Best Remote Work Jobs in the USA
The COVID-19 pandemic has opened the door to remote work for people across the country, and it could permanently change how some employees do their jobs. More than 20% of workers can continue to work partly or entirely from home after the pandemic is over and be as efficient as they would be in the office, according to an analysis from the McKinsey Global Institute.
Occupations filled with highly skilled and highly educated workers appear to be the best jobs for telecommuting. We’ve compiled a list of 20 occupations, taken from our 2021 US Best Jobs Ranking, that might allow you to work from home or on the road. Although you’ll need at least a four-year degree for these positions, they all come with solid income potential and have low unemployment rates in the pre-pandemic job market.
Software Developer
Average salary: $107,510
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Software developers have one of the best jobs in the country regardless of whether they work remotely or in an office, according to our 2021 Best Jobs Ranking. The job ranked second in this year’s overall list and ranked first among the best tech jobs. That’s thanks to strong job growth, a high median salary, and a traditionally low unemployment rate. It’s also an excellent choice for remote work as software developers can do their jobs almost anywhere as long as they have access to a computer.
These professionals create software for computer systems and applications. As people rely more on their computers, smartphones, and tablets for both personal and business use, it is expected that software developers will continue to be in demand in the coming years.
Statistician
Average salary: $91,160
Required Education: Master’s degree
Statisticians may work in healthcare, government, research, or higher education. They collect and analyze data, something that can be done at home or in the office. BLS indicates that it is a profession that is expected to experience strong growth in the coming years as companies and organizations rely heavily on data to make their decisions.
Although some entry-level statisticians have bachelor’s degrees, a master’s degree is the standard level of education in the field. In addition to a strong background in mathematics, these workers need excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Speech Language Pathologist
Average salary: $79,120
Required Education: Master’s degree
Even before the pandemic, speech-language pathologists often worked out of the office. They may have visited homes, schools, nursing homes, or other facilities to evaluate and treat communication disorders. As many schools have moved to online learning, some speech therapists have adapted their treatment plans to meet clients virtually.
The job market for speech-language pathologists is expected to be excellent in the coming years, and this profession is also highly ranked for providing a positive work-life balance. Professionals in this field require a master’s degree, and most states require licensure as well.
Data Scientist
Average salary: $94,280
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Data scientists have a job that didn’t exist a generation ago. Data science was only recognized as a distinct field at the beginning of the 21st century, and it will take another decade – with the launch of smartphones and mobile technology – for companies to embrace the need for data scientists.
Today, these technology professionals are responsible for collecting and analyzing large amounts of data for companies, researchers, government, and other entities. Since data can often be accessed from the cloud, data scientists are prime candidates for remote work.
IT Manager
Average salary: $146,360
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Also known as computer and information systems managers, these professionals develop and implement technology plans for various organizations. Businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies are among those who rely on IT managers to ensure that their computer systems are sufficient and appropriate for their needs.
With the availability of remote project management tools such as Trello, Asana, and Basecamp, even management-level jobs can be performed outside the office. Not only can IT managers work from home, but they can also supervise a team of remote workers.