Top 20 remote-friendly careers and average pay
Working from home or remotely has become the new norm for many workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. But for those that would like to ditch the office life permanently, and even the 9-5 schedule with something more flexible, then this list of the top 20 remote-friendly careers and average salaries might be just what you need for your online job search.
According to research conducted by flexible and remote-working job site, Flexjobs, in 2018, 3.6% of U.S. workers worked remotely half time or more, and remote work as a whole had grown more than 159% since 2005.
During the pandemic, though, an impressive 51% of employed Americans transitioned to working from home. And now, more people are working remotely than ever before, according to the Flexjobs report.
Despite the growth of remote work, the coronavirus has taken a considerable toll on the job market. With millions of people in the US and the UK and the future of unemployment benefits uncertain, many out-of-work job seekers are looking for remote jobs that can weather the storm during challenging times.
For those that have to work remotely for personal reasons (have school-age children, caring for a loved one, physically challenged, mental or social health concerns, live rurally, etc.) it is important that you or your future employer (PAYE or short-term contract work) or client (self-employed; sole traders, limited companies) do not confuse work-from-home from working remotely. You have to set parameters out from the start regarding whether here are set working hours, or if they can be flexible to meet your personal circumstances, while the output is not affected. Whether you want to be paid on a project versus an hourly basis. Whether they will provide any necessary equipment or software to carry out the job or if you are responsible as a self-employed person to expense those costs.
This list of remote careers also offers average salaries (Payscale uses US$ as a reference, so be sure to do your research for more accurate figures based on where a client or hiring company is based). However, if you go onto Payscale’s website you will see that the range is diverse for both annual and hourly rates. One’s experience, technical know-how, assurances (i.e., professional indemnity insurance, proof of credentials) and ability to work with the demands of a client could be paramount to what salary will be commensurate.
Accountants help plan and achieve financial goals and ensure an organization’s financial documents are accurate. Creating journal entries, preparing invoices, and handling accounts payable and receivable are some common duties.
Average salary: $51,208, according to PayScale
There are various types of engineering careers: mechanical, civil, chemical, electrical, computer, software, and more. Engineers typically use science, technology, and math to design machinery, computer software, or technical equipment.
Average salary: $85,670, according to PayScale
3. Teacher/Faculty/Tutor/Instructor
Teachers and tutors can work remotely to guide students in a variety of subject areas. Using online platforms, instructors, teachers, and tutors work with students in a group setting or one-on-one to teach course curricula.
Average salary: $45,938, according to PayScale
Writers create various forms of content, such as articles, stories, ad copy, technical manuals, and marketing collateral. Writers can find remote jobs with online websites, newspapers, magazines, blogs, and other companies that need content.
Average salary: $49,804, according to PayScale
Consultants help companies and organizations solve problems, find areas in need of improvement, and finish projects. Consultants often need to have an area of expertise and many years of experience. Business, education, healthcare, and IT industries commonly hire consultants.
Average salary: $87,476, according to PayScale
A program manager oversees tasks and projects that contribute to a company’s overall business objective. They ensure that strategies are implemented and consider the return on investment.
Average salary: $52,044, according to PayScale
Project managers deal with tactical duties for company projects. They track deadlines and budgets, delegate duties, and ensure deliverables are completed.
Average salary: $74,230, according to PayScale
8. Customer Service Representative
Customer service representatives are focused on assisting customers or clients. Remote customer service reps utilize phone, email, chat, or social media to answer questions, place orders, and resolve issues.
Average salary: $38,807, according to PayScale
9. Business Development Manager
Business development managers find new business to increase revenue by writing proposals, finding sales leads, and making sales pitches. This role requires communication and networking skills.
Average salary: $73,000, according to PayScale
10. Account Manager/Account Executive
Account managers and executives manage and oversee client relationships. They strive to generate sales by upselling and cross-selling, maintaining positive client relationships, and handling client communications.
Average salary: $54,371, according to PayScale
Recruiters seek out qualified candidates for open jobs. Common tasks can include writing and posting job descriptions, networking, interviewing candidates, and onboarding new employees.
Average salary: $50,452, according to PayScale
Selling products and services is the core duty of a sales representative. This role may require delivering presentations and demonstrations, participating in sales meetings, and staying up to date on product information.
Average salary: $49,749, according to PayScale
Web developers create attractive and functional websites using coding and graphic design skills. Expertise with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, and APIs is usually necessary.
Average salary: $59,578, according to PayScale
Medical coders assign codes to diagnoses and procedures on medical charts. These roles can be found with hospitals, clinics, and physician offices.
Average salary: $42,297, according to PayScale
Territory sales manager duties include developing sales prospects, creating sales strategies, maintaining customer relationships, and meeting sales goals. This popular remote job is typically assigned to a specific region or territory and may require travel.
Average salary: $63,903, according to PayScale
The growth of telehealth platforms that assist patients has made nursing a common remote job. Nurses utilize phone, video conferencing, messaging, and email to answer questions, instruct patients on treatments, and provide advice.
Average salary: $64,618, according to PayScale
Data analysts use data to help companies make business decisions. Collecting data, analyzing and spotting patterns in data, compiling findings, and drafting reports are common duties.
Average salary: $60,530, according to PayScale
Editors correct typos and grammar and rewrite content to make it clearer and stronger. Editors may also pitch ideas, provide feedback to writers, and write headlines.
Average salary: $52,422, according to PayScale
Case managers assess patient or client needs and help find resources to help. This can include advocating for patients, providing guidance and education, and building relationships with patients and their families.
Average salary: $40,876, according to PayScale
A UX/UI designer facilitates the user experience and user interface of a product. Creating design flowcharts, producing code and scripts, and prototyping concepts are some duties of a UX/UI designer.
Average salary: $73,993, according to PayScale