Occupations with the most self-employed, 2000 Occupation Thousands Retail salespersons 170 Lawyers 193 Bookkeeping, accouting and auditing clerks 200 Painters, construction and maintenance 228 Real estate sales agents 235 Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists 309 Carpenters 344 Childcare workers 470 Supervisors of retail-sales workers 801 Farmers and ranchers 1,251