The number of remote positions out there is growing fast. Job search sites are saying they’ve seen a serious increase in the number of remote jobs posted — and some of these new jobs pay very good money. Some businesses are even going totally remote.
With a remote position, you can work where you are with no commute necessary. You could even join the growing number of so-called “digital nomads.” These are workers who use their remote positions to travel the world.
These nine positions can be done entirely from home — and they’re in high demand right now.
1. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants perform routine administrative work like managing communications, arranging travel and scheduling meetings. They may also act as virtual secretaries or office greeters by directing phone calls and assisting clients via phone or email. If you’ve ever worked as an administrative assistant or provided support to office staff, expect similar work.
You’ll likely be qualified for virtual assistant positions if you have strong computer skills and relevant experience. Even if your job title has never included the word “assistant,” you have a good chance of being hired if you’ve spent significant time transcribing meeting minutes, creating presentations and providing general support to administrative staff.
2. Data Analyst
You find the patterns in the numbers and tell other people why they’re important. As a data scientist, you’ll clean up data sets, use your programming and statistical know-how to find interesting patterns and information, and then create presentations that communicate the value of your findings.
Most employers will probably also expect you to have strong experience with programming using R. You may also need some other computer skills, like familiarity with Python, Git, SQL and cloud computing.
3. Medical Records Technician
As a medical records tech, you’ll be responsible for translating a patient’s conditions and the treatment they receive into billable codes. You’ll also help maintain the integrity of a medical facility’s coding system and records, and possibly assist with procedures and diagnoses that are complex or difficult to classify.
While many medical facilities will want their record technicians onsite, it’s possible to do the job 100 percent remotely, and some facilities do offer fully remote technician positions.
Some employers may require an associate degree in medical technology. Others may only ask for a postsecondary certificate in medical records technology or related training.
4. Customer Support Representative
Using a variety of channels, you’ll help customers with various problems by tracking orders, troubleshooting product issues and offering general support. For more technical roles, you’ll also be the first line of tech support. There, you’ll use your knowledge of a product’s features and quirks to help resolve customer issues.
Most of these jobs won’t require degrees, but some positions may expect a relevant technical background. Customer service experience is also generally a big plus, as is a positive attitude and patience.
5. Teacher or Online Tutor
As a teacher or online tutor, you’ll help students learn about a wide variety of topics with the help of digital classroom and telepresence technology.
For some positions, like English language teacher, you may only need a relevant bachelor’s degree to get started. For most, however, you should expect to have a relevant degree plus some experience in tutoring students on the subject.
6. Legal Assistant/Paralegal
As a legal assistant, you’ll provide support to trained legal professionals over the internet. Typically, this support consists of keeping more senior staff organized, assisting with compliance and scheduling meetings between lawyers and their clients.
Typically, for entry-level and junior legal assistant positions, all you’ll need is a bachelor’s degree and some experience working in a law office or similar work environment. Some employers, but not all, may also require that you be certified as a paralegal.
7. Web Developer
As a web developer, you’ll use HTML, CSS and JavaScript to build incredible websites for your clients. You may also call on experience using video and image editing to create graphics and assist in web design work.
Depending on the employer, you may need a Bachelor of Computer Science degree or a related field. You’ll probably also need a strong background in HTML, CSS and JavaScript as well as practical experience working with designers to develop websites.
8. IT Support
As a member of the IT support team, you’ll be the go-to for an organization’s tech problems. In doing so, you’ll need to solve a variety of computer issues, sometimes without direct access to user hardware, and communicate technical knowledge about computer and network systems to a non-technical audience.
Depending on your experience, seniority and employer, you may also be expected to help your peers work from home. This might include setting up a VPN, troubleshooting WFH tech issues and teaching them how to keep their data private while video conferencing.
A combination of experience, a relevant technical degree and entry-level CompTIA certifications — typically A+ and maybe Security+ or Network+ — will likely get your foot in the door.
9. Bookkeeper/Accountant
As a bookkeeper or accountant, you keep track of an organization’s funds and spending. You’ll spend most of your time keeping the books balanced and finding ways that the organization can cut back on costs. Depending on your expertise and seniority, you may also help your organization file taxes and stay compliant with regulations. Much of this work will involve digital data entry and poring over electronic financial records.
Depending on the specific role, you may need either a high school diploma or a Bachelor of Accounting degree. You may also need experience as an accountant, plus experience working with accounting and bookkeeping software.
Searching for Completely Remote Positions
There are many remote positions out there and more open up every day. These positions are some of the most in-demand, too. Luckily, for most of them, a little experience and the right credentials will be all you need to get started.
