10 Remote Work-From-Home Jobs that Pay Well
Looking for a career where you can work remotely? Consider these 10 well-paying and in-demand options.
The work-from-home movement has been significantly accelerated by the global pandemic. According to a survey by Upwork, more than half of the American workforce was working remotely as of April 2020. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, only about half of hiring managers hired remote talent. However, this number has increased to 94 percent today.
For those interested in working from home, this is excellent news as it provides more opportunities to enjoy its benefits.
This article explores ten jobs that hire remote employees, many of which have entry-level options.
These jobs offer above-average pay, higher than the national median annual wage of $45,760, and are expected to remain in demand through 2030, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Additionally, the article provides insights into the advantages of working from home and some tips for applying to remote jobs.
As we anticipate a post-pandemic future, it appears that more companies are planning to provide permanent support for remote work opportunities across various industries. If you're considering shifting to a job that offers the flexibility of working from home, these career options are worth considering.
The salary data mentioned in this article reflects the average salary in the United States as of April 2022, according to Glassdoor. The job growth data comes from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and represents projected growth from 2020 to 2030, unless specified otherwise.
1. Computer support specialist
Salary: $61,704
Projected job growth: 9 percent (as fast as average)
Computer support specialists, also known as computer technicians or IT support specialists, help individuals and businesses set up and maintain their computers, software, and networks. Computer support specialists can assist customers via phone, email, chat, and remote assistance software.
Explore this career: How to Get a Job as a Computer Technician: 10 Tips
2. Social media marketer
Salary: $73,673
Projected job growth: 10 percent (as fast as average)
Social media marketers leverage social media platforms, like Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok, to attract new customers and engage with existing ones. As social media becomes a business necessity across industries, demand for savvy social media experts will likely continue to grow.
Explore this career: How to Become a Social Media Manager
3. Project manager
Salary: $97,891
Projected job growth: 25 million new jobs by 2030
Project managers are in demand in just about every industry. In this role, you get to use your organization and people skills to lead teams and complete successful, on-time, and on-budget projects. Thanks to advances in online collaboration software, it’s easier than ever to work remotely as a project manager.
Explore this career: What Does a Project Manager Do? A Career Guide
4. Data analyst
Salary: $76,019
Projected job growth: 25 percent (much faster than average)
Data analysts collect, clean, and interpret data to help organizations make better business decisions. The daily tasks and responsibilities of a data analyst tend to be computer-based and well-suited for remote work.
Explore this career: What Does a Data Analyst Do? 2021 Career Guide
5. Information security analyst
Salary: $103,985
Projected job growth: 33 percent (much faster than average)
Take an active role in protecting your company’s data, computers, and networks from cyberattacks and data breaches as an information security analyst. Cybersecurity has become even more critical as more people work from home. This demand for cybersecurity skills has created nearly half a million job openings in the United States alone in 2021.
Explore this career: 10 Cybersecurity Jobs: Entry-Level and Beyond
6. Web or software developer
Web developer salary: $98,093
Software developer salary: $110,998
Projected job growth: 13 to 22 percent (Faster or much faster than average)
Create and maintain websites, programs, and computer or mobile applications as a developer. This field was one of the first to embrace a remote work culture, even before the pandemic. This makes it an excellent option if you’re creative with a knack for problem solving.
Explore this career: How to Become a Software Developer | 9 Tips
7. UX designer
Salary: $91,355
Projected job growth: 13 percent by 2025
If you’re interested in working at the intersection of technology and design, then a career in user experience (UX) could be a good fit. Help make products more usable, enjoyable, and accessible with a host of remote-friendly tools.
Explore this career: What Does a UX Designer Do?
8. Sales representative
Salary: $79,882
Projected job growth: 5 percent (slower than average)
As a sales rep, you help match customers with the right products and services for their needs. Working in sales, especially in the technology sector, gives you the chance to engage with people remotely, while helping businesses thrive.
Explore this career: What Is a Sales Representative?
9. Data scientist
Salary: $122,927
Projected job growth: 22 percent (much faster than average)
Skilled data scientists are in demand in just about every industry to transform large quantities of data into valuable business insights. If you enjoy working with numbers and using data to solve problems, consider a career in data science, artificial intelligence, or machine learning.
Explore this career: What Is a Data Scientist? Salary, Skills, and How to Become One
10. Translator or interpreter
Salary: $64,786
Projected job growth: 24 percent (much faster than average)
If you’re fluent in English and another language, you could use those skills to work remotely. As a translator, you’d convert written information from one language to another. As an interpreter, you’d convert spoken words between languages.
Benefits of working from home
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the numerous advantages of working from home. Here are some reasons to consider pursuing a remote career:
Improved Work-Life Balance: Working from home often means greater flexibility with your schedule, allowing you to better manage family responsibilities, hobbies, and other obligations.
Increased Productivity: Over half of respondents in a FlexJobs survey reported being more productive when working from home than in the office.
No Commute: Eliminating the average 26-minute one-way commute in the US can save you nearly an hour a day or more than four hours a week, leading to reduced stress and better health.
Location Independence: Remote work allows you to work for any company, no matter where they're based, without having to relocate.
Financial Savings: Working from home can save you money on transportation, food, childcare, and clothing.
Better Health: Remote work can lead to more time for physical activity, less exposure to illness, the creation of an ergonomic workspace, and healthier eating habits.
If you're looking to transition to remote work, consider the following tips:
Highlight any previous remote work experience on your resume.
Include digital collaboration tools in your resume.
Utilize remote-only job boards in your job search.
Develop and showcase key remote work skills such as written communication, self-direction, adaptability, and time management.
Prepare for remote interviews by finding a quiet, well-lit location and ensuring that your technology is in good working order.
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Article sources
1. Upwork. "The Future of Remote Work, https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/the-future-of-remote-work" Accessed April 26, 2022.
2. PMI (2021). "Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications, https://www.pmi.org/learning/careers/talent-gap-2021." Accessed April 26, 2022.
3. Cyberseek. "Cybersecurity Supply/Demand Heat Map, https://www.cyberseek.org/heatmap.html." Accessed July 27, 2021.
4. CNNMoney. "Best Jobs in America, https://money.cnn.com/pf/best-jobs/2017/list/index.html." Accessed April 26, 2022.
5. FlexJobs. "The Benefits of Working From Home: Why The Pandemic Isn’t the Only Reason to Work Remotely, https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/benefits-of-remote-work/." Accessed July 27, 2021.
6. United States Census Bureau. "Average One-Way Commuting Time by Metropolitan Areas, https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/travel-time.html." Accessed July 27, 2021.
