TMI Tax Services publishes an annual book which summarizes all state tax laws. Qualify for the one you pick. Find what the residency requirements are, and satisfy them completely. Then all other states will be temporary assignment, or non-residency, states. Only that potion of ncome earned in non-resident state is taxed in that state.
Federal taxes apply to all income regardless of residency.
You can't be both an employee and independent contractor at the same time. There are special rules for non-US Citizens which are beyond the scope of this class. Federal minimum wage will almost always apply. Maximum still applies to ages 62-64. Different size companies have different state and federal legal requirements.