12 Jobs That Pay Well: Avoid a Pay Cut When Working From Home

A recent working paper from researchers at Harvard and Princeton Universities found that 8% of American workers were willing to take a pay cut if it meant being able to work from home. The study found that individuals were willing to take up to a 21% pay cut for the convenience of working from home. But there are jobs that pay well that offer this same convenience.
What if you could have the ability to work from home without having to take a pay cut? With more and more freelancing and telecommuting opportunities available, it’s easier than ever to find remote jobs that pay well.
Not only do these jobs have high average salaries, but they’ll save you on commuting costs as well. Telecommuting full-time can save you more than $4,000 per year. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 12 high-paying jobs for remote workers.

1. Psychiatrists

Thanks to video chat platforms, it’s now possible for psychiatrists to offer their services online. In this role, you’ll meet with patients remotely while practicing diagnostic procedures. You’ll also write treatment plans for patients as well.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2020 median pay for psychiatrists was $220,380 per year, making it the highest-paying job on our list. You’ll need to have obtained state licenses in all states where you’re treating patients.

2. IT Manager

As more companies have begun incorporating technology into their operations, they’ve invested in IT managers to help plan and run their computer-related activities. If you have experience with computers, you’ll want to consider serving remotely as an IT manager.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2020 median pay for IT managers was $142,530 per year. Additionally, the site says that IT manager positions should grow by 12% until 2026, which is faster than average.
Unfortunately, this is not an entry-level position. You’ll need at least five years of work experience to serve in this role. Furthermore, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree. Many managers also have a master’s degree in computer or information science.

3. Marketing Manager

If you have experience with business-to-business, social media, and content marketing, you’ll want to consider becoming a marketing manager. As a manager, you’ll do everything from developing marketing plans to executing campaigns.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the 2020 median salary for Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers was $132,620 per year. The job outlook looks bright, expected to rise by 10% between 2016 and 2026. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in marketing or other similar fields for this role.

4. Sales Manager

If you have experience selling goods or services, serving as a remote sales manager could pique your interest. You’ll manage teams of people remotely while coordinating sales campaigns. You’ll need at least a high school diploma and a few years of experience if you want to work as a sales manager.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the average annual salary in 2020 for sales managers was $124,220. Additionally, the industry should grow by 7% between 2016 and 2026, which is about average.

5. Attorney

If you have your law degree, you can consider working remotely as an attorney. Many companies have begun hiring remote attorneys for things such as helping owners file the legal paperwork necessary to start their small business. You could choose to work for a law firm, or you could provide independent consulting services.
You’ll need a Juris Doctorate to practice as an attorney. Attorneys earned an average of $120,910 per year last year. The role of the attorney should grow by 8% between 2016 and 2026.

6. Computer and Information Research Scientist

Those with considerable knowledge of technology will want to consider working as a computer and information research scientist. Workers in this position, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “invest and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology.” You can work as a computer and information research scientist in an array of fields, including:

• Science
• Business
• Medicine

You’ll need a master’s degree in computer science or a related field if you want to work as a computer and information research scientist. The job outlook for this role is excellent, with the BLS expecting the part to grow by 19% through 2026. The 2020 annual salary for this position was $118,370.

7. Political Scientist

Political scientists analyze political trends and other related issues. In this role, you can find yourself working for businesses, labor unions, or political campaigns. You’ll need a master’s degree of Ph.D. in public administration, political science, or other related fields if you wish to work in this position. The average salary for this position is $117,570 per year.

8. Software Developer

Software developers are in high demand as technology becomes more prominent in our lives. If you have experience with various coding languages and computer systems, you could excel as a software developer.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2020 average annual salary for software developers was $105,590. The BLS expects software developer roles to grow by 24% between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than average.
You’ll be better off as a software developer if you have a college degree in computer science. However, if you have years of experience coding, you could work as a freelancer and still earn a considerable amount.

9. Actuary

If you are looking for a fun job that involves analyzing financial risk, you should consider becoming an actuary. Actuaries use statistics and mathematics to investigate the economic cost of risk. The BLS says that actuaries “help businesses and clients develop policies that minimize the cost of (that) risk. Actuaries’ work is essential to the insurance industry.”
The site says that actuaries in 2020 earned an average salary of $102,880. Additionally, the job outlook between 2016 and 2026 shows an expected growth of 22%, which is much faster than average. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree. You’ll also need to pass multiple exams to gain professional certification.

10. Mathematician and Statistician

If you’re good with data and numbers, consider receiving job training to serve as a mathematician or statistician. The job outlook for this position is quite bright. The BLS says that this role will grow by 33% between 2016 and 2026, which is significantly faster than average.
When serving in this role, you’ll use statistical and mathematical techniques to solve real-world problems. You’ll find yourself working in a variety of fields, including healthcare, engineering, and business.
Some companies allow you to work as a mathematician or statistician if you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree and can demonstrate ample job experience. However, you’re better off if you obtain a master’s degree. The 2020 average pay for this role was $88,190 per year.

11. Database Administrator

Now, more than ever before, companies realize that they have to deal with incredible amounts of data. A database administrator determines the most efficient way to organize and store data. When working as a database administrator, you could be dealing with everything from customer shipping records to financial information.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that you’ll need to have graduated with at least a bachelor’s degree in an information or computer-related subject to serve in this role. The 2020 average salary for this position was $90,070. The Bureau expects this job to grow by 11% between 2016 and 2026, which is faster than average.

12. Management Analyst

Companies are continually looking for ways to cut waste and become more efficient. Accordingly, many companies have begun hiring consultants or management analysts to identify areas of inefficiency in their project management pipeline.
People working as management analysts tend to travel frequently, so if you’re looking for a high-paying job that allows you to see different parts of the country, this position is for you.
You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree to serve in this role. The BLS also says that obtaining a Certified Management Consultant designation could help improve your chances of being hired. The 2020 median salary for workers in this job was $83,610. There is an expected job increase of 14% for this position between 2016 and 2026.

With These Jobs That Pay Well, You Control Your Future

If you’re tired of grinding in the office every day, it’s time to make the switch to a remote position. Not only does remote work pay well, but the low-stress nature could help improve your mental health. No matter if you’re looking for full-time or part-time job opportunities, be sure to start your search with our Job Board. This job search tool will make it easier to begin your new career path in a remote position with a six-figure salary.