30 Best Paying Remote Jobs 2024 and How to Get Them
For many workers, the idea of working from their home office sounds like a dream come true. One of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has been a surge in interest in securing a remote job and some sort of work-from-home opportunity. Part of that rising interest has been the result of workers waking up to the realization that they can perform their jobs just as effectively without being in the office. However, many companies still insist on having most or all of their employees work on-site.
Still, millions of Americans crave or need to work from home, including workers with disabilities, caregivers, and parents who need more flexibility in their work schedules to raise their children. If you share that need or desire, you may be wondering, “What can I do if I want to work from home?” The good news is that there is an abundance of work opportunities out there that can be performed without commuting to an office!
In this post, we will explore the 30 best-paying remote jobs in 2024 and how you can go about getting them. You’ll find some helpful tips to help you locate the right work-from-home job for your needs, as well as advice to help you avoid many of the most common work-from-home scams.
1. Customer service representative
There was a time when almost every customer service representative was working in a call center or other company office. These days, technology has enabled companies to maintain their own calling personnel off-site. Financial firms, utility companies, and even retail outlets often rely on at-home workers to respond to customer inquiries, complaints, and orders. The massive shift in customer service representative roles is what lands this position at the top of the best remote jobs for 2024.
2. Virtual assistant
If you are skilled in administrative or technical support, a job as a virtual assistant may be a perfect work-from-home option. In that role, you may be called upon to provide support for companies in health care, finance, legal, or other industries. Your options can include seeking out a company that is willing to hire you as a virtual assistant full-time or locating freelance jobs as an independent contractor.
3. Medical or legal transcriptionist
Medical and legal transcription can be a well-paying career that you can do from home. It involves transcribing audio files to written text, so you just need to have good listening and typing skills to perform the job. You may also want to look into getting your certification as a transcriptionist if you want to increase your chances of securing a job in this exciting and rewarding work-from-home field.
4. SEO Specialist
Search engine optimization experts are in high demand these days, as companies continue to seek a dominant presence online. If you are willing to develop your familiarity with SEO standards and techniques, there are plenty of companies that could use your skills to improve their website ranking on search engines.
5. Editor
If you are a well-organized person with a solid foundation in the English language and an understanding of the best practices for online content, a job as an editor could be a great option for you. Many websites need editing services to manage their regular online content. In addition, freelance sites often have posted job offers from writers and others who need editing services.
6. Bookkeeper
Despite the rising proliferation of automated bookkeeping services, there are still jobs available for people with bookkeeping skills. Best of all, many of these jobs can be done from home as an independent contractor.
7. Certified professional medical coder
If you obtain your medical coder certification, you can find good-paying work-from-home jobs in that field. The job requires you to be able to read a medical chart, understand the diagnosis, and use the national classification system to classify each diagnosis and recommended procedure for insurance submission purposes.
8. Web developer
As the internet continues to grow, analysts expect the need for web developers to increase as well. As a web developer, you would use your web skills to design websites for companies and individuals. Most companies require web developers at some point, whether to update an old website or create an entirely new one from scratch. Of course, you will need to have some coding skills and a strong foundation in design, so be prepared to update your skills if you choose this path.
9. Proofreader
You can put your English grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills to good use by becoming a work-from-home proofreader. There are companies online that pay around $20 per hour to skilled proofreaders and editors.
10. Blogger
You may have noticed that there is no shortage of blogs populating the internet, but did you know that real people earn real money for writing and maintaining those blogs? If you have a particular interest in a topic or an area of expertise that you would like to share with others, writing a regular blog can be a great way to generate money. You will need to learn how to monetize your blog, however, so be prepared to be patient as you navigate that learning curve.
11. Freelance writer
Another great option for anyone with writing skills is to become a freelance copywriter. There are a host of freelance sites online that exist to connect writers and other talented individuals with companies and people willing to pay for freelance work. Freelance writing can involve everything from copywriting for blogs to creating articles, web page content, and eBooks.
12. Social media manager
To succeed in business today, companies need a solid social media presence that engages with their target market. The reality is that most business owners cannot manage that online presence on their own, so many rely on outside social media managers to handle their Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media pages. If you are skilled in using those platforms and have a creative mind, you can turn that interest into a work-from-home job.
13. Graphic designer
Your creative side could come in handy if you choose to be a graphic designer. There are websites that will help connect you with people and companies that need graphic design for everything from company logos, brochures, and advertisements to t-shirts, company merchandise, and even book covers. Best of all, the earning potential is virtually unlimited, depending on how much work you can secure and your skill level.
14. Data entry
Data entry work may not be the most glamorous employment, but it is another job that can be done from your home. When you choose to become a data entry specialist, you may find yourself inputting information from medical records, handwritten documents, or other physical records into an established database.
15. Career consultant/coach
Your career experience may provide you the insight you need to help others navigate their own career paths as a career coach or consultant. You might also be able to provide consulting services to small businesses, especially if you have a background in business, finance, or law.
16. Event planner
If you have an educational background in hospitality or experience in that field, there may be opportunities for you to become an event planner. This work-from-home job will involve organizing everything from weddings and parties to fundraisers and conventions.
17. Music instructor
Are you a skilled musician or someone with a musical background? If so, then you might want to consider a job as a music instructor, educating and inspiring the next generation of musical virtuosos!
18. Online teacher
The Covid-19 pandemic has opened up many opportunities for teachers and tutors to provide online services to kids who might otherwise suffer learning loss from school closures and other Covid policies. If teaching is your passion, you should consider this work-from-home option.
19. Pet groomer
If you love animals and enjoy grooming them, you may want to consider starting your own independent, at-home pet grooming service. It can be a great way to earn money, while also getting to spend time interacting with all of your favorite animals.
20. Programmer
Programmers, otherwise known as software developers, create the programs that people rely on when they use their computers. You will need a background in computer science and engineering or self-study and experience in the field to be successful, but job growth in this area is expected to continue to grow throughout the decade.
21. Survey taker
The job is exactly what it sounds like: companies pay you to take surveys. The compensation is usually on a per-survey basis, so earnings may be limited. Still, this could make for a nice side gig if you are interested in boosting your earnings.
22. Tax preparation specialist
Thanks to an ever-changing tax landscape, tax preparation services continue to be an in-demand industry. You will need to register with the proper authorities, but you can earn tens of thousands of dollars a year with this seasonal gig.
23. Resume writer
The U.S. workforce is more mobile than ever before, with millions of people moving from job to job each year. Many job seekers need compelling resumes to help them land interviews and secure new positions. As a resume writer, you could help them make their career dreams a reality.
24. Insurance representative
Many insurance companies rely on outsourced independent contractors to manage incoming phone calls. If you are interested in helping people with their insurance options, this could be a great job for you and one where you can work from home.
25. Therapist
Anyone with a social services or psychology background may want to consider becoming an online therapist. Job options can range from marriage counseling to therapy for children, trauma sufferers, and others, using online video conferencing software.
26. Translator
With the foreign-born percentage of the American population continuing to grow, translator services continue to be in high demand. Whether you provide virtual translation services for companies or simply translate books and other documents, this can be a great job where you can work from home and put your knowledge of other languages to good use.
27. Marketing consultant
Your background in marketing can be put to good use if you choose to become a marketing consultant. Many new and even older small businesses often rely on outside consulting firms to help them with their marketing needs.
28. Legal assistant
The duties of a legal assistant can include research, brief composition, and other time-consuming tasks that can be performed from home. You may be able to find work-from-home jobs in this field at various law firms, corporate legal departments, or government bodies.
29. Telephone or online nurse
Telehealth is a growing industry and one that needs qualified registered nurses to manage support lines for triage, advice, and referrals when patients call in or seek help online. Yes, technology has now progressed to the point where even medical professionals can find jobs working from home!
30. Website tester
There are websites that pay you to test other companies’ sites and provide feedback in an unbiased way. The pay is not as lucrative as some other work-from-home opportunities, but it may be a good way to earn some additional income while working from home.
The best companies to work remotely
Where do you find the best remote jobs in 2024? When you’re looking for your next, or first, remote job, these companies stand out from the crowd as having great work-life balance and positive company cultures. As you develop your job search strategy, add these to your list.
1. Google
Talk about a company that sets the bar high when it comes to remote work! Google offers flexible schedules, remote and on-site work options, and encourages employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance. In fact, Google is so committed to employee well-being that it offers mental health support, fitness programs, and ample paid time off.
2. Salesforce
Salesforce has set itself aside as a company culture guru whether you’re working in one of their on-site roles or from home. They have adopted an Ohana culture that promotes inclusivity, transparency, and collaboration. Salesforce also champions work-life balance by providing resources like wellness programs and family support services, making it an ideal choice for job seekers seeking remote opportunities.
3. HubSpot
HubSpot has been making waves in the world of remote work even before the pandemic. The company fosters a culture of trust and autonomy, emphasizing results over strict work hours. This approach allows employees to tailor their work schedules to suit their needs and enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
4. Microsoft
You wouldn't think it, but even the tech giant Microsoft has embraced remote work with open arms. The company promotes a flexible work environment and supports remote employees with cutting-edge technology, ensuring seamless collaboration regardless of location. Microsoft's commitment to diversity and inclusion also contributes to a positive remote work experience.
5. Zoom
Zoom embraced remote work at the height of the pandemic and jumped on the work-from-home bandwagon almost instantly. The company's virtual communication tools have transformed how everyone works. Zoom prides itself on valuing employee well-being and offers resources for mental health and stress management.
6. Shopify
Yes, entrepreneurs can open their own businesses with a Shopify website, but we’re talking about the folks who work behind the scenes to keep Shopify going. Shopify empowers its employees to thrive in remote work environments by providing extensive remote work support, including flexible hours and the option to work from anywhere. Shopify's culture emphasizes personal growth and development, promoting a fulfilling work-life balance.
7. Atlassian
Atlassian is a leader in software development tools that understands the importance of work-life balance and positive work cultures. The company encourages employees to take time off, recharge their batteries, and explore passions. Atlassian's remote work policies and tools enable teams to collaborate effectively, regardless of location, ensuring you can effectively get your job done whether you're sitting on the beach or at a table in the conference room.
8. Buffer
Buffer is an advocate for remote work and remote work practices. The company shares its remote work experiences and best practices openly, promoting work-life balance by encouraging employees to set boundaries and prioritize their well-being.
Tips to help you start your work-from-home career
Launching a work-from-home career is seldom easy, but knowing what to expect can help you enjoy a smoother transition to your new job. The following insights and tips may help you in your efforts to find jobs where you can work from home:
Understand that there are hundreds of thousands of work-from-home jobs out there. Your job is to find the right one for your needs.
Some jobs are full-time remote positions with established companies, where you will be on the payroll and subject to their schedules and rules. Others are independent contracted positions that may be more temporary but less restrictive.
In addition to the eight companies we mentioned that offer great work-from-home opportunities, there are also a host of freelance sites out there that can connect you to companies that need your services. Fiverr, FlexJobs, and Upwork are just a few of the great resources you can use to begin your search for remote work opportunities.
Very few people experience tremendous success right away, so be prepared for a slow start. In most instances, you will need to develop a reputation over time, especially if you choose the freelancer route.
Make sure that you have a plan. Take the time to sit down and create a step-by-step strategy to develop your work-from-home business.
Always remember that working from home is not intended to be an escape from hard work and effort. Most people who have chosen this path have experienced both failures and successes throughout their at-home careers. In the end, though, your experience in jobs where you can work from home will be a positive one if you are willing to put in the time and effort needed to achieve your goals.
The best ways to avoid work-from-home scams
Finally, we would be remiss if we failed to note the need to be aware of potential work-from-home scams. Sadly, there are many fraudsters who are only too willing to take advantage of people’s eagerness to find work-from-home job opportunities. These people often advertise online or send unsolicited text messages offering lucrative compensation for various remote jobs. Many, if not most, of those jobs end up being fraudulent and designed only to steal your personal or financial information.
To avoid frauds, consider the following dos and don’ts when encountering any work-from-home offer:
DO trust your gut. If you sense that something is off about an offer, you are probably right.
DON'T ever provide your personal or financial information until you have confirmed an offer’s legitimacy. This includes things like your Social Security number or financial account details.
DO research the company behind every work-from-home offer before accepting.
DON'T trust an offer if the company cannot explain your job roles, how you get paid, or other standard details associated with modern work arrangements.
DO make sure that any job posting includes a real company name and contact.
DON'T ever send the company money. Period. Real companies never ask you to pay them to let you work.
In short, do your homework, rely on your instincts, and be careful about which opportunities you pursue. If an offer looks too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
Work-from-home meets needs
The transition from in-office work to jobs where you can work from home can be confusing and stressful without a plan. Understanding just how many different work-from-home jobs are available in today’s job market can be an important first step to helping you create your job search strategy. With time and effort, you can locate a work-from-home opportunity that is perfect for your needs!
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Written by
Marsha Hebert, Professional Resume Writer
Marsha is a resume writer with a strong background in marketing and writing. After completing a Business Marketing degree, she discovered that she could combine her passion for writing with a natural talent for marketing. For more than 10 years, Marsha has helped companies and individuals market themselves. Read more advice from Marsha on ZipJob's blog.