12 High-Paying Remote Jobs to Explore

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Looking for a high-paying career where you can enjoy the flexibility of working remotely? Consider these 12 work-from-home jobs.

[Featured image] A person in a floral shirt with braided hair works remotely from home on a laptop computer.

Remote work is a style that allows employees to work from their homes or, in some instances, from anywhere they can perform their primary functions. While working remotely gained significant traction at the outset of the global pandemic in 2020, many companies have since instituted return-to-office (RTO) mandates [1]. Still, remote work remains popular among professionals and lends itself to certain high-paying careers more than others.

Learn about 12 high-paying remote jobs to consider if you want a more flexible work arrangement. Afterward, keep building your skill set in many of these areas with a Coursera Plus subscription.

12 high-paying remote jobs

Remote careers typically share several key characteristics that make them ideal for virtual work environments. They tend to rely heavily on digital tools and technologies, can be performed independently, and have clearly defined deliverables and outcomes that can be measured regardless of location. Additionally, rather than focusing on time spent at a desk, these roles emphasize results and productivity.

To succeed in a remote job, you'll need to work autonomously and have strong workplace communication skills because remote workers must effectively collaborate with colleagues and clients through digital channels.

* All salary data represents the average base salary in the United States as of May 2025, according to Glassdoor.

1. Computer support specialist

Average annual US salary: $60,752

Computer support specialists, also known as computer technicians or IT support specialists, help individuals and businesses set up and maintain their computers, software, and networks. Computer support specialists can assist customers via phone, email, chat, and remote assistance software. 

2. Social media manager

Average annual US salary: $59,819

Social media managers leverage social media platforms, like Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok, to attract new customers and engage with existing ones. As social media becomes a business necessity across industries, the demand for savvy social media experts will likely continue to grow.

3. Project manager

Average annual US salary: $83,842

Project managers are in demand in just about every industry. In this role, you get to use your organization and people skills to lead teams and complete successful, on-time, and on-budget projects. Thanks to advances in online collaboration software, it’s easier than ever to work remotely as a project manager.

4. Data analyst

Average annual US salary: $73,932

Data analysts collect, clean, and interpret data to help organizations make better business decisions. The daily tasks and responsibilities of a data analyst tend to be computer-based and well-suited for remote work.

5. Information security analyst

Average annual US salary: $105,189

As work styles expand to remote and hybrid options, cybersecurity has become even more critical to ensure a company's data is secure. Information security analysts protect a company's computer networks, systems, and sensitive data from cyber threats and security breaches. These professionals monitor networks for security incidents, investigate violations, install and maintain security software, and conduct regular security assessments to identify vulnerabilities.

6. Web developer

Average annual US salary: $81,382

Web developers create and maintain websites, programs, and computer or mobile applications as a developer. This field was one of the first to embrace a remote work culture, even before the pandemic. This makes it an excellent option if you’re creative with a knack for problem-solving.

7. Software developer

Median annual salary: $95,465

Software developers are responsible for designing computer programs or applications for various platforms. You may be assigned to build a program from the ground up, test out existing software, or look for issues and defects in a program before it becomes public. You can work in many fields, including gaming, business, or health care.

8. UX designer

Average annual US salary: $108,864

Using remote-friendly tools, UX designers help make products more usable, enjoyable, and accessible. They typically focus on how people interact with websites, apps, and other digital interfaces, ensuring that these interactions are smooth and meaningful. Their work involves researching user behavior, creating wireframes and prototypes, conducting user testing, and collaborating with developers and stakeholders to implement designs.

9. Graphic designer

Average annual salary: $57,283

Graphic designers are responsible for creating and developing visual designs for clients. These projects could include designing logos, laying out visual products like brochures and posters, or developing illustrations for websites. You could work on small projects or help to develop a campaign or marketing strategy as part of a large project with a team of professionals in your organization.

10. Sales representative

Average annual US salary: $68,473

As a sales representative, you help match customers with the right products and services for their needs. Working in sales, especially in the technology sector, gives you the chance to engage with people remotely while helping businesses thrive.

11. Data scientist

Average annual US salary: $113,974

Skilled data scientists are in demand across industries, as more businesses seek to use data to make informed decisions. These professionals analyze complex data sets to help organizations make informed decisions and solve problems. Using advanced analytics tools and machine learning techniques, they identify patterns, trends, and correlations that can guide business strategy and improve operations.

12. Technical writer

Median annual salary: $82,158

Technical writers specialize in creating technical content for a specialized field, understanding complex information, and communicating specific information for how-to guides, journals, and instruction manuals. You may work in a variety of fields, including scientific, computing, and technical industries, among others.

Additional remote careers to consider

Career in industries such as technology, finance, and marketing are primed to be done remotely. Learn how to find a work-from-home job and consider the additional remote career resources below.

Benefits of working from home

Working from home comes with a host of benefits. Here are a few reasons to consider switching to a career—or company—that supports remote work:

  • Work-life balance: Working from home often offers a more flexible work schedule, which can help you better manage family responsibilities, hobbies, and other life obligations.

  • Increased productivity: In terms of productivity, employees say they work just as much or more when allowed to work remotely. According to a Statista survey from 2023, 44 percent of individuals said they feel they work more, 32 percent believe they work the same, while just 24 percent said they work less [2]

  • No commute: The average one-way commute in the US is 26.8 minutes [3]. That’s nearly an hour a day or more than four hours a week. Reclaim that time when you work from home. Shorter commutes have also been linked to reduced stress and better health.

  • Location independence: In the world of remote work, you don’t have to relocate to a new city to get a job. You can live where you want and work for the company you want, no matter where they’re located.

  • Financial savings: When your home is your office, you can save money on gas, parking, childcare, eating out, and even your work-specific wardrobe.

  • Better health: Working from home can translate to more time for physical activity, less exposure to illness, the option to create an ergonomic workspace, and more opportunities to eat healthier.

How to work from home: Tips for applying to remote jobs

You might find applying for remote jobs to be a bit different than the typical in-person experience. As you prepare to make the switch, here are some tips to help you find and begin your remote work job.

  • If you’ve worked remotely or collaborated with colleagues in a different location in the past, highlight that experience in your resume. Use the words “remote” and “virtual” to help applicant tracking systems pick up that experience.

  • Similarly, if you’ve used digital collaboration tools before (Slack, Salesforce, Trello, Zoom, etc.), make sure to include them in your resume as well.

  • Include remote-only job boards, like FlexJobs, JustRemote, or Working Nomads, in your job search.

  • Focus on developing and highlighting key skills for remote work, including written communication, self-direction, adaptability, and time management.

  • Find a quiet and well-lit spot for your remote interviews. Before the interview, make sure your computer, camera, microphone, headphones—any tech you plan on using—is in good working order.

Learn more: Best Companies to Work for Remotely

Develop in-demand skills on Coursera

Build or strengthen your skills for remote career opportunities on Coursera. Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses. 

Article sources

1. Fast Company. "The return-to-office mandate is here, https://www.fastcompany.com/91337575/the-return-to-office-mandate-is-here-so-is-the-open-office-one-has-to-go." Accessed May 28, 2025.

2. Statista. "Would you say you are working more or less this year compared to last year?, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1401275/remote-worker-productivity-globally/." Accessed May 28, 2025.

3. United States Census Bureau. "United States Commuting At A Glance: American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, https://www.census.gov/topics/employment/commuting/guidance/acs-1yr.html." Accessed May 28, 2025.

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