Definition: A freelancer is someone that works as an independent contractor to provide a specific service to a client. By definition, a freelancer is not an employee. (Freelancers do not receive W-2s but should get a 1099 if they earn more than $600 form a client.) A freelancer may be paid for his or her time or on a per project basis in a variety of rate structures, such as per call for call center agents, per word for freelance writers, in a lump sum, etc.
A freelancer can work on-site or off-site, and it is pretty common for freelancers to work from home. A freelancer takes direction from a client on what the end product should be, but is not usually managed as he or she is working. A freelancer rarely performs management functions for a client. Those that do would be better described as consultants.
Also Known As: subcontractor, independent contractor
Alternate Spellings: free-lancer,
