Information Brokers

Even if they have a great deal of research experience, self-employed information brokers' first few years in the business may be lean ones, and they should expect to make as little as $20,000 or less per year. As with any small business, it takes a few years to develop contacts and establish a reputation for quality work. Eventually, an online researcher should be able to make a salary equivalent to that of a full-time special librarian. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, librarians and media collections specialists had median annual earnings of $64,370 in May 2023. Salaries ranged from less than $38,690 to $101,970 or more. Some very experienced independent researchers with a number of years of self-employment may make well over $100,000.

Independent information brokers usually charge between $45 and $100 an hour, depending on the project. Those who have years of experience and are skilled in conducting highly technical research, such as high-level patent research, generally charge more than someone retrieving public records. The hourly rate is also affected by factors such as geographic location and the broker's knowledge of the subject matter. Information brokers can make more money in cities like New York and Washington, D.C., where their services are in higher demand. Information brokers who work full time for companies earn salaries comparable to other information technology (IT) professionals. Salaries for IT professionals ranged from $46,000 for entry-level personnel to more than $122,000 for those with more than 10 years' experience. A full-time information broker who works for a large corporation primarily in the area of competitive intelligence can earn $100,000 or more annually.

Benefits for full-time workers include paid vacation, health, disability, life insurance, and retirement or pension plans. Self-employed information brokers must provide their own benefits.