Every profession has its value and importance. That’s a fact. But not all of them offer good pay, career growth, convenience and peace of mind.
Online professions are all the rage these days. The Internet attracts people from all walks of life, whether they are students looking for extra income, retirees wanting to spend their free time productively or highly educated professionals seeking new challenges.
There is something for everyone on the Internet, but the quality and nature of the work varies widely. Today we will take a deep dive into the world of online professions and learn everything there is to know about them. Which ones are lucrative? Which ones have low barriers to entry? Which ones are nothing but scams?
If you are planning to work online, then this overview is a must-read for you.
How to Choose the Right Online Job for You
There are many online professions to choose from, but not all of them may suit your skills, interests and goals. To help you narrow down your options, we have categorised the available jobs into three groups, based on the complexity and the level of skills required to get started. We have also evaluated the potential income, possible challenges and the level of demand from employers for each group.
Online Professions for Beginners
If you are looking for online jobs that are easy to start and require minimal skills, then this list is for you. These online professions are suitable for anyone who has a computer (or a smartphone for some of them) and an internet connection. However, keep in mind that these are real jobs, not just online hobbies, so they demand hard work, dedication and responsibility from you.
One of the most common online professions for beginners is customer service. This involves working as a manager, an operator or a live chat agent for various companies or websites. Your main task is to communicate with customers, answer their questions, explain the services and process their orders. You can do this either through voice or written communication, depending on the job. You will need a headset for voice calls and a basic knowledge of MS Office for written communication.
Another popular online job for beginners is data entry. This includes typing, copying or transcribing text from different sources. For example, you may be asked to type a document from a scanned image, copy information from a website or transcribe audio recordings into written text. The only skill you need for this job is basic literacy and accuracy.
The last option in this list is not really an online profession, but rather a way to make some extra money online. This is doing various online tasks for other people. There are many platforms that offer this service, such as Fiverr, Upwork or Freelancer. You can choose the tasks that match your skills and interests, such as making a logo, retouching photos, writing simple code, etc. However, this is not a stable or secure way to earn money online and you may face competition or quality issues if you are not careful.
Online Professions for Intermediate Level
If you have some relevant skills or experience, you may want to try online professions that are more challenging and rewarding than the ones for beginners. These online jobs require some training and preparation, but they are not too hard to master.
For example, if you have a background in journalism, you can easily transition to web writing or copywriting, which involves creating textual content for various online platforms and purposes. However, if you have not written anything since school, you will need to brush up on your writing skills and learn the basics of online writing. Of course, the quality and complexity of your writing will affect your income, as different types of content have different levels of demand and pay.
Another option for intermediate level is to work as a manager for online businesses or marketplaces. This involves managing accounts, communicating with clients, negotiating deals and overseeing projects. You will need to have good communication and organisational skills, as well as some knowledge of the online market and trends. You can also work as a SEO or SMM specialist, which involves optimising websites or social media pages for better visibility and traffic. You will need to learn how to use various tools and techniques to improve the online presence and performance of your clients.
The last option in this list is to work as an arbitrageur, which involves buying and selling online goods or services for a profit. This is a risky but potentially lucrative way to make money online, as you can exploit the price differences between different platforms or markets. However, you will need to have some capital, research skills and a keen eye for opportunities. You will also face a lot of competition and uncertainty in this field.
The duration of training to start these online professions ranges from two weeks to a month, depending on your prior skills and the level of difficulty. This assumes that you are willing to learn for four to eight hours a day (not just half an hour).
Online Professions for Experts
If you are looking for online professions that are challenging but high-paying, then you will need to have academic knowledge and serious hard skills. These online jobs require a lot of time and effort to master from scratch, as well as a certain level of skill, intelligence or creativity. Many of these online careers depend on your core competencies and abilities. However, the rewards are also great, as you can earn much more than offline workers.
These are the three pillars of the online world – design, IT and top management:
Design and its subfields require both talent and skill. Unfortunately, not everyone has a knack for “creativity”. That’s why the best way to learn design is to build on your existing skills and interests. Moreover, you will also need to have some IT skills to work as an online designer.
IT is the most in-demand field in the world at the moment. The key segment is web development, but there are plenty of other areas too. These include databases, game development, testing and the highly mathematical field of machine learning.
And the last one is TOP management. This also covers financial consulting, as well as other types of financial and business analytics and consulting.
All of these professions can be learned online. Yes, you can just dive into a ton of literature, paid and free courses, YouTube tutorials and other resources. And after a couple of years – you can become a competent back-end developer in C# who knows .Net like the back of their hand, for example.
TOP 12 Online Jobs in Marketing
The first and largest group consists of people who work in marketing-related fields.
Digital Marketing Specialist
It is a professional who specialises in developing and implementing online marketing strategies to promote products, services or brands. This job requires a variety of skills, such as SEO, SEM, social media, content and email marketing, design skills, communication, storytelling, data analysis and critical thinking.
Demand. High and expected to grow in the future, as more businesses and organisations rely on online channels to reach their target audiences and achieve their marketing objectives. At the moment, Linkedin search shows 3031 remote job offers worldwide.
Salary. It can vary depending on the location, industry, experience and qualifications of the individual. The range typically falls between $56,000 and $73,000 a year.
Skills acquisition. There are many online courses and certifications that can help aspiring or current digital marketing specialists acquire or improve their skills. Some of the best online courses on digital marketing are offered by Coursera, Udemy, Simplilearn, Google, Meta and ClickMinded.
SMM Specialist
This job is similar to a digital marketer, but with a specific focus on promoting brands through social media platforms. SMM specialists create and manage online communities around the brand, engage with them regularly, collaborate with local influencers to boost brand awareness and also run targeted ads to reach potential customers.
Demand. These specialists are in high demand around the world, as social media continues to be a growing field. According to data on LinkedIn, the demand for paid SMM skills rose 116.4% since the onset of the pandemic. At the moment, their search shows 2900 results worldwide.
Salary. The average annual salary for a SMM specialist as of autumn 2023 is $65,000, with a range from $36,000 to $94,000.
Skills acquisition. If you want to learn more about social media marketing, you have many options to choose from. Some of the courses are free, while others require a fee. For example, you can take the Social Media Marketing Certification by HubSpot, which is a free course that teaches you how to create a social media strategy, measure ROI, extend reach and create engaging content. Alternatively, you can enrol in the Social Media Marketing MASTERY by Udemy, which is a paid course that costs $189 and covers how to use various social media platforms, create viral content and grow your brand.
Copywriter
Copywriting is one of the most sought-after online professions. Copywriters produce a large portion of the textual content on the web, ranging from journalistic articles and press releases to sales pitches and landing pages.
Demand. The demand for copywriters is high worldwide, as more and more businesses need to create engaging and persuasive content for their online marketing channels. It is a skill that can be learned by anyone who has a passion for writing and a good command of the language, even if you are still in high school or university. However, some employers may prefer candidates who have a degree in writing, marketing, communications or a related field. Linkedin job search shows only 700 available remote positions at the moment, that might be because freelance copywriting is more common, as many businesses prefer to outsource their copywriting needs to external contractors rather than hiring full-time employees.
Salary. Entry-level copywriters with less than 1 year of experience or the ones just starting out in the field can expect to earn an annual salary from $36,000 to $94,000, while experts who have more than 5 years of experience or have achieved a high level of success and recognition in the field can earn up to $100,000.
Skills acquisition. You don’t need to spend money on paid courses to become a copywriter. You can learn the ropes by yourself, as there is plenty of information available online. If you have a good command of the language, you can start working on your first projects in a matter of days.
Targeting Specialist
These specialists are different from marketers, as they focus solely on setting up the targeting of advertising campaigns. Targeting the right group of potential customers is crucial for the success of any advertising campaign. The profession requires more technical and analytical skills than creative ones. Therefore, it is suitable for people who have the appropriate mindset.
Demand. LinkedIn shows only 271 results for this query. However, this does not reflect the true demand for this job. Many targeting specialists work as freelancers and also promote their own channels through which they attract clients.
Salary. This online profession depends largely on the competence and experience of the worker. Wage level can also be determined by the figures in their portfolio of previous advertising campaigns, such as conversions, impressions, clicks and revenue per click. The average salary for this job is $54,000 per year, with a range from $38,000 to $76,000.
Skills acquisition. One of the free online courses on targeting that you may find useful is the Facebook Ad Targeting course by Meta for Business. This course teaches you how to create a social media strategy, measure ROI, extend reach and create engaging content. You can study at your own pace and earn a certificate upon completion. For paid courses on targeting, you can explore platforms like Udemy, Coursera, Skillshare or LinkedIn Learning. You will learn from experienced instructors and apply your skills to real-world projects. The prices range from $10 to $200.
Contextual Advertising Specialist
Contextual advertising can be a tricky skill to master, but with some practice and dedication, you can become a pro in no time. It may not be as quick as learning copywriting, but it is still a rewarding and popular online profession, especially among amateurs.
Demand. However, the job market for contextual advertising specialists is not very large. There are only 194 offers from employers on Linkedin, which is lower than the number of vacancies for marketers, targeters and copywriters. Freelancing in this field is also rare.
Salary. The average annual salary for a contextual advertising specialist is around $50,000. Some specialists may also receive additional pay such as cash bonus, commission, tips and profit sharing.
Skills acquisition. You may find some expensive training programmes for contextual advertising, but they are not worth your time and money. You are better off using either low-cost alternatives from Udemy or free resources on the web.
Content Manager
Content manager is someone who works online, creating and managing the content of websites. They act as a bridge between the resource owner and a team of specialists, such as copywriters, writers and designers. It is not a very difficult profession, but it requires a lot of attention to detail.
Demand. The demand for content managers who can work remotely is high, as more and more companies are looking for ways to create and manage their online presence. A quick search on LinkedIn shows that there are currently 345 remote content manager jobs available worldwide. This means that you have plenty of opportunities to find a suitable position that matches your skills and interests.
Salary. The salary of a content manager varies depending on their experience: from $50,000 (for beginners) to $111,000 (for experts) annually.
Skills acquisition. You can learn the basics of this online profession in 1-2 months by yourself. However, what really matters is the experience you gain from working with different platforms, projects and systems. Therefore, instead of spending money on paid courses, you should jump right into the action and start taking orders.
SEO Specialist
It is someone who works on improving the visibility and ranking of websites in search engines. This skill is useful for marketers and others who want to attract more online traffic and customers. SEO is not limited to Google, but also applies to other platforms that have their own search algorithms, such as YouTube or social media.
Demand. There are 413 job postings for SEO specialists on LinkedIn. However, this is the kind of job that is often outsourced to freelancers or hired from webmasters who have their own online projects.
Salary. The average annual salary for an SEO specialist is around $60,000. However, this may vary depending on the level of experience, industry and location. Entry-level SEO specialists can expect to earn between $40,000 and $50,000 per year, while senior SEO managers at big brands can earn up to $100,000 or more.
Skills acquisition. It is better to take courses to learn SEO from scratch, as the amount of knowledge required is too large to acquire on your own. SEO is a dynamic and complex field that involves technical, analytical and creative skills. You need to keep up with the latest trends and best practices of SEO, as well as understand how different search engines work and what users are looking for. Free options are offered by reputable platforms such as Coursera and Hubspot. These courses can help you learn the basics of SEO, such as keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and analytics. Some of them also offer certificates upon completion. Paid courses are provided by specialised SEO agencies or experts, such as ClickMinded, The Blueprint Training and Reliablesoft. The prices vary from $97 to $2,997.
Web Analyst
These specialists evaluate and improve the performance of online advertising campaigns. They use various tools and methods to analyse web data, such as traffic, conversions, bounce rates and user behaviour. They also develop new campaigns and conduct split-testing to optimise them. This online profession requires a strong affinity for numbers and analysis, as well as a good understanding of web marketing and user experience.
Demand. According to LinkedIn statistics, there are 1092 job postings for web analysts worldwide. However, most of them are combined with other roles, such as business analyst, web developer or web marketer. Pure web analyst jobs are much fewer.
Salary. Web analysts can earn a high salary, especially in large projects. The average annual salary for a web analyst is around $78,000, which is quite impressive for remote work. However, beginners do not enjoy such income – their salary range is from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
Skills acquisition. There are many courses available from reputable platforms that can teach you the skills needed for web analysis. However, there is a catch. If you have a good mathematical background, learning web analysis will be easy for you. You do not need to enroll in any paid training programs if your work or education is closely related to mathematics. You can find enough free information online to master web analysis.
Performance Marketing Specialist
Performance marketing is not a good choice for beginners. It requires you to show the visible results of your campaigns, such as leads, conversions or sales and to report them instantly. It is better to learn this online profession if you already have some marketing experience.
Demand. There are 713 job postings for performance marketers on LinkedIn right now. However, these jobs are usually very demanding and competitive. Companies often look for experienced and skilled candidates who can deliver high-quality performance. Therefore, there are not many opportunities for newcomers.
Salary. Entry-level performance marketers typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 per year, while senior and more experienced specialists can earn up to $120,000.
Skills acquisition. If you want to advance your skills as a performance marketer, you need to have some prior knowledge and practice. This is not a profession that you can learn from scratch. You can take some courses that teach you advanced strategies and techniques for performance marketing, such as the Performance Marketing Bootcamp by upGrad. This course costs $499 and covers topics such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, landing page optimization and analytics. However, this course will not be useful if you do not have a solid foundation in marketing.
Online Store Manager
Online shop administrator is someone who manages the daily operations and maintenance of an online store. They may be responsible for tasks such as processing orders, handling customer inquiries and complaints, updating the website content and design, as well as ensuring the store’s functionality and security.
Demand. This is not a very specialised or complex profession. It involves mostly routine and repetitive tasks that can be easily learned or automated. Therefore, many online store owners may prefer to do it themselves or hire freelancers who charge lower rates than full-time employees. That’s why at the moment there are only 54 remote positions on Linkedin open for hiring.
Salary. The average annual salary is around $50,000. Entry-level specialists can expect to earn between $30,000 and $40,000 per year. If they also have to perform some content management and marketing duties, such as creating product descriptions, images and videos, optimising the website for search engines and promoting the store on social media – the level may go up to $70,000 or more.
Skills acquisition. There is no specific training program for this online profession, as it involves a variety of skills that are related to the online store’s niche and platform. You will need to learn how to use different tools and technologies that are relevant for your online store, such as HTML, CSS, WordPress, Shopify, WooCommerce, Google Analytics, Mailchimp, etc. You will also need to master some basic SEO, content creation and customer service skills. You can find many free and paid courses online that can teach you these skills.
Email Marketing Specialist
Email marketer is an online professional who uses email as the main channel of promotion. They create and send emails to potential or existing customers, with the goal of increasing brand awareness, generating leads or driving sales. This way of promotion was more popular about 20 years ago, but it is still a relevant and effective strategy today, if done correctly. You can read more about e-mail marketing in this article.
Demand. According to LinkedIn, there are currently 731 remote job postings for email marketing specialists worldwide. However, the demand for this profession may vary depending on the industry, niche and size of the company. Email marketing is more suitable for businesses that have a loyal customer base, a strong value proposition and a clear call to action.
Salary. It may range from $40,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on the employer and the level of experience.
Skills acquisition. Email marketing is usually part of a broader marketing curriculum, but you can also find specific courses that focus on this skill. For example, you can take the Email Marketing Certification Course by Hubspot, which is free and covers topics such as email strategy, design, deliverability, analytics and optimization. You can complete this course in about 3 hours and earn a certificate upon completion.
Assessor
Assessors evaluate the relevance and quality of various types of content and requests. They may work on websites, pages, calls-to-action, customer service levels or other aspects of a brand’s online presence. This profession is not suitable for beginners as it requires a high level of expertise and judgement.
Demand. There are 111 job postings for assessors on LinkedIn right now. The demand for online assessors may be lower, as they face competition from automated tools and algorithms that can perform similar tasks.
Salary. Assessors can expect to earn between $40,000 and $80,000 per year.
Skills acquisition. There is no specific training required for this online profession, as it depends on the skills and knowledge of the assessor. An assessor is usually a former or current IT specialist who has a lot of experience and familiarity with online content and requests. They may also have some qualifications or certifications related to their field or industry.
TOP 5 Online Jobs in Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular and lucrative fields. It has a low entry barrier but also a high potential for income.
Affiliate Marketing Manager
This job implies promoting other people’s products or brands for a commission. It’s almost the same as being a digital marketing specialist, except affiliate marketers usually work independently. They have a flexible schedule and they can choose the amount and type of work or offers they want to take.
Demand. There are 146 job postings for affiliate marketing managers on LinkedIn. However, these are only for full-time employees, while most affiliate marketing specialists work as freelancers with selected offers. Therefore, the number of opportunities is virtually unlimited, as there is always work available in different niches and markets.
Salary. According to various sources, the average annual salary for an affiliate marketing manager varies from $40,000 to $60,000 annually for entry-level specialists, and $100,000 or more for experienced ones. Freelance affiliate marketers have no salary limit, as their income depends on their performance and results. Beginners can earn $1,000 to $2,000 per month, while specialists with more expertise – from $10,000.
Skills acquisition. To start as an affiliate marketing manager, you can learn the basic information from free sources online. You will need to understand how affiliate marketing works, how to choose the right offers and platforms, create landing pages and ads, track and analyse your campaigns, as well as scale and optimise your profits. Later on, you may benefit from taking some courses that teach you advanced strategies and techniques for affiliate marketing.
Buyer / Media Buyer
A buyer or a media buyer is similar to an affiliate marketer, but with a narrower focus. They specialise in paid promotion, which means buying advertising and setting up ad campaigns.
Demand. Linkedin shows only 81 available positions, as most of media buyers work as freelancers. The sky's the limit, as in the previous job review. You pick an offer and start working. Your income depends on the quantity and quality of your ad campaigns and your personal effort.
Salary. The average salary is the same as that of an affiliate marketer – $4,000 for a mid-level specialist.
Skills acquisition. You can start with free materials online and learn the ropes in 2 weeks (you need to master the ad managers of the selected platforms and the basics of targeting or working with influencers).
Dropshipper
Dropshipping is another way to make money online, but instead of sending traffic to someone else’s offer, you create your own online store. You don’t need to buy or store any products, because you order them from the real supplier after you get an order from a customer. There is no risk, because you only pay for what you sell.
Demand. There was only one job offer found on LinkedIn for dropshippers, since most of them also work independently. You can work with any product offer and there are plenty of them online.
Salary. On average, it is lower than that of affiliate marketers. But there is also no limit. The median value is $2,500.
Skills acquisition. It is more challenging to start, because you need to create or buy and manage an online store. That means you need some basic skills with HTML, CSS and the chosen CMS. You can acquire these skills in 1-2 months.
Farmer
A farmer is someone who creates and promotes fake accounts. They use them to boost an offer, a page, a community or a product image (with comments, likes, etc.).
Demand. There are no official job openings for this activity, because it is “grey” or shady. This activity violates the rules and policies of most platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc. If you are ready for the possible legal consequences – you can promote any offer very quickly with this method.
Salary. Farmers usually earn less than affiliate marketers, from $1,000 to $3,000. But you don’t need to improve your competence, the skill is purely practical.
Skills acquisition. You don’t need any training, you just need to buy or download some software, learn its features, choose a social network and an offer and start working. It takes one day to start.
Cloaker
Cloaking is a method of grey promotion that allows you to hide ad campaigns that violate the rules of the chosen platform. For example, to advertise betting companies on TikTok. The work is more technical than analytical. But it is also a form of affiliate marketing, just with a specific style. You spend less time on targeting and unique selling propositions and more time on spamming and creating new accounts (because your ad campaigns don’t last long).
Demand. Unlimited, as in all online professions related to affiliate marketing.
Salary. Often slightly lower than that of a pure marketer. Cloaking involves specific offers that are easier to work with, but also less profitable. The average figure is $3,000.
Skills acquisition. As in other online professions – you can start with some free sources online and study them. It takes 1-2 weeks to start. It is one of the best options for working from home with traffic.
TOP 5 Online Jobs in Design
The internet offers many opportunities for creative people to showcase their talents and earn money.
Web Designer, UX/UI Designer
This profession involves creating the website user interface, scripts and visual concept. It requires professional programming skills in at least one of the front-end development languages.
Demand. There are 653 remote job openings for web designers on LinkedIn, according to a recent search. This is a popular option for working from home, but it also has high standards and expectations.
Salary. The average salary for a web designer is $55,000 per year, but this can vary depending on the experience level, location and employer.
Skills acquisition. You need both professional training and natural talent to become a web designer. There are many online courses and programs that can help you learn web design skills and tools. For example, you can take the Web Design for Everybody specialisation on Coursera, which covers the basics of web development and coding. You can also enroll in the W3Cx Frontend Developer Program on edX4, which teaches you how to create responsive and interactive websites using HTML, CSS and JavaScript. These courses are free to audit, but you can pay a fee to get a certificate of completion.
Graphic Designer
Graphic design is a creative profession that involves developing visual concepts, creating brand identity and making sketches. A graphic designer is more of an artist than a programmer, unlike a web designer.
Demand. There are only 221 remote job offers for graphic designers on LinkedIn at the moment. Most employers prefer to hire graphic designers who can work on-site, rather than online.
Salary. The average annual salary for a graphic designer is between $40,000 and $81,000. Experienced specialists with great portfolios and impressive cases can expect to earn even more.
Skills acquisition. There are numerous online courses and programs on graphic design. For example, you can take the Graphic Design Specialization by CalArts on Coursera, which covers the core principles of visual design. Alternatively, you can find some free graphic design courses on websites like Alison or Skillshare. However, before you dive into graphic design, we recommend that you spend some time learning the practical skill of drawing. You can do this with free materials online or by taking a drawing course. This will help you develop your artistic sense and creativity.
Motion Designer
Motion design is the art of creating moving graphics. It is a step up from graphic design which only deals with static elements. However, many graphic designers also learn motion design skills, so there is not much demand for motion designers as a separate profession.
Demand. According to Linkedin search, there are only 16 remote job offers for motion designers. But it is worth noting that most motion designers work as freelancers, taking on short-term projects for animation creation.
Salary. A motion designer earns roughly the same amount as a graphic designer
Skills acquisition. To become a motion designer, you need to master both drawing and graphic design skills first. You can take online courses or watch YouTube tutorials to learn these skills. Then, you need to learn how to use software tools such as After Effects, Cinema 4D or Blender to create motion graphics. There are many online courses and programs that can teach you motion design skills and techniques. For example, you can take the Motion Graphics Courses by Online Motion Design School, which cover various topics from 2D animation to 3D production.
Game Designer
Game designers are responsible for creating the core concept of computer and mobile games. They design the gameplay system, level progression, interaction mechanics and sources of challenge and replay value. They also come up with the idea of the game and all the internal rules. However, they do not implement them, unlike a game developer.
Demand. Linkedin currently shows 253 remote job openings for game designers. But most of them are looking for a game developer who can also do game design.
Salary. The average annual salary for a game designer is $90,000. Of course, designers of AAA games earn much more, but you need a successful portfolio to become one of them.
Skills acquisition. You can find many online courses and programs that can teach you game design skills and tools, for example, on Coursera or Udemy. If you are really passionate about games and have a lot of original ideas, you may not need formal training. But remember, to realise your projects you will need either game development or programming skills.
3D Designer
3D designers create 3D models and animations for various purposes, such as games, movies or products. It is a creative job that requires artistic skills, software proficiency and experience.
Demand. The demand for 3D designers is relatively low in the current market. According to a recent search on Linkedin, there are only 57 remote job openings. This is because many companies that use 3D graphics prefer to hire graphic designers who can also do 3D work. However, there are some smaller tasks that require a dedicated 3D designer. Therefore, most 3D designers work as freelancers and take on short-term projects.
Salary. In-house 3D designers can expect to earn between $42,000 and $100,000 annually. Freelance 3D designers may have a lower average income, but they also have more flexibility and potential to earn more. The average hourly rate for a freelance 3D designer is $30, which translates to around $62,000 per year.
Skills acquisition. To become a 3D designer, you need to learn both the artistic and technical aspects of 3D modelling and animation. You can do this by taking online courses and programs that teach you the skills and tools you need. One of the best and popular options is the Complete Blender Creator: Learn 3D Modelling for Beginners course on Udemy, which covers the basics of Blender, a free and open-source software for creating 3D content. You can also explore other courses on Coursera, Skillshare or Udemy that focus on different aspects of 3D design, such as character modelling, environment design or game development.
Online Jobs in the Education Field
Education is a hot topic right now. There is a reason why we keep mentioning platforms like Coursera, Udemy and others. Learning is not only beneficial but also trendy, so online jobs in this field are highly sought-after.
Online Course Instructor / Tutor
The main role of online schools is to deliver remote classes via voice or video calls. Most online instructors and tutors work as freelancers, choosing their own hours and rates. However, they also need to have expertise in their subject area. The most popular fields are languages, math, science, business and IT.
Demand. There are 10,777 remote job openings for online course instructors and tutors on LinkedIn, according to a recent search. Most of them are offered by large online schools, but they may not have better conditions than freelancing.
Salary. The average salary for an online course instructor is $52,000 per year, but this can vary depending on the subject, experience and platform. The average hourly rate for an online tutor is from $10 to $39 depending on the subject. In freelancing, your income depends on your knowledge and reputation. For example, a math tutor who prepares students for Olympiads can charge up to $50 per hour, which translates to $8,000 per month if they work full-time.
Skills acquisition. To work as an online course instructor or tutor, you usually need a degree or certification in your subject area. You also need to have good communication and presentation skills, as well as the ability to use online tools and platforms. You can find some online courses and programs that can help you improve your teaching skills and methods.
Online School Manager
These specialists handle the administrative and operational tasks of an online school. They are responsible for finding and hiring teachers, assigning classes and duties, facilitating communication and maintaining the website. In small projects, the manager may also be involved in marketing the site and attracting new customers.
Demand. According to Linkedin search, there are only 24 remote job openings that match the request for an online school manager. The rest are related positions, such as managers for corporate clients or online learning platforms.
Salary. The average salary for an online school manager is $62,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on the size and scope of the project and the experience level of the manager. In small projects, the annual salary is between $40,000 and $60,000. In large projects, such managers can earn up to $90,000 a year or more.
Skills acquisition. To become an online school manager, you do not need to have a specific degree or certification. However, you do need to have some skills and knowledge in management, education and online tools. You can learn these skills by taking some online courses or programs that cover topics such as management fundamentals, online education strategies and website development. You do not need to look for courses that are specifically designed for online school managers (and you may not find them anyway).
Academic Writer
Academic writer is a type of writer who specialises in writing academic papers, such as essays, theses and dissertations. To be an academic writer, you need to have a strong background and a degree in your subject area. You also need to have experience in writing long and complex papers in a timely manner.
Demand. There are only 14 remote job openings for academic writers on Linkedin. However, most academic writers work as freelancers on online platforms. They also may be hired by online schools to create courses or materials.
Salary. The average salary for an academic writer is $23 per hour. But this can vary depending on the subject, level and deadline of the paper. In-house writers can expect to earn between $17 and $25. Freelance writers may have a higher income potential, but they also have to find their own clients and deal with seasonal fluctuations in demand.
Skills acquisition. To become an academic writer, you need to have a degree or certification in your subject area. You also need to have good writing and research skills, as well as the ability to use academic writing and citation styles.
Online Jobs in Management
Management jobs are diverse and challenging. Online managers often have to perform multiple tasks, such as acquiring customers, increasing traffic, promoting products, optimising workflows and analysing data.
Traffic Manager
Traffic manager is a jack-of-all-trades for online businesses. They are responsible for attracting and retaining users to the website, launching and managing advertising campaigns on various platforms, working with influencers on the internet and measuring the effectiveness of their strategies. However, there is no clear definition of what a traffic manager does, as they may also take on the roles of an internet marketer, a targeting specialist or even an arbitrageur.
Demand. According to a recent search on LinkedIn, there are 180 remote job openings for traffic managers. However, most of the employers are looking for a traffic manager because they do not have dedicated marketers or targetologists who can handle such a large scope of duties.
Salary. The average salary for a traffic manager is around $75,000 per year. In-house traffic managers can expect to earn between $60,100 and $98,500. However, you need to have a very strong portfolio to land such a position in a reputable brand.
Skills acquisition. To become a traffic manager, you need to learn various skills and tools related to online marketing, targeting, SMM and CPA promotion. You can find some online courses and programs that can teach you these skills. You do not need to enroll in separate programs for each skill.
Project Manager / Product Manager
Project manager oversees the launch and support of a project at all stages, from initiation to closure. These managers often work in the IT field, so they need to have some IT knowledge as well as management skills. For example, they need to be able to communicate effectively with both programmers and customers.
Product manager is someone who is responsible for the product or idea, rather than the project. They also conduct market analysis, develop marketing strategies and define the product vision and roadmap. The income level for both professions is similar and depends on the experience, industry and location.
Demand. There is a high demand for project and product managers who can work remotely. Recent search on Linkedin shows that there are more than 2,000 remote job openings for both roles.
Salary. In general, both professions can earn between $60,000 and $180,000 per year. To earn more, you need to have a strong portfolio of successful projects or products.
Skills acquisition. To become a project manager or a product manager, you are usually required to have a degree or certification in your field of interest. You also need to have some skills and knowledge in management, communication, analysis and design. You can find some online courses and programs that can teach you these skills. For example, you can take the Google Project Management Professional Certificate on Coursera, which covers the fundamentals of project management and prepares you for the PMP certification exam. You can also take the Digital Product Management Specialization by University of Virginia on Coursera, which covers the basics of product management and agile software development. These courses are paid, but you can get a certificate of completion.
E-commerce Manager
E-commerce managers monitor online sales and marketing of a product range through various platforms, such as Amazon, eBay, Shopify, etc. They are different from arbitrageurs, who buy low and sell high on different marketplaces. An e-commerce manager has more specific skills and responsibilities, such as managing inventory, pricing, promotions, customer service and analytics.
Demand. There are only 75 remote job openings for e-commerce managers on Linkedin. This may be due to the fact that many e-commerce businesses prefer to hire in-house managers who can work closely with other teams and departments.
Salary. The salary range for an e-commerce manager is from $45,000 to $79,000 per year.
Skills acquisition. You need to have some basic knowledge and skills in e-commerce, marketing, sales and online tools. You can find some free information and resources online that can help you learn the fundamentals of e-commerce. We do not recommend taking paid programs, as they may not be worth the investment. You can start working as an e-commerce manager in 2-3 months if you are diligent and motivated.
Account Manager
Account managers maintain and develop relationships with the clients of a company or an organisation. They provide advice, support, solutions and feedback to the clients, as well as negotiate deals and contracts. They also follow up with the clients to ensure their satisfaction and loyalty and to generate referrals and recommendations.
Demand. There is a high demand for account managers who can work remotely. According to a recent search on LinkedIn, there are almost 4,000 remote job openings for account managers worldwide.
Salary. The average annual salary for an account manager is $67,000. However, there is also the average commission (around $18,000 per year) which adds to their base salary. In-house account managers can expect to earn between $40,000 and $100,000. Freelance specialists may have a lower or higher income potential, depending on their client base and reputation.
Skills acquisition. You need to have some skills and knowledge in sales, marketing, communication and customer service. For example, you can take the Sales Management Specialization by IE Business School on Coursera, which covers the fundamentals of sales management and account management. You can also enroll in the Account Management Course by Udemy, which teaches you how to manage key accounts and grow your business.
Online Jobs in IT
We have finally reached our number one spot on the list of the highest-paid and most sought-after professions in the online market. However, this field is not for the faint of heart – it requires a specific mindset, a wide range of knowledge and skills and a high level of intelligence.
System Administrator
This profession may seem like an odd choice, as it has relatively low salaries and a low barrier to entry. A system administrator is an employee who ensures that all the software in an organisation runs smoothly. They are responsible for installing software, engines, configuring the internal network, updating, troubleshooting and so on. They are the jack of all trades in the IT world.
Demand. Moderate, 583 open positions on Linkedin, as these tasks can often be delegated to other IT staff or outsourced to third-party providers.
Salary. Annual salary for system administrators varies from $65,000 to $75,000.
Skills acquisition. Relevant higher education degree is necessary, as well as certifications in various technologies and platforms such as Linux, Windows, VMware, Cisco, etc.
Programmer
The cream of the crop. Programmers can specialise in various fields, such as web development, game development, desktop development, etc. The most in-demand field is web development, which is split into front-end and back-end. Front-end developers create the part of the application that is visible in the browser, while back-end developers handle the business logic of the application. A programmer must know one or more programming languages, such as C++, C#, Java, Go, PHP, Node.JS, Python, and so on, as well as the appropriate frameworks for each language. All programmers share a common trait – it is challenging to become a programmer and they are well-compensated for their skills.
Demand. There is no need to say much here, as there are more than 30,000 remote vacancies for programmers on Linkedin alone. And this does not include the fact that many programmers also work as freelancers or pursue personal projects (such as indie games for Steam).
Salary. Juniors can expect to earn between $40,000 and $60,000 per year, but after a year or two they reach middle level and their income rises to $60,000 and $90,000. Seniors, on the other hand, receive from $90,000 and $150,000 annually or more.
Skills acquisition. A relevant higher education degree can be an advantage, but it is not mandatory. However, taking courses can be very helpful. Moreover, they should not be the only source of learning. A programmer is valued for how much code they have actually written, not just for their theoretical knowledge. That’s why a programmer must constantly practise while learning. As a result, it takes on average about 1 year of training for 6-8 hours a day, 5 days a week to reach a strong junior level.
Mobile Application Developer (Android, iOS)
This is the second most popular field after web development. Generally, you need to know Kotlin or React to create mobile apps. However, some employers may have specific requirements. For example, some online jobs ask for mobile developers who can use C++1.
Demand. There are 1,192 remote jobs for mobile developers on Linkedin, but this is only for the online format. Offline work is often preferred to collaborate closely with the team.
Salary. Mobile developers earn slightly more than their web and desktop counterparts. But the difference is not significant. A junior can start at $40,000 per year, while a senior can expect to make $90,000 annually or more.
Skills acquisition. As in the previous profession, you can learn from courses, higher education or free online resources. But you also need to practise a lot. It may take at least one year to become a competent mobile developer.
Database Architect
This is an umbrella term for a number of online professions. Some examples are SQL developer, ETL developer and database administrator. But the most in-demand and relevant profession in this category is data scientist. There are also related professions such as data engineer and data analyst. All these professions involve working with databases, providing correct algorithms for sorting, searching, retrieving and storing data. Without them, servers on the internet would not function properly. Such a specialisation requires a strong foundation in mathematics.
Demand. Very high, according to Linkedin, there are almost 40,000 remote vacancies for data scientists worldwide.
Salary. Higher than web developers and most other programmers. Only machine learning engineers can surpass them in income. The median salary for mid-level data scientists is $125,000 per year, while juniors start at $105,000.
Skills acquisition. In addition to higher education, languages and frameworks, you will have to devote a lot of time to math itself. It may take at least 1,5-2 to have a good start in this position.
QA Engineer
It’s a programmer who tests and debugs other people’s code. This may seem like a tedious job, but it is considered easier than full-fledged development. However, these specialists also write code to automate and optimise the testing process of a particular code. Therefore, they are still full-fledged programmers, just with different tasks.
Demand. Quite high, there are almost 1,200 remote jobs for QA engineers on Linkedin.
Salary. Moderate, slightly lower than other programmers, but a mid-level QA engineer can earn $88,000 per year on average. And seniors in large product companies can make up to $158,000 annually. Juniors start with $64,000.
Skills acquisition. The same steps as a regular developer, nothing is reduced.
DevOps Engineer
This is a unique group of programmers. DevOps engineers are involved in software product development, ensuring that it aligns with the actual business needs. They automate the processes of building and deploying software and integrate it into the enterprise system. They need to have both coding and management skills.
Demand. Quite high, there are 4,450 vacancies for DevOps engineers on Linkedin.
Salary. A tricky question. DevOps engineers themselves earn less than other programmers. But the catch is that there are almost no juniors among them, as they are often seniors who have transitioned from pure coding to management. And in many companies, DevOps is a team leader role. That’s why the salaries of such specialists range from $90,000 to $200,000 per year. A beginner in pure DevOps can expect to earn from $60,000 to $80,000.
Skills acquisition. You need to have a full-fledged training for a programmer in your chosen languages and frameworks and then take additional courses on management. Therefore, starting from scratch may take 1,5-2 years.
Machine Learning Engineer
This is a prestigious and challenging field of programming. It is entirely based on mathematics, so it is hard to master this online profession without a solid background in it (at the level of a graduate from a top university).
Demand. Good, Linkedin search shows more than 1,000 remote jobs for machine learning engineers.
Salary. Surprisingly, despite their elite status in the internal community, machine learning engineers do not earn higher salaries than other programmers. At least at the mid and senior levels. But juniors often start from $106,000 per year, which is rare in other programming areas.
Skills acquisition. The most difficult part is learning a specific language, such as Python, having an excellent knowledge of math and practising extensively. It may take 2 or even 3 years to become a competent machine learning engineer.
Cyber Security Specialist or “White Hat” Hacker
This is a type of programmer-analyst who specialises in finding and fixing security flaws in software systems. Unlike a QA engineer, who looks for errors that cause bugs or glitches, a cyber security specialist looks for vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious hackers.
Demand. There are not many remote job openings for cyber security specialists, according to LinkedIn, which shows only 366 listings. This may be due to the fact that this role requires a high level of trust and confidentiality, which may be harder to establish in a virtual setting.
Salary. The average salary for a cyber security specialist is $95,00 per year, which is quite high compared to other programming jobs. However, this also means that the expectations and qualifications for this role are higher as well. A cyber security specialist cannot be a beginner in the field, so they need to have some experience as a regular programmer first.
Skills acquisition. For the same reason, it is unrealistic to start working as a cyber security specialist right away (unless you are a self-taught prodigy who has been coding for years). Therefore, you should follow the usual steps to learn how to be a programmer first, such as taking online courses, doing projects and building a portfolio. Then, you can learn more about cyber security concepts and tools, such as encryption, firewalls, penetration testing and ethical hacking.
Finding Your Ideal Online Career
If you are looking for a suitable online job, you might want to take some career assessment tests. It’s a quick and easy way to evaluate your psychological and intellectual traits. These tests can help you find out what kind of work you are cut out for. Let’s review some of them:
CareerOneStop: This is an online portal that offers a free interest assessment to help you explore careers that match your interests. You can also learn about the skills, outlook and education requirements for any occupation or industry. Additionally, you can find training programs, scholarships and jobs that suit your career goals.
MyPlan.com: This website offers a comprehensive career assessment that measures your personality, interests, skills and values. The test takes about 20 minutes to complete and costs $19.95 for the full report. You can also take a free sample test to get a glimpse of your results.
iSeek "Clusters": This is a free online survey that lets you rate activities you enjoy, your personal qualities and school subjects you like. Then you can see which career clusters are a match for your interests. A career cluster is a group of occupations that share common features or skills.
MyNextMove: This is a free online tool that helps you explore careers based on your interests, skills and education level. You can also search for careers by industry or keyword. The tool provides information about the typical tasks, wages, outlook and education requirements for each occupation.
MAPP Test: This is one of the most popular career tests in the world. It measures your motivations, aptitudes, preferences and personality traits. The test takes about 22 minutes to complete and provides a free basic report. You can also purchase a more detailed report available in package options (the prices vary from $89.95 to $149.95).
Holland Code Career Test: This is a free online test that helps you identify your personality type based on the Holland Code model. The Holland Code is a theory that classifies people into six categories: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional. Each category corresponds to different types of careers that suit your personality.
Online Professions of the Future: the Most Promising and Relevant ones
Choosing your future profession wisely means considering the trends and demands of the time. We have compiled a list of online jobs that are likely to grow in popularity and relevance in the next 5-10 years.
Cybersecurity specialist. Software and databases that store client information are essential for every business nowadays. However, they also pose a risk of data breaches that can compromise the security and privacy of customers and companies. For example, some of the largest data breaches in history involved Yahoo, Facebook and Marriott. Therefore, cybersecurity is a crucial factor for the present and the future, and specialists who can protect data and systems from hackers are in high demand.
AI specialist. Artificial intelligence is changing the way we program and create customer service. With platforms like Microsoft AI and others, AI applications can be developed and deployed faster and easier. The AI segment is constantly expanding, and so is the need for online professionals who can design and implement AI solutions, such as voice assistants, chatbots and machine learning models.
IoT architect. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical devices, sensors and software that can communicate and exchange data over the internet. IoT has gained more attention with the rise of crypto and ICO projects that focus on IoT. The Internet of Things requires both IT experts and microelectronics engineers who can design, build and maintain IoT systems.
Gamemaker. The indie games market has grown 14 times in the last 10 years. With platforms like Steam that allow developers to freely launch their projects and engines like Unity that simplify game creation, the opportunities for indie developers are almost limitless. Gamemakers are online professionals who can create engaging and original games for various platforms and audiences.
VR/AR developer. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are the new frontiers in the gaming industry as well as in many entertainment applications. VR and AR create immersive experiences that can transport users to different worlds or enhance their perception of reality. These technologies are attracting massive investments and developers who can create VR and AR applications are highly sought-after online professionals.
Types of Scams: What Online Jobs Do Not Exist
Many people want to make money online. And some job seekers think that money is easy to come by online and they don’t need to work hard. Scammers take advantage of this naive belief and create fake professions.
What professions are scams:
Managers for creating and implementing courses on how to make money;
Traders or investors who use “miraculous” programs;
Webmasters who generate income from hundreds of micro-sites through contextual advertising (a common scheme);
Game boosters (they do exist, but they are either professional players or private individuals);
Distributors in network marketing or pyramid schemes (you will only waste time and money).
Signs of a Fraudulent Recruiter
It is not difficult to spot a fake job ad or offer. Pay attention to the following factors that indicate a scam:
Any form of payment, such as fees, insurance, initial micro-investments, etc.;
The requirement to undergo free (but useless) and lengthy training;
Large unpaid test tasks;
The emphasis on the benefits of a luxurious life and high earnings, but the lack of specific details about the work;
The instruction to follow an algorithm, blindly pressing buttons;
The claim that “you don’t need to learn anything” for a new profession. Learning is always necessary;
Grammatical errors in the ads;
The absence of information about the company or individual on Google or in the Unified State Register of Legal Entities.
Conclusion
As you can see, the highest paying professions online are in the IT field. However, they also require extensive training and a certain mindset. The lowest-paying options for beginners are usually related to management and administration, but they also have a low entry barrier. The most balanced online professions are related to affiliate marketing. They allow you to earn a decent salary from the start and the learning curve is very fast – 1-4 weeks.
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