You might be staring at your budget, wondering how you’re supposed to cover rent, debt, and everything else on $20–$25 an hour. A long commute or strict schedule may not even be an option if you’re caring for kids, parents, or dealing with health issues.
The good news: plenty of professional jobs now offer real remote options and pay $40 an hour or more once you’re established. Many are open to people early in their careers as long as you can show the right skills.
Here are 15 remote-friendly, entry-level paths where typical pay works out to at least about $40 an hour (around $83,000 a year), based on recent government job data. Actual remote openings will depend on the employer and the role.
Software developer
Software developers build the apps, websites, and tools you use every day. You might work on mobile apps, internal business tools, or cloud-based platforms. Many companies hire fully remote devs as long as you can overlap a few core hours with the team. Collaboration happens over video calls, chat apps, and shared code repositories instead of in a physical office.
Typical entry into this field is a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related area, but some people get in through coding bootcamps or self-taught portfolios. You’ll need to know at least one programming language (like Python, Java, or JavaScript), understand basic data structures, and be able to work with version control tools like Git. Strong problem-solving skills matter more than a perfect resume.
Median pay for software developers is about $133,080 per year, or roughly $64 per hour.
Data scientist
Data scientists turn messy data into useful insight for businesses, hospitals, governments, and tech companies. A typical day might include cleaning data, building predictive models, and explaining your findings to non-technical people. Much of this work is done on a laptop, making it very friendly to remote or hybrid schedules.
To get in at the entry level, you usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in math, statistics, computer science, or a related field. You’ll also need skills in tools like Python or R, spreadsheet software, and data visualization platforms. Some companies prefer a master’s degree, but an internship, portfolio of projects, or previous analyst experience can sometimes balance that out.
Median pay for data scientists is about $112,590 per year, or around $54 per hour.
Information security analyst (cybersecurity)
Information security analysts protect computer systems from hackers, malware, and data breaches. You might monitor network traffic, investigate suspicious activity, and help set security policies. Many cybersecurity teams are remote or distributed, especially for companies that operate across time zones.
Most entry-level roles require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a similar field. Employers also like to see hands-on experience with networks, operating systems, and security tools. Internships, help desk work, or industry certifications can help you get your foot in the door, even if you don’t have years of experience.
Computer systems analyst
Computer systems analysts act as the bridge between business and tech. They study how an organization works, then recommend and help set up technology to make things run better. In a remote role, you might spend your time on video calls gathering requirements, documenting workflows, and testing systems from home.
You usually need a bachelor’s degree, often in computer science, information systems, or business. Employers want people who can understand both the technical side and the business needs, so project work, internships, or previous roles in IT support or operations can be helpful. Communication skills matter a lot in this job.
Median pay for computer systems analysts is about $103,790 per year, or about $49.90 per hour.
Web developer or digital designer
Web developers and digital designers build and maintain websites and user interfaces. One person might focus on coding the site, another on the visual layout, and many do some of both. Remote work is common in this field, especially for agencies, online brands, and freelancers who support multiple clients.
You can enter with a bachelor’s degree in web design, computer science, graphic design, or a related field, but plenty of developers are self-taught through practice and project work. You’ll need to know HTML, CSS, and JavaScript at a minimum, plus have a portfolio that shows you can build or design working sites. For design-focused roles, employers will look closely at visual style and usability.
Computer programmer
Computer programmers write and test the code that makes software and websites actually work. While developers often design the big picture, programmers focus on the nuts and bolts: functions, logic, and fixing bugs. Many programming roles are fully remote, especially in software, finance, and tech consulting.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar field is typical, but not absolutely required if you can show solid skills. You’ll need to specialize in one or more languages, such as Java, C#, Python, or C++. Being able to read documentation, debug code, and work well with version control systems are core entry-level skills.
Median pay for computer programmers is about $98,670 per year, or around $47.44 per hour.
Database administrator or database architect
Database administrators and architects build and manage the systems that store data for businesses, hospitals, schools, and more. In a remote role, you might spend your day tuning performance, setting up backups, writing queries, and making sure sensitive data is secure and accessible to the right people.
Most entry-level roles require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or another IT-related field. You’ll also need to learn database languages like SQL and get familiar with major database platforms (such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or Oracle). Attention to detail is critical because small mistakes can have big consequences.
Technical writer
Technical writers create manuals, help articles, how-to guides, and documentation that explain complex information in plain language. Many of these jobs are remote, since you can interview subject matter experts over video and write from home as long as you meet deadlines.
You typically need a bachelor’s degree, often in English, communications, journalism, or a technical field. Beyond the degree, employers want to see strong writing samples that show you can break down complex topics step-by-step. If you’re writing about software or engineering, having basic familiarity with those areas makes you much more competitive. Entry-level roles may start with updating existing documents before moving on to bigger projects.
Median pay for technical writers is about $91,670 per year, or roughly $44.07 per hour.
Financial analyst
Financial analysts help companies and investors decide where to put their money. They review financial statements, build spreadsheets and models, and write reports on whether to buy, hold, or sell investments. A growing number of firms now allow analysts to work remotely, especially in roles focused on research rather than in-person meetings.
You usually need a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field. Strong Excel skills, comfort with numbers, and the ability to clearly explain your reasoning are must-haves. Entry-level analysts often start with junior roles on bigger teams or in rotational programs where you learn the ropes under more experienced colleagues.
Median pay for financial analysts is about $101,910 per year, or around $48.99 per hour.
Management analyst (business consultant)
Management analysts, often called business consultants, come in to study how an organization works and suggest better ways to operate. You might analyze data, interview staff, map out processes, and deliver recommendations in presentations or reports. Much of this analysis can be done remotely, with occasional travel depending on the client.
Most entry-level roles look for a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, or something related. Many employers also want a bit of real-world experience, such as internships, operations roles, or project work. You’ll need strong problem-solving, solid writing and presentation skills, and a good grasp of spreadsheets and basic business math.
Median pay for management analysts is about $101,190 per year, or roughly $48.65 per hour.
Operations research analyst
Operations research analysts use math and data to help organizations make better decisions. That might mean improving shipping routes, staffing schedules, pricing, or production plans. This work is usually computer-based and lends itself well to remote or hybrid setups.
To get into this field, you’ll usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in operations research, math, statistics, engineering, or a related area. You’ll also want skills in analytics tools like spreadsheets, programming languages, or optimization software. Employers look for people who can both build models and explain the results in plain language to managers.
Median pay for operations research analysts is about $91,290 per year, or about $43.89 per hour.
Statistician or biostatistician
Statisticians design studies, analyze data, and help answer questions in fields like healthcare, government, tech, and marketing. Biostatisticians focus on public health and medical research. Both roles can be done remotely, especially when you’re working with research teams spread across the country.
Entry-level jobs often require a master’s degree in statistics, biostatistics, or applied math, though some junior roles hire candidates with a strong bachelor’s degree plus relevant experience. You’ll need a solid foundation in probability and statistics, and confidence using tools like R, SAS, or Python. Being able to translate statistical results into clear, practical conclusions is key.
Medical and health services manager
Medical and health services managers handle the business side of healthcare. They plan budgets, manage staff, coordinate services, and keep facilities or departments running smoothly. Many roles are still on-site, but there is growing demand for remote or hybrid managers in areas like telehealth operations, billing, and health information management.
You typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in health administration, business, nursing, or a related field, plus some background in healthcare, either administrative or clinical. Some employers prefer a master’s degree, especially for larger facilities. Strong organization, leadership, and communication skills are critical, since you’ll interact with doctors, nurses, insurers, and patients.
Registered nurse in telehealth or case management
Registered nurses don’t always have to work at the bedside. Many move into remote roles such as telehealth nurse, nurse advice line, utilization review nurse, or case manager. In these jobs, you might review patient charts, handle phone or video visits, teach patients about their conditions, and coordinate care, all from home.
To qualify, you need to become a registered nurse first, which means completing an approved nursing program and getting licensed. Some remote roles want a bachelor’s degree and a couple of years of direct patient-care experience, especially in areas like primary care, emergency, or chronic disease management. Comfort with electronic health records and phone or video communication is also important.
Median pay for registered nurses is about $93,600 per year, or $45.00 per hour.
Computer network architect
Computer network architects design and build the data networks that connect offices, data centers, and cloud services. This includes planning hardware, setting up secure connections, and troubleshooting performance issues. Many tasks can be handled remotely, especially in cloud-heavy environments, though some jobs still require occasional on-site work.
You typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or engineering, plus several years of experience in related roles such as network administrator or systems engineer. Entry-level spots are rare straight out of school, but you can build toward them by starting in junior network or IT support positions. Industry certifications in networking can also help.
Median pay for computer network architects is about $130,390 per year, or roughly $62.69 per hour.