Just because you are a contract developer does not mean you earn a high income. Even in the United States.
I am sure that few in my situation would like to admit it. For most of my adult life I have worked as a programmer on a contract basis mainly online for rates or fees that are well below the market rate for my area. For the last few years I have worked for non-funded or poorly funded startups for very small income amounts and no benefits. Even for jobs that were on site, many of the opportunities were spelled out in the ad or description as low rates like $70 or even $40 an hour.
I am sure that people will find lots of reasons to believe that I did something wrong or am an exceptional case, but I don't believe that. I think I am just an exception in terms of people like me who will admit it.
I have had a few well paid contracts but the income isn't consistent.
But not every contract programming gig is rich. It just absolutely isn't. And not everyone can get those high paying gigs. Also for me I have been trying to get into business in startups and not all startups can or want to receive funding and somebody like me is taking those jobs and happy to have them.
Again, go ahead and try to say there is something unusual or wrong. about me. I maintain the only really unusual thing is that I am admitting it on HN.
My current startup does have a lot of potential so I am hopeful about future income.