2025-06-01
Best Businesses to Run Solo: Fewest Employees Needed
Want to work alone? These industries average under 4 employees per firm — many are one-person operations.
Not everyone wants to manage a team. These industries have the lowest average employees per firm, meaning many businesses in the space are run by a single owner or a tiny crew. Less overhead, less complexity, more control.
Fewest Employees Per Firm
1. Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers1.4 employees per firm | $151,858 avg wage
2. Mobile Food Services2.6 employees per firm | $26,044 avg wage
3. Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers2.7 employees per firm | $85,046 avg wage
4. Offices of Real Estate Appraisers2.8 employees per firm | $71,138 avg wage
5. Interior Design Services3.1 employees per firm | $70,269 avg wage
6. Graphic Design Services3.1 employees per firm | $83,360 avg wage
7. Residential Remodelers3.3 employees per firm | $59,816 avg wage
8. Other Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance3.4 employees per firm | $47,481 avg wage
9. Other Activities Related to Real Estate3.5 employees per firm | $111,771 avg wage
10. Building Inspection Services3.5 employees per firm | $66,378 avg wage
11. Other Management Consulting Services3.5 employees per firm | $113,196 avg wage
12. Photography Studios, Portrait3.6 employees per firm | $35,826 avg wage
Data sources: U.S. Census Bureau Statistics of U.S. Businesses (2021), Census Business Dynamics Statistics (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics QCEW (2023), IRS Statistics of Income. Revenue figures are estimated from payroll data using industry-specific ratios.