The Best Paying Remote Jobs of 2021
by Jessica Walrack
Remote work is changing the way most of us think about work. Jobs previously off-limits are now within our reach, and opportunities to earn more while working from anywhere have never been higher.
But where should you look for a remote job that suits your sensibilities and offers a decent salary? A good place to start is our list of the 20 best-paying remote jobs of 2021.
Of course, earnings vary wildly by state, city, job title, and experience level, but according to ZipRecruiter, a typical remote salary ranges from $20,000 to $174,000, making the average remote salary in 2020 $89,178.
We listed 10 of the highest-paying remote jobs that typically require degrees and 10 that don’t. Then we tallied the top 50 remote positions overall, listing them in descending order by average salary.
10 Highest-Paying Remote Jobs That Require a Degree
These remote careers offer sizable salaries, upward of $100,000. They all require a degree, usually a bachelor’s, but the investment can be well worth the potential return.
1. Back-End Software Engineer
Salary: $126,880
Job Opportunities
Description:
Back-end engineers build and manage the server software and databases that power applications behind the scenes. You’ll do well in this position if you’re detail-oriented and have strong problem-solving skills.
Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in computer science and a strong command of common programming languages like Ruby and PHP.
2. Front-End Software Engineer
Salary: $111,377
Job Opportunities
Description:
Front-end engineers are responsible for creating the user interface of applications using programming languages like JavaScript. They work closely with designers and back-end engineers, so you’ll need good communication skills to be successful in this role.
Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, proficiency in programming languages like HTML and JavaScript, and familiarity with graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator.
3. Telehealth Nurse Practitioner
Salary: $111,370
Job Opportunities
Description:
Remote nurse practitioners share responsibilities with medical doctors and provide vital telemedicine services to patients. They diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, recommend lifestyle changes, and help coordinate patient care.
Requirements:
A master’s degree in nursing, certification by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and an active license in the state that applies.
4. Product Manager
Salary: $94,704
Job Opportunities
Description:
Product managers are responsible for making the strategic decisions that help ensure the success of a company’s new product, from software services to video games. They also coordinate product launches across multiple departments, so you need top-notch organizational and managerial skills.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in product design or engineering, product marketing experience, and presentation skills.
5. UI/UX Designer
Salary: $91,990
Job Opportunities
Description:
Designers of user interfaces and user experiences create products that provide great end-user experiences. They conduct research through such means as surveys and usability tests to determine the best design for the most user-friendly navigation on various apps, platforms, and websites.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in psychology, communications, graphic design, or computer science.
6. Network Engineer
Salary: $90,926
Job Opportunities
Description:
People who are technically inclined and love to solve problems can thrive as network engineers. They maintain computer networks for clients and troubleshoot problems that arise.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in information technology or related field and the ability to quickly become proficient in new technologies.
7. IT Manager
Salary: $87,289
Job Opportunities
Description:
Information technology managers implement and maintain technology infrastructure and train staff on how to use computer systems and software.
Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in computer or information science, a few years of IT experience, and leadership skills.
8. Database Administrator
Salary: $86,833
Job Opportunities
Description:
If you’re an analytical thinker, you may enjoy a career as a database administrator. They troubleshoot database issues, retrieve data, and make sure that proprietary company information is secure.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science and fluency in Structured Query Language.
9. Financial Reporting Systems Analyst
Salary: $82,901
Job Opportunities
Description:
This analyst role implements and maintains financial systems to keep them in good working order. Day-to-day duties include generating financial statement reports, updating system menus, onboarding new users, and troubleshooting.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s in math or finance and strong problem-solving skills.
10. Software Implementation Consultant
Salary: $81,093
Job Opportunities
Description:
Software implementation consultants recommend software solutions based on company needs and train staff on how to use new programs.
Requirements:
A bachelor’s in accounting or finance, plus communication skills.
10 Highest-Paying Remote Jobs That Don't Require a Degree
If you want to enter a new field quickly without years of school or training, there are remote entry-level jobs that pay well. Here are 10 of the highest-paying jobs that you can often get without a college degree.
1. Web Developer
Salary: $75,073
Job Opportunities
Description:
Web developers design, build, and maintain websites, ensuring that they’re both visually appealing and functional. Daily activities include testing site speeds, updating code, backing up files, and collaborating with designers on website layouts.
Requirements:
Fluency in programming languages like HTML and XML, graphic design skills, a portfolio of past work, and an eye for detail.
2. Real Estate Agent
Salary: $74,085
Job Opportunities
Description:
Real estate agents sell, lease, and rent residential and commercial spaces for property owners. Many agents have transitioned into remote roles amid the pandemic using technology to enable self-guided home tours and online virtual tours. As a result, you can earn an attractive commission-based salary primarily from home.
Requirements:
A real estate salesperson license and customer service skills.
3. Mortgage Underwriter
Salary: $70,483
Description:
Mortgage underwriters evaluate home loan applications and approve or deny them based on the borrower’s financial situation. You’ll do well in this position if you have an aptitude for math and good communication and organizational skills.
Requirements:
Attend a prelicensure program and pass the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test.
4. Success Coach
Salary: $68,929
Job Opportunities
Description:
If you’re a positive person who loves to motivate your family and friends to achieve their goals, this job may be for you. Success coaches help their clients identify their goals and overcome any obstacles that are preventing them from achieving them.
Requirements:
Coaching certification from an accredited organization such as the International Coaching Federation.
5. Tutor
Salary: $68,659
Job Opportunities
Description:
If you enjoy working with children and young adults, you may want to look into becoming a tutor. Tutors help students understand concepts they’re struggling with or standardized testing like the SATs and motivate them to succeed. Tutors are currently in high demand due to continued remote learning in many school districts. Most use Zoom or other virtual collaboration tools to meet with students, so it is possible to be completely location-independent.
Requirements:
Knowledge of a specific subject area (advantageous but not mandatory), patience, and the ability to explain difficult concepts clearly.
6. Translator
Salary: $60,118
Job Opportunities
Description:
Remote translators convert documents from one language to another, assuring the original meaning is retained. They might consult experts when translating technical documents to guarantee accuracy. Some translators also facilitate live virtual meetings or symposia between parties who speak different languages.
Requirements:
Fluency in two or more languages, plus strong verbal and written communication skills.
7. Copywriter, Blogger, Content Writer
Salary: $59,084
Job Opportunities
Description:
Copywriters create the text for marketing collateral like sales pages, email newsletters, blog articles, and social media posts. Their words help brands build loyal audiences and sell more products. They’re also hired by nonprofits and institutions, including museums, universities, and hospitals, to compose original material.
Requirements:
A knack for writing and a firm grasp of grammar. Certifications and a portfolio can be helpful.
8. Media Buyer
Salary: $56,386
Job Opportunities
Description:
Media buyers purchase ad space for their clients on radio programs, television shows, and billboards, among other forms of digital and print media. They aim to get their clients maximum exposure by building relationships with media outlets and negotiating crucial visibility.
Requirements:
Familiarity with Comscore and other media analytics software, along with strong negotiation and communication skills.
9. Animator/Video Creator
Salary: $56,027
Job Opportunities
Description:
Animators create the visual effects and illustrations that appear on television and in movies, games, YouTube videos, and more.
Requirements:
Artistic ability and technical knowledge of animation software like Unity.
10. Web Graphic Designer
Salary: $54,378
Job Opportunities
Description:
If you’re looking for a high-paying entry-level job, online graphic design could be a good option, as many companies hire remote design interns. You’ll gain experience designing logos, ads, and web pages for clients—all while earning an income—enabling you to move up in the field.
Requirements:
A portfolio with examples of past work to prove experience and proficiency in design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro to start.
If Not Now, When?
With more remote opportunities than ever before, 2021 is an excellent year to make the permanent leap to virtual work. Whether you’re choosing a path that includes education or looking to start a new career immediately, there are many remote jobs that pay well. To learn more about these job titles or to search for open positions, look on ZipRecruiter and other job sites like Indeed and CareerBuilder.
Methodology: We browsed multiple industry-leading job boards for currently offered remote job titles that appeared in high demand. The salary and requirements for each job title were found on ZipRecruiter, and job titles have been ranked from the highest to the lowest paying.
