Who doesn’t want to work from home? Maybe you have a child or a beloved pet. Maybe you just prefer not to wear pants. The good news is there are many entry-level remote roles that pay well and don’t always require formal credentials.
Some of these positions can get you started right away.
1. Customer Service Representative
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Average pay: $35,413
Job growth rate: -1 percent
Why you should become a Customer Service Representative
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Many large companies now hire remote customer service reps. These roles typically use digital phone lines or chat systems so you can help customers from home. While pay is modest, the schedule flexibility and remote setup make this a popular entry-level option.
Why you shouldn’t become a Customer Service Representative
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Customer service often involves helping unhappy people. If you take complaints personally or don’t handle stressful interactions well, this job may be draining.
2. Technical Support / Help Desk
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Average pay: $43,265
Job growth rate: 9 percent
Why you should become Technical Support
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Entry-level tech support roles often require only basic tech knowledge and problem-solving skills rather than a full IT background. Companies regularly hire remote tech support, and gaining certifications can increase your earning potential and career options.
Why you shouldn’t become Technical Support
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If small tech mistakes make you frustrated or angry, this role can be stressful. Patience and a calm demeanor are important.
3. Online Moderator
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Average pay: $39,809
Why you should become an Online Moderator
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Moderators keep forums and social platforms safe and friendly by enforcing guidelines and removing inappropriate content. If you enjoy online communities and clear communication, this can be satisfying work.
Why you shouldn’t become an Online Moderator
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Moderating large, active communities can feel overwhelming. If exposure to heated debates and toxic content stresses you out, this may not be the best fit.
4. Data Entry
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Average pay: $30,000
Job growth rate: 2 percent
Why you should become a Data Entry Clerk
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Fast, accurate typing is key. Data entry jobs exist across industries and are often contract-based, paying by productivity. If you type quickly and enjoy repetitive, focused work, this can be a reliable remote option.
Why you shouldn’t become a Data Entry Clerk
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If you can’t maintain a high typing speed (around 50 WPM or more) or don’t have an ergonomic workspace, this job can be inefficient and harmful to your health over time.
5. Proofreading
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Average pay: $53,157
Job growth rate: 7.5 percent
Why you should become a Proofreader
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Proofreading requires a sharp eye for spelling, grammar and consistency. Many remote proofreading roles require passing tests rather than formal degrees. With strong attention to detail, you can earn a competitive income and possibly move into editing.
Why you shouldn’t become a Proofreader
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If you miss obvious errors or struggle with focus on fine details, proofreading will be difficult. The role demands meticulousness.
6. Chat Agent
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Average pay: $26,702
Job growth rate: -1 percent
Why you should become an Online Chat Agent
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Chat agents provide customer support via text-based chat rather than phone. This role can be done from anywhere with a steady internet connection and suits people who prefer typing responses over speaking on calls.
Why you shouldn’t become an Online Chat Agent
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Automation and AI are transforming chat support, so long-term job security can be uncertain. Also, the pay is typically lower than many other remote roles.
7. Online Researcher
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Average pay: $41,563
Job growth rate: 4 percent
Why you should become an Online Researcher
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Online researchers verify facts and gather information for reports, whitepapers, museums or content teams. If you enjoy digging into reliable sources and verifying details, this role can be rewarding and flexible.
Why you shouldn’t become an Online Researcher
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If you often share unverified claims or dislike meticulous checking, this job will be frustrating. Research work demands accuracy and skepticism.
8. Translator
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Average pay: $60,118
Job growth rate: 24 percent
Why you should become an Online Translator
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Knowing a second language can qualify you for translation work. Translators convert written or spoken content between languages. Rates vary—experienced translators earn much more—but starting roles are widely available and help maintain language skills.
Why you shouldn’t become an Online Translator
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If you’re not truly fluent or comfortable with idioms and cultural nuance, translation work will be difficult and may lead to mistakes. High-quality translation requires deep language proficiency.
9. Salesperson
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Average pay: $42,590
Job growth rate: 3 percent
Why you should become an Online Sales Professional
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Remote sales roles can involve following up with interested leads, answering product questions, and closing deals. You don’t always need prior sales experience—good communication and problem-solving skills go a long way.
Why you shouldn’t become an Online Sales Professional
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If you don’t enjoy persuasion or dealing with rejection, sales roles will be unpleasant. Choose a role that aligns with your temperament and strengths.
10. Captioner
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Average pay: $54,377
Job growth rate: 3 percent
Why you should become an Online Captioner
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Captioners create subtitles for videos, TV shows and films. Strong listening skills and accurate, fast typing increase earnings. Many captioning jobs are freelance and flexible.
Why you shouldn’t become an Online Captioner
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Poor typing accuracy or slow speed will limit your success. Take a typing test before committing to this path.
11. Voice Acting
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Average pay: $76,297
Job growth rate: 32 percent
Why you should become a Voice Actor
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Voice acting is creative and can be done from a home studio with a quality microphone. Projects range from commercials and audiobooks to animation. Rates vary, and dedicated voice actors can build lucrative careers.
Why you shouldn’t become a Voice Actor
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Breaking into voice acting often requires unpaid or low-paid work at first, plus long hours and voice strain. The workflow can be inconsistent, so it’s not ideal if you need steady income right away.
12. Call Center Agent
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Average pay: $29,445
Job growth rate: -1 percent
Why you should become a Call Center Agent
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If you enjoy talking with people and have strong communication skills, part-time call center work is an accessible way to earn from home with flexible hours.
Why you shouldn’t become a Call Center Agent
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Cold-calling or interrupting people at home may feel intrusive. If that bothers you, consider other remote options or sales roles with different approaches.
13. Travel Agent
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Average pay: $58,627
Job growth rate: 5 percent
Why you should become a Travel Agent
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Travel agents help plan trips, book flights, hotels and activities, and advise clients on itineraries. Working with happy customers planning vacations can be an enjoyable role for people who like travel and logistics.
Why you shouldn’t become a Travel Agent
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Many customers now book travel independently, so this field is changing. Success depends on building relationships and offering specialized knowledge or convenience that users can’t easily find themselves.
14. Virtual Assistant
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Average pay: $63,501
Why you should become a Virtual Assistant
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Virtual assistants perform administrative tasks remotely—scheduling, email management, light data entry and research. Clients range from busy professionals to small businesses. Strong organization and reliability are essential, and experienced virtual assistants can earn significantly more.
Why you shouldn’t become a Virtual Assistant
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If you struggle with time management or staying organized, this role will be difficult. Clients expect consistent responsiveness and trustworthiness.
15. Transcriptionist
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Average salary: $61,954
Job growth rate: 3 percent
Why you should become a Transcriptionist
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Transcriptionists convert audio into written form. Specialties include medical and legal transcription, which can pay more with the right training. Fast, accurate typing and good listening skills are crucial.
Why you shouldn’t become a Transcriptionist
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Inability to hear audio clearly or frequent typing errors will make this job difficult. Try a transcription test to evaluate your readiness.
16. Survey Taker
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Average pay: $52,791
Why you should become a Survey Taker
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Paid surveys and market research panels allow you to earn by sharing opinions. Some specialized or video-based surveys pay higher amounts. Though it’s unlikely to replace a full-time salary for most people, it can be a flexible supplemental income source.
Why you shouldn’t become a Survey Taker
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Surveys usually pay modestly. To reach a meaningful income you must be highly dedicated and spend many hours completing surveys, which can become monotonous.
17. Online Mystery Shopper
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Average pay: $41,611
Why you should become an Online Mystery Shopper
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Mystery shoppers evaluate websites and phone interactions, reporting on user experience and service quality. Pay is typically hourly, and with consistent work it can be a modest full-time income.
Why you shouldn’t become an Online Mystery Shopper
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If you’re uncomfortable posing as a regular customer or reporting candidly on experiences, you may not enjoy this role. Hourly pay tends to be modest compared with other remote jobs.
18. Writer
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Average pay: $62,553
Job growth rate: 9 percent
Why you should become an Online Writer
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Writing lets you turn knowledge and creativity into income. Freelance platforms and job boards offer project-based and steady roles. If you enjoy research and crafting clear prose, writing is a flexible remote career.
Why you shouldn’t become an Online Writer
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If you dislike writing or find it a chore, this career won’t be enjoyable. Success requires persistence and often building a portfolio over time.
19. Website Tester
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Average pay: $53,221
Why you should become a Website Tester
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Website testers identify usability problems and bugs by intentionally testing sites and apps. This QA work can be interesting for people who enjoy problem-solving and can lead to other tech roles.
Why you shouldn’t become a Website Tester
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If you prefer stable, unchanging tasks, deliberately trying to break things will be frustrating. Testers need curiosity and a methodical mindset.
20. Vlogger
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Average pay: $83,916
Why you should become a Vlogger
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Vlogging allows you to build a public presence and monetize content through ads, sponsorships and product sales. If you enjoy being on camera and sharing content regularly, vlogging can grow into a highly profitable venture.
Why you shouldn’t become a Vlogger
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Being visible online involves privacy trade-offs and ongoing public scrutiny. If you dislike consistent public engagement or can’t maintain a content schedule, vlogging may not suit you.
21. Search Engine Evaluator
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Average pay: $53,218
Why you should become a Search Engine Evaluator
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Evaluators assess search results for relevance and quality, flagging incorrect or irrelevant pages. This quality-assurance role suits people who enjoy research and careful judgment.
Why you shouldn’t become a Search Engine Evaluator
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If you dislike searching for information or need explicit instruction rather than independent judgment, this role may not match your strengths.
Now that you know what to do… where could you work?
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Once you’ve chosen an entry-level remote job that suits your skills, think about the environment you want to work in. Some cities and regions are particularly friendly to remote workers thanks to coworking spaces, strong internet infrastructure and lifestyle benefits.
With focused effort—building a portfolio, taking relevant tests or short courses, and tailoring your resume—you can turn these entry-level remote roles into a sustainable work-from-home career.