There can be no doubt that online is where it is at. Various online jobs typically pay well and freelance jobs abound. Opportunities abound online from home. And the number of remote jobs in the online industry that allow you to work from home are growing month-by-month.

Working in the online industry and remotely offers a multitude of advantages that can significantly enhance a person's professional and personal life. Firstly, remote work provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing individuals to create a customized work environment anywhere they like. A work-from-home job eliminates the constraints of geographical boundaries, enabling access to jobs outside of geographical borders.

Additionally, remote work often fosters a better work-life balance by reducing commuting time and offering the flexibility to manage personal commitments and earn money more effectively. Moreover, a legit online job such as online marketing, online tutoring, online teacher, virtual assistant jobs, and freelance writing jobs, often leads to cost savings for both employers and employees, reducing overhead expenses related to office space, commuting, and utilities.

Ultimately, working in the online industry and remotely not only enhances professional opportunities but also contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle making it a great way to make money online and make money from home, sometimes without prior experience in a field.

Top 10 Best Paying Online & Remote Jobs (Inc Salaries)

1. Mobile Developer

A Mobile Developer is a specialized software developer who creates applications (apps) or software specifically designed to operate on mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and sometimes smartwatches and is the type of work that allows you to work from anywhere in the world. They are responsible for designing, coding, testing, and maintaining mobile applications, ensuring they function smoothly, have an intuitive user interface (UI), and meet the specific requirements of the device and operating system they are targeting. In addition they often collaborate with designers, product managers, and other team members to create user-friendly, innovative, and efficient mobile solutions across different industries and user demographics.

Becoming a mobile developer involves a blend of education, practical experience, and continuous learning due to the ever-evolving nature of technology, but generally you will require:

Learning the basics of programming languages commonly used in mobile app development, such as Java or Kotlin for Android development and Swift or Objective-C for iOS development. Pursuing a degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Familiarizing yourself with popular development frameworks like React Native, Flutter, or Xamarin, which allow you to build apps that work on multiple platforms using a single codebase. Staying updated by following blogs, forums, attending webinars, and joining relevant communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, or developer meetups.

The average annual salary for a Mobile Developer in the US is $123,623 making it one of the best high paying online jobs.

2. Software Architect

A Software Architect is a senior-level professional responsible for designing and creating high-level structures and systems within software projects. They are involved in the early stages of software development and play a crucial role in defining the overall architecture, framework, and technical vision of a software application or system, and possess a deep understanding of various programming languages, software development methodologies, design patterns, and architectural styles.

Becoming a Software Architect requires a combination of education, experience, technical expertise, and soft skills, but generally you will require:

Obtaining a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. This provides a solid foundation in programming, algorithms, data structures, and computer architecture. Advancing your skills in programming languages, software design principles, design patterns, architectural styles (such as microservices, monolithic architecture, etc.), and frameworks commonly used in software development. Taking courses, attending workshops, or pursuing certifications specifically focused on software architecture. These can cover topics like system design, cloud architecture, security, scalability, and performance optimization.

Developing soft skills such as effective communication, leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills which are essential for a Software Architect. Connecting with experienced Software Architects or professionals in your field. Mentorship can provide valuable insights, guidance, and advice as you progress in your career.

The average annual salary for a Software Architect in the US is $137,772 and is one of the best online jobs that pay well.

3. Data Scientist

A Data Scientist is a professional who gathers, analyzes, and interprets complex data to help organizations make data-driven decisions. They use a combination of statistical analysis, machine learning, programming, and domain-specific knowledge to extract insights and solve intricate problems, and play a vital role across various industries, including healthcare, finance, marketing, and technology, helping organizations leverage their data to gain insights, improve decision-making processes, optimize operations, and create innovative solutions.

Becoming a data scientist involves a combination of education, practical experience, and continuous learning due to the diverse skill set required, but generally you will require:

Obtaining a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, statistics, mathematics, engineering, economics, or a related discipline. Some roles may require or prefer a master's degree or Ph.D. in data science or a specialized field. Developing strong skills in programming languages commonly used in data science, such as Python or R. Familiarizing yourself with data manipulation, statistical analysis, and data visualization libraries (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, Seaborn).

Acquiring a solid understanding of statistics, probability, linear algebra, calculus, and other mathematical concepts, as they form the basis for many data science techniques and algorithms. Learning about machine learning algorithms, techniques for predictive modeling, clustering, classification, and regression. Familiarizing yourself with database management systems and SQL (Structured Query Language) for data extraction, manipulation, and querying from databases. Gaining knowledge of big data frameworks and technologies like Hadoop, Spark, and distributed computing platforms. Enrolling in online courses, bootcamps, or specialized programs in data science.

The average annual salary for a Data Scientist in the US is $124,276 making it one of the highest paying online jobs.

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4. Development Operations Engineer

A Development Operations Engineer, commonly referred to as a DevOps Engineer, is a professional responsible for bridging the gap between software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops). Their primary focus is on streamlining the software delivery process, enhancing collaboration between development and operations teams, and improving the overall efficiency, reliability, and scalability of software systems, and their role is crucial in modern software development environments as it promotes collaboration, agility, and faster delivery of high-quality software, aligning the goals of development and operations to achieve efficient and reliable software delivery pipelines.

Becoming a Development Operations Engineer (DevOps Engineer) involves a blend of technical skills, practical experience, and a deep understanding of software development and IT operations, but generally you will require:

Starting with a strong foundation in computer science, software development, or a related field. Understanding programming languages (Python, Bash, Ruby, etc.), operating systems, networking, and system administration concepts. Familiarizing yourself with version control systems like Git, which are essential for managing codebase changes collaboratively. Learning about the principles and practices of DevOps, including continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), infrastructure as code (IaC), automation, and collaboration. Gaining expertise in cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Learn about cloud services, deployment models, and management tools used for infrastructure provisioning.

Exploring tools like Ansible, Chef, Puppet, or Terraform for automating infrastructure provisioning and configuration management. Understanding containerization technologies like Docker and container orchestration tools such as Kubernetes to manage and deploy containerized applications. Learning about monitoring tools like Prometheus, Grafana, ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) for tracking system performance and troubleshooting issues.

The average annual salary for a Development Operations Engineer in the US is $124,654 making it one of the best paying online jobs in 2024.

5. Product Designer

A Product Designer is a professional responsible for creating and designing user-centered digital products and experiences. They play a crucial role in the entire product development process, from conceptualization to execution, aiming to deliver solutions that are intuitive, functional, and visually appealing, and their goal is to create compelling and user-centric digital products, whether they are mobile apps, websites, software interfaces, or other digital experiences.

Becoming a Product Designer requires a combination of education, practical experience, a strong design portfolio, and a deep understanding of user-centered design principles, but generally you will require:

Obtaining a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as graphic design, interaction design, industrial design, user experience (UX) design, or a related discipline. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree or specialized design education. Gaining proficiency in design fundamentals including typography, color theory, layout, visual hierarchy, and composition. Familiarizing yourself with the principles of user-centered design, conducting user research, creating user personas, and understanding user needs and behaviors.

Acquiring skills in design software commonly used by Product Designers such as Sketch, Adobe XD, Figma, InVision, or other prototyping and design tools. Working on real-world design projects or internships where you can apply your skills and gain practical experience in user interface (UI) design, user experience (UX) design, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.

The average annual salary for a Product Designer in the US is $116,800 making it one of the best-paying online jobs.

6. Speech-Language Pathologist

A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), also known as a speech therapist, is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders and is a great online job. They work with individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly, addressing various speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, fluency, and swallowing disorders, and work in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, private practices, clinics, and skilled nursing facilities.

Becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) involves completing specific education, gaining clinical experience, obtaining licensure, and continuous professional development, but generally you will require:

Obtaining a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders, speech-language pathology, or a related field, ensuring that the coursework includes prerequisites in speech and language sciences, psychology, biology, and linguistics. Completing a master's degree program in speech-language pathology accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). Gaining hands-on clinical experience through internships, externships, or supervised practicum experiences as part of your graduate program. After completing your graduate degree, passing the Praxis examination in Speech-Language Pathology, a standardized test that assesses your knowledge and skills in the field. Upon graduation, completing a clinical fellowship (CFY), which is a period of supervised clinical practice typically lasting nine months to a year.

Obtaining licensure or certification from the place in the world where you intend to practice. Pursuing certification offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from ASHA demonstrates a high level of clinical expertise and may be required by some employers.

The average annual salary for a Speech-Language Pathologist in the US is $115,379 and is one of the highest-paying jobs on this list.

7. User Experience Researcher

A User Experience (UX) Researcher is a professional who specializes in understanding user behaviors, needs, motivations, and preferences to inform the design and development of products, services, or systems. Their primary focus is on conducting research that directly influences the creation of user-centric and intuitive experiences, and their work plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the final product or service aligns with user expectations, enhances usability, and ultimately improves the overall user experience.

Becoming a User Experience (UX) Researcher involves a combination of education, practical experience, developing a skill set in research methodologies, and a deep understanding of user behaviors, but generally you will require:

Obtaining a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as psychology, human-computer interaction (HCI), cognitive science, anthropology, sociology, or a related discipline. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree in UX design, HCI, or a specialized field. Acquiring a solid understanding of UX design principles, human behavior, cognitive psychology, research methods, statistics, and data analysis. Familiarizing yourself with various qualitative and quantitative research methods used in UX research, such as interviews, surveys, usability testing, card sorting, contextual inquiry, and ethnographic studies.

Learning to use research tools and software commonly used in UX research, such as survey tools, usability testing platforms, analytics software, and data visualization tools. Gaining hands-on experience by working on projects that involve conducting research, analyzing data, and providing insights to inform design decisions. Considering taking specialized courses, workshops, or obtaining certifications in UX research methodologies or related fields.

The average annual salary for a User Experience Researcher in the US is $76,829.

8. Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, tests, and maintains software applications, systems, or platforms using principles of engineering, programming, and computer science. They apply their expertise to create functional and efficient software solutions that meet specific user needs or solve complex problems, and their work contributes significantly to technological advancements, innovation, and the creation of new software solutions that shape our modern world.

Becoming a Software Engineer requires a combination of education, practical experience, and continuous learning due to the rapidly evolving nature of technology, but generally you will require:

Obtaining a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. The coursework typically covers programming languages, data structures, algorithms, software development methodologies, and computer systems. Learning programming languages commonly used in software development such as Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, or others, and understanding concepts like algorithms, data structures, databases, and computer architecture.

Taking online courses, attending workshops, or enrolling in bootcamps focused on software development. Familiarizing yourself with version control systems like Git, used for managing code changes, collaboration, and maintaining project history. Staying updated with the latest technologies, tools, and best practices in software development. Attend workshops, read tech blogs, participate in online forums, and engage with the developer community to keep learning.

The average annual salary for a Software Engineer in the US is $118,256 making it a high-paying legit online job and one the best programming jobs.

9. Front-End Developer

A Front-End Developer is a type of software developer who specializes in designing, implementing, and maintaining the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of websites, web applications, or mobile applications. Many companies will pay top dollar for them. They focus on the client-facing side of the software, creating the visual elements and interactive features that users directly interact with, and their work is crucial in delivering a positive user experience and ensuring that web applications or websites are visually appealing, intuitive, and functional across various devices and platforms.

Becoming a Front-End Developer requires a blend of technical skills, practical experience, and continuous learning to create user-friendly and visually appealing web interfaces, but generally you will require: Starting with the fundamentals of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and understanding how these languages work together to create the structure, style, and functionality of web pages. Gaining proficiency in HTML for creating the structure and content of web pages, and CSS for styling and layout design, learning about responsive design to ensure interfaces work well across different devices. Learning JavaScript programming fundamentals, including data types, variables, control structures, functions, and object-oriented programming concepts.

Familiarizing yourself with popular front-end frameworks and libraries like React, Angular, or Vue.js., understanding their core concepts and how they facilitate front-end development. Familiarizing yourself with version control systems like Git and platforms like GitHub or GitLab, understanding how to manage and collaborate on code repositories. Enrolling in online courses, watch tutorials, or attend workshops that focus on front-end development.

The average annual salary for a Front-End Developer in the US is $112,322 making it one of the top online jobs.

10. Psychologist

A Psychologist is a professional who studies human behavior and mental processes, applying scientific principles to understand, diagnose, and treat various psychological disorders and behavioral issues. They work in diverse settings, such as clinics, hospitals, schools, research institutions, private practices, and corporations, providing psychological assessments, therapy, counseling, and interventions to help individuals improve their mental health and well-being, and their work aims to enhance mental health, improve quality of life, and promote psychological well-being for individuals and communities.

Becoming a Psychologist involves several steps, including obtaining relevant education, gaining supervised clinical experience, and obtaining licensure, but generally you will require:

Obtaining a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. It's essential to take courses in psychology that cover various areas such as abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, statistics, and research methods. Pursuing a master's degree in psychology to gain additional knowledge and skills to specialize in certain areas or increase competitiveness for doctoral programs. Obtain a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology. Doctoral programs in psychology typically involve coursework, research, and clinical training. The Ph.D. program often emphasizes research and academic pursuits, while the Psy.D. program focuses more on clinical practice. Passing the licensing exams required by your state or country.

These exams often include the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and possibly a state-specific jurisprudence exam. Pursuing specialized training or fellowships in specific areas such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, neuropsychology, or other specialized fields. Post-doctoral training can enhance expertise and career opportunities.

The average annual salary for a Psychologist in the US is $105,552 making it one of the best earning remote jobs available.

Conclusion

Having an online and remote job offers numerous advantages that cater to the modern lifestyle and evolving work trends. There are dozens of online jobs, and the flexibility and convenience of working remotely provide individuals with the opportunity to achieve a better work-life balance, eliminating the constraints of a traditional office environment. Remote work fosters increased autonomy, allowing individuals to structure their work hours according to their productivity peaks and personal schedules and there are plenty of legit online jobs.

Additionally, remote jobs like online tutoring jobs an selling online, often transcend geographical boundaries, opening up a vast pool of opportunities and enabling access to global markets without the need for physical relocation. Plus you can often land the perfect online job such as content writing jobs, transcription jobs, data entry jobs, editing jobs, online researcher jobs, and online coaching jobs for beginners without the need to obtain a degree, just work experience. Many of which can be found on an online job board with a great pay rate.

If you are looking to work online and remotely and still earn a top annual wage from companies willing to pay well, there are many ways to get there. To land one of the varied high paying jobs that can typically pay upwards of $100,000, it would be best to consider acquiring a combination of technical skills, knowledge, and practical experience, gaining certificates, or obtaining either a BBA or an MBA degree from an internationally-recognized university such as Nexford.

To make sure that you get the soft skills and hard skills needed to find online work and start and build a lucrative career in online jobs that allow you to work remotely, download our free report.

FAQs

What are the highest paying online jobs in demand for the future?

Several online jobs have been in demand in 2024 and offer high earning potential due to technological advancements and evolving work trends. While the landscape is ever changing, some high-paying online jobs that will continue to be in demand for the future include: Mobile Developer, Software Architect, Data Scientist, Development Operations Engineer, Product Designer, Speech-Language Pathologist, User Experience (UX) Researcher, Software Engineer, Front-End Developer, and Psychologist.

What are the most in-demand skills needed to get into a high paying remote job?

Several skills in are highly sought after for securing high-paying remote jobs. While the landscape might have evolved since then, the following skills were considered crucial for remote positions with high earning potential: Software Development and Programming, Cloud Computing, Data Analysis and Data Science, Search Engine Optimization, Information Security and Cybersecurity, User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design, Project Management and Agile Methodologies, Remote Collaboration and Communication, Customer Relationship Management, Sales and Business Development, and Language Skills and Multilingualism.

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What are some high-paying remote working jobs you can get without a degree?

Several high-paying remote jobs exist that do not always require a traditional four-year degree. While a degree may be a common requirement for some high-paying roles, there are positions where skills, certifications, experience, and specialized knowledge can outweigh formal education.

Here are some high-paying remote jobs that individuals can pursue without a degree: Software Developer/Engineer, Online English Teacher, Web Developer/Designer, Digital Marketer/Social Media Manager, Cybersecurity Specialist/Ethical Hacker, Data Analyst/Data Scientist, UI/UX Designer, Sales Representative or Account Manager, Copywriter/Content Creator, Project Manager or Product Manager, and Virtual Assistant or Administrative Assistant.

In these fields, a combination of practical skills, relevant certifications, experience, and a strong portfolio or track record can often outweigh the need for a formal degree. Continuous learning, gaining industry-relevant certifications, building a strong professional network, and showcasing your expertise through portfolios or projects are crucial for landing high-paying remote jobs without a degree.

How can I improve my chances of getting a high-paying online job?

Improving your chances of landing a high-paying online job involves a combination of enhancing your skills, building a strong professional profile, networking, and showcasing your expertise.

Here are some steps you can take to improve your prospects for securing a high-paying online job: Develop in-demand skills, Build a Strong Online Presence, Gain Practical Experience, Obtain Relevant Certifications or Credentials, Network and Connect with Industry Professionals, Customize Applications and Resumes, Showcase a Strong Work Ethic and Professionalism, Research Companies and Job Markets, Be Flexible and Open to Learning, and when offered a job, research industry standards for compensation and benefits to negotiate a fair and competitive salary or package for your skills and experience.

Is a degree necessary to get the best paying online job?

While having a degree can certainly open doors and enhance opportunities in many professions, it's not always a strict requirement for securing the best paying online jobs. The necessity of a degree depends on the specific industry, job role, and the employer's preferences or job requirements.

In many high-paying fields, skills, experience, certifications, and practical knowledge can outweigh the absence of a formal degree such as with online entrepreneurs. Certain industries, such as technology, software development, digital marketing, design, and freelancing, prioritize skills, expertise, and portfolios over degrees. Here are some considerations:

In fields like software development, cybersecurity, data science, or cloud computing, employers often value hands-on experience, coding skills, certifications, and demonstrable projects over a degree. Proficiency in digital marketing strategies, SEO, social media management, graphic design, or UI/UX design can lead to high-paying roles without requiring a degree.

Many freelancers or entrepreneurs in fields like writing, consulting, coaching, or online businesses achieve success without traditional degrees. And, strong communication skills, experience, certifications (e.g., PMP for project management), and a track record of successful projects or sales can be more critical than a degree in securing high-paying roles. However, in some industries or specific positions, a degree might still be a common requirement or preferred by employers, especially for certain managerial or specialized roles.

Additionally, having a degree can provide a broader knowledge base, foundational skills, and credibility that might be beneficial in the long term or when competing with candidates who possess similar qualifications.

About the author

Mark Talmage-Rostron

Mark is a college graduate with Honours in Copywriting. He is the Content Marketing Manager at Nexford, creating engaging, thought-provoking, and action-oriented content.

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