High-Paying Remote Jobs and Careers

To be truly free, being able to work from anywhere in the world is necessary.

The Best Remote Traveling Lifestyle Options

1. Train for and find the top high-paying remote jobs and careers (easiest)

   • i.e. Software Development and Engineering, Data Science & AI

2. Start a business that you can run from anywhere in the world

   • i.e. E-commerce, Content Creation, Online Coaching or Consulting

3. Take up work as a Digital Nomad, Freelancer, or Influencer

   • i.e. Freelance Work, Virtual Assistance, or Online Tutoring and Teaching

4. Work overseas as an Expat (take a job in a foreign country)

   • i.e. Remote Employment (Traditional Jobs)

We discuss each of these paths in this article. Either one you choose will provide you with the freedom to travel the world while working.

Most Lucrative Remote Work Options:

1. Software Development and Engineering

• Average Pay Range: Mid to high between $75,000 - $150,000+ per year.

• Reliability: High reliability, due to consistent demand for tech skills.

• Ease to Start: Medium, requiring significant technical skills and often formal education.

• Risk of AI Replacement: Low risk of replacement. While AI can assist, complex software development requires human creativity and problem-solving.

• Affordable Quick Start: Online coding platforms (e.g., Remote Coding Bootcamp) offer free or low-cost courses.

2. Freelance Writing and Content Creation

• Average Pay Range: Low to mid, highly variable $20,000 - $100,000+ per year. Many writers, especially beginners, earn less than $500 per month with a substantial portion earning between $1,000 and $3,000 per month. Top freelance writers specializing in high-demand niches or working with large corporate clients can earn $5,000 to $10,000+ per month.

• Reliability: Low to medium reliability, depending on client base and niche.

• Ease to Start: Easy, with many platforms available for beginners.

• Risk of AI Replacement: Medium to high risk of replacement. AI tools can generate basic content, but high-quality, nuanced writing still requires human input.

• Affordable Quick Start: Use platforms like Medium or personal blogs (e.g., WordPress) to start building a portfolio.

3. Online Coaching and Consulting

• Average Pay Range: Variable depending on skills $50,000 - $200,000+ per year.

• Reliability: Medium to high reliability, based on established reputation.

• Ease to Start: Medium to difficult, requiring strong expertise and networking.

• Risk of AI Replacement: Low risk of replacement. Personalized advice and mentorship require human empathy and understanding.

• Affordable Quick Start: Create a professional website using affordable hosting services (e.g., Bluehost, Wix).

4. E-commerce and Dropshipping

• Average Pay Range: Highly variable; many beginners fail to generate significant revenue, as only about 1 in 20 achieve sustainable success long-term. New dropshippers generally earn between $500 and $3,000 per month while experienced ones can earn $10,000+ per month.

• Reliability: Medium reliability, subject to market trends and competition.

• Ease to Start: Medium, requiring research, initial setup, and marketing.

• Risk of AI Replacement: Medium risk of replacement. AI can automate many aspects, but human oversight is crucial for brand building and customer relations.

• Affordable Quick Start: Use e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, Squarespace, or WooCommerce) which offer low-cost setup options.

Quickest Remote Work Options to Get Started:

1. Freelance Work

   • Average Pay Range: $20 - $100 per hour

   • Reliability: Medium reliability, depending on project flow.

   • Ease to Start: Easy, with immediate access to platforms like Upwork.

   • Risk of AI Replacement: Varies by skill. Tasks like data entry have high risk, while creative or complex tasks have lower risk.

   • Affordable Quick Start: Join freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find gigs.

2. Online Tutoring and Teaching

   • Average Pay Range: $15 - $60 per hour

   • Reliability: High reliability, with consistent demand.

   • Ease to Start: Medium, requiring qualifications and approval on platforms.

   • Risk of AI Replacement: Medium risk of replacement. While AI can assist in standardized teaching, personalized instruction and feedback are best provided by humans.

   • Affordable Quick Start: Register on platforms like VIPKid or Tutor.com.

3. Content Creation (Blogging, YouTube)

   • Average Pay Range: Highly variable; the majority earn modest amounts, often under $500 monthly. The majority of established YouTubers earn between $1,154 to $4,616 per month. Some top creators earn $100,000+ per year.

   • Reliability: Low to Medium, depending on audience size and engagement.

   • Ease to Start: Easy, with minimal setup costs.

   • Risk of AI Replacement: Low risk of replacement. Original content creation, especially with a unique voice or perspective, remains a human domain.

   • Affordable Quick Start: Start a blog on WordPress or a YouTube channel with minimal equipment investment.

Most Stable and Reliable Remote Jobs:

1. Remote Employment (Traditional Jobs)

   • Average Pay Range: $40,000 - $120,000+ per year

   • Reliability: High reliability, with regular salaries and benefits.

   • Ease to Start: Medium, typically requiring a formal job search process.

   • Risk of AI Replacement: Varies by role. Jobs involving repetitive tasks are at higher risk, while strategic or creative roles are less vulnerable.

   • Affordable Quick Start: Use job search platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed to find remote positions.

2. Online Education and Tutoring

   • Average Pay Range: Low to mid-level at $30,000 - $70,000 per year.

   • Reliability: High reliability, especially in specialized subjects.

   • Ease to Start: Medium, often requiring certification.

   • Risk of AI Replacement: Medium to high risk of replacement. AI can automate basic instructional tasks, grading, and even some tutoring, but personalized, complex teaching still benefits from human interaction.

   • Affordable Quick Start: Utilize platforms like Udemy, Teachable, VIPKid, or Tutor.com. Initial costs may include certifications (if required) and basic equipment like a computer and webcam, generally under $500.

3. Virtual Assistance

   • Average Pay Range: Low at $15 - $30 per hour.

   • Reliability: Medium to high reliability, depending on client base.

   • Ease to Start: Easy, with low barriers to entry.

   • Risk of AI Replacement: Medium risk of replacement. Basic tasks can be automated, but personalized client support remains valuable.

   • Affordable Quick Start: Start by offering services on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.

In summary, software development, high-level consulting, and successful e-commerce ventures are among the most lucrative, with reliable income streams available in remote employment and online education. Freelance work and content creation are easy to start but may vary in income stability.

Training Programs for High-Paying Remote Jobs

Remote Training Programs aim to equip you with the skills needed to secure prevalent high-paying remote positions. The majority of these lucrative remote roles are in programming, which is evident when browsing job boards for remote opportunities—most listings are for remote programming positions. Consequently, programming emerges as the optimal route to remote employment.

Highest-Paying Remote Jobs

1. Machine Learning Engineer

• Role: Builds algorithms and models for AI applications.

• Education: Typically requires a background in machine learning and programming, often at least a bachelor's degree.

• Average Starting Salary: $85,000 to $110,000.

• Average Salary: $120,000 - $260,000+.

• Affordable Quick Start: Online coding platforms (e.g., Remote Coding Bootcamp) offer free or low-cost courses.

2. Data Scientist

• Role: Analyzes complex data sets to extract actionable business insights.

• Education: Requires statistical knowledge and programming skills, usually with a background in data science or a related field.

• Average Starting Salary: $120,931.

• Average Salary: $80,000 - $220,000+.

• Affordable Quick Start: Online coding platforms (e.g., Remote Coding Bootcamp) offer free or low-cost courses.

3. DevOps Engineer

• Role: Focuses on automating software development and deployment processes.

• Education: Requires expertise in CI/CD pipelines, scripting, and cloud technologies.

• Average Starting Salary: $80,000 to $100,000.

• Average Salary: $100,000 - $200,000+.

• Affordable Quick Start: Online coding platforms (e.g., Remote Coding Bootcamp) offer free or low-cost courses.

4. Cloud Architect

• Role: Designs and manages cloud computing infrastructure and strategies.

• Education: Requires deep knowledge of cloud services and architecture, typically with certifications or a degree in a related field.

• Average Starting Salary: $128,418.

• Average Salary: $150,000 - $218,000+.

• Affordable Quick Start: Online coding platforms (e.g., Remote Coding Bootcamp) offer free or low-cost courses.

5. Blockchain Developer

• Role: Develops applications using blockchain technology.

• Education: Requires knowledge of blockchain protocols, cryptography, and smart contracts.

• Average Starting Salary: $80,000 to $120,000.

• Average Salary: $80,000 - $200,000+.

• Affordable Quick Start: Online coding platforms (e.g., Remote Coding Bootcamp) offer free or low-cost courses.

6. Software Developer

• Role: Creates software applications to meet user needs.

• Education: A bachelor's degree in computer science is common, taking 4 years, but coding bootcamps can take as little as 3-6 months.

• Average Starting Salary: $70,000.

• Average Salary: $70,000 - $120,000+.

• Affordable Quick Start: Online coding platforms (e.g., Remote Coding Bootcamp) offer free or low-cost courses.

7. Information Security Analyst

• Role: Protects computer networks and systems.

• Education: A bachelor's degree in a related field is common, taking about 4 years, but bootcamps and online courses can also be pathways.

• Average Starting Salary: $75,000.

• Average Salary: $75,000 - $125,000+.

• Affordable Quick Start: Online coding platforms (e.g., Remote Coding Bootcamp) offer free or low-cost courses.

8. Cybersecurity Engineer

• Role: Protects systems and networks from cyber threats, including implementing security measures, monitoring systems, and responding to incidents.

• Education: A bachelor's degree in computer science, information security, or a related field is common, typically taking 4 years. Certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can also be beneficial and often require additional study time.

• Average Starting Salary: $85,000.

• Average Salary: $85,000 - $130,000+.

• Affordable Quick Start: Online coding platforms (e.g., Remote Coding Bootcamp) offer free or low-cost courses.

The Remote Coding Bootcamp

This is the most affordable ($497) Remote Coding Bootcamp, which not only trains you to be able to do any one of the top 8 highest-paying remote jobs, but gets you professional certifications, job experience, and helps match you with the high paying remote jobs as well!

Imagine having the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. That's what this program offers – the ability to get a high-paying remote job with just 6-12 months of training. It doesn't matter if you're just starting out or if you're switching careers – this program is perfect for anyone who wants more freedom and higher pay.

Other Remote Training Programs

We do recommend a few other remote training bootcamps, as well as a few affordable Bachelors Degree Programs, that will give you access to high-paying remote jobs like these as well. Check out this link to learn more about them:

Remote Work Sites

Once you have the skills and certificates necessary to do one of these remote jobs, you’ll need to find a remote job. There are a number of remote job sites that are dedicated to helping you find remote work jobs - and not just in the field of tech! The Remote Coding Bootcamp has a couple of programs that bring jobs directly to you, as well as a default one that pays $40-$80/hour and allows you to pick your own hours.

Check out some other remote job sites here:

• Location Independence: The Best Remote Work Jobs

Remote Business Options

A remote business, one that can be operated from anywhere in the world with a computer and internet, can prevent you from running out of money while you’re traveling. The freedom is real because you choose how much you work you do and you can shift to whatever interests you at the moment instead of getting stuck with a single remote job.

Some remote businesses involve web design or creating apps, others involve creating courses or books, and some are focused on creating blogs or vlogs. However, the most common one that family-based remote businesses use is based on real-estate: renting out their homes, which can be done from anywhere in the world if you have the team in place to look over your properties.

Start an Airbnb Business

By becoming an Airbnb Host you can rent out your unused room, vacation home, or even your primary house to earn a decent amount of side income. We listed our place in Orlando on Airbnb to earn a decent amount of extra income. Additionally, we never had any issues with our guests - and even if we had, Airbnb would have covered us. There are companies designed to manage everything for you as well. Learn some vital tips to making this successful in this article.

Learn more about renting out your room, or your entire house, on Airbnb today.

Other Remote Business Ideas

Our list of other amazing business ideas explains how to create your own income stream doing what you love. Some of the other methods include creating online courses or writing e-books. Check them all out on this page.

Digital Nomad Income & Freelancing

If you’re familiar with popular travel influencers like Nomadic Matt, Drew Binsky, or Nas Daily then you’ll also be familiar with digital nomad income - a.k.a. the ways that they earn money while traveling the world. Most of them use YouTube, Blogging, or other Social Media to share their stories.

Earning digital nomad income takes some time and effort to really get started as you need to build up a following over time, but it can be done if you know how to make it profitable. The primary ways to earn digital nomad income are through digital marketing, virtual assistants, affiliate marketing, YouTube ads, sponsored posts and trips, writing books and guides, producing courses, and social media promotions. However, this type of income is highly competitive and is more of a hustle culture unless you break through and become popular, that's why we recommend going the programming route with the Remote Coding Bootcamp instead.

However, if you're set on this path, a good resource for these types of Digital Nomad jobs is the ClickMinded Digital Nomad Toolkit. Additionally, we offer a Free Nomad MBA program to give you a well rounded background that can help you succeed as a digital nomad.

Many digital nomads who aren't successful end up turning towards teaching English online to get a more guaranteed income instead - learn more about this in the next section.

Easily attain work visas for overseas jobs

This section is designed to quickly get you a work visa in foreign countries - so that you can network and be eligible for higher-paying professional jobs overseas as well. This includes just about any type of professional job - not just tech jobs or digital nomad jobs!

Here is the deal: it is EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to land a job in a foreign country without first having a work visa, but the catch 22 is that to get a work visa in a foreign country you first need to have a job offer!

So, the most effective ways to get a job overseas are to:

• go there in person on a travel visa and hope that this increases your chances of landing a job

• go to university in that country with a student visa first (work visas generally given afterward)

• OR to first get a work visa through a critical jobs shortage list

The lowest cost option, and quickest way, is to take a job that they are in desperate need of workers for, and then once you arrive and have a work visa you can start applying to other jobs in that country. Now, you’ll likely be required to first fulfill your contract with the first job to keep the visa, but it is the easiest way to get there.

Plus, the number one skills shortage job in the world is teaching English! The prerequisites? You have to be a native English speaker - and if you’re reading this then chances are that this is a good path for you! As an extra benefit, you can also teach English ONLINE - meaning that this is another remote job that you can do from anywhere (even without a work visa).

Teaching English Abroad

Most of the best travel bloggers started by teaching English Abroad. Drew Binsky started out by teaching English in South Korea. Nomadic Matt started out by teaching English in Thailand. The couple from Goats on the Road (Nick and Dariece) started out by teaching English in China. Even Jenny (from our site) started out by teaching English in Japan.

Teaching English abroad is the most proven, hands down, easiest way to start out - there’s no real competition. The pay is fair, you work around 35 hours per week, the cost of living is usually quite low, and thus you’ll be able to save a decent amount of money. They are mostly located in Asia: Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Thailand - which all have great expat communities and amazing cultures - however you can find them in Latin America and even Europe as well!

Getting a TEFL certification - which requires 120 hours of training - is the standard requirement. We recommend a TEFL program that has guaranteed internship programs - meaning they take all the hassle out of securing your first teaching placement!