Store fixture and counter installer

General contractors, store-design firms, retail chains' project managers and small business owners opening or remodeling a space.

Day rate, hourly rate or fixed price per job or per store. Repeat work from contractors and retail rollouts keeps your calendar full.

• Carpentry and power tool skills
• Reading plans and measurements
• Reliable, on-time and tidy on site

• Check with your state licensing board whether you need a contractor license for the work and job sizes you take on
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire helpers; many contractors ask for proof before hiring you
• Late payment from contractors, so agree payment terms in writing and consider deposits
• Heavy lifting and safe working on site; check what safety training clients expect

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the tools and equipment you need to get on site. These are estimates, so list what your first jobs would require before you buy.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many jobs you take and which contractors or design firms you work for. Agree payment terms in writing, as late payment can be a problem.

Check with your state licensing board whether you need a contractor license for the work and job sizes you take on. Also get general liability insurance, add workers' compensation once you hire helpers, and check what safety training clients expect.