The old advice to start at the bottom and work your way up doesn’talways translate to financialsuccess. Technology is evolving fast, leaving companies to manage criticalskills shortages.
New graduates and career changers can capitalize on this need by developinghigh-demand skills in fields like cloud computing, telehealth, and data science.
Here are 11 remote entry-level jobs where specialized knowledge commands atleast $60 per hour, proving that in today’s economy, what you know matters morethan how long you’ve known it.
Editor’s note: All salary information was pulled fromZipRecruiter.
Make Money: 12 ways to pocket up to $300
1. DevOps engineer
Average hourly salary: $60.53
Some people are specialists, like a scalpel. A multitalented DevOps engineer isknown as the “Swiss army knife” of computer engineering. The position bridgesthe gap between software development and IT operations, which requires a fewdifferent skills, including communication.
The path to DevOps engineering includes a bachelor’s degree in a technicalfield. You need to be familiar with cloud platforms, automation tools likeJenkins or Docker, and version control systems.
Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.
2. Enterprise SaaS sales representative
Average hourly salary: $61.99
Sales can be lucrative, and when you’re selling high-value B2B products andservices, the commission can be exceptional.
SaaS salespeople help companies see how a product like Salesforce or HubSpotsolves their specific and sometimes complex problems.
While you may need to attend the occasional in-person meeting or industryconferences, you can manage your entire sales pipeline remotely. You’ll needexcellent relationship-building skills and the discipline to manage a long salescycle.
3. Actuary
Average hourly salary: $63.39
If you’re wondering how someone can leverage a math or statistics degree into ahigh-paying remote career, actuarial work is your answer.
You may associate insurance with on-the-road salesmen or mind-numbing paperwork.However, actuaries are behind the scenes using statistical models to evaluaterisk.
Insurance companies, pension funds, and government agencies are among theindustries that need actuaries. It’s remote-friendly because you can buildpredictive models from anywhere.
Don’t Miss: 14 benefits seniors are entitled to but often forget to claim
4. AWS cloud engineer
Average hourly salary: $62.89
Have you watched Netflix? You were able to do that thanks to cloud engineers.
Amazon is one of the “big 3” that built the cloud and dominates the worldwidemarket. AWS cloud engineers build and maintain Amazon’s cloud infrastructure.
With AI and other emerging technologies, demand for cloud infrastructure isexploding. Amazon and major tech companies actively recruit for cloudengineering roles and will train you.
5. Telehealth nurse practitioner
Average hourly salary: $62.64
Telehealth services are lifesaving for patients who cannot easily travel tomedical facilities. Paired with remote health monitors, medical professionalscan monitor patients more effectively than ever.
With this trend comes a demand for remote nurse practitioners (NP). Nursepractitioners have passed the NCLEX-RN exam and earned a Master’s of Science inNursing (MSN).
6. Quantitative analyst
Average hourly salary: $64.36
Major financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase need analystswith strong math and programming skills to help them organize market data intocoherent predictive models.
Quantitative analysts (quants) are called the “rocket scientists” of thefinancial world. They help reduce risk and inform investing.
You need a master’s degree in mathematics, statistics, physics, computerscience, or engineering, plus programming skills in languages like Python, R, orMATLAB.
Dave Ramsey Urges Americans to Become Debt-Free: Try these 7 clever ways to crush your debt
7. Solar sales representative
Average hourly salary: $63.65
If you’re looking for a high-paying remote job that’s more about people thantechnology, a solar sales representative may be your answer.
This is a remote job, but you won’t be sitting in your bedroom on your computer. You’llbe talking to homeowners about how much they can save on electricity by addingsolar panels.
Many solar companies, like Solar Energy Partners and Tesla Energy, providetraining for sales associates.
8. Cybersecurity professional
Average hourly salary: $63.92
Everyone from the federal government to small, local businesses needscybersecurity. Unsecured networks are vulnerable to cyberattacks, and exposingsensitive information can devastate a business’s finances and reputation.
Cybersecurity professionals don’t all have the same skills. Your specialty andthe size of your company determine the precise skills you need.
You want at least an associate’s degree in computer science, engineering, ormathematics. Then, different industry certifications help you developspecializations.
9. Data architect
Average hourly salary: $69.98
While data scientists analyze data to gain business insights, data architectsbuild the infrastructure that makes that possible. The data architect is like abuilder of an amazing kitchen, and the data scientist is the cook who uses thekitchen to make delicious meals.
This infrastructure is vital and needs constant updating.
You need skills in programming, database technologies like Structured QueryLanguage (SQL), data modeling concepts, ML, and cloud platforms.
Break the Cycle: 8 moves to escape the paycheck to paycheck grind
10. Software engineer
Average hourly salary: $70.92
In a typical day, you likely interact with dozens of systems that rely oncomplex software. The software is everywhere, from your coffee maker to yourcar.
Software is not static. It evolves rapidly and requires people to keep it up to date.Major tech companies, startups, and traditional businesses all rely on softwareengineers, which makes this a high-demand, remote-friendly job.
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree, and you should be able to demonstrate codingskills through projects or internships.
11. Telemedicine physician assistant
Average hourly salary: $115.14
While the road to becoming a physician assistant (PA) is not short, the pay isexcellent, and you can work remotely. Major telehealth companies need licensedPAs for virtual consultation positions.
You will hold video consultations with patients, manage their care, and reviewdiagnostic imaging.
To qualify, you need a master’s in Physician Assistant Studies, to pass thePhysician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), and a statelicense.
Bottom line
The talent shortages in tech and health care are breaking the old model.
People can do very well even without a degree and can grow their wealththrough training and hard work. Many technology positions are accessible throughbootcamps and certifications rather than traditional degrees.
The future belongs to skill-builders. It’s the ability to learn quickly and staycurrent that will help you put money in your pocket.
More from FinanceBuzz:
