Independent niche recruiter working from home

Small and mid-sized employers that need to hire but have no HR team or recruiter, usually in your city or region.

A placement fee, usually a percentage of the hired person's first-year salary, paid after the candidate starts. Some recruiters also offer retained searches with part of the fee paid upfront.

• Knowing one industry well
• Clear communication and people judgment
• Sales and relationship building
• Staying organized across many candidates

• Some states license employment or placement agencies, so check your state's labor department
• Anti-discrimination hiring rules (EEOC and state laws) apply to how you screen and refer candidates
• Income is lumpy: a placement can take weeks or months, and fees may be refunded if a hire leaves early
• Professional liability insurance and general liability are worth checking
• Candidate data privacy and keeping candidate details confidential

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on the tools, marketing and insurance you choose. Professional liability and general liability insurance are worth checking before you start placing candidates.

Some states license employment or placement agencies, so check with your state's labor department. Also check that anti-discrimination hiring rules (EEOC and state laws) apply to how you screen and refer candidates, and how you protect candidate data.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many placements you make. Income is lumpy: a placement can take weeks or months, and fees may be refunded if a hire leaves early.