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10 Remote Entry-Level Jobs That Pay at Least $48 an Hour

Remote work is no longer just a lifestyle perk; it's become a legitimate path to steady pay.

By Summer Nevins

Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated Jan. 4, 2026

Remote work isn't just about flexibility anymore. It can also be a fast track to six-figure pay, even without years of experience. Many companies now hire entry-level talent for specialized, in-demand roles that could be done from anywhere. If you have the right skills (or are willing to learn them), these jobs could dramatically raise your earning power.

If you want to get ahead financially, learn about these specific remote roles that pay over $48 (around $100K a year) an hour, and why companies are willing to pay a premium for them.

Editor's note: Salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, unless otherwise noted.

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Software developer

Median hourly pay: $63.20

Software developers are always in demand, and even beginners getting remote roles through internships or junior postings could find themselves earning six figures.

Remote software development positions often pay well, even at the entry level, because companies compete for digital talent. You'll need coding skills (e.g., Python, JavaScript), but many bootcamps and self-taught paths could qualify you. Jobs often include full benefits and flexibility, plus project work that boosts pay quickly as you build experience.

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Data analyst

Median hourly pay: $36–$51

Data analysts interpret datasets, create reports, and help make business decisions, and many employers now allow fully remote work. Tools like Excel, Structured Query Language (SQL), and Tableau are common requirements.

Entry salaries vary widely by employer and data complexity, but remote postings often fall well above many traditional remote roles. Please note that the median hourly wage is sourced from Glassdoor.

Personal financial advisor

Median hourly pay: $49.11

Personal financial advisors help individuals and families plan for goals like retirement, education funding, and investment strategies. Their pay often includes salary plus commissions or bonuses tied to client revenue, which pushes many into six-figure total compensation.

While remote work isn't universal, many advisory firms and independent planners do offer fully remote or hybrid arrangements, especially for experienced advisors with credentials like the Certified Financial Planner credential (CFP).

Quality assurance analysts

Median hourly pay: $63.20

Quality assurance analysts are similar to software engineers when it comes to pay, but instead of development, they test software, identify bugs, and ensure product stability. Remote QA roles are plentiful in tech companies and often don't require advanced degrees.

A strong eye for detail and familiarity with testing tools could pay dividends; many testers quickly advance into higher salary bands as they gain experience.

Computer systems analysts

Median hourly pay: $49.90

Computer systems analysts evaluate an organization's IT systems and design improvements to boost efficiency and performance. Many companies hire these analysts remotely as they bridge business needs and technology solutions.

While a bachelor's degree is common, strong analytical, communication, and systems-thinking skills help professionals advance into higher pay levels, with top earners reaching well above the median.

Information security analyst

Median hourly pay: $60.05

Information security analysts protect systems, networks, and data from cyberattacks, developing security plans and responding to breaches. This role is in high demand as digital threats grow, with employment projected to grow much faster than average.

Remote positions are increasingly common, and top performers often earn well beyond the median, especially with certifications like the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification or experience in cloud and network security.

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Database administrators and architects

Median hourly pay: $59.18

Database administrators and architects design, organize, secure, and maintain the systems that store an organization's data. Remote roles are increasingly common as companies adopt cloud-based systems.

With strong SQL, database-platform, and performance-tuning skills, many professionals earn well above six figures, especially database architects and senior administrators.

User experience (UX) designer

Median hourly pay: $55.09

Remote UX designers create intuitive digital experiences by researching users, designing interfaces, and testing solutions. While entry-level pay may start below six figures, many remote positions hit or exceed a $100,000 salary once you build skills and experience, especially in tech hubs or for designers with strong portfolios. Pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization within UX. Note that salary data is sourced from Indeed.

Junior cloud engineer

Median hourly pay: $56

Entry-level cloud engineers support cloud infrastructure, deployments, and troubleshooting on platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure, or Google Cloud. They assist senior engineers with configuring networks, managing servers, and monitoring system performance. Remote roles are common, providing early-career professionals with high-paying opportunities without relocation.

With foundational certifications such as AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals, entry-level engineers could quickly gain experience and reach salaries above $100,000 in the first few years. Note that salary data is sourced from salary.com.

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Actuaries

Median hourly pay: $60.47

Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess risk for insurance, pensions, and business planning. While entry pay may start lower (often under six figures), passing professional exams and gaining experience push most actuaries into the six-figure range.

Remote or hybrid roles exist, especially in consulting and finance, and the top 10% often earn more than $200,000.

Bottom line

Remote work offers several high-paying paths even for early-career professionals, with roles in tech, finance, cybersecurity, and data regularly exceeding $48 per hour. While some positions require specialized skills or certifications, many are accessible with focused learning, online courses, or bootcamps.

Apart from wanting to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck, you may want to consider negotiating for remote perks, like flexible hours, home office stipends, or professional development support. Doing so could significantly increase total compensation beyond base salary, making remote roles even more valuable for career growth.

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Author Details

Summer Nevins

Summer is a financial services professional turned personal finance writer for FinanceBuzz with an MBA from Western Kentucky University. With over a decade of experience in banking and corporate finance, she’s a self-proclaimed banking nerd who loves diving into all things banking, budgeting, and credit building. Summer also enjoys discussing business and entrepreneurship, sharing practical insights drawn from her background in finance.