Virtual Vocations - 2024 Year-End Report and Remote Jobs Statistics - VirtualVocations.com - Best Fully Remote and Work from Home Jobs

2024 Year-End Report and Remote Jobs Statistics

The Virtual Vocations 2024 year-end report highlights the top companies and industries for fully remote jobs, marking our 10th annual analysis of remote hiring trends. This comprehensive report not only features key insights into available fully remote jobs and companies hiring but also offers access to dozens of valuable job search resources. These include survey data from more than 1,500 remote workers and jobseekers, curated lists of remote-enabled companies, expert advice on crafting remote resumes, cover letters, and acing job interviews, as well as virtual action plans and job search guides to help jobseekers navigate the process of securing a fully remote position.


2024 Year-End Report Summary

Throughout 2024, the Virtual Vocations team, in collaboration with our Employer Partners, added over 247,000 remote job postings to our fully remote job board—a 16% increase compared to 2023. These postings came from 12,574 unique companies, also reflecting a 16% growth from the previous year. On average, we published nearly 21,000 fully remote job postings per month. Our annual analysis of the state of remote hiring revealed key trends, such as the ongoing demand for experienced, educated professionals for full-time telework roles.

Virtual Vocations - 2024 Year-End Report and Remote Jobs Statistics - Fully Remote Jobs Stats for 2024, Plus Our Company Promise - VirtualVocations.com

Fully Remote Jobs Statistics – 2024 Year-End Report Findings

Which companies and career categories offer the best opportunities for fully remote jobs? Virtual Vocations’ internal company data provides comprehensive perspective into this question. By analyzing 2024 hiring trends, job postings, and employer preferences, we’ve marked our 10th year of compiling fully remote hiring data. This information is designed to help jobseekers discover promising career paths and enable employers to attract top talent in an increasingly competitive market. To access past year-end reports, select any of the years listed here.

In the following section, we present curated lists highlighting the top 10 remote-enabled companies that are leading the charge in offering fully remote jobs, as well as our top 10 Employer Partner Program members who have demonstrated excellence in remote hiring practices. Additionally, we’ll explore the top 10 industries driving the most growth in remote work opportunities.

Virtual Vocations - 2024 Year-End Report and Remote Jobs Statistics - Top 10 Remote-Enabled Companies for Fully Remote Jobs - VocoVision, UnitedHealth Group, Ambry Genetics Corporation, Humana, Centene Corporation, Coalition Technologies, Allstate Insurance, Microsoft, Amgen, Stripe - Virtual Vocations.com

Top 10 Remote-Enabled Companies for Fully Remote Jobs in 2024

The Virtual Vocations Remote Companies Database is a comprehensive resource featuring more than 16,000 carefully researched profiles of remote-enabled employers. These companies span across diverse industries and are known for their commitment to hiring high-quality remote talent. Notably, the following 10 companies alone accounted for 10% of all remote job postings published to the Virtual Vocations job board in 2024, showcasing their strong presence in the remote job market. Click on any of the company names below to view a detailed, researched profile of each business, prepared by the Virtual Vocations team.

1. VocoVision, Inc.

2. UnitedHealth Group

3. Ambry Genetics Corporation

4. Humana Inc.

5. Centene Corporation

6. Coalition Technologies

7. Allstate Insurance Company

8. Microsoft Corporation

9. Amgen Inc.

10. Stripe, Inc.

Virtual Vocations - 2024 Year-End Report and Remote Jobs Statistics - Top 10 Employer Partners for Fully Remote Jobs - Omni Interactions, TTEC, Working Solutions, NexRep, Susan G. Komen, Coalition Technologies, BairesDev, EK Health Services, Littera Education, Achieve Test Prep - VirtualVocations.com

Top 10 Employer Partners for Fully Remote Jobs in 2024

Members of the Virtual Vocations Employer Partner Program are businesses and organizations committed to hiring top-tier remote talent. These organizations understand the value of finding the right fit for fully remote roles, which is why they post their job openings directly to the Virtual Vocations remote job board. Before joining the program, each participating company undergoes a rigorous vetting process. Our vetting procedures ensure that their business practices and job postings meet Virtual Vocations’ strict quality standards. This research is a vital component of our commitment to presenting jobseekers with only the best fully remote opportunities available.

Over the past 12 months, these 10 Employer Partners have consistently demonstrated a commitment to remote work by hiring the most fully remote employees. Their continued investment in remote hiring reflects their dedication to creating flexible, remote-friendly work environments and helping professionals find meaningful, long-term career opportunities from anywhere.

1. Omni Interactions, Inc.

2. TTEC Holdings, Inc.

3. Working Solutions

4. NexRep LLC

5. Susan G. Komen

6. Coalition Technologies

7. BairesDev

8. EK Health Services, Inc.

9. Littera Education Inc.

10. Achieve Test Prep

Virtual Vocations - 2024 Year-End Report and Remote Jobs Statistics - Top 10 Industries for Fully Remote Jobs - Information Technology, Healthcare, Sales, Marketing, Management, Customer Service, Financial, Education, Project Management, Human Resources - VirtualVocations.com

Top 10 Industries for Fully Remote Jobs in 2024

Virtual Vocations’ job board hosts fully remote job postings across more than 40 industries, offering an extensive variety of career opportunities for remote jobseekers. For this report, we ranked the top 10 industries for remote jobs based on the total number of fully remote job postings published to our jobs database throughout the year. This list provides valuable insight into which sectors are embracing remote work and contributing the most to the growing virtual job market.

For the ninth consecutive year, information technology (IT) stood as the leading industry for remote work opportunities. In fact, fully remote IT positions accounted for nearly four times the number of job postings as any other remote work industry within the Virtual Vocations database. This continued dominance highlights IT’s critical role in the remote workforce.

Among the top 10 industries, notable growth was seen in several sectors. Sales saw a significant 46% increase in remote job postings. Meanwhile, customer service and project management followed closely with 35% and 30% growth, respectively, from 2023 to 2024. The growth in remote job opportunities in sales, customer service, and project management reflects businesses embracing the flexibility of remote work. Sales teams use digital tools to manage leads and close deals, while customer service relies on communication platforms like live chat and email. Project management thrives with collaborative software that enables remote teams to plan and execute efficiently. These industries benefit from remote work’s scalability, and as specialized tools improve, remote positions in these fields will continue to rise.

1. Information Technology

2. Healthcare

3. Sales

4. Marketing

5. Management

6. Customer Service

7. Financial

8. Education

9. Project Management

10. Human Resources

Revelations from 1,500+ Virtual Professionals and Remote Jobseekers

Virtual Vocations’ latest series of surveys provides a comprehensive overview of the current remote job market, offering viewpoints from over 1,500 remote professionals and jobseekers. These surveys delve into critical topics such as employer ghosting, remote work demographics, the rising popularity of freelancing, and the growing influence of AI in job searches. The section below presents overviews and key findings from each survey. To explore the full survey results, simply click the corresponding buttons for detailed insights.

Virtual Vocations - Employer Ghosting Survey Results - VirtualVocations.com

Employer Ghosting Survey

Our Employer Ghosting Survey sheds light on the growing issue of employer ghosting in the job market. It underscores the critical importance of communication in maintaining positive candidate experiences and suggests actionable steps employers can take to improve their hiring practices.

The survey, which gathered observations from 529 jobseekers, revealed that a significant number of candidates frequently encounter ghosting, particularly after submitting applications. This lack of communication not only leaves jobseekers feeling undervalued but also impacts their perception of the hiring process and the companies involved.

Key findings showed that 57% of respondents frequently experience ghosting, with 67% feeling ignored after applying for jobs. This communication breakdown often leads to frustration and discouragement, causing 38% of candidates to withdraw or consider withdrawing from hiring processes.

The survey also highlights jobseekers’ desire for better communication, including personalized rejection emails, specific feedback, and timely updates. A majority of respondents believe that these improvements would reduce feelings of being ghosted and enhance their job search experience.

Additionally, the survey reveals that ghosting can negatively affect a company’s reputation, as 39% of participants reported a diminished view of companies that fail to communicate, and 26% reconsider applying to these companies in the future. The Employer Ghosting Survey results emphasize the need for employers to prioritize transparency and engagement to create a more respectful and efficient hiring process.

Virtual Vocations - Remote Work Demographic Survey 2024 - Who Wants To Work From Home - More than 500 U.S. and Global Remote Jobseekers Answer - VirtualVocations.com

Remote Work Demographics Survey

With over 500 participants—69% from the U.S. and 31% from international locations—our 2024 Remote Demographics Survey results highlight shared experiences and unique challenges faced by remote professionals. We learned that remote work’s universal appeal plays a critical role in addressing jobseekers’ needs for flexibility, balance, and financial stability.

A significant finding is the overwhelming preference for fully remote, no-travel jobs, with 43% of U.S. respondents and 42% of international participants prioritizing these roles. Fully remote positions align with their mutual personal and professional goals, offering flexibility and pathways to work entirely from home. This preference punctuates the global appeal of remote work as a means to achieve better work-life balance.

The survey also identifies information technology, healthcare, customer service, and education as the top industries attracting remote jobseekers. IT leads the way with the highest number of remote job postings, followed by healthcare, which has seen growth in telehealth and remote medical roles. Customer service offers engaging positions for client interaction, while the education sector continues to expand with opportunities in online teaching, tutoring, and instructional design.

Despite the benefits of remote work, jobseekers face common frustrations, particularly with online job scams. What’s more, only 23% of U.S. respondents and 24% of international participants use a dedicated remote job board, like Virtual Vocations, which thoroughly vets job postings to ensure they are scam-free. Additionally, excessive job requirements and employer ghosting during the hiring process are frequent issues. About one-third of respondents from both groups reporting these challenges.

Income insecurity is another pressing concern. Sixty-five percent of U.S. respondents and 77% of international jobseekers report that their household incomes are insufficient for comfortable living. In the U.S., nearly half of jobseekers earn less than $60,000 annually, while 68% of international participants earn under $30,000. Many jobseekers have set income targets to improve financial stability, with 30% of U.S. jobseekers aiming for $60,000–$89,999 and another 30% targeting at least $120,000. Internationally, 38% of jobseekers seek $30,000–$59,999, and 32% aim for $60,000–$89,999.

Virtual Vocations - Freelancing Survey Results - 500 Workers Polled on Job Flexibility and Career Freedom - VirtualVocations.com

Freelancing Survey

The results of Virtual Vocations’ inaugural Freelancing Survey clarify the priorities and challenges faced by professionals with freelancing experience or interest. By analyzing responses collected from 500 workers, the Freelancing Survey proved a growing demand for flexibility and career autonomy. In fact, we learned that freelancing has a significant impact on modern career choices.

Key survey findings showed that two-thirds of participants have direct freelancing experience, with 73% of current and former freelancers rating their work-life balance as six or higher on a 10-point scale. This contrasts with only 58% of non-freelancers feeling similarly satisfied, emphasizing freelancing’s role in achieving better work-life balance.

Freelancing Survey results also revealed that 35% of active freelancers rely on freelance work as their primary income source. Another 18% engage in freelancing as a side hustle alongside full-time jobs. Flexibility, especially the ability to work from home, emerged as the top motivator for choosing freelancing. This was even reported among those curious about freelancing, but without prior contracting experience.

Inconsistent job opportunities were named as the main challenge for former freelancers, yet 88% remain open to returning to freelancing. Support networks play a crucial role, with 64% of former freelancers noting a lack of strong support during their careers. About 60% believe being part of freelancer communities could have encouraged them to continue freelancing.

Looking ahead, 42% of active freelancers plan to continue freelancing indefinitely, expressing a strong preference for this model over traditional employment. These findings speak to the increasing importance of work-life balance and self-determination in shaping career decisions. At Virtual Vocations, we are committed to supporting freelancers through quality remote opportunities and essential resources.

AI Tools Survey Results - 380 Workers Talk Artificial Intelligence and Job Searches - VirtualVocations.com

AI Tools Survey

Through our first survey of 2024, the AI Tools Survey, we sought an in-depth look at how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping job searches and recruitment. During January, we gathered opinions from 380 working-age adults and discovered key trends and attitudes toward AI technologies in the hiring process.

Seventy-five percent of respondents were already familiar with AI tools, with half using them to create or edit career documents such as resumes and cover letters. Even among those without prior AI experience, 68% said they are open to utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT for job applications. This indicates a growing acceptance of AI’s role in enhancing job search efficiency and communication.

However, the survey also uncovered concerns about data privacy and algorithmic bias. A significant 45% of respondents expressed distrust in AI’s ability to make fair hiring decisions, while 80% believe companies should be transparent about their AI usage in business practices. Overall, workers want greater clarity and accountability in the use of AI applications during the hiring process.

AI tools such as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), gamified skills assessments, and job posting aggregators are revolutionizing job searches by matching skills with roles, refining communication, and speeding up application processing. Despite the benefits, participants emphasize the importance of human oversight to ensure fairness and data security.

Looking ahead, respondents anticipate more advanced AI tools with enhanced features and deeper integration into job search resources, reflecting a cautious yet optimistic outlook on AI’s evolving role in recruitment.

Further Remote Work Reading from Virtual Vocations

Each year, Virtual Vocations publishes several annual reports on the state of remote work in the U.S. These articles offer industry insights through jobseeker surveys, statistical analyses, and company rankings. Additionally, we produce dozens of free blog posts annually, which are packed with advice and strategies on optimizing your remote job search, enhancing your profile as a remote candidate, and excelling in a virtual work environment. Explore the titles below to expand your remote work expertise and discover more of our in-depth content.

Remote-Enabled Company Lists and Telework Reports

Work-at-Home Wellness and Lifestyle Tips

Expert Advice on Remote Resumes and Cover Letters

Success Tips for Virtual Job Interviews

Skills and Education for Remote Workers

Freelancing 101

Telecommuting Strategies for Teams

Fully Remote Job Leads

Remote Work Action Plans and Online Job Search Guides

About Virtual Vocations

Virtual Vocations, Inc., founded in 2007, is a private, family-owned, and 100% distributed company. Co-founded by CEO Laura Spawn and her brother, CTO Adam Stevenson, Virtual Vocations connects jobseekers with legitimate, fully remote job openings. Virtual Vocations team members screen job postings to ensure the highest quality standards. To date, Virtual Vocations has helped more than four million jobseekers find flexible remote work options.

In addition to managing and curating a database that, at any given time, houses more than 15,000 current, hand-screened remote job openings, Virtual Vocations offers jobseekers a number of tools to aid in their job searches. These tools include exclusive, self-paced career courses, digital guides for popular virtual job industries, and downloadable worksheets. The Career Services Division also provides job coaching and interview prep, LinkedIn profile enhancement, and resume and cover letter writing. Virtual Vocations also releases multiple data-driven reports each year on current trends in remote work.

We encourage you to explore Virtual Vocations’ social media profiles and connect with us. Visit Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest for more remote work content and conversations.

Image credits: Canva; Virtual Vocations images prepared by Kimberly Back

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