Many people have considered the prospect of remote working, but some have been put off by the perception that it might mean taking a pay cut. The truth of the matter, however, is that the recruitment market is filled with high paying remote jobs.
Whether your skills lie in programming, writing, sales, data analytics or marketing, there are innumerable professions that can be performed remotely that will see you raking in the dough. Let’s take a look at the top 25 options out there today.
1. Data Scientist
Harvesting data gathered from a range of sources, data scientists utilize algorithms and statistical tools, as well as aspects of machine learning and AI, to channel floods of information into useful streams of statistics that can help businesses optimize their performance.
Most companies will usually ask for a master’s or PhD in mathematics or computer science, as well as experience with programming languages like Python. Industries such as finance, retail and governmental departments are particularly likely to want to hire data scientists, but in today’s data-heavy world, you’re as likely to find a role at the Royal Botanical Gardens as at Amazon.
Estimated average salary: $97,309.
2. UX Designers
Another one of the more technical high-paying remote jobs, user experience (UX) is all about creating a positive user journey, whether for a website or an application. This could include ease of navigation but also introducing intuitive features that encourage customers or clients to engage more deeply with a brand or business
Degrees in this field are less important than specific UX qualifications and experience with design software like Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma and InVision. Anybody who needs to develop a professional, highly functional website or app will want to hire a UX designer at some point – which pretty much means everyone wants to hire a UX designer at some point.
Estimated average salary: $76,274
3. Technical Writer
Understanding often complex objects and explaining them in terms comprehensible to the layman is the job of a technical writer, also known as a technical author. Think instruction manuals and user guides. Naturally, this comes in very handy in manufacturing, as well as in software companies and mobile telecommunications.
Depending on the type of business, you may just need proven writing skills and excellent self-editing acumen. Solid research abilities are also a plus. Automotive or aerospace companies often require an engineering degree.
Estimated average salary: $61,586
4. Cyber Security Analyst
High-paying remote jobs are often related to in-demand services, and the cyber security sphere is booming. Analysts in this field assess risks to IT infrastructure, implementing solutions that generate threat reports and putting in place workflows to resolve them. Some are employed for an infosec software company or cyber security firm; others work directly for businesses to protect digital assets.
A degree in computer science or engineering is a bonus, but most companies are looking for more targeted qualifications or experience related to IT security.
Estimated average salary: $77,177
5. Financial Analyst
Helping businesses to make smart investments is the name of the game, aided by market analysis and possibly data science. Financial analysts need to have a way with numbers, which is why accountancy credentials, such as a CPA license or a diploma in accounting, are often a plus, and a deep knowledge of Excel functions is an absolute must.
Investment companies, insurance companies and other economic institutions are generally where the roles are, so it’s no wonder that financial analyst features among the high-paying remote jobs.
Estimated average salary: $77,177
6. Product Designer
Prototyping the future or improving existing models – product designers can find positions in any company that manufactures an item, from hair curlers, to augmented reality goggles, to electric vehicles and everything in between.
Degree qualifications in product design or mechanical engineering are useful, but most importantly you need to be familiar with common 3D CAD software, such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD.
Estimated average salary: $86,491
7. Interpreter (Translator)
Interpreters help to facilitate verbal communication between languages, including for business meetings, conferences and even police forces; translators, meanwhile, convert written text from one language to another, including for media organizations who want to reach readers abroad.
Normally, interpreters and translators work on hourly salaries – unless you’ve been hired by the UN, of course. You’ll have to be fluent in at least two languages, and many businesses will expect a certificate proving your ability to provide, for example, simultaneous interpretation or high-quality translation.
Estimated average salary: $46,143
8. Social Media Manager
From retailers and charities to influencers and celebrities, the avenues open to a social media manager are extremely varied. Creating strategies for popular social media channels like Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram, this role is a combination of content production and data analysis.
It might be one of easiest high paying remote jobs for someone who already has their own thriving social media channels, as most employers will look for proven track records over qualifications, though a degree in marketing or communications couldn’t hurt.
Estimated average salary: $52,901
9. Digital Marketer
Search engine optimization, social media management and affiliate marketing are all weapons in a digital marketer’s arsenal. Working through multiple channels, the objective is to increase the presence or awareness of a brand in a particular marketplace, whether that’s B2C, B2B or D2C.
A marketing and communications degree or vocational course will help you develop the foundational skills to be a successful digital marketer, but on-the-ground experience or apprenticeships are the principal route into the profession.
Estimated average salary: $50,911
10. Front-end Developer
It’s fair to say that a lot of high-paying remote jobs revolve around the digital space. Front-end developers make their living by programming user interfaces, ensuring a seamless experience and ensuring everything is bug-free.
A thorough knowledge of programming languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript are absolutely essential. Even if you don’t have a great deal of experience, however, there are numerous online courses that will teach you all the skills you need to become a front-end developer, as well as providing certification once you pass the course. Opportunities exist everywhere, the main decision to make is whether you want to work on a freelance basis or on a full-time contract for an agency.
Estimated average salary: $77,171
11. IT Product Manager
Remote jobs that pay more than 100K on average aren’t that common, but software product managers bring in the big bucks. Part of the reason it's among the best high-paying remote jobs is because it usually involves not only overseeing the people actually creating the IT product, but also implementing the product with clients and engaging in discussions about future optimizations that could improve the software’s utility and design, thereby increasing sales.
Experience is often key for this role, as is detailed knowledge of project management tools like Gantt charts and kanban boards. Most jobs will be available in the tech industry.
Estimated average salary: $100,510
12. Business Analyst
While data scientists use programming to manipulate and mold confusing tangles of information into something coherent, business analysts are the ones who then interpret data into compelling arguments or company strategies. These skills can easily be applied to any number of industries, as almost all organizations looking to grow will need a competent analyst to streamline data into a business plan.
Usually, a background in business is beneficial, while a working understanding of computer science and data analytics technology is a huge boost.
Estimated average salary: $63,190
13. Android Developer
Developing applications for one operating system might seem a bit niche, but since Android is now the largest smartphone platform, it’s perhaps not surprising that Android developer is up there with other high-paying remote jobs. Any company that has an app will need an Android developer, from global banks to social media giants. As with front-end developers, usually you’ll either work for an agency or you’ll freelance, unless you join a multinational conglomerate with a continuous need for new apps and app updates.
While a bachelor's degree or diploma in Computer Science or basic training in the technical environment can be helpful, you do need to be an expert when it comes to Android programming languages, including Java and Kotlin, as well as extensive understanding or APIs.
Estimated average salary: $90,756.
14. Senior Information Security Consultant
Words like ‘senior’ and ‘consultant’ are usually code for ‘higher salaries,’ As you move up the infosec food chain, you’ll be in more of a coordination role, overseeing penetration testing and improving incident management and vulnerability management policies.
If you’re applying for a senior information security consultant role, it will be assumed you’ve worked in the field for many years, either as part of an in-house cybersecurity team or for a cybersecurity solution provider. Qualifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) will all demonstrate your knowhow of the field.
Estimated average salary: $125,000
15. Cloud Architect
Everything is migrating to the cloud, which is why being a cloud architect is one of the highest-paying remote jobs in 2022. Cloud architects are tasked with designing a company’s cloud strategy, from creating adoption plans to executing migrations, to everyday management and monitoring.
Knowledge of operating systems, programming languages, relational database management systems and at least one of the major cloud providers (Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services) is crucial.
Estimated average salary: $128,418
16. Technical Support
While technical support might initially involve helping to install and configure computer software and systems, most of the role involves solving issues and faults for customers who call or email into a business. These could be customers of a software firm, an insurance provider or telecommunications.
Company call centers, either insourced or outsourced, are common employers of technical support staff, though some roles may be more dedicated to supporting operations within a business rather than without. IT qualifications and experience with IT systems are often a benefit, though many companies will provide training for entry-level positions.
Estimated average salary: $66,634
17. Business Development Associate
Business development is a bit of a catch-all term for any role whose focus is to generate new business opportunities. The form that takes will vary greatly depending on the type of business – as will the salary.
Business degrees are an asset, but for an associate-level position a business will usually be more interested in your organizational and communication skills, as well as an ability to develop rapport with potential clients.
Estimated average salary: $55,000
18. Psychologist
Psychologists can expect to deal with several common mental afflictions, including anxiety issues, depression and eating disorders.
A profession that you definitely do need qualifications to practice, psychologists must first complete a doctorate, before being certified by the national body that oversees psychologists in whichever country they are practicing. Job opportunities often come via public or private health institutions, though it’s also common for established psychologists to be self-employed.
Estimated average salary: $81,793
19. Medical Director
Remote jobs that pay more than 100K include medical director, a role that comes with a broad portfolio of responsibilities, including ensuring a good level of care throughout a healthcare facility and smooth operational efficiency.
Unsurprisingly, a medical degree is needed as well as extensive experience of working in hospitals.
Estimated average salary: $215,800
20. Back-end Engineer
With similar qualification requirements and job opportunities to a front-end developer, back-end engineers ensure that everything behind the scenes runs smoothly, using their programming skills to build and maintain a company’s server database and website architecture.
PHP, Ruby, Python, and JavaScript are all useful tools for a back-end engineer.
Estimated average salary: $87,009
21. Operations Manager
Responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly, the operations manager’s role is integral to most companies, but can vary greatly in scope depending on whether they are working for, say, a textiles factory or a restaurant brand.
Most remote operations manager roles are likely to be for larger chains or software companies, where you’ll be managing a distributed team’s objectives and productivity. Qualifications will largely depend on which industry you hope to practice the profession in.
Estimated average salary: $67,981
22. Medical Writer
An offshoot of the technical writer, medical writers specifically focus on writing documentation for pharmaceutical makers and clinical equipment vendors.
Job seekers will almost always need to have a scientific background, such as a biology, pharmacy or chemistry degree, for this role, as employers want to be assured that writers have the requisite medical acumen to understand their product.
Estimated average salary: $75,699
23. Sales Consultant
Sales consultants can work from anywhere because their main interactions will be with customers all around the country or even the world. Operating in industries from insurance to software, sales consultants can work across many industries, either targeting businesses or consumers.
Training is usually provided on the job, so there aren’t any skills prerequisites other than a winning personality and a self-motivated attitude, though if you feel like it you could study for a Certified Professional Sales Person or a Certified Inside Sales Professional qualification to stand out from the crowd.
Estimated average salary: $53,408
24. Tutor
If you’re trying to figure out what is the highest-paying remote job with no experience, this could be it. While studying for a tutoring qualification or having a teaching degree is undeniably useful, a lot of online businesses today focus predominantly on matching tutees with people who have the right experience in a particular field, be that mathematics, teaching English Online, Spanish or coding.
Estimated average salary: $38,272
25. Account Manager
An account manager’s skill set is generally similar to a sales consultant, but where a sales consultant drives new business, an account manager’s objective is to maintain existing customers.
Experience of account managing within a particular industry is usually a prerequisite.
Estimate average salary: $56,911
FAQs
- What is the best job to do remotely?
If your goal is to make as much money as possible, high paying remote jobs like cloud architect and Android developer are the best options for you. If, on the other hand, you value being able to set your own schedule and prefer to take on shorter-term projects that won’t involve lots of after-service, then translation or tutoring make for quick wins.
- What is the most in-demand remote job?
Cybersecurity, digital marketing and tutoring were all among the most in-demand remote jobs, according to an article in Forbes last year. Job site Indeed, meanwhile, picked out application developer and medical writer as some of the most common postings on its portal.