The technology industry has the highest rate of remote work, with 35% of technology jobs working remotely or … [+]
If there's one industry that's expected to consistently have the highest adoption rate of remote work, it's the technology industry.
This is partly because these roles are highly digital, allowing remote tools to be used from anywhere, and partly because technology companies, in the midst of a war for skills and talent, are stepping up to attract and retain highly specialised technical talent.
According to a recent research paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), the computer and mathematics industry has the highest percentage of remote job openings (a staggering 35% as of 2022 data), while food preparation, the industry with the fewest remote job openings, is at around 1%.
Despite news that remote work is on the decline this year, there's still hope: Employers like Microsoft and new tech startups are fearlessly retooling their offices to include fully remote and hybrid remote workforces, with some even expanding “work from anywhere” policies.
Here are the 10 highest paying and most popular remote jobs in tech that will see major hiring activity in 2024.
1. Remote Front-end Developer
Front-end developers write code and design and implement the user interface and user experience of web applications, with an emphasis on aesthetics and functionality.
Average salary: $119,224
2. Remote Backend Developer
As a backend developer, you'll work remotely and be responsible for the server-side logic, behind-the-scenes operation of applications and APIs, and developing and maintaining databases.
Average salary: $129,837
3. Remote Cloud Engineer
This role will be primarily responsible for optimizing and managing cloud computing infrastructure, ensuring scalability, security, and efficient resource utilization in these environments.
Average salary: $103,567
4. Remote Big Data Engineer
As companies prepare to implement AI and integrate it into their workflows, the job of a remote big data engineer will be especially important. Big data engineers design, build, and optimize large-scale data processing systems and pipelines for the collection, storage, and analysis of massive data sets.
Average salary: $148,436
The technology industry is booming, and jobs in areas such as big data and machine learning are in demand to keep up with demand. … [+]
5. Remote Software Architect
Software architects take a high-level, sometimes complex approach to the design and architectural development of software systems to meet technical and business requirements.
Average salary: $148,295
6. Remote Data Scientists
Not to be confused with the role of a data analyst, a data scientist uses statistical and machine learning techniques to analyze complex data sets to derive actionable insights and build predictive models that inform business decisions.
Average salary: $120,485
7. Remote Cyber Security Analyst
Cybersecurity analysts (also known as information security analysts) protect an organization's digital assets by identifying vulnerabilities, monitoring systems for security breaches, and implementing security measures.
Average salary: $126,259
8. Remote AI/ML Engineer
Performing a key function within data science, artificial intelligence/machine learning engineers build and deploy machine learning models and artificial intelligence systems, and integrate them with existing applications to solve complex problems.
Average salary: $185,931
9. Remote Software Engineer
As a remote software engineer, your day-to-day responsibilities will include developing, testing and maintaining systems and applications, and you may work in a senior-level position, either as an individual contributor or as a manager.
Average salary: $130,050
10. Remote Data Analyst
Data analysts focus on visualizing data and interpreting data to provide actionable insights that decision makers can use.
Average salary: $107,553
How to Get a High-Paying Remote Tech Job in 2024
To land a high-paying remote job in tech, you need to understand that it's an industry that's fiercely competitive and, as you'd expect, heavily relies on technical skills. To stay ahead in the tech job market, you'll need to be highly proficient in the latest tools, programming languages, and applications, and keep your relevant knowledge up to date.
The next most important attribute you need is soft skills.
It may sound odd, but there are studies and reports that prove that when it comes to remote work and technical employees, employers pay special attention to soft skills, especially communication skills. The ability to communicate technical concepts and ideas to non-technical stakeholders is crucial to career success.
To land a high-paying remote job in tech, you'll need to focus on soft skills, such as: … [+]
So, when considering remote jobs in tech, remember to continually develop your “soft” attributes as well as your hard skills. Provide examples of when you've demonstrated these skills and have a consistent portfolio of work that showcases your skills and is regularly updated, whether you're currently employed or not.
