Employees receive wages or salary whether or not the business makes a profit or loss. An independent contractor can make a profit or suffer a loss depending on income and expenses. Works for more than one person or firm. An independent contractor provides his or her services to several persons or firms at the same time. Offers services to general public.
Employees usually work for their employer rather than the general public.
An independent contractor makes his or her services available to the general public. Right to fire. An employee can be fired by an employer. An independent contractor cannot be fired so long as he or she produces a result that meets the specifications of the contract. Right to quit.