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As work-from-home (WFH) jobs became commonplace during the COVID-19 pandemic, people began to see the benefits of remote work. Employees may seek WFH jobs for better work/life balance, flexibility, and financial savings.
WFH jobs have long been common in the tech field, perhaps because these roles often lend themselves to remote computer-based work. The trend toward working from home will likely continue to increase. Many tech companies that previously required workers to show up in person switched to permanent remote work-from-home jobs during the pandemic.
This guide covers high-paying WFH jobs in tech and explores available pathways.
Benefits of Working in Technology From Home
The tech industry offers high-paying, in-demand careers, including many that take place remotely. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the computer and information technology (IT) industry will grow by 13% from 2020-2030 — a faster-than-average rate.
The median wage for these jobs was $97,430 in May 2021, much higher than the average for all occupations. Many tech jobs only require access to a computer with an internet connection. High-paying WFH jobs in tech include computer and information research scientist, computer programmer, and computer systems analyst.
Work-from-home jobs offer benefits like added flexibility, greater work/life balance, and potential savings. The flexibility of working at home can be especially attractive to people with young children.
It can also save money and time spent on commuting, allowing workers to participate in hobbies, meet with friends and family, and feel comfortable in their home environment.
High-Paying WFH Jobs in Tech
The tech industry offers many work-from-home jobs with high pay. Explore some popular tech-related WFH jobs below.
Computer programmers write, test, and adjust computer code and scripts that make software and applications run correctly. They usually work closely with software developers. Programmers need expertise in multiple computer languages and must demonstrate analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Common industries include computer systems design, finance and insurance, and manufacturing. With experience, computer programmers can advance to management roles and jobs like software developer or computer systems analyst.
Education Required: Employers typically require a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology.
Experience Required: Candidates need experience writing code with one or more computer programming languages.
Median Salary: $93,000
Job Outlook, 2020-2030: -10%
Web developers create websites. They may specialize in back-end or front-end development or deal with all parts of building websites. Daily tasks may include writing code, creating content, and figuring out a website's layout.
Depending on their role, web developers may also maintain websites. Many web developers are self-employed, while others work in the computer systems design, publishing, and management industries.
Education Required: Education requirements vary by position but may be as low as a high school diploma. Employers often prefer a computer science or information technology-related bachelor's degree.
Experience Required: Employers may request a portfolio of previous web development projects.
Median Salary: $77,200
Job Outlook, 2020-2030: +13%
Data scientists analyze and solve real-world problems using mathematical models. They identify patterns, make data visualizations, create new algorithms, and forecast trends.
Important skills for a career in data science include data mining, SQL, R, and big data analytics. Data scientists also need soft skills in communication, problem-solving, and organization. Advancement opportunities include roles like data science manager or data science director.
Education Required: Data scientists need at least a bachelor's degree in data science, computer science, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with master's degrees.
Experience Required: Employers may request to see portfolios of previous work. Many aspiring data scientists start as data analysts.
Average Salary: $97,660
Software developers create programs and applications that allow computers or networks to run correctly. They are involved in the entire lifecycle of a software program, including identifying user needs, testing functionality, and making upgrades. Software developers and programmers often work closely together.
These professionals need communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills. They can advance in roles like computer and information systems manager or project management specialist.
Education Required: A software developer typically needs a bachelor's degree in a field like computer science or information technology.
Experience Required: Candidates can benefit from prior experience with coding.
Median Salary: $110,140
Job Outlook, 2020-2030: +22%
These support specialists help people with computer-related issues. Typical tasks include troubleshooting technical problems, training users, and performing network maintenance. Computer support specialists work in computer systems design, telecommunications, educational services, and finance industries.
With experience, computer support specialists can advance to higher roles in IT, like software developer or information security analyst. More advanced positions require additional education or certifications.
Education Required: Education requirements vary by position. A computer support specialist may need an associate degree, and some roles require additional college coursework. Some employers may hire computer support specialists with high school diplomas and relevant professional certifications.
Experience Required: Related experience working with information technology is helpful.
Median Salary: $57,910
Job Outlook, 2020-2030: +9%
Video game developers create games that people can play on computers and other electronic devices. Day-to-day tasks include storyboarding and writing code, along with developing characters, settings, and rules. Video game designers need programming, analytical, and software development skills.
Video game designers collaborate with other designers, developers, and programmers and typically work for gaming companies.
Education Required: Video game designers usually need a bachelor's degree.
Experience Required: Candidates benefit from coding experience and a portfolio of prior work.
Average Salary: $66,920
Job Outlook, 2020-2030: +22%
Information security analysts keep their organizations' computer systems and networks secure. They search for vulnerabilities, create security recommendations, and train computer users in best practices. These analysts need problem-solving, communication, and analysis skills.
Over time, they can advance to positions like director of security or lead information security analyst.
Education Required: Information security analysts need at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.
Experience Required: Candidates benefit from prior experience in an information technology department.
Median Salary: $102,600
Job Outlook, 2020-2030: +33%
Computer systems analysts study computer systems and find ways to improve the user experience. They may specialize in industry-specific systems. Typical work environments include computer systems design, finance and insurance, and management industries.
Important qualities include organizational, analytical, business, and communication skills. With experience, computer systems analysts can become project managers, IT directors, and other types of computer and information systems managers.
Education Required: Computer systems analysts need at least a bachelor's degree in a computer science-related field. Some employers prefer applicants with master's degrees.
Experience Required: Candidates looking for work in some industries can benefit from industry-specific experience.
Median Salary: $99,270
Job Outlook, 2020-2030: +7%
Computer information researchers study computing systems and processes to create new technologies. They craft computer models, develop new computer languages and tools, and conduct experiments. These researchers work in the federal government, research and development departments, and the computer systems design industry.
Computer information researchers need advanced programming, data science, math, and machine learning skills. Communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills are also important. Computer information researchers can apply for promotions as computer and information systems managers.
Education Required: A computer information researcher needs a master's degree in computer science or a related field.
Experience Required: Candidates who want to work in a specialized sector benefit from experience in that field.
Median Salary: $131,490
Job Outlook, 2020-2030: +22%
Software engineers design entire software systems. On a typical day, they may meet with clients to discuss a project, write code, and test programs. Many software engineers work in computer systems and design, software publishing, and finance industries. Important technical skills include JavaScript, Java, Python, and SQL.
Education Required: Software engineers usually need bachelor's degrees or higher in computer science or engineering.
Experience Required: Some employers require prior engineering experience.
Average Salary: $89,070
Job Outlook, 2020-2030: +22%
Which Work-From-Home Job Is Right for You?
To find the right work-from-home jobs, think about how you can best apply your skills, previous education, and experience. Look for interesting positions where you meet most of the education and experience requirements.
Other factors to consider when looking for WFH jobs include your short-term and long-term career goals. Try to find tech organizations that offer opportunities for promotion to more advanced WFH roles. You may also want to consider how easy it is to get into the role.
As technology continues to improve and the appeal of working from home keeps growing, the number and types of high-paying WFH jobs in tech will likely keep growing.
Resources
Questions About WFH Jobs in Tech
What is the highest-paying WFH job in the tech sector?
High-paying WFH jobs in tech include computer information researcher (median annual salary of $131,490), software developer ($110,140), and information security analyst ($102,600).
Are there drawbacks to working from home?
Potential drawbacks of work-from-home jobs include isolation, cybersecurity risks, and the potential for distractions. Some people enjoy seeing their coworkers in person and miss the social interaction that happens in offices. It can also be difficult to start some new jobs remotely.
Where do I find WFH jobs in tech?
You can find work-from-home jobs in tech by checking the same job boards you would use to look for in-office positions — just make sure to filter the jobs to remote postings. You can also ask your professional networks and previous employers about WFH opportunities.
Can I get a work-from-home tech job with no experience?
It depends on the position, employer, and industry. Some entry-level work-from-home jobs in tech may hire people with no experience. In general, with more experience, you will encounter more job opportunities. Consider getting some experience with an internship.
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