As the popularity of remote work soars, individuals pursuing degrees can choose fields that lend themselves to work-at-home jobs. Those trained for jobs with a high degree of public interaction, such as nursing, can find ways to use their education for jobs based at home or other offsite locations.
If you want to work remotely, you may be wondering what qualifications you need. Do you need a specific degree? What degrees are the most in demand for remote work?
In this article, we will share everything you need to know about the best degrees for remote work. Keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
What Are The Benefits Of Working Remotely?
If you’ve never worked remotely, you may wonder if it’s really worth it. Are there any benefits? There are so many benefits of working remotely! Here are some of the top benefits of working remotely:
- Better work-life balance. Many remote jobs come with flexibility and control over your schedule, which leads to a better work-life balance!
- No commuting. Eliminate your stressful commute!
- Work from where you want. You can work from virtually anywhere you would like!
- Money savings. Save money on gas, car expenses, and pricey lattes (unless you drink them when you do your work in a coffee shop or run out for them!)
- The ability to customize your workspace. Pick your chair, desk, and design your office space to your liking.
- Increased productivity. When you aren’t interrupted by coworkers stopping to chat, you can be more focused and, in turn, be more productive.
Does Remote Work Pay Well?
Yes, remote work does pay well. According to PayScale, employees who work remotely make 1.9% more than non-remote employees.
Additionally, according to Owl Labs, 26% of remote workers are earning $100,000+ per year.
What Are The Best Degrees For Remote Work?
If you want a work-from-home career, here are some of the most in-demand degrees to consider.
Nursing
A nursing degree can allow you to work on-site in a hospital, clinic or other health care setting, but can also allow you to work remotely. Here are some of the top work-from-home jobs you could pursue with a nursing degree:
- Medical writing
- Remote clinical research nurse
- Telehealth nurse
- Case manager
- Nurse educator
- Clinical appeals nurse
Early Childhood Education
An associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education can provide you with the opportunity to work in-person with children, but there are also options for remote opportunities, including:
- Daycare director
- Tutor
- Lesson plan developer
- English tutor
Graphic Design
A graphic design degree is another degree that can be used in office settings or remotely. Traditionally, many graphic designers worked from office settings, but this is a specialization that can easily be done from home. Here are some ways graphic design can be used in a remote setting:
- Web developer
- Web designer
- Graphic designer
- Art director
- Freelance graphic designer
- Logo designer
Communications
A communications degree can be used across many different career paths. These communications roles can be used both onsite and in remote positions:
- Editor
- Writer
- Social media manager
- Public relations specialist
- Freelance editor or writer
- Technical writer
- Digital marketing or online marketing
- Creative writing
Computer Science
A computer science degree can be used in so many ways! Before remote work was popular, many individuals with computer science degrees worked in office settings. Now there are so many opportunities to use computer science degrees remotely:
- Software developer
- Information systems manager
- Information technology
- Computer network architect
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is also a great degree for remote work. In the past, cybersecurity roles were performed outside of offices. Now, individuals with cybersecurity degrees can work remotely in roles like these:
- Information security analyst
- Network and computer systems administrator
- Computer or information systems Manager
- Computer systems analyst
- Database administrator or architect
What Major Has The Most Remote Jobs?
The information technology (IT), computer science and cybersecurity majors seem to have the most remote job opportunities. If you have any interest in the tech field, there are many careers available!
What Is The Highest Paying Remote Job?
One of the highest-paying remote jobs is a data scientist. According to Payscale, data scientists have an average salary of $98,000. According to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics, data scientists can earn $100,000+ per year.
Data scientists are in high demand. If you want to become a data scientist, start by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, or computer science. Develop the 5 big skills in the industry: programming languages, machine learning, data visualization, big data, and communication,
Built experience in jobs with titles such as data analyst, business intelligence analyst, statistician, or data engineer to prepare you for data science jobs.
Do I Need A Degree To Work Remotely?
No, you do not need a college degree to work remotely! There are many jobs that can be performed from home that require no degree and sometimes even no experience!
Keep in mind that most entry jobs do not start out at the level listed, but given the right opportunity, the position can be as lucrative as noted. Being considered for top-paying positions may require considerable experience, training, and education.
Here are some of the high-paying remote jobs without a degree:
Virtual Assistant
Median Annual Salary: $75,000 per year
Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Work Experience In A Related Occupation: None
Number Of Jobs: 3,413,600
Job Outlook: -8% (decline)
Remote Travel Agent
Median Annual Salary: $47,462 per year
Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Work Experience in A Related Occupation: None
Number Of Jobs: 46,200
Job Outlook: 20% (much faster than average)
Copywriting
Median Annual Salary: $69,000 per year
Typical Education: Though some roles list a bachelor’s degree as a requirement, many copywriters are self-taught. If you can prove you have the writing chops, no degree is needed for writing about many fields!
Work Experience In A Related Occupation: None
Number Of Jobs: 142,800
Job Outlook: 4% (as fast as average)
Though the pandemic fueled a lot of remote work opportunities, those remote roles are here to stay. There are many remote opportunities for both full-time or part-time positions. If you’re interested in working from home, there is no better time than now to get started!
