At Remotive, we have always been at the heart of the remote work revolution.
2020 was the year that changed everything in more ways than one.
The work landscape has changed dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic, with remote work finally taking center stage.
For example, the proportion of paid workdays performed remotely in the U.S. alone jumped from 7% in 2019 to 28% by 2023. (Source: Statista)
A McKinsey report highlights that 87% of workers now prioritize flexible work options, with remote work playing a major role in their decisions.
2023 was a challenging year for tech. Many tech companies laid off thousands of workers, and the layoffs are sadly not over. There's been a steady decline in remote roles and a growing demand.
Here's a handy article about cracking the code of the remote job search in 2024.
But let's not despair:
Remote work isn't going anywhere. And tech jobs are still among the highest-paying jobs in 2024. Looking at you, project managers, and software engineers. 👀
So, we asked experts from different industries, not just tech, about the most in-demand remote jobs in their respective fields and what skills you need to stand out.
The Rising Demand for Remote Talent Across Industries
Jared Brown, CEO of Hubstaff, which primarily serves companies with fully remote workforces, told us that his company is focused on supporting businesses with fully remote teams, which gives them a unique view of the trends in remote work.
He noted that while tech roles remain strong, many of his customers in other sectors have fully embraced digital transformation.
Industries like e-commerce, outsourcing, accounting, and software development are a few where demand is increasing significantly and showing no sign of slowing down.
This is all evidenced by Hubstaff's growth as more companies seek workforce analytics solutions to manage and support the productivity of their fully remote teams.
According to Jared, business owners know what makes remote teams successful: they are highly communicative, have outstanding time-management skills and self-discipline, and are tech-savvy. And, of course, they look for workers who embody those traits.
The Ongoing and Growing Demand for Remote Software Developers
Alari Aho, CEO and founder of Toggl, which offers apps for simple time tracking and effective project planning, told us that his understanding of the remote work landscape, especially in tech, is grounded in hands-on experience and the extensive data gathered through Toggl's productivity tools.
Alari tells us that:
The demand for remote jobs within the tech industry has been and continues to be incredibly high. This trend was already on the rise but was significantly accelerated by the global pandemic. Companies have realized the benefits of reduced overhead costs and access to a wider talent pool. From startups to major corporations, businesses are increasingly adopting remote work policies.
In the tech industry, software developers are the most popular remote job. This popularity stems from the nature of the work, which can be done effectively from anywhere with a reliable internet connection.
Additionally, software developers' roles are crucial as businesses digitize and enhance their online services.
According to data from various industry surveys, the average salary for remote software developers ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and location.
Software developers need strong technical skills, including proficiency in languages like Python, JavaScript, and Ruby. Familiarity with frameworks, databases, and version control tools like Git is essential. In addition to these, remote developers must excel in communication, time management, and collaboration in virtual environments. Problem-solving abilities and a commitment to continuous learning are key to adapting to new technologies.
Data Science, Cybersecurity, and AI in Focus
Greta Maiocchi, head of Marketing and Recruitment at the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT, an EU-accredited higher education institution in Computer Science), says the most popular remote job right now is data scientist.
Why? Companies are continually looking to gain insights from increasingly larger data pools, thus data scientists have become significant assets.
According to Greta, the average salary for these roles is around $100,000 to $130,000 per annum.
The key skills for a data science role include proficiency in programming languages like Python or R, understanding of database structures, and skill at problem-solving and statistical analysis. A deep knowledge of machine learning and algorithms is also essential.
OPIT predicts a surge in demand for cybersecurity and AI roles in 2024 and 2025, given the focus on data security in an increasingly digital world and the continued advancements in AI technology.
Mastery of cloud computing, cybersecurity protocols, and AI programming could enhance employability. In addition to OPIT, many learning resources online are free or for little money. Check out Coursera, for example. I've done a few free courses myself with them.
Thriving as a Remote Health IT Consultant
The most popular remote job in the health industry is Health IT Consultant. This is a vital role, as IT consultants help medical practices implement and optimize electronic health records (EHR) systems, told us Thomas Medlin, co-founder at JumpMD.
There is a strong demand for remote jobs in healthcare. The flexibility and cost savings are appealing to both employers and employees. Additionally, remote work enables access to a broader talent pool, enhancing the quality of hires.
Thomas suggests that those interested in remote health IT roles should start by gaining relevant certifications and experience, focusing on certifications like Certified Professional in Health Information Technology (CPHIT) and hands-on experience with EHR systems.
Participating in industry forums and groups will help candidates stay connected and informed, and developing a solid understanding of healthcare workflows will enhance your effectiveness in these roles.
Skills needed for a Health IT Consultant include knowledge of EHR systems, data analysis, and regulatory compliance. Strong communication skills are crucial, as these professionals must explain complex systems to medical staff. Problem-solving abilities and project management experience are also essential. Technical proficiency and the ability to adapt to evolving healthcare technologies are key to success in this role.
Global Opportunities in Remote SEO Careers
Victor Karpkenko, founder of SEOProfy (a digital marketing agency focused on search engine optimization), told us, "The great thing about digital marketing, specifically SEO, is that trained professionals can be found worldwide."
From content writers to project managers, the popularity of these roles is rooted in the continued importance of digital presence for businesses and the value that organic traffic brings. Depending on their specific task, salaries can range from about $30,000 to $70,000 annually.
If you want to stand out in this field, adds Victor, you must know the latest SEO algorithms and updates, understand the basics of keyword research, and have a solid knowledge of both international and regional SEO trends. You also need strong analytical skills to adjust strategies as you interpret data effectively.
James Taylor, an SEO Strategist working for Embryo, an independent search-first marketing agency, says that "while almost any role in our industry can be done remotely, particularly popular roles that are fully remote are usually the more technical 'behind-the-scenes' roles, such as Digital Ads Strategists or SEO Specialists.
These roles require a high level of in-depth knowledge and expertise but are not usually client-facing. They involve highly focused individual work and lend themselves well to a remote environment."
Project Management Takes Center Stage
Maxime Bouillon, co-founder & CEO of Archie, a software solution for flexible workspaces, says that the most in-demand remote jobs in 2024 and 2025 will include document reviewers, project managers, software developers, customer support roles, and accountants.
These jobs offer full-time or part-time remote opportunities with salaries ranging from $55,951 to over $100,000.
Project management roles are particularly popular for remote work in the flexible workspace industry. Project managers with strong leadership, organization, and communication skills are essential for successful project delivery and can earn an average salary of $102,682 per year.
Project Managers are vital in managing remote teams and coordinating projects across different locations. To excel, candidates need strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills and the ability to use remote collaboration tools effectively.
Remote Careers in the Remote Recruiting Industry
Stephen Greet, CEO and co-founder of BeamJobs (offering free job search and resume tools), explains that there is a high demand for remote jobs in the HR industry.
Work-from-home talent acquisition specialists and virtual recruiters have similar roles with some key differences. A WFH Talent Acquisition Specialist focuses on acquiring and recruiting new remote talent for an organization. At the same time, a Virtual Recruiter may have a broader scope that includes sourcing, screening, and interviewing candidates for various positions within the company.
Within the HR sector, virtual recruiters are the most common remote employment. The growing necessity for businesses to draw in and retain top talent in a cutthroat labor market makes this position highly sought after.
Working remotely, virtual recruiters handle every step of the hiring process, from finding possible applicants to organizing interviews and doing preliminary screenings. Depending on experience, location, and industry, a virtual recruiter can make anywhere from ranges from $61,373 to $66,208 per year.
What are the essential skills for this position? Stephen says that strong interpersonal and communication abilities, experience with applicant tracking systems (ATS), understanding of recruitment best practices, and ability to assess candidates' qualifications and match them with appropriate employment opportunities are fundamental.
Fintech's Most In-Demand Remote Job: The Data Analyst
Jeffrey Zhou, CEO and Founder of Fig Loans, explains that "remote work allows us to tap into a wider talent pool, which boosts our decision-making and strategic planning. Hiring remotely gives us access to diverse perspectives and expertise, which helps us stay innovative and respond to market changes more effectively."
He says that there is a significant demand for remote jobs in fintech.
Right now, the most popular remote job in our industry is data analyst. These folks are key in helping us make informed decisions and shape our strategies. It's a crucial position (no surprise there) since they deal with loads of data to give us insights that drive growth and efficiency. Typically, a data analyst in fintech can expect to earn between $70,000 and $90,000, which shows how important this role is.
For someone to excel as a remote data analyst, they need strong analytical skills and proficiency with data tools. Being good with various data analysis software is a must, as is the ability to interpret complex data sets and turn them into actionable insights. Attention to detail and problem-solving skills are also very important.
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What are we missing? Are there any other remote roles that are piping hot this year? I'd love to hear from you: vic [at] remotive [dot] com.
