Today’s Best Work-From-Home Jobs
Updated November 2, 2019 . AmFam Team
Staying in your PJs, sipping a latté, avoiding the rush-hour commute — these are just a few perks of working from home in your own inspired space. If this kind of flexibility sounds appealing, but you still want the stability of a traditional job, you’re in luck! Many employers are now embracing flexible work environments to keep their workers happy, healthy and productive.
Keep reading for an in-depth list of remote job opportunities, complete with salary ranges and tips for how to get started!
The Top 10 Work-From-Home Jobs
We've compiled a variety of work-from-home jobs — from entry-level positions, to the best jobs for parents, to the highest-paying opportunities. They represent a wide range of industries and salaries and reflect current trends and areas in which rapid growth is expected over the next several years.* Take a look and explore your options!
- Bookkeeper Average annual salary: $38,000
- Customer Service Representative Average annual salary: $33,000
- Freelance Writer Average annual salary: $62,000
- Graphic Designer Average annual salary: $45,000
- Online Teacher Average annual salary: $40,000
- Social Media Manager Average annual salary: $54,000
- Translator Average annual salary: $60,000
- Travel Agent Average annual salary: $36,000
- Virtual Assistant Average annual salary: $39,000
- Web Developer Average annual salary: $69,000
Bookkeepers help businesses keep financial records in order by preparing invoices, recording payments and balancing the general ledger. Since most bookkeepers use accounting software to maintain records and help prepare compliance filings such as tax returns and W-2s, it’s a job that can easily be done from home.
How to get started. You might be surprised to learn you don’t have to be a certified public accountant to do this job — you may not even need a college degree. Bookkeepers need a keen eye for detail, a high level of organization and solid math skills. You can seek out bookkeeping courses at your local community college or online to get started.
Ever wonder where that customer service rep you’re talking to lives? They could be anywhere. Many businesses have virtual call centers where representatives answer calls from their homes rather than an office. This allows employers the flexibility to staff up during peak seasons (like holiday shopping) and gives you the chance to work from home, often on your own schedule.
How to get started. Check online job boards for virtual customer service representative opportunities. You’ll need a quiet place to work (so callers can’t hear barking dogs or giggling kids), a dedicated phone line, a computer with internet service — and a great attitude!
Freelance writing can be a versatile profession that’s perfect for working from home. Writers are paid to create content for advertising, magazines, websites, social media posts, blogs and more. The best part? You can typically set your own hours (as long as you meet your clients’ deadlines).
How to get started. Most writers have at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field. You’ll need to build a solid portfolio of work to attract clients. Search online for credible freelance writing networks that fit your experience, or volunteer to write for a local charitable organization. Then, start advertising your services with a website and on social media.
Graphic designers help businesses present their image to the world. They create designs for websites, logos, brochures, advertisements and more. Graphic designers have an eye for the artistic, and the ability to translate ideas into visuals based on what their clients need.
How to get started. Graphic designers need to work well with clients and be skilled in various graphic design programs. Most designers have a college degree or certification in graphic design and experience with an advertising agency or corporate marketing department.
The internet enables students to learn from anywhere. Online public schools are booming and offer K-12 students access to state-certified teachers who connect with them through email, live chats, and video or audio lectures supplemented with downloadable materials. Many colleges also offer online learning programs and even fully virtual degrees, so there’s high demand for educators who can provide instruction online.
How to get started. You’ll need a college education and a teaching license to be an online teacher. College instructors have the potential for much higher earnings, but you’ll need to have a master’s degree at the very minimum.
Businesses today need a solid social media presence — both to build a positive brand presence and to reach customers. Social media managers guide communication strategy on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other platforms. Since social media is “always on,” you may need to respond to a crisis in the wee hours of the morning, so keep that in mind.
How to get started. You’ll need more than an Instagram following to be successful in this role. Social media managers typically have a college degree, knowledge of data analytics tools and excellent communication skills. Build a track record with a marketing agency or corporate communications department before you go freelance.
Companies wanting to reach customers around the world need to communicate in their languages and depend on translators for help. In-demand translators are fluent in at least two languages, have a good grasp of a language’s grammar and cultural nuances, can translate quickly and accurately, and are comfortable working with written documents. Translators can often set their own hours, so translating makes a great stay-at-home job.
How to get started. You’ll need to be fluent in at least two languages (like Spanish and English) and have excellent writing skills. Most translators are also college educated.
Travel agents often work from home because the internet has made it easier than ever to connect with potential clients. Experienced travel agents help travelers save time and money (and avoid the stress of choosing flights and hotels). Since the number of hours you put in depends on your goals, it can be a good entrepreneurial opportunity for anyone who wants to work from home part-time.
How to get started. You’ll need a solid business plan to achieve your goals as a travel agent. Set your working hours, create a business website and research your state’s licensing requirements. You don’t need a college education, but you may need specialized training.
Virtual assistants act as off-site secretaries to their business clients. They work from home to manage emails, arrange meetings, help with event management, and assist with social media. They provide essential services to businesses to help keep things running smoothly.
How to get started. It helps to have experience as an administrative assistant to build your credibility. You’ll need a high school education, good communication skills, impeccable organization and access to the internet. Check online job boards for virtual assistant listings to get started.
Web developers make webpages visually appealing and user-friendly while keeping them running smoothly. Developers possess a unique mix of graphic design and technical programming skills, including expert knowledge of coding, creating interactive features like animations, and designing for secure online payments.
How to get started. You’ll need an associate degree to advance in this field. While specialized certifications aren’t necessary, you must be skilled at coding languages and web design. The workday generally follows a typical business schedule, though you’ll have to be available if the site crashes or your client needs an urgent update.
10 Ideal Work-from-Home Jobs for Parents
Being a parent is a full-time job. You’re cooking, cleaning, running the kids to and from practices, and managing everyone’s appointments. But if you’re looking for a way to earn a little cash, here’s a list of legitimate jobs that busy parents can do from home full-time, part-time, or possibly even as a side hustle.
- Customer Service Representative
- Data Entry Specialist
- Graphic Designer
- Medical Records Technician
- Medical Transcriptionist
- Proofreader
- Social Media Manager
- Translator
- Travel Agent
- Writer
Average annual salary: $33,000
Average annual salary: $33,000
Average annual salary: $45,000
Average annual salary: $31,000
Average annual salary: $46,000
Average annual salary: $45,000
Average annual salary: $54,000
Average annual salary: $60,000
Average annual salary: $36,000
Average annual salary: $62,000
9 High-Paying Jobs You Can Do from Home
Experienced workers who want to pursue a high-paying career don’t necessarily need to head into the office. With the right mix of skills and expertise, you can find work-from-home and online jobs that pay very well.
- Actuary
- Business Development Manager
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Major Gifts Officer
- Public Relations Manager
- Research Scientist
- Senior Medical Writer
- Senior Software Engineer
- UX Designer
Average annual salary: $116,000
Related job titles: accountant, insurance underwriter, economist, cost estimator, statistician
Average annual salary: $64,000
Related job titles: territory manager, sales manager, regional sales manager, account director
Average annual salary: $66,000
Related job titles: IT specialist, senior systems analyst, network administrator, network architect
Average annual salary: $88,000
Related job titles: development director, fundraising director, planned giving officer, director of development, major gift fundraising manager
Average annual salary: $71,000
Related job titles: public relations director, communications director, pr manager, marketing communications manager
Average annual salary: $79,000
Related job titles: computational biologist, molecular biologist, scientist
Average annual salary: $92,000
Related job titles: technical writer, principal medical writer, medical editor, regulatory medical writer
Average annual salary: $113,000
Related job titles: software developer, software developer (full stack), senior network engineer
Average annual salary: $94,000
Related job titles: UI designer, UX product designer, UX design manager
10 Work-from-Home Jobs that Don’t Require a College Degree
If you want to work from home but don’t have a college degree, check out this list.
- Blogger
- Childcare Provider
- Crafter
- Customer Service Representative
- Data Entry Specialist
- Fitness Coach
- Medical Coder
- Payroll Support Specialist
- Telemarketer
- Virtual Assistant
Average annual salary: $41,000
Job description: Write inspiring content that attracts readers for your own blog (or as a guest blogger).
Skills needed: writing and grammar, organization, tenacity, research, web and social media
Average annual salary: $22,000
Job description: Care and activities for children while parents are away.
Skills needed: patience, love of children, creativity, organization
Average annual salary: $30,000
Job description: Make crafts and sell them via online shops
Skills needed: creativity, web savvy, internet access
Average annual salary: $33,000
Job description: Answer customer questions, resolve or assist with complaints, help with customer billing inquiries, and handle refunds and exchanges.
Skills needed: verbal communication, conflict resolution, decision-making, positive attitude
Average annual salary: $33,000
Job description: Type and submit data by computer quickly and accurately.
Skills needed: organization, dedication, computer typing, accuracy
Average annual salary: $44,000
Job description: Inspire clients to reach fitness goals online.
Skills needed: love of fitness, drive for success, ability to use social media and web platforms
Average annual salary: $42,000
Job description: Review and analyze medical records to accurately assign billing codes.
Skills needed: attention to detail, knowledge of coding and compliance guidelines, may require specialized certifications
Average annual salary: $44,000
Job description: Process payroll, follow balancing procedures to ensure accuracy, and ensure compliance with government regulations.
Skills needed: knowledge of payroll software, basic accounting abilities, data entry
Average annual salary: $28,000
Job description: Call prospective clients to sell products or services.
Skills needed: tenacity, excellent communication, negotiation
Average annual salary: $39,000
Job description: Manage emails, arrange meetings, help with event management, assist with social media, and perform administrative tasks.
Skills needed: verbal and written communication, internet access, attention to detail
How to Find Legitimate Work-From-Home Opportunities
There are so many work-from-home opportunities out there that it can be hard to know which ones are the real deal. One good way to weed out work-from-home scams is by remembering the saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Does the job description seem vague, offer high pay for little work, or ask you to pay the employer anything? Just use your common sense to guide your judgment.
Are you ready to follow your work-from-home dreams? No matter which path you choose, you can make it happen — the main thing is to stick with it. Check out our tips for setting up your own home office. Plus, browse our Career Growth Resources to find professional development advice.
This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. You should contact a professional for advice specific to your situation.
*National average as of December 2022; ziprecruiter.com (Opens in a new tab)
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Every situation is different, so it’s important to do the right research and choose the best option for you. Luckily, we’ve done some of the breakdown for you to help you decide whether to pay off your student loan entirely or buy a house.
Can Student Loans Affect Buying a House?
Typically, student loan debt doesn’t prevent you from getting a mortgage. The biggest thing to note is that student loan debt does influence your debt-to-income ratio, which is a factor lenders consider before giving you a loan. It can also affect the interest rate you pay on your mortgage.
Buying a house with defaulted student loans
If you’ve defaulted on your student loans, it’ll be more difficult — but not impossible — for you to get a mortgage. Because defaulting negatively affects your credit score, lenders will be less likely to want to give you a loan or will charge a much higher interest rate on a loan.
Getting a home loan with student loan deferment
If you’ve deferred your student loans, this usually won’t affect your chances of getting a mortgage. Just be sure to consider how the future estimated payments will factor your debt-to-income ratio. Some types of mortgages may reject applicants with deferred loans, so do your research on the different types of mortgages before shopping.
Should You Pay Off Student Loans Before Buying a House?
Buying a house is expensive, there’s no doubt about that. It can seem smart to hold off on house shopping while you still have student loan debt, and it can be even more difficult to save for a house if you’ve got a high debt-to-income ratio. But if you have enough income to handle the payments for both, you may want to consider investing in your first home.
Signs You Should Pay Off Student Loans
When considering whether to pay student loans or save for a house, there are a few factors that can help you decide if paying off your student loans should be a priority.
Your debt-to-income ratio is too high
If the amount of money you bring in monthly or yearly is almost the same as the amount of money you pay out in debts — like student and car loans or credit cards — it may be best to pay down your debt before buying a house.
You’ve defaulted on your loans
Defaulting on your loans has a severe negative impact on your credit score, which tells lenders that you’re a bigger risk to take on. Work on improving your credit score before shopping for a mortgage.
You’re struggling to make payments
If you feel like you’re living paycheck to paycheck or struggling to make payments on your loan every month, it’s best to hold off on saving for a house. Need help keeping track of your student loan payments? Try our student loan payment tracker to get organized.
You haven’t saved for a down payment or emergency fund
Before you start picking out which houses you want to tour, you should take a look at your savings. If you don’t have enough for a 5 to 10 percent down payment or enough as an emergency fund for home expenses — like a broken dishwasher or damaged roof — take more time to put money away for your first home.
