The Best Jobs to Work Remotely

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Research shows that remote workers are happier, more productive, and have a higher average income than their non-remote peers. Is it any wonder that a Buffer survey showed that 97% of remote workers hope to continue telecommuting for the rest of their careers?

If you’re thinking about working from home, the good news is that there are remote jobs for workers in all kinds of industries, from healthcare to education to marketing. 

It’s not all customer service jobs, in other words—although there are plenty of those too if that’s where your skills and interests lie.

Key Takeaways

  • The best remote jobs include positions in tech, healthcare, sales, customer service, and education. 
  • Higher-paying remote jobs will require more education and training and possibly a portfolio of work. 
  • Beware remote job scams that promise high salaries for easy work.

12 Best Remote Jobs

Whether you’re an entry-level worker with basic computer skills or an experienced professional with advanced technical certifications, there are remote jobs that fit your background and goals. Many of these positions offer more flexibility than on-site roles and pay that matches traditional jobs.

01 of 12

Customer Service Jobs

Customer service representative

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Online retailers and other digital organizations hire individuals to manage customer service requests. Many of these jobs can be done from home via phone or internet.

Do you have great phone skills? You might be a perfect fit for a virtual call center job, fielding customer queries over the phone from your own home office. Do you prefer to communicate via email or online chat? A customer service chat job may be more your speed.

Note

Regardless of which type of customer service job you take, you’ll need patience, communication skills, and a background in or aptitude for retail, customer service, or marketing.

02 of 12

Entry-Level Computer Jobs

Asian mother with baby working from home
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While many online computer jobs require advanced technical skills, not every position will necessitate additional training and education. There are plenty of easy work-from-home computer jobs available for entry-level remote workers.

Depending on your interests and skill set, you might try working as a virtual assistant, remote data entry clerk, or online "odd job" worker.

03 of 12

Computer Programming Jobs

Young computer programmer taking a coffee break in the office.
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Computer programmers turn the software designed by developers into a reality. They write and test programs using coding languages like Java, C++, and SQL. Many accomplished programmers teach themselves with free tools online and acquire a decent-paying job without a college degree.

And because the work is computer-based, many programmers can work from home.

04 of 12

Sales Jobs

Creative businessman using smart phone in office
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Outbound sales positions typically work a flexible schedule that doesn't require them to be in an office. Further, many salespeople work from wherever they wish. Unlike the other remote roles listed above, some sales positions do require you to perform a moderate amount of travel. But most employers don't mind you working from home so long as you meet your sales goals.

Some of the most common sales jobs include sales associate, account manager, and sales manager.

05 of 12

Teacher & Tutor Jobs

A business man working at office

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Advances in technology and high-speed internet connections have created more opportunities for teachers to work with students across the globe. In addition, there is a growing demand for online teachers as more states permit K-12 children to attend public school online. Your income may be based on the number of hours you work and the type of classes you teach.

Work-at-home job options for teachers include curriculum developer, writing coach, and online adjunct professor.

06 of 12

Data Entry, Coding, and Transcription Jobs

Woman typing on computer keyboard at transparent desk
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You need to be careful to avoid scams when you're looking for data entry work, but there are legitimate data entry jobs that are suitable for entry-level employees. If you have more advanced skills and typing experience, you can also consider work-from-home transcription and medical coding jobs.

07 of 12

Translation Jobs

Man working at laptop at kitchen table

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If you are bilingual or proficient in a multitude of languages, you can find a job working as a translator. Many of these jobs can be done remotely and on a freelance basis.

Translators who work online might be employed by a translating company, or translate news stories and articles, web pages, and books. 

Note

Before you interview for a position, be sure to prepare yourself by exploring common translator interview questions.

08 of 12

Medical Billing & Coding Jobs

Young Bearded Man Working At Home Office
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Medical billers convert doctors' notes into billing codes that facilitate insurance payments to healthcare providers. It is the job of medical coders and billers to ensure that patients' insurance providers send payments according to medical billing protocols.

Medical coders and billers are crucial to the healthcare industry's ongoing efforts to digitize health records for improved healthcare.

09 of 12

Web Developer & Graphic Designer Jobs

Graphic designer

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Although some education is generally required to land a job as a web developer or graphic designer, employers in both spaces are primarily concerned with what you can do, not where you learned to do it. A solid portfolio will mean more than your credentials.

In addition, both occupations are jobs you can easily do from home, either as a remote full-time worker or as a freelancer. Nearly every business needs a website, so there are endless opportunities if you market yourself to large or small businesses.

10 of 12

Freelance Writer Gigs

Woman working at laptop

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From copywriting to content marketing to ghostwriting, freelance writing opportunities are abundant for those who dedicate the time to look for work.

Although it can be difficult to find a legitimate writing gig, once you tap into the right resources and start to accumulate a professional portfolio, it can be a good way to earn a living while working from home or in a remote location of your ​choice.

11 of 12

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL/TEFL)

High angle view of businesswoman video calling female colleague on laptop in home office
Maskot / Getty Images

If you have teaching experience in a classroom, as a coach, or even as a tutor, you could start your online English teaching career right from your living room.

Teaching English as a second/foreign language (TESL/TEFL) is a popular side gig for education professionals. You’ll find that your skills are in high demand, particularly for families in the Middle East and Asia.

Note

TESL employers typically want you to have a college degree and be a native North American English speaker. There's no need to learn the first language of those you teach.

12 of 12

Android or iOS Developer

Web developer

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Android or iOS Developer

Those with a background in computer science or software engineering might consider becoming an Android or iOS developer and be tasked with designing or troubleshooting mobile apps.

With an internet connection and the appropriate design software, this type of job can be done from anywhere in the world.

How to Find Remote Jobs

Book Some Side Gigs

A side gig is one of the best ways to get started working from home. Find your next gig online and make extra money as you build your career.

Transition Your Current Job to a Remote Job

If your job can be done from anywhere, consider negotiating with your employer to work at home on a full- or part-time basis.

Create a Plan To Find a New Work-From-Home Job

Find your first remote job via networking, online job sites, and social media. 


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Sources
The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. OWL Labs. "State of Remote Work 2021." 

  2. FlexJobs. "Remote Work Stats and Trends: Navigating Work-From-Home Jobs." 

  3. Buffer. "2022 State of Remote Work." 

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