Top 20 US Companies Hiring Freelancers Right Now

The US freelance market has shifted from "gig work" to "fractional expertise." Companies are no longer just looking for extra hands; they are looking for specialized minds to lead high-stakes projects. From Silicon Valley tech giants to legacy healthcare providers, these companies have established dedicated remote-hiring pipelines that bypass traditional 9-to-5 structures.

I’m Riten, founder of Fueler - a skills-first portfolio platform that connects talented individuals with companies through assignments, portfolios, and projects, not just resumes/CVs. Think Dribbble/Behance for work samples + AngelList for hiring infrastructure.

1. Adobe: The Creative AI Frontier

Adobe is at the forefront of merging human creativity with generative AI. They primarily hire freelancers who can manage the high-velocity content needs of their "Firefly" and "Express" ecosystems. Because Adobe operates at a massive scale, they value freelancers who understand both the technical side of AI and the artistic nuances of professional design.

• Specialized AI Implementation: Freelancers are hired to train and refine AI-driven design tools, ensuring that generated outputs meet professional brand standards.
• Content Velocity Support: Large-scale contracts are often available for production designers who can churn out assets for global marketing campaigns using Adobe’s latest automation tools.
• Beta Testing and Community Advocacy: Adobe engages elite designers to test new features in pre-release, providing high-level feedback that shapes the future of the Creative Cloud.
• Technical Instructional Design: There is a high demand for freelance experts who can create advanced tutorials and documentation for Adobe’s enterprise-level software suites.
• Workflow Automation Consulting: Senior freelancers are brought in to help Adobe’s corporate clients integrate Creative Cloud into their internal automated pipelines.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• Creative/Design Roles: $75 – $140 per hour
• Technical Writing/Training: $85 – $130 per hour
• AI Specialist/Consultant: $150 – $250+ per hour

2. Amazon (AWS): The Infrastructure Backbone

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the largest cloud provider in the world, and they rely on a massive network of "Fractional Cloud Architects" to support their enterprise customers. These freelancers aren't just technical; they are strategic consultants who help companies save millions by optimizing their cloud spend and security protocols.

• Cloud Migration Strategy: Freelancers lead high-stakes migrations of on-premise data to AWS, ensuring zero downtime for critical business operations.
• Serverless Architecture Design: Specialized developers are hired to build "Lambda" based applications that scale automatically and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
• Security and Compliance Auditing: High-paying roles exist for security experts who can ensure that AWS environments meet strict US regulations like HIPAA or SOC2.
• Cost Optimization Consulting: Experts are brought in to analyze a company's AWS bill and implement "Savings Plans" that drastically reduce operational overhead.
• DevOps Pipeline Automation: Freelance engineers build automated CI/CD pipelines, allowing Amazon’s clients to deploy software updates faster and more reliably.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• Cloud/DevOps Engineer: $90 – $150 per hour
• Solutions Architect: $130 – $200 per hour
• Security/Compliance Expert: $160 – $300 per hour

3. Amplify Education: Digital Learning Pioneers

Amplify is reshaping K-12 education through digital-first curriculums. They hire freelancers who have a unique blend of pedagogical knowledge and digital product experience. Their projects are often long-term and mission-driven, focusing on literacy, math, and science for the next generation of American students.

• Curriculum Content Development: Subject matter experts are hired to write engaging, standards-aligned lessons for digital and print platforms.
• UX for Young Learners: Specialized designers work on interfaces specifically tailored for children, ensuring accessibility and high engagement levels.
• Educational Data Analysis: Freelance analysts help Amplify interpret student performance data to improve the efficacy of their learning tools.
• Multimedia Storytelling: High-ticket roles are available for freelance animators and illustrators who can bring educational concepts to life through video.
• Assessment Strategy Consulting: Educational experts are brought in to design formative assessments that help teachers track student progress in real-time.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• Curriculum Writer: $65 – $110 per hour
• Instructional Designer: $80 – $125 per hour
• EdTech Project Manager: $90 – $140 per hour

4. CVS Health: Modernizing Healthcare at Scale

CVS Health is no longer just a pharmacy; it is a massive healthcare technology company. They hire freelancers to help integrate their retail, insurance (Aetna), and clinical services into a single, seamless digital experience for millions of Americans.

• Patient Experience (PX) Design: Freelancers optimize the digital journey for patients, from booking a vaccine to managing chronic prescriptions via mobile apps.
• Healthcare Data Security: Senior security consultants are hired to protect sensitive patient records from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
• Pharmacy Operations Consulting: Logistics experts are brought in as freelancers to optimize the supply chain of medications across their thousands of US locations.
• Clinical Content Strategy: Healthcare writers with medical backgrounds are hired to create authoritative, easy-to-understand wellness content for the CVS portal.
• Interoperability Engineering: Technical freelancers work on "connecting" disparate health systems so that patient data flows securely between doctors and pharmacies.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• Health-Tech Developer: $100 – $160 per hour
• Security Consultant: $140 – $220 per hour
• Clinical Consultant: $120 – $190 per hour

5. HubSpot: The Growth Engine for SMBs

HubSpot has moved beyond being a simple CRM into a full-scale "Customer Platform." They hire a vast network of freelancers to help their enterprise customers implement complex marketing, sales, and service "Hubs."

• CRM Implementation & Migration: Experts are hired to move companies off old systems (like Salesforce) and into a customized HubSpot environment.
• Advanced Automation Logic: Freelancers build complex "Workflows" that automate everything from lead scoring to customer support ticketing.
• Custom Integration Development: Developers are hired to build "private apps" that connect HubSpot to a company’s internal database or proprietary software.
• Inbound Strategy Consulting: High-level consultants are brought in to design the overarching content and lead-gen strategy that fuels a company’s growth.
• Operations Hub Specialists: A new, high-paying niche for freelancers who use HubSpot’s "Ops Hub" to clean and sync data across multiple business platforms.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• HubSpot Consultant: $90 – $150 per hour
• Automation Specialist: $110 – $180 per hour
• Custom Dev/Integration: $130 – $210 per hour

6. Nethermind: The Crypto & Web3 Elite

Nethermind is a remote-first organization that builds core Ethereum infrastructure. They hire some of the most technical freelancers in the world, focusing on cryptography, smart contract security, and decentralized finance (DeFi).

• Smart Contract Auditing: Freelancers are paid high fees to "break" and secure code before it handles millions of dollars in digital assets.
• Ethereum Client Development: Specialized C# Rust developers work on the Nethermind client to improve the speed and security of the Ethereum network.
• DeFi Research and Strategy: Economists and technical researchers are hired to design the incentive structures for new decentralized protocols.
• Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) Research: Elite cryptographers are brought in to work on privacy-preserving technology, one of the highest-paying niches in tech.
• Web3 Developer Advocacy: Freelancers are hired to build documentation and tools that help the next wave of developers build on the Nethermind stack.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• Solidity/Smart Contract Dev: $150 – $300 per hour
• Blockchain Researcher: $180 – $350 per hour
• ZKP Cryptographer: $250 – $500+ per hour

7. Veeva Systems: Niche SaaS for Life Sciences

Veeva is a "vertical" SaaS giant that serves the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Because their software is highly regulated and incredibly complex, freelancers who are "Veeva Certified" can command some of the highest rates in the SaaS world.

• Vault Implementation: Freelancers set up Veeva Vault for document control, ensuring that clinical trials and drug filings meet FDA standards.
• Commercial Cloud Strategy: Consultants help pharma companies use Veeva CRM to manage their relationships with doctors and medical institutions.
• Clinical Data Management: Specialized analysts are hired to manage the massive amounts of data generated during drug testing and development.
• Medical Legal Regulatory (MLR) Consulting: Experts are brought in to streamline the review process for pharmaceutical marketing materials.
• Validated Systems Training: High-paying roles exist for trainers who can teach medical teams how to use Veeva while staying compliant with industry laws.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• Veeva Consultant: $125 – $190 per hour
• Vault Specialist: $140 – $210 per hour
• Life Sciences Project Lead: $150 – $250 per hour

8. Lockheed Martin: High-Security Innovation

For freelancers with the right clearances and technical background, Lockheed Martin offers high-stakes contracts in aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity. These are rarely "gigs" and more often long-term strategic assignments on multi-year defense projects.

• Systems Engineering: Freelancers help design the complex interactions between hardware and software in advanced aircraft and defense systems.
• Cyber Defense Research: Top-tier security experts are hired to build "unhackable" systems for military and government communication.
• Predictive Maintenance Data: Analysts use AI to predict when a piece of hardware (like a jet engine) will fail, saving billions in potential downtime.
• Simulation and Training Tech: Developers build VR and AR environments used to train pilots and technicians on advanced military equipment.
• Regulatory Compliance (CMMC): Consultants are hired to ensure that Lockheed’s subcontractors meet the latest US government cybersecurity standards.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• Defense Systems Engineer: $130 – $200 per hour
• Cybersecurity Architect: $160 – $280 per hour
• AI/ML Specialist (Cleared): $180 – $325 per hour

9. Insight Global: The Enterprise Staffing Gateway

Insight Global is a massive professional services firm that functions as the "front door" for freelancers entering Fortune 500 companies. They manage the payroll and compliance for thousands of high-level contractors across every major US industry.

• Bulk Staffing Coordination: Freelancers are hired to manage large teams of other contractors for massive corporate digital overhauls.
• Technical Recruiting Strategy: Senior HR freelancers help Insight Global identify and vet the top 1% of technical talent for their clients.
• Managed Services Support: Freelancers are integrated into Insight Global’s internal teams to help deliver "fully managed" projects for their customers.
• Direct Placement Consulting: Experts are hired to facilitate the "temp-to-perm" transition for high-level executives and technical leads.
• Client Relationship Management: Senior freelance account managers help maintain the bridges between Insight Global and their Fortune 1000 client base.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• Project Manager: $85 – $145 per hour
• IT Specialist: $95 – $160 per hour
• HR/Operations Consultant: $80 – $135 per hour

10. LHH (Lee Hecht Harrison): Leadership & Career Experts

LHH focuses on the "human" side of business leadership development, outplacement, and career transition. They hire senior-level freelance consultants who have a background in psychology, business management, or executive leadership.

• Executive Coaching: Freelancers work one-on-one with C-suite leaders to improve their emotional intelligence and strategic decision-making.
• Career Transition Consulting: High-paying roles exist for consultants who help displaced workers from major corporations find their next high-level role.
• Organizational Change Management: Experts are brought in to lead the "human side" of mergers and acquisitions, ensuring company cultures survive the shift.
• Leadership Development Workshops: Freelancers design and facilitate high-impact training programs for the next generation of corporate leaders.
• Talent Benchmarking: Analysts are hired to help companies evaluate their current leadership team and identify gaps in their future talent pipeline.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• Executive Coach: $150 – $350 per hour
• Change Management Consultant: $130 – $225 per hour
• Career Strategist: $90 – $160 per hour

11. Cigna Healthcare: Pioneering Health-Tech and Patient Support

Cigna is at the forefront of the digital health revolution, hiring thousands of freelancers to support its transition into a technology-driven insurance provider. They focus heavily on data-driven patient outcomes, making them a top employer for medical consultants, health-tech developers, and insurance strategy experts.

• Digital Health Product Testing: Freelancers are engaged to beta-test new telehealth interfaces, providing critical feedback to ensure accessibility for older populations.
• Claims Process Optimization: Strategic consultants work on high-ticket projects to automate claims processing using advanced machine learning models.
• Telehealth Strategic Expansion: Cigna hires freelance consultants to help navigate the complex state-by-state regulatory landscape for remote medical services.
• Patient Data Privacy Auditing: Independent security experts are brought in to perform rigorous audits of health data storage to ensure HIPAA compliance.
• Clinical Content Development: Medical writers with clinical backgrounds are hired to develop wellness and preventative care guides for millions of insured members.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• Medical Consultant: $110 – $185 per hour
• Health-Tech Developer: $95 – $155 per hour
• Security/Compliance Lead: $130 – $210 per hour

12. Braintree (PayPal): High-Stakes Fintech Engineering

Braintree, a PayPal company, is the engine behind many of the world’s largest commerce platforms. They hire elite freelance developers and fraud analysts to maintain the security and efficiency of billions of digital transactions across the globe.

• API Integration Support: Freelance developers work with Braintree’s enterprise clients to integrate complex payment gateways into custom mobile and web apps.
• Fraud Detection Modeling: Data scientists are hired to build predictive models that identify and block fraudulent transactions in real-time without affecting legitimate sales.
• International Currency Scaling: Specialists are brought in to optimize cross-border payment flows, helping US merchants expand their reach into global markets.
• Next-Gen Vaulting Security: Technical freelancers focus on securing "vaulted" payment information, ensuring that saved customer cards are encrypted using the latest standards.
• Fintech Compliance Consulting: Senior freelancers help Braintree and its partners stay ahead of changing PCI-DSS and global banking regulations.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• Fintech Engineer: $115 – $190 per hour
• Fraud Analyst: $100 – $170 per hour
• Payment Strategy Consultant: $140 – $230 per hour

13. Automattic: The Open-Source Remote Pioneer

Automattic, the powerhouse behind WordPress.com and Tumblr, is a 100% remote company that has mastered the art of freelance collaboration. They prioritize actual work contributions over traditional resumes, making them a dream employer for self-taught experts and open-source contributors.

• WordPress Core Development: Freelancers are hired for high-impact roles contributing to the open-source Gutenberg editor and theme architecture.
• Global Support Engineering: Known as "Happiness Engineers," these freelancers provide high-level technical troubleshooting for millions of website owners worldwide.
• Performance Optimization Consulting: Independent experts are brought in to optimize the loading speeds and server-side efficiency of high-traffic enterprise blogs.
• Custom Plugin Architecture: Developers are engaged to build proprietary plugins for Automattic’s "VIP" clients, including major media outlets like CNN and Time.
• Open-Source Community Management: Freelancers with strong communication skills help lead global translation and accessibility initiatives for the WordPress community.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• Senior Web Developer: $85 – $150 per hour
• Performance Specialist: $110 – $180 per hour
• Support Engineer (Tech): $60 – $95 per hour

14. Welocalize: AI Data and Localization Experts

Welocalize provides the human intelligence that powers the world's most advanced AI models. They hire freelancers to annotate data, localize marketing content, and ensure that machine learning outputs are culturally relevant and accurate across hundreds of languages.

• AI Training Data Annotation: Freelancers work on high-volume projects labeling text, audio, and video to help major tech firms train their generative AI models.
• Multilingual SEO Strategy: Specialists help US brands adapt their search engine optimization for international markets, ensuring local relevance and high rankings.
• Legal and Patent Translation: Independent experts with legal backgrounds are hired to translate complex patent filings and international contracts with high precision.
• Linguistic Quality Assurance: Freelancers perform final reviews of localized software to ensure that the user experience is seamless for non-English speakers.
• Multimedia Localization: Video editors and voiceover artists are engaged to adapt high-production marketing videos for diverse global audiences.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• AI Data Specialist: $45 – $85 per hour (Niche dependent)
• Legal/Medical Translator: $70 – $120 per hour
• Localization Project Lead: $90 – $140 per hour

15. Motion Recruitment: The Hub for Specialized Tech Talent

Motion Recruitment is more than just a staffing firm; they are a strategic partner for US companies looking to fill "critical skill gaps." They focus on the most in-demand roles in 2026, including AI engineering, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure.

• Fractional CTO Placement: Motion connects senior technology leaders with startups that need executive-level guidance on a part-time or project basis.
• Cybersecurity Threat Hunting: Independent security experts are hired for high-ticket contracts to identify and patch vulnerabilities in enterprise networks.
• AI Implementation Consulting: Freelancers help mid-sized US companies integrate large language models (LLMs) into their internal business processes.
• Platform Engineering Strategy: Senior freelancers are engaged to build internal developer platforms that allow corporate tech teams to ship code faster.
• Big Data Infrastructure: Data engineers are hired to design the pipelines that allow US retail and finance firms to process petabytes of customer information.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• AI/LLM Developer: $160 – $280 per hour
• Cybersecurity Engineer: $130 – $210 per hour
• Cloud Architect: $140 – $225 per hour

16. Belay: High-Level Virtual Executive Support

Belay is the gold standard for virtual assistant services in the USA. They don't hire "gig" workers; they hire professional executive assistants, bookkeepers, and social media managers who function as a true extension of a business leader’s team.

• Executive Calendar Optimization: Freelancers manage complex scheduling for US CEOs, prioritizing high-value meetings and protecting executive bandwidth.
• Virtual Fractional Bookkeeping: Financial specialists handle payroll, expense tracking, and monthly reporting for high-growth small businesses across the country.
• Social Media Presence Management: Digital experts curate and schedule professional content for executives on LinkedIn, building their personal brand and authority.
• Project Coordination for Startups: Assistants are hired to manage internal project timelines, ensuring that various teams meet their deadlines and deliverables.
• Client Relationship Management: Freelancers act as a professional point of contact for an executive’s clients, handling outreach and follow-up communication.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• Executive Assistant: $35 – $65 per hour
• Virtual Bookkeeper: $45 – $80 per hour
• Social Media Strategist: $50 – $90 per hour

17. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Strategic Scientific Consulting

As a world leader in serving science, Thermo Fisher hires freelance subject matter experts to consult on laboratory equipment, clinical research, and biotech marketing. They target professionals with advanced degrees who can provide high-level technical guidance.

• Clinical Trial Optimization: Freelance researchers are hired to streamline the data collection process for large-scale pharmaceutical trials.
• Biotech Technical Writing: Specialists with Ph.D. or Master's degrees are engaged to write white papers and technical manuals for complex laboratory hardware.
• Laboratory Operations Strategy: Consultants help research institutions optimize their lab workflows to improve speed and reduce cross-contamination risks.
• Product Launch Consulting: Freelancers help the marketing team bridge the gap between scientific accuracy and compelling storytelling for new product releases.
• Regulatory Compliance (FDA): Senior freelancers are brought in to ensure that all documentation for new medical devices meets strict federal guidelines.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• Scientific Consultant: $120 – $210 per hour
• Clinical Research Lead: $140 – $240 per hour
• Technical Science Writer: $90 – $160 per hour

18. GovCIO: Modernizing the US Federal Sector

GovCIO specializes in transforming government IT infrastructure. They hire high-level freelancers for projects involving the VA, DHS, and other federal agencies, often requiring specific technical certifications and high-level security clearance.

• Federal IT Modernization: Freelancers work on transitioning legacy government databases into modern, secure cloud environments like AWS GovCloud.
• Cybersecurity Zero Trust Strategy: Security experts are hired to implement "Zero Trust" architectures across sensitive federal agency networks.
• Veteran Health-Tech Innovation: Developers are engaged to build and improve digital portals that help veterans access healthcare and benefits more easily.
• Government Data Analytics: Independent analysts help agencies interpret massive datasets to improve public service delivery and operational transparency.
• Inter-Agency Interoperability: Technical consultants work on projects that allow different federal branches to share data securely and efficiently.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• Gov-Tech Architect: $140 – $230 per hour
• Cybersecurity Lead: $150 – $260 per hour
• Federal Data Scientist: $130 – $210 per hour

19. Quest Diagnostics: Advanced Health Data Science

Quest Diagnostics is a hub for medical data, and they hire freelance data scientists and developers to turn that data into actionable health insights. Their projects often involve high-level AI and diagnostic software development.

• Diagnostic AI Modeling: Freelancers help build machine learning models that assist doctors in identifying early signs of disease from lab results.
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) Integration: Technical experts work on connecting Quest’s lab systems with the software used by thousands of US hospitals.
• LIMS Software Engineering: Developers are hired to build and maintain Laboratory Information Management Systems that track millions of medical specimens.
• Cybersecurity for Medical Data: Security professionals are engaged to ensure that Quest’s massive database of patient records is protected from breaches.
• Health Analytics Visualization: Data viz experts are hired to create intuitive dashboards that help patients and doctors understand complex lab data.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• Medical Data Scientist: $125 – $200 per hour
• LIMS Developer: $110 – $180 per hour
• Cybersecurity Analyst: $130 – $215 per hour

20. Kforce: Finance and Tech Staffing Giant

Kforce manages professional talent for the finance and technology sectors, often placing freelancers in long-term contracts at top-tier US banks and investment firms. They focus on roles that require a high degree of precision and regulatory knowledge.

• Fractional Financial Analysis: Freelancers are hired to provide quarterly reporting and forecasting for mid-sized firms that don't need a full-time CFO.
• Risk Management Consulting: Independent experts work with banks to identify and mitigate financial risks in their investment portfolios.
• Audit and Tax Strategy: Senior accountants are engaged for high-ticket seasonal projects to ensure large corporations are compliant with US tax laws.
• Fintech Product Management: Freelancers lead the development of new digital banking tools and mobile investment apps for major US financial institutions.
• Accounts Payable (AP) Automation: Consultants help firms implement software that automates the processing of thousands of monthly invoices.

Accurate Pricing (2026):

• Financial Analyst: $90 – $160 per hour
• Risk Consultant: $120 – $200 per hour
• Fintech Project Lead: $110 – $185 per hour

Final Thoughts

The transition to a skills-first economy in 2026 has made high-paying US freelance work more accessible and more competitive than ever. Companies like Adobe, Nike, and UnitedHealth Group are no longer looking for generalists; they are looking for specialists who can deliver measurable impact from day one. To succeed in this environment, you must move beyond the traditional resume and focus on building a robust "Proof of Work" profile. By choosing the right niche, setting professional rates, and consistently delivering high-quality results, you can build a sustainable, high-income career working for the most influential companies in the USA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which US company pays the most for freelance AI developers in 2026?

Meta and Nethermind currently lead the market for AI and blockchain talent, often offering rates that exceed $250 per hour for specialized skills like Large Language Model (LLM) implementation and Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) research. These companies value deep technical expertise and a proven track record of open-source contributions.

Do I need a degree to work for companies like Google or Nike as a freelancer?

While many high-paying roles in finance and healthcare (like Quest Diagnostics or Cigna) still prefer advanced degrees, the tech and creative sectors (like Automattic and Adobe) increasingly prioritize a "skills-first" approach. Having a strong Fueler portfolio that showcases your successful projects is often more valuable than a traditional degree in these fields.

How do US companies handle payments for international freelancers in 2026?

Most major US companies use professional platforms like Braintree (PayPal), Deel, or Gusto to manage international freelance payments and compliance. This ensures that you receive your funds in your local currency or US dollars while all necessary tax forms (like the W-8BEN) are handled automatically.

What is the most in-demand freelance niche in the USA for 2026?

Cybersecurity and Health-Tech (Health Information Management) are the two fastest-growing niches. As data privacy laws become stricter and healthcare becomes more digital, companies like CVS Health and GovCIO are willing to pay a massive premium for freelancers who can secure and manage sensitive data.

Can I build a long-term career working for only one or two of these companies?

Yes, many high-level freelancers operate as "fractional" experts, holding long-term retainer agreements with one or two major US companies. This provides the income stability of a traditional job with the flexibility and high earning potential of a freelance career, especially in specialized fields like Shopify development or strategic consulting at LHH.

What is Fueler Portfolio?

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You can create your portfolio on Fueler, thousands of freelancers around the world use Fueler to create their professional-looking portfolios and become financially independent. Discover inspiration for your portfolio

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