Remote work has gone mainstream, but not every work-from-home job will help you grow your wealth. The 12 jobs on this list all carry median wages above $20 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics — proof that a good paycheck doesn't require a commute. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make a career pivot, there's likely something here worth a closer look.
Editor's note: All salary data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Please note that all calls with the company may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance and training purposes. Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 45% before fees, or 20% including our fees, over 24 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating. "Debt-Free" applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Results vary.</p>
Sign up for a free debt assessment here.
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerk
Median annual salary: $49,210 (roughly $24 an hour)
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks record financial transactions, reconcile accounts, and generate financial reports for businesses of all sizes. The work is detail-oriented and almost entirely computer-based, which makes it a natural fit for a home office.
Most employers look for candidates with a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in accounting, though some hire workers with a high school diploma and a willingness to learn on the job.
Customer service representative
Median annual salary: $42,827 (roughly $21 an hour)
Customer service representatives handle inquiries, process orders, and resolve complaints by phone, email, or chat — tasks that translate seamlessly to a home setup. Many large employers, from insurance companies to retailers, actively recruit remote customer service workers.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically the only formal requirement, and most training happens on the job after hiring.
Medical records specialist
Median annual salary: $50,250 (roughly $24 an hour)
Medical records specialists organize and manage patient health information, making sure records are complete, accurately coded, and accessible to authorized users. The role is largely computer-based and is routinely performed from home across hospital systems and healthcare networks.
Most positions require a postsecondary certificate in health information technology or a related area; some employers prefer candidates with an associate degree.
Interpreter and translator
Median annual salary: $59,440 (roughly $29 an hour)
Interpreters and translators convert spoken or written content between languages, working across legal, medical, and business fields. Written translation work in particular is easy to handle remotely, and many freelance and full-time remote roles exist for skilled language professionals.
A bachelor's degree is the standard requirement for most positions, along with fluency in at least two languages. Specializing in a high-demand field — like medical or legal translation — can increase earnings considerably.
Paralegal and legal assistant
Median annual salary: $61,010 (roughly $29 an hour)
Paralegals assist attorneys by researching case law, drafting legal documents, and organizing case files — all tasks that can be handled entirely on a computer. Remote paralegal positions have become increasingly common at law firms and in corporate legal departments.
Most paralegals hold an associate degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor's degree in another field combined with a paralegal certificate program.
Training and development specialist
Median annual salary: $65,850 (roughly $32 an hour)
Training and development specialists design and deliver learning programs that help employees build job-related skills. Much of this work has shifted online, with many specialists now developing virtual courses and facilitating remote training sessions via video platforms.
A bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level requirement, often in human resources, education, communications, or a related field.
Human resources specialist
Median annual salary: $72,910 (roughly $35 an hour)
Human resources specialists manage recruiting, onboarding, benefits administration, and employee relations. Many of these tasks — reviewing applications, managing digital records, coordinating interviews — are well-suited to a home office and don't require an on-site presence.
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field, though some employers value relevant experience over a specific degree.
Editor
Median annual salary: $75,260 (roughly $36 an hour)
Editors review, revise, and shape written content for clarity, accuracy, and style, working across publishing, media, marketing, and corporate communications. The work requires little more than a computer and strong language skills, and many editorial positions are now fully remote.
A bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or communications is the common credential, though a strong writing portfolio and demonstrated experience can sometimes open doors without a specific major.
Claims adjuster, examiner, and investigator
Median annual salary: $76,790 (roughly $37 an hour)
Claims adjusters and examiners evaluate insurance claims to determine how much an insurer should pay, reviewing documentation, interviewing claimants, and making coverage decisions. Much of this investigative and administrative work is done digitally, and remote roles are widely available in the field.
Requirements vary by employer and claim type. Many positions require a bachelor's degree and a state insurance adjuster license; some employers also accept candidates with relevant work experience in finance or a related area.
Earn as much as $1K doing simple online tasks
A company called Freecash has compiled all sorts of quick cash tasks from about a dozen advertisers and market research companies thirsty for more data. Freecash has paid out over $13 million to users since 2019, and has over 50,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot.
Sign up here to see how much you could earn.
Market research analyst
Median annual salary: $76,950 (roughly $37 an hour)
Market research analysts collect and analyze data on consumers, competitors, and market trends to help organizations make informed business decisions. The role is heavily computer-based — pulling data, building reports, interpreting findings — and is commonly performed remotely.
A bachelor's degree in marketing, statistics, business, or a related field is the standard entry-level credential.
Web developer and digital designer
Median annual salary: $90,930 (roughly $44 an hour)
Web developers build and maintain websites and web applications; digital designers handle the visual layer — layouts, typography, and user experience. Both roles are among the most remote-friendly in any industry, with companies regularly hiring workers who never set foot in an office.
A bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field is common, though many employers also hire candidates who have completed a rigorous coding bootcamp or built a compelling portfolio on their own.
Technical writer
Median annual salary: $91,670 (roughly $44 an hour)
Technical writers translate complex information — software documentation, user manuals, API guides, product instructions — into clear language that non-experts can understand. The work is inherently computer-based and is regularly done from home at technology companies, manufacturers, and consulting firms.
Most technical writers hold a bachelor's degree in English, communications, or a technical discipline. Experience in a specialized industry like software development, engineering, or healthcare is a significant advantage.
Bottom line
If you do your best work with a laptop and a reliable internet connection, there's no shortage of legitimate options that pay well above $20 an hour. From customer service and medical records to technical writing and web development, the jobs on this list represent real career paths with solid, BLS-verified wages — not gig work or one-off side hustles. Exploring even one or two of these fields could put you on track for retirement without ever leaving your home.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- Retire like the rich: 14 ways you could build wealth in your 50s.
- Find out if you could pay less for car insurance in just a few clicks.
- Make these 7 savvy moves when you have $1,000 in the bank.
- 14 moves seniors could benefit from but often forget about.
Add Us On Google