Traditionally, entry-level jobs are the lowest rung on the career ladder. While they give you opportunities to further your career, network with other individuals in the industry, and gain experience, entry-level jobs are notoriously low-paying positions. However, certain jobs are beginning to break the mold of low entry-level pay. In May 2019, Glassdoor put together a list of high-paying entry-level remote jobs. Check out these top-paying jobs that will fast-track your career, help you build wealth, and pay down your student debt.
Remote IT Jobs
With the increasing popularity of mobile devices and global internet usage, IT is one of the most promising fields for high-paying entry-level remote jobs. From software development to apps to cybersecurity, employers are willing to provide a high-income salary for qualified candidates.
Software Engineer
Median Salary: $90,000 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 24% (Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS], 2018)
Job Description: Software engineers use their knowledge of programming and coding to design, develop, and maintain networking systems, applications, operating systems, networks, and other types of software.
Requirements: To become a software engineer, employers require a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, applied mathematics, or a computer-related field. For more complex software, employers may also seek a master’s degree in a computer-related field.
UX Designer
Median Salary: $73,000 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 15% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: A UX (user experience) designer develops the layout of an app or webpage to create an easy-to-use interface for clients and customers. Oftentimes, a UX designer will have in-depth knowledge of graphic design, coding, and marketing. This allows them to create an alluring page that provides a streamlined and visually stunning website that appeals to consumers.
Requirements: UX designers typically hold a degree in a computer-related or tech field. A strong grasp of Adobe PhotoShop, Sketch, or other graphics-editing software is also highly coveted by employers. In some instances, a master’s degree in a computer-related field may also be required.
Java Developer
Median Salary: $72,000 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 15% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: Java developers create web-based applications for businesses using Java—a programming language and computing platform. Successful Java developers write, revise, and test these applications to ensure functionality. In addition, they fix errors and update applications as necessary.
Requirements: A Java developer must have a broad knowledge of Java, coding, and other programming languages and platforms. Some entry-level positions may only require an associate’s degree in a computer-related field with commensurate experience, while other jobs may require a four-year degree.
Systems Engineer
Median Salary: $70,000 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 6% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: Systems engineers design, develop, test, and maintain a business’s IT infrastructure. To complete this task, individuals must install, configure, and optimize computer hardware and software systems to create a cohesive, functional network. They may also develop training programs and manuals for non-IT departments and workers.
Requirements: A systems engineer must have at least a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering or a computer-related field. Some employers may require a master’s degree, while others look for a professional systems engineer certification from one of several accredited organizations.
Software Developer
Median Salary: $68,600 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 24% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: Although software engineers and software developers are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference. Software developers use creativity rather than engineering and the scientific method to develop applications and systems software. These individuals provide solutions to IT problems found within businesses or with customer interaction on a website or app.
Requirements: Many software developers hold a degree in software engineering or a computer-related field. This gives them in-depth knowledge of both software development and engineering. Strong knowledge of programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++ is highly preferential.
Front End Developer
Median Salary: $67,500 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 10% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: A front end developer bridges the gap between a website designer and a back end programmer. To complete this task, they create an easy-to-use website for customers based on speed, efficiency, and functionality.
Requirements: Front end developers typically have a four-year degree in software engineering or a computer-related field. Comprehensive knowledge of HTTP, CSS, and JavaScript is mandatory to excel in this field.
Applications Developer
Median Salary: $65,000 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 10% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: Using source code and programming languages, an applications developer creates software to help users complete a specific task. They also test, debug, and update applications to certain specifications.
Requirements: Applications developers hold a bachelor’s degree in software engineering or another computer-related field. To complete the development of applications, these individuals also must have a grasp of programming languages such as Java, C++, or Oracle.
Remote Marketing Jobs
Encompassing advertising, public relations, distribution, customer support, sales strategy, and more, marketing is a crucial aspect of nearly every type of product and service industry. To increase revenue and improve their products, employers are in constant need of individuals that make their products more relevant and appealing to consumers. With salaries nearing six figures, marketing is easily at the top of high-paying entry-level remote jobs.
Product Manager
Median Salary: $89,000 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 10% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: A product manager coordinates every activity from the inception of a product to selling it to consumers. During this process, the product manager works closely with the sales, marketing, and customer support departments to ensure a streamlined release of the product and to maximize revenue.
Requirements: Employers require a four-year degree in marketing, advertising, or another business-related field to become a product manager. Computer proficiency is also highly coveted in the industry.
Product Designer
Median Salary: $85,000 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 4% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: Also known as industrial or commercial designers, product designers combine their knowledge of business, marketing, and art to create functional, innovative, and in-demand products for consumers and other businesses.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in graphic design, architecture, or engineering is required to become a product designer. In addition, product designers have a firm grasp of computer-aided design, graphics-editing software, and 3D design software.
Remote Engineering Jobs
With eight occupations appearing on Glassdoor’s highest-paying entry-level jobs, engineering is perhaps the most lucrative industry for new college graduates or people seeking a career change. From traditional positions such as mechanical and electrical engineering to more modern options such as design engineering, positions in this industry are in high demand. Find out if you’re on track to land a high-paying entry-level remote job in engineering.
Process Engineer
Median Salary: $68,258 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 8% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: Also known as a chemical engineer, a process engineer designs, modifies, or expands upon the equipment and processes necessary to produce chemicals. This wide-ranging occupation has applications in several industries such as food and drink, horticulture, and oil and gas.
Requirements: Typically, a process engineer has a bachelor’s degree in chemical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. A master’s degree in one of these fields can also improve the chance of employment.
Product Engineer
Median Salary: $66,750 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 7% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: A product engineer is a specialized type of mechanical engineer who designs and develops products and their manufacturing processes.
Requirements: Prospective product engineers must hold a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or another engineering-related field. Knowledge of computer-aided design also improves the resume of a product engineer.
Electrical Engineer
Median Salary: $66,000 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 7% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems in a wide range of industries. From testing prototypical electrical systems to improving existing ones, electrical engineers have several duties from the conception to the application of electronics.
Requirements: To become an electrical engineer, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Some employers may also require a master’s degree in electrical engineering for more complex or large-scale electrical systems.
Mechanical Engineer
Median Salary: $65,000 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 9% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: Mechanical engineers use their knowledge of mechanical systems to design and develop machinery, manufacturing equipment, and industrial equipment.
Requirements: In most instances, a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is required to find employment as a mechanical engineer. Some employers may also require a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
Design Engineer
Median Salary: $65,000 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: N/A
Job Description: Design engineers research and develop ideas for new products and the manufacturing processes necessary to produce the product. These individuals may also modify or alter existing products to ensure the efficiency of production.
Requirements: While universities have no specific degree pertaining to design engineering, most candidates have a degree in an engineering field such as mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering.
Test Engineer
Median Salary: $65,000 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: N/A
Job Description: A test engineer creates a process to test the manufacturing process of a product. By testing this process, the test engineer determines how to streamline manufacturing while producing a product that meets exact specifications.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in engineering is required to become a test engineer. However, the specific type of engineering degree plays a role in the type of test engineering position for each candidate.
Quality Engineer
Median Salary: $64,750 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 10% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: A quality engineer ensures that the manufacturing and engineering processes of a particular product follow quality standards. In addition, these individuals may help devise quality standards and ways to test them.
Requirements: To become a quality engineer, candidates must possess a four-year degree in an engineering-related field. Certifications may also be required by some employers.
Field Engineer
Median Salary: $63,750 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: N/A
Job Description: Field engineering is a broad term used to describe engineers that work at a particular worksite instead of an office setting. These individuals work in a wide array of engineering industries ranging from industrial engineering to mechanical engineering.
Requirements: A four-year degree in an engineering-related field is necessary to become a field engineer.
Project Engineer
Median Salary: $63,000 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 7% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: A project engineer develops a framework that monitors a project and measures efficiency. To create these metrics, a project engineer uses their expertise in engineering and the particular industry. The end result is a more profitable and efficient method to create products.
Requirements: A project engineer must have a four-year degree in an engineering-related field.
Remote Healthcare Jobs
With an aging baby boomer population, the healthcare industry has experienced rapid growth. Although doctors and nurses are always in high demand, other specialized healthcare professionals are among the top high-paying entry-level remote jobs.
Physical Therapist
Median Salary: $63,918 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 28% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: Physical therapists help patients improve their range of motion through rehabilitative exercises. By providing a treatment plan, physical therapists also enable patients to manage their pain and increase motor function at home or in a health care facility.
Requirements: Physical therapists must earn a bachelor’s degree in pre-med or a science-related field followed by obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) credential. Following a residency, these individuals must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination and receive licensing from the state.
Remote Analytics Jobs
Analytics is a vital component for many businesses across an array of industries. By taking data, making sense of it, and explaining it to other departments or individuals, analytics professionals streamline processes and enable businesses to create strategies or make tough decisions easier.
Data Scientist
Median Salary: $95,000
Job Growth Rate: 19% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: A data scientist analyzes raw data to make it easy to understand for relevant departments within an organization. These individuals work in an array of industries to identify trends and understand target markets.
Requirements: To become a data scientist, candidates must have a four-year degree in math, science, physics, statistics, or a related field to their industry. Some employers also require a master’s degree.
Investment Banking Analyst
Median Salary: $85,000 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 11% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: Investment banking analysts assess the investment and retirement goals of their clients. Once they’ve determined these goals, these analysts research investment opportunities that increase wealth and mitigate risk.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in finance or economics is preferred by employers seeking an investment banking analyst. Some positions may also require certifications to practice within certain states.
Actuarial Analyst
Median Salary: $66,250 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 22% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: Working primarily in the insurance industry, an actuarial analyst analyzes data and uses statistical models to determine the risk and costs of potential policyholders. From this information, the insurance company can underwrite policies and decide who they will insure.
Requirements: Actuarial analysts typically have a four-year degree in mathematics, applied mathematics, or statistics.
Programmer Analyst
Median Salary: $65,000 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: -7% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: A programmer analyst combines the roles of a computer programmer and a systems analyst to design, develop, test, and monitor software. This position may also require the individual to repair or update existing applications and software.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or another computer-related field is necessary to find employment as a programmer analyst.
Business Analyst
Median Salary: $63,000 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 14% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: Using data, analysis, and feedback, a business analyst designs, improves, or modifies business operations to solve problems and determine business needs. Most often, business analysts work within the operational or IT sectors of a business.
Requirements: Business analysts most often have a degree in a business-related or IT-related field. Some entry-level positions may also require a master’s degree.
Remote Project Management Jobs
Project management involves every step of a product’s life cycle. From the initial planning stage to production to feedback and analysis, project managers must coordinate every aspect of a project from start to finish. Their vital role in the production makes project managers one of the most coveted high-paying entry-level remote jobs.
Implementation Consultant
Median Salary: $72,000 (Glassdoor, 2019)
Job Growth Rate: 14% (BLS, 2018)
Job Description: Also known as management consultants, implementation consultants are tasked with improving organizational efficiency. To achieve efficient results, these professionals analyze data, meet with key decision-makers to determine organizational needs, and provide alternative practices or solutions to meet these specifications.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in management, economics, IT, or another business-related field is preferred by many employers. Some entry-level positions may also require a master’s degree in a business-related field.
Whether you’re searching for a remote job in health care, IT, project management, engineering, or analytics, these jobs prove that even entry-level positions can have a financial upside. Search Virtual Vocations’ expansive job database to find a job that will help you build a nest egg and prepare for the future.
Have you found success in one of these high-paying entry-level remote jobs? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to tell us what you think. We’d love to hear from you!
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