Some of the fastest growing remote jobs may not be what you expect. Roles like personal assistant or project manager were once typically confined to the office — but not anymore!
We all got a taste for remote work when we were forced to stay at home during COVID, and for some of us… there was no going back. I say this as I write from a sunny park bench rather than an over-air-conditioned office with no windows.
So, if you’re looking for a better work-life balance, here’s a round-up of the fastest growing remote jobs to apply for today!
In a hurry? Check out FlexJobs if you’re looking for a new remote role. FlexJobs offers a huge searchable database of flexible and remote work opportunities from legitimate employers.
Sales
The industry with the highest number of remote job openings is sales.
1. Sales Representative
Sales representatives assist the buyer throughout the entire sales process.
You don’t need any formal qualifications to get started, and salaries average around $56k annually, or $27/hour.
2. Bookkeeping
If you’re good with numbers, get into bookkeeping. Bookkeepers are responsible for helping businesses keep their finances on track.
You can get qualified as a bookkeeper online in as little as 4-6 months.
Average salaries in the US are around $44k per year.
3. Digital Marketer
A job that has grown a lot in the last 30 years, digital marketing can involve everything from affiliate and content marketing, to search engine optimization and pay-per-click.
You don’t technically need a formal qualification to get into digital marketing, but without one you’ll most likely need to provide evidence of a strong online profile that demonstrates your skill.
If you’re working for a company, you can expect to earn around $65k annually.
If you truly want to succeed in a remote job—consider working for yourself. If you have the skills of a digital marketer, employ them to go freelance or build your own brand. Follow along with new content related to digital marketing here.
Tech
Given the nature of remote work, the tech industry has always, and likely will always, be the hub of remote roles. If you’re looking for high paying remote jobs, get into tech.
4. Information Security Analyst
An information security analyst focuses on keeping an organization’s network secure and maintains software like firewalls.
For most jobs, hiring managers will be looking out for at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field, however some companies are happy with relevant experience and certifications.
More qualifications equals better pay, average salary is around $100k per year.
5. Web/Software Developer
As a web or software developer, your job will be to develop (create) websites or software.
To do that, you’ll need to know how to code (or be really good at WordPress). Having a strong portfolio is the best way to get hired.
Salaries for web developers in the US average $93k yearly.
6. UX Designer
A user experience designer focuses on making websites, apps, and software user friendly.
Plenty of UX designers are self-taught but there are also lots of courses online that offer certificates of completion.
In the US, you can expect to make roughly $100k a year once you’re established in your field.
7. Artificial Intelligence Consultant
It’s pretty cool to think that this is an actual job, and AI is quickly becoming the sector with the fastest growing remote jobs as it evolves. An artificial intelligence consultant helps integrate AI into the workplace.
Necessary certifications are flexible but you definitely need a background in tech to get started.
This is one of the more high paying remote jobs out there with salaries around $150k or $72/hour.
Services
If you’re not so great with data but good with people you’ve still got options.
8. Project Manager
As the title suggests, you’d be responsible for managing the people and tasks required for a project.
No official qualifications are necessary but in most cases, you will need a college education and to complete a project manager course.
Entry-level PMs start around $75k while experience will boost you up to $140k a year.
9. Customer Service Assistant
Just like you would in a shop, a customer service assistant is responsible for handling any customer difficulties or complaints. This might be via telephone, email or online chat.
You don’t need any experience to get started. On average customer service assistants make $35k annually.
Business
This is an industry that often experiences growth and you can expect will keep hiring for years to come.
10. Workplace Diversity Manager
In this role you assess a company’s current demographics and workforce goals, then assist in meeting those targets.
A degree can help you get your foot in the door, and there are various certifications available, but no standard qualifications are necessary.
As far as high paying remote jobs go, this is a great one since most roles start around $80k per year.
11. Social Media Manager
If you’re already a social media whiz, invest in a little professional development and start working as a social media manager. Your role would be to manage all social media accounts for whatever company you’re hired for.
A good portfolio will go a long way with the hiring managers as most professionals in this industry are self-taught.
As far as earning potential, you can expect roughly $65k per year.
12. Virtual Assistant
As the title of the role suggests, virtual assistants handle admin tasks for their clients, remotely,
Prepare a portfolio with relevant training or certifications as well as any testimonials from past clients. This is a great way to make sure new clients will be interested in working with you.
These positions have an average salary of roughly $40k annually.
13. Sustainability Analyst
In a world where we are all trying to be a little bit more “green”, sustainability analysts help companies consider their social and environmental impact.
A degree in environmental science or similar is your best bet for getting started in one of these jobs. Professional certifications on your resume will also help.
There is lots of room for growth in this industry but salaries at the moment are around $80k a year.
Non-Profit
Don’t be fooled by the term “non-profit”. NGOs still offer high paying roles and the demand means these are some of the fastest growing remote jobs.
14. Grant Manager
When an organization is not for profit they will rely on charity donations and grants to fund their business. This creates the role of a grants program manager who is basically responsible for managing grant funds and making sure they are allocated and used appropriately.
A four-year degree in business or communications will serve you well to pursue this career. In most cases you’ll also need some experience working with grant funds and you may even want to look at certifications to enhance your qualifications.
Remote work for grant managers pays roughly $70k a year.
15. Director of Development Services
In this role, you’ll have to engage donors and secure funds for your organization. You’d be responsible for everything from marketing to team management to directly addressing donor concerns.
This is a senior level position which means you need probably a bachelor’s degree in business administration, plus experience in your field. Ideally, you’ll also have a master’s degree and maybe a Certified Fund Raising Executive certification
It comes as no surprise that senior roles are the most high paying remote jobs. A Director of Development Services can expect an average salary of $120k each year.
Bilingual
If you can put “fluent in more than one language” on your resume check out some remote jobs that rely on this skill.
16. Translator
Self-explanatory really, a translator…translates…things. Whether it’s a simple document or a 900-page book, translators simply rewrite text from one language into another.
The main requirement is knowing more than one language.
Salaries average $55k per year in the US or roughly $27/hour.
17. Interpreter
Similar to a translator, but working with spoken word rather than text. Interpreters usually work in real-time so remote workers are often added in to conference calls
Fluency in more than one language is all you need to get started.
Bilingual interpreters earn on average $34k annually.
Healthcare
Of all industries, you might be most surprised to find healthcare on the list of the fastest growing remote jobs.
18. Medical Coder
The most obvious remote job in healthcare is to become a medical coder. Medical coders translate patients’ files into universal medical code.
There are lots of different paths to becoming a medical coder, such as pursuing a full degree or attending a certification course.
Most companies hiring are offering an average salary of $48k per year.
19. Data Scientist
You can expect high paying remote jobs for data scientists in a number of different sectors, however there is a big demand for them in the medical industry. This role requires you to capture important data and create statistical models.
You need at minimum an undergraduate degree.
It might cost more to get qualified, but then you can expect an average salary of $130k annually.
Education
There will always be a strong demand for education professionals so getting qualified means you’re likely to find work anywhere in the world—including online.
20. Online Tutor
If you’re a person that loves teaching, but hates the idea of a stuffy classroom, why not become an online tutor?
Perhaps the most obvious remote job for anyone in education is to simply take your lessons online.
Online tutors can make anywhere between $31k-$56k annually.
21. Data Analyst
This role is also important in other industries, but data analysts in education help schools and universities make better decisions to improve student outcomes and streamline administrative processes.
You will need an undergraduate degree to break into this field.
But once you do, you can expect your pay to be somewhere around $80k a year.
Where to Find Remote Jobs
Sometimes the most difficult part of a job search is knowing where to look. Luckily, there are a few websites to check out remote job openings and companies offering more flexibility:
Don’t discount places like LinkedIn to find job postings either. Connect with other professionals in your industry or follow organizations you’d love to work for, you may stumble upon your dream job without even looking!
Fastest Growing Remote Hubs
The real beauty of remote work is that it allows you to travel while earning an income.
Double check the company you work for is ok with you leaving the country—in some cases you may need to be based in the US (or home country).
Here are some places around the world that are particularly friendly to remote workers:
- Da Nang, Vietnam
- Bansko, Bulgaria
- Doha, Qatar
- Mumbai, India
- Panama City, Panama
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
For a more in depth look at the best remote work hubs, and current hot spots for digital nomads, take a look at this breakdown by Nomad List.
Conclusion
The fastest growing remote jobs are in a variety of industries which means it doesn’t matter what your skill set is or where your passions lie.
If you truly want to work remotely, do a little research, consider a few businesses, put on your best top (don’t worry, your pajama pants aren’t noticeable when you work from home), and start your brand new remote job.
