Best Work from Home Jobs

Updated November 26, 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 as of this article's publication date. Take a look and explore your options!

a man using a calculator

Bookkeeper

Average annual salary:

$39,000 - $49,000

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.

a man with a headset working at a laptop

Customer Service Representative

Average annual salary:

$35,000 - $43,500

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!

a woman writing in a notebook while working on a laptop

Freelance Writer

Average annual salary:

$42,000 - $54,500

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.

a man working at a computer

Graphic Designer

Average annual salary:

$41,500 - $65,000

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.

a woman with a headset working

Online Teacher

Average annual salary:

$34,000 - $58,500

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.

Social Media Manager

Average annual salary:

$45,000 - $81,000

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.

a woman working on a laptop

Translator

Average annual salary:

$41,500 - $73,500

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.

a man working on a laptop

Travel Agent

Average annual salary:

$35,000 - $45,500

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). Because 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.

a woman looking at papers at her desk

Virtual Assistant

Average annual salary:

$42,500 - $57,000

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.

a man working at a computer

Web Developer

Average annual salary:

$73,000 - $119,000

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.

a woman working on a laptop while holding a baby

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.

a woman on the phone at work

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

Average annual salary: $85,000 - $155,500 (Opens in a new tab)

Related job titles: accountant, insurance underwriter, economist, cost estimator, statistician

Business Development Manager

Average annual salary: $122,000 - $159,000 (Opens in a new tab)

Related job titles: territory manager, sales manager, regional sales manager, account director

Computer Systems Analyst

Average annual salary: $79,000 - $130,000 (Opens in a new tab)

Related job titles: IT specialist, senior systems analyst, network administrator, network architect

Major Gifts Officer

Average annual salary: $122,000 - $211,000 (Opens in a new tab)

Related job titles: development director, fundraising director, planned giving officer, director of development, major gift fundraising manager

Public Relations Manager

Average annual salary: $107,000 - $140,500 (Opens in a new tab)

Related job titles: public relations director, communications director, pr manager, marketing communications manager

Research Scientist

Average annual salary: $110,000 - $187,000 (Opens in a new tab)

Related job titles: computational biologist, molecular biologist, scientist

Senior Medical Writer

Average annual salary: $109,000 - $184,000 (Opens in a new tab)

Related job titles: technical writer, principal medical writer, medical editor, regulatory medical writer

Senior Software Engineer

Average annual salary: $113,000 - $135,000 (Opens in a new tab)

Related job titles: software developer, software developer (full stack), senior network engineer

UX Designer

Average annual salary: $81,000 - $138,000 (Opens in a new tab)

Related job titles: UI designer, UX product designer, UX design manager

a cat lying on a laptop while someone works

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

Average annual salary: $40,000 - $50,000 (Opens in a new tab)

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

Childcare Provider

Average annual salary: $32,500 - $47,000 (Opens in a new tab)

Job description: Care and activities for children while parents are away.

Skills needed: patience, love of children, creativity, organization

Crafter

Average annual salary: $28,000 - $47,500 (Opens in a new tab)

Job description: Make crafts and sell them via online shops

Skills needed: creativity, web savvy, internet access