Virtual Vocations shares telecommuting career statistics in this report on the 2019 Best Remote Work Industries.
2019 Best Remote Work Industries Overview
Report Summary
Virtual Vocations’ list of the 2019 Best Remote Work Industries names the telecommuting career categories with the highest number of available remote job openings in the company’s database from January through June 2019.
The list was populated from Virtual Vocations site data and trending telecommuting job titles in each field. Virtual Vocations also researched job industry information related to projected job growth and salary trends from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Payscale, and Glassdoor.
CEO’s Statement
While many of the top industries for remote work have stayed the same from 2018, marketing and human services moved up this year, replacing management and translation roles for spots in the top 10.
Jobseekers looking for remote work can use this information as they drill down on positions that use their expertise. These rising industries are the perfect place to start your job search.
—Laura Spawn, CEO & Co-Founder, Virtual Vocations, Inc.
VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE 2019 BEST REMOTE WORK INDUSTRIES REPORT PDF
Top 20 Best Remote Work Industries of 2019
1. Information Technology
The computer and information technology industry hires workers to design and build data communication networks; write and test code that allows apps and programs to work properly; use specialized software to store and organize data, and provide help to users and organizations. The growing hiring emphasis in this industry is focused on jobs focused on cloud computing, information security, and data collection and storage, according to the BLS.
Job Title Examples:
- Remote Senior Cloud Software Developer
- Telecommute Senior Full Stack Engineer
- Virtual Senior Threat Researcher
Industry/Job Outlook: 12% growth from 2018 to 2028
Median Salary: $86,320 as of May 2018
View All Telecommute Information Technology Jobs at Virtual Vocations
2. Sales
The sales industry covers a wide range of occupations, including advanced-level positions that require formal education and extensive education, such as sales engineers and regional sales managers as well as more entry-level positions, like phone-based sales representatives, which do not have strict higher education requirements.
Job Title Examples:
- Telecommute Sales Account Manager
- Remote Presales Solutions Architect
- Remote Principal Consulting Engineer
Industry/Job Outlook: Little to no growth from 2018 to 2028
Median Salary: $28,180 as of May 2018—The median salary for sales positions is lower than the median annual wage of all occupations, partly due to cashiers and retail workers being included in this category; these jobs generally don’t require higher education degrees.
View All Telecommute Sales Jobs at Virtual Vocations
3. Healthcare
The healthcare industry is another field with wide-ranging opportunities, from support-based positions like home health aides and veterinary assistants to positions that require extensive education and advanced training, like nurses, physicians, and physical therapists. Due to our aging population, this industry is one that anticipates steady growth for the foreseeable future, and also offers a wide median salary range.
Job Title Examples:
- Telecommute Oncology Nurse Navigator
- Remote School Speech-Language Pathologist
- Remote Pharmacy Benefit Management Underwriting and Pricing Director
Industry/Job Outlook: 14% growth from 2018 to 2028
Median Salary Range: $29,740 for healthcare support occupations to $66,440 for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations as of May 2018
View All Telecommute Healthcare Jobs at Virtual Vocations
4. Account Management
Account managers are typically the main point of contact for a customer once the sales process is already complete. They are responsible for fostering the client relationship and help clients achieve their goals. While account managers might be included within the sales industry umbrella when it comes to industry growth predictions, salary information is based more on their post-sales focus of customer service, training, and product support.
Job Title Examples:
- Remote Clinical Account Manager
- Remote Major Accounts Manager
- Remote Client Management Associate Director
Industry/Job Outlook: Little to no growth from 2018 to 2028
Median Salary: $59,082 as of September 2019
View All Telecommute Account Management Jobs at Virtual Vocations
5. Project Management
Project managers initiate, plan, and organize projects from beginning to end, including troubleshooting and managing deadlines. While many project management positions are concentrated in the IT industry, other industries have their own project managers whose responsibilities and tasks are similar, but with perhaps a less technical focus. Additional project management-friendly industries include construction, finance, utilities, and oil and gas.
Job Title Examples:
- Remote Seller Implementation Project Manager
- Remote IT Associate Project Manager
- Telecommute Healthcare Human Capital Management Project Manager
Industry/Job Outlook: 31% growth from 2017 to 2027, which is the highest projected job growth among the remote work industries profiled on this list
Median Salary: $75,474 as of September 2019
View All Telecommute Project Management Jobs at Virtual Vocations
6. Customer Service
Customer service representatives manage order processing, resolve customer complaints, and provide information about products and services to customers. Customer service workers are needed in almost every industry, so the outlook remains positive for someone wanting a job using their communication and computer skills.
Job Title Examples:
- Virtual Customer Experience Coordinator
- Remote Customer Support Leader
- Telecommute Patient Services Representative
Industry/Job Outlook: 2% decline from 2018 to 2028
Median Salary: $33,750 as of May 2018
View All Telecommute Customer Service Jobs at Virtual Vocations
7. Consulting
Consultants, who are labeled by the BLS as “management analysts,” work across a wide variety of industries and focus on how to improve an organization’s efficiency. Working with management and leadership, they collaborate to identify ways to save costs and operate more effectively to improve revenue and profits.
Job Title Examples:
- Telecommute Senior Solution Consultant
- Remote Senior Security Consultant
- Remote JD Edwards Managed Services CNC Consultant
Industry/Job Outlook: 14% growth from 2018 to 2028
Median Salary: $83,610 as of May 2018
View All Telecommute Consulting Jobs at Virtual Vocations
8. Education
Enrollment at public elementary and secondary schools, as well as universities, is projected to increase, according to the BLS. The need for teachers at all of those levels will increase as a result. As more and more institutions explore online offerings as a way to reach more students, the need for remote teachers will also increase, from remote ESL teachers to professors and adjunct instructors at global universities.
Job Title Examples:
- Remote Online English Teacher
- Remote Cyber Security and Computer Science Faculty Member
- Telecommute Criminal Justice Teacher
Industry/Job Outlook: 5% growth from 2018 to 2028
Median Salary: $49,700 as of May 2018
View All Telecommute Education Jobs at Virtual Vocations
9. Marketing
Occupations in marketing usually require a college degree and the focus can be anything from advertising to promotion to marketing management in virtually any industry. In addition to working with internal departments like sales, graphic design, and finance, marketing professionals can also work with internal or external clients on creating projects and campaigns that promote products and services. As a result, the growth of these jobs is expected to increase as organizations continue to grow sales.
Job Title Examples:
- Telecommute Content Marketing Professional
- Remote Public Relations Head
- Virtual Advertising Analyst
Industry/Job Outlook: 8% growth from 2018 to 2028
Median Salary: $46,021 for marketing associates to $86,586 for marketing directors of September 2019
View All Telecommute Marketing Jobs at Virtual Vocations
10. Human Services
Much like healthcare, the need for human services workers is expected to steadily increase as the population ages and needs more care for the elderly. These areas could include rehabilitation, psychology, and social work services.
Job Title Examples:
- Virtual School Speech-Language Pathologist
- Telecommute Regional Behavioral Health Supervisor
- Remote School Social Worker
Industry/Job Outlook: 13% growth from 2018 to 2028
Median Salary: $33,750 as of May 2018
View All Telecommute Human Services Jobs at Virtual Vocations
11. Translation
The globalization of the business sector and an increase in the number of non-native English speakers in the United States means the demand for interpreters and translators is increasing, according to the BLS. Workers who have a native-level proficiency in two or more languages can find opportunities for remote translation work in healthcare, legal, and education career fields.
Job Title Examples:
- Remote Bilingual Turkish Translator
- Remote Bilingual Chadian Arabic Linguist
- Virtual Bilingual Haitian French Creole Interpreter
Industry/Job Outlook: 19% growth from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster job growth when compared to all other occupations
Median Salary: $49,930 as of May 2018
View All Telecommute Translation Jobs at Virtual Vocations
12. Management
The growth of management opportunities is expected to grow as new companies are started and other organizations continue to expand. Management positions are available in virtually every industry and most require a college degree, although foodservice and lodging could have management opportunities for workers who haven’t graduated from college.
Job Title Examples:
- Telecommute Department Supervisor
- Remote Tech and Operations Manager
- Remote Global Community and Developer Relations Head
Industry/Job Outlook: 7% growth from 2018 to 2028
Median Salary: $104,240 as of May 2018
View All Telecommute Management Jobs at Virtual Vocations
13. Teaching
Rising student enrollment will cause an increase in the need for teachers at all levels, from K-8 through high school level teachers. Employment growth will vary by region but is expected to rise about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Job Title Examples:
- Remote English Teacher
- Remote American Sign Language Teacher
- Telecommute Secondary Science Teacher
Industry/Job Outlook: 3% growth for kindergarten and elementary teachers and 4% growth for high school teachers from 2018 to 2028
Median Salary: $57,980 for kindergarten and elementary teachers and $60,320 for high school teachers as of May 2018
View All Telecommute Teaching Jobs at Virtual Vocations
14. Writing
Organizations of all kinds and across all industries need writers to create their content, write their blogs, and develop their marketing and advertisements. In addition, writers can be authors of books, magazine articles, and scripts for movie or television. Most writers have a college degree and can do their work from anywhere, due to the nature of their job.
Job Title Examples:
- Telecommute Writer
- Remote Medical Device Industry Medical Writer
- Virtual Content Marketing Writer
Industry/Job Outlook: Little to no growth from 2018 to 2028
Median Salary: $62,170 as of May 2018
View All Telecommute Writing Jobs at Virtual Vocations
15. Human Resources
Employed in nearly every industry, human resources workers are responsible for duties and programs including recruiting, payroll, benefits administration, learning & development, and employee relations. The need for human resources workers will increase as new businesses are started and existing companies grow.
Job Title Examples:
- Telecommute Human Resources Manager
- Remote HR and People Operations Director
- Remote Technical Talent Acquisition Specialist
Industry/Job Outlook: 5% growth to 7% growth from 2018 to 2028, depending on degree of responsibility in the field
Median Salary: $87,090, which is an average of the following salary range: $60,880 for human resources specialists to $113,300 for human resources managers as of May 2018
View All Telecommute Human Resources Jobs at Virtual Vocations
16. Non-Profit
Work in the non-profit sector is expected to increase as the need for fundraisers, development managers, and leadership roles increase. Paid positions within a non-profit organization generally require a college degree and a track record of volunteering can prove a potential employee’s commitment to mission-based work.
Job Title Examples:
- Remote Executive Director
- Remote Program and Event Coordinator
- Remote Development and Partnerships Manager
Industry/Job Outlook: 9% growth from 2018 to 2028
Median Salary: $56,950 as of May 2018
View All Telecommute Non-Profit Jobs at Virtual Vocations
17. Quality Assurance
Quality assurance workers can range from college-educated professionals in highly technical positions to workers who are able to gain their skills through on-the-job training. While the increasing use of technology can reduce the need for quality assurance roles in some industries, any inspection process required for products used or consumed by people will remain a key growth area for highly-trained QA workers.
Job Title Examples:
- Telecommute Regulatory Compliance Program Manager
- Remote Fire Alarm Inspector
- Remote Medical Coding Auditor
Industry/Job Outlook: 18% decline from 2018 to 2028
Median Salary: $38,250 for quality control inspectors as of May 2018
View All Telecommute Quality Assurance Jobs at Virtual Vocations
18. Program Management
Program management jobs can include anything from running a program for a non-profit organization to the more technology-based IT program manager role that requires more extensive education and technical training. College degrees are usually required for jobs within this category, and additional training is based on the expectations for individual roles.
Job Title Examples:
- Remote Technical Program Manager
- Telecommute Program Associate
- Remote Processes and Technology Program Manager
Industry/Job Outlook: 7% growth to 11% growth from 2018 to 2028, depending on the technical skills needed
Median Salary: $98,932, which is an average of the following salary range: $83,226 for general program managers to $114,637 for senior general program managers as of September 2019
View All Telecommute Program Management Jobs at Virtual Vocations
19. Research
Researchers use a wide variety of analytical and mathematical methods to uncover and examine issues and problem-solve resolutions. This industry is expected to grow at a rate consistent with technological advances.
Job Title Examples:
- Remote Senior Identity and Access Management Research Director
- Remote Customer Facing Data Scientist
- Telecommute Principal Biostatistician
Industry/Job Outlook: 26% growth from 2018 to 2028
Median Salary: $83,390 as of May 2018
View All Telecommute Research Jobs at Virtual Vocations
20. Financial
View All Telecommute Financial Jobs at Virtual Vocations
A growing economy and diversification of business are two factors leading to the predicted steady increase in jobs in the financial sector. Positions in the financial industry usually require a college degree and industry certifications can be an added bonus in securing employment.
Job Title Examples:
- Remote Mortgage Loan Officer
- Remote Hospice Revenue Recovery Associate
- Remote Staff Tax Accountant
Industry/Job Outlook: 7% growth from 2018 to 2028
Median Salary: $68,350 as of May 2018
View All Telecommute Financial Jobs at Virtual Vocations
About Virtual Vocations
Virtual Vocations, Inc. is the number one online job board posting telecommute-only jobs. It is a 100% virtual company with an objective to help jobseekers find high-quality telecommuting job leads safely, easily, and quickly. All jobs posted to the Virtual Vocations job board have been reviewed by a minimum of three staff members to ensure the job postings are from reputable companies in a wide range of industries.
During 2018, the Virtual Vocations team screened more than 1 million potential remote jobs, added 240,977 remote job postings to the Virtual Vocations job board, and vetted 6,192 new companies.
In addition to its job board, Virtual Vocations offers a suite of telecommute job search services including:
- Curated Telecommute Companies Database featuring profiles of companies known for hiring remote workers
- Career Services like resume reviews and rewrites, cover letter writing, and LinkedIn profile writing
- Informative blog that publishes telework statistical reports, career advice, and remote job search tips to its blog
Virtual Vocations was co-founded by Laura Spawn, CEO, and Adam Stevenson, CTO.
Contact Information for 2019 Best Remote Work Industries Report Inquiries
Please visit Virtual Vocations social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube for additional remote work content and conversations.
