A majority of IT field service technicians, 62%, prefer independent contracting as their full-time career, according to Field Nation’s “State of Independent Contracting in Field Services” report released today. Only 36% of IT field service technicians preferred a hybrid of independent contracting and traditional employment.

“Growth in independent contracting is taking hold in the field service industry as more technicians look for greater flexibility, autonomy, and control over their work and time,” said Mynul Khan, Field Nation’s founder and CEO at. “At the same time, field service leaders are searching outside the box for a strategic edge to combat competitive pressures and labor shortages. It is a win-win opportunity for those willing to embrace this shift and leverage a blended workforce.”

Thirty-six percent of technicians cited flexibility as the top reason for choosing contract work, and 27% cited autonomy and control, according to the report. In addition, 67% of independent contractors choosing on-demand labor platforms have been doing on-site IT work for over a decade.

“For technicians, these findings illustrate the engagement and satisfaction of working as an independent contractor,” Khan said. “For field service leaders, they are a testament to the highly skilled, experienced professionals ready to support new and emerging technologies and who care about working with great companies and doing great work.”

Radius conducted the survey of 889 technicians for Field Nation in the fourth quarter of 2022.