11 Marketplaces That Connect You With Long-Term Contract Talent

Finding the right people for extended contract work can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You need professionals who can commit to projects that span months or even years, not just quick gigs. Long-term contract hiring sits in that sweet spot between freelancing and full-time employment, offering flexibility for both parties while maintaining continuity. The platforms below specialize in connecting businesses with skilled contractors who are ready for meaningful, extended engagements. Whether you’re a startup building a remote team or an established company filling specialized roles, these marketplaces can help you find the right match.

1. Legiit

   Legiit started as a marketplace for digital marketing services but has grown into a hub where businesses find contractors for long-term arrangements across multiple disciplines. The platform attracts professionals who offer ongoing services like content creation, SEO management, social media handling, and web development. What sets it apart is the focus on relationship building rather than one-off transactions.

   Many service providers on Legiit structure their offerings as monthly retainers, which naturally lends itself to extended contracts. You can browse portfolios, read detailed reviews from other clients, and communicate directly before committing. The platform handles payments securely and provides dispute resolution if needed. For companies looking to establish ongoing partnerships with skilled digital professionals, Legiit offers a straightforward way to find contractors who understand the value of long-term collaboration.

2. Toptal

   Toptal positions itself as a network of the top 3% of freelance talent, and their screening process backs up that claim. They focus heavily on developers, designers, finance experts, and project managers who can handle complex, extended projects. The vetting process is rigorous, involving multiple rounds of testing and interviews.

   When you work with Toptal, you get matched with candidates based on your specific requirements. The platform is particularly well-suited for companies that need senior-level expertise for multi-month initiatives. Their matching process includes a trial period, so you can ensure the fit is right before committing to a longer engagement. Pricing reflects the premium nature of the talent pool, but many businesses find the quality worth the investment.

3. Gun.io

   Gun.io caters specifically to software development needs, making it an excellent choice if your long-term contracts revolve around building or maintaining technology products. They pre-screen all developers and provide detailed profiles that include technical assessments and past project experience.

   The platform operates on a hybrid model where you can hire developers for contract work or longer-term embedded roles. Gun.io handles the administrative side, including contracts and payments, which simplifies the process considerably. Their focus on quality over quantity means you won’t wade through hundreds of profiles. Instead, you get curated matches based on your technical requirements and timeline. Many companies use Gun.io to find developers who become part of their extended team for six months or longer.

4. Hired

   Hired flips the traditional job marketplace model by having candidates apply to the platform first, then letting companies browse and reach out to those who fit their needs. This approach works particularly well for long-term contract positions because you can see who’s actively looking for extended engagements before you invest time in outreach.

   The platform focuses primarily on tech roles, including software engineers, product managers, designers, and data scientists. Companies create profiles describing their contract opportunities, and candidates who are interested can respond. Hired includes salary and rate expectations upfront, which eliminates awkward conversations later. The interface makes it easy to manage multiple conversations and move candidates through your evaluation process. For companies hiring in competitive tech markets, this reversed approach can save significant time.

5. We Work Remotely

   We Work Remotely is one of the largest remote work communities, and while it started as a job board, it has become a go-to resource for finding contract talent open to longer arrangements. The site attracts professionals who specifically want remote, flexible work, which often aligns well with extended contract roles.

   Posting a contract position here puts it in front of thousands of qualified remote workers across various disciplines, from programming and design to marketing and customer support. The audience skews toward experienced professionals who have already adapted to remote work culture. You handle the hiring process directly, which gives you full control but also means you’ll need to screen candidates yourself. The straightforward posting process and reasonable fees make it accessible for companies of all sizes.

6. Upwork

   Upwork is one of the largest freelance marketplaces globally, and despite its reputation for short-term gigs, it actually facilitates many long-term contract relationships. The platform includes tools specifically designed for ongoing work, including time tracking, milestone-based payments, and team collaboration features.

   You can post contract opportunities that specify duration and commitment level, then review proposals from interested contractors. The rating system and work history provide transparency about each candidate’s reliability and quality. Many businesses start with a small test project, then transition successful contractors to monthly retainers or extended contracts. Upwork handles invoicing and payments, and their escrow system protects both parties. The sheer size of the talent pool means you can find contractors for almost any skill set, though sorting through applications requires time and attention.

7. Braintrust

   Braintrust operates as a user-owned talent network, which means the platform is governed by the people who use it rather than a traditional corporate structure. This model translates to lower fees and more money going directly to contractors, which can help attract top talent for your long-term positions.

   The platform focuses on tech and design roles, with a particular emphasis on senior-level professionals. Every contractor on Braintrust is vetted by the community, creating a self-regulating quality standard. Companies can post contract opportunities and receive applications from pre-screened candidates. The platform includes features for managing ongoing contracts, including time tracking and milestone payments. For businesses comfortable with a less traditional marketplace model, Braintrust offers access to high-quality talent at competitive rates.

8. Turing

   Turing uses artificial intelligence to match companies with remote software developers, but don’t let the tech buzzwords fool you. The real value lies in their global talent pool and thorough vetting process. They assess developers on technical skills, communication abilities, and work style, then match them with companies based on specific requirements.

   The platform is built for long-term engagements, with most contracts running for months or years. Turing handles compliance, payments, and benefits for contractors, which removes significant administrative burden from your side. You can hire developers who work during your preferred hours and integrate with your existing team. The matching process is more hands-on than some platforms, with dedicated support to ensure successful placements. Companies looking to build stable remote development teams often turn to Turing for these extended partnerships.

9. Andela

   Andela connects companies with software developers from emerging markets, particularly Africa and Latin America. The organization invests heavily in training and supporting their developer community, which means you get access to skilled professionals at competitive rates.

   The model is designed around long-term relationships rather than quick placements. Andela developers typically commit to contracts lasting six months or longer, becoming embedded members of your team. The platform handles payroll, benefits, and compliance in the contractor’s home country, simplifying international hiring. You get regular check-ins and support to ensure the partnership stays productive. For companies looking to build diverse, global teams while maintaining predictable costs, Andela offers a structured approach to long-term contract hiring.

10. Crossover

    Crossover takes a different approach by hiring contractors into specific roles within their client companies, functioning almost like a staffing agency but for remote contract work. They focus on full-time contract positions, typically 40 hours per week, which creates stability for both parties.

    The screening process is intensive, including skills assessments, cognitive tests, and interviews. Once hired, contractors use productivity tracking software, which some appreciate for the transparency it provides while others find intrusive. The platform specializes in tech roles, business operations, and management positions. Rates are standardized based on role and skill level, which removes negotiation from the equation. Companies looking for contractors who can commit to full-time hours over extended periods find Crossover’s structured approach helpful, though the monitoring requirements aren’t for everyone.

11. FlexJobs

    FlexJobs curates remote and flexible job opportunities, including many long-term contract positions. Unlike some platforms that focus on one industry, FlexJobs covers a wide range of fields, from accounting and administration to writing and web development.

    Every listing is hand-screened to eliminate scams and low-quality opportunities, which means contractors trust the platform and check it regularly. You can post contract positions that specify duration, hours, and other details. The audience includes experienced professionals specifically seeking flexible work arrangements, many of whom prefer the stability of longer contracts over constantly hunting for new gigs. The subscription model for job seekers means you attract serious candidates who have invested in their job search. For companies hiring across various departments or disciplines, FlexJobs provides access to a diverse, quality-focused talent pool.

Long-term contract hiring offers the best of both worlds: you get committed, skilled professionals without the overhead of full-time employment, while contractors enjoy stability without sacrificing flexibility. The marketplaces above each bring something different to the table, whether it’s specialized talent pools, thorough vetting processes, or administrative support that simplifies international hiring. Start by identifying your specific needs, including the skills you require, the duration of the contract, and your budget. Then explore a few of these platforms to see which ones attract the type of talent that fits your organization. With the right marketplace and a clear understanding of what you need, you can build strong working relationships that benefit everyone involved.