workers

Why independents are the smart choice for quick deployment

When companies face hiring challenges and budget restraints, skilled independents can offer quick results. From increased flexibility to full project alignment, engaging independent talent means lower overhead costs, fast onboarding, and reduced benefits administration.

Watch the video to see the benefits of hiring contractors vs employees.

See how we helped a non-profit rebuild their entire marketing team in less than 3 months

88 %

fill rate across 35 marketing roles

$ 900 k

in annual savings compared to previous staffing supplier

3

days average from time to time of intake call to candidate presentation

Ready to fill your skill gaps?
Contact our ITN team to find qualified talent