Not every online opportunity is worth your time. This page highlights beginner-friendly roles you can do remotely, often with nothing more than self-teaching or a short certification instead of a four-year degree.
What sets these jobs apart is that they are in demand and carry strong prospects for the years ahead, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and hiring data from platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Upwork. They provide flexible entry points today and clear paths into higher-paying W-2 jobs or more specialized roles over time.
Whether you are starting fresh or looking to transition into remote work, the jobs listed here represent fields where demand is strong, growth potential is real, and opportunities exist for beginners.
Best Legit Online Jobs for Beginners in 2025
We do not include side gigs or business ventures. Surveys, blogging, dropshipping, and Etsy shops may earn money from home, but they are not jobs you can be hired for and advance in.
The tables include BLS data to provide a general outlook, but the descriptions explain where the numbers don't tell the whole story.
Looking to dive deeper into a job? Each listing includes a free, beginner-friendly resource to help you get started.
1. Proofreading and Editing
| Factor | Details |
| Median Pay | $ 23.46 per hour |
| Projected Growth | 1% (Slower than average) |
| Education Needed | No degree required subject expertise helpful |
Proofreading and editing are popular online jobs because you can often get started with little more than strong grammar skills and attention to detail. Many beginners land their first projects on freelance platforms such as Upwork, where a well-written cover letter can be enough to secure entry-level work.
While AI tools can now catch many grammar and spelling mistakes, they are far from perfect. They struggle with context, style, and industry-specific terminology. That's why it helps to start in a field you already know well — for example, education, business, or healthcare — where subject knowledge is just as important as grammar.
From there, the role can branch into higher-paying opportunities. Some proofreaders move into editing for publishing houses or content agencies, while others expand into content marketing, SEO, or strategy roles for online businesses.
Learn more: How to Become a Proofreader and Earn $40+ Per Hour Working From Home.
2. Bookkeeping
| Factor | Details |
| Median Pay | $23.66 per hour |
| Projected Growth | -6% (Decline) for bookkeepers / 5% projected growth for accountants |
| Education Needed | Certification recommended |
Bookkeeping is often one of the first tasks small business owners look to outsource. While much of the basic data entry is becoming automated, businesses still need accurate records, and more importantly, people who can interpret those records and help guide financial decisions.
This makes bookkeeping a useful entry point into the finance world.
Many bookkeepers start with a high school diploma or short bookkeeping certification and gain experience by working with local clients or small businesses. Once you learn how to manage books, you can expand into higher-value areas such as payroll, tax preparation, or advisory work. For more opportunities, see our guide to the Best Sites for Remote Bookkeeping Jobs.
It's true that the job outlook for bookkeepers is declining, but skills in accounting, tax strategy, or financial analysis are in demand. In fact, accountants and auditors have a faster-than-average growth rate, and bookkeeping experience provides a natural stepping stone into those roles.
Learn more: How to Become a Bookkeeper at Home: A Beginner's Guide.
3. Executive Virtual Assistant
| Factor | Details |
| Median Pay | $ 23.46 per hour |
| Projected Growth | 0% |
| Education Needed | No degree needed but short training helpful |
Virtual assistant work has become one of the most common ways to start a remote career.
Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 0% growth for administrative assistant roles, demand for virtual assistants tells a different story. On platforms like Upwork, VA services are consistently among the most in-demand categories.
This makes the role a practical entry point into remote work, even if the official BLS numbers don't reflect the market shift happening online.
Many beginners land their first projects by pitching services on freelance marketplaces or applying directly on virtual assistant job boards.
Typical responsibilities include answering emails, managing social media, scheduling appointments, and handling e-commerce support. With experience, you can move into more specialized roles such as online business management, project coordination, or even operations leadership.
Because the barrier to entry is low, a well-written application and strong communication skills can go a long way. If you are serious about pursuing this career path, structured virtual assistant training can help you stand out.
Suggested resource: For a deeper overview of the field, see our guide on how to become a virtual assistant.
4. Content Writer
| Factor | Details |
| Median Pay | $34.75 per hour |
| Projected Growth | 4% (As fast as average) |
| Education Needed | Bachelor's common portfolio often sufficient |
Writing remains one of the most accessible remote jobs, but the field has changed. The days of writing surface-level articles on dozens of unrelated topics are largely gone. Companies now look for writers with subject-matter expertise who can deliver high-quality, trustworthy content.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers and authors have a 4% growth projection through 2034, with median annual pay above $70,000. On platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, content writing continues to rank among the most in-demand freelance skills. Many beginners start with Upwork writing jobs or other freelance marketplaces to build experience.
AI can handle basic writing tasks, but it has not replaced the need for strong storytelling, brand voice, and industry knowledge. In fact, understanding how to use AI as an assistant can make you a more efficient writer. The real opportunities are in specialized freelance writing niches such as finance, healthcare, technology, or SEO content strategy.
For beginners, a portfolio is your most important asset. Even a simple website with 5 to 10 well-written articles on a focused topic can help you land your first clients.
Learn more: See our full guide on how to become a freelance writer and explore our list of the best freelance writing jobs available today.
5. Website Design and Development
| Factor | Details |
| Median Pay | $45.85 per hour |
| Projected Growth | 7% (Much faster than average) |
| Education Needed | Bachelor's helpful portfolio can substitute |
Website design is a high-growth field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% growth through 2034, much faster than average, with a median annual pay of more than $90,000. Companies will always need skilled designers and developers to build websites, e-commerce stores, and digital products.
For beginners, this career can feel intimidating. But you don't need a computer science degree to get started. Many people break in by learning a single no-code platform and building a portfolio around it. I started this way myself, freelancing as a landing page designer on Unbounce. I didn't have a technical background, but by combining an understanding of copywriting with design skills, I was able to land clients and charge premium rates.
This is often the fastest entry point: specialize in a platform that's growing in demand, whether that's Webflow, Shopify, WordPress, or landing page builders. From there, you can expand into more technical skills such as UX/UI, front-end development, or web applications. These higher-level skills are what fuel the long-term growth and higher pay in the field.
Today, no-code tools, AI design helpers, and drag-and-drop builders make it easier than ever to get started. But taste and creativity still set the best designers apart. For someone willing to invest the time, website design offers both an accessible entry point and strong long-term career prospects.
Learn More: How to Make Money Building Websites (A Beginner's Guide).
6. Digital Design
| Factor | Details |
| Median Pay | $29.47 per hour |
| Projected Growth | 2% (Slower than average) |
| Education Needed | Bachelor's common strong portfolio essential |
Graphic design is evolving quickly. Traditional work like brochures and print layouts is being automated or handled by AI tools. But the demand for digital design remains strong, especially in areas like ad creatives, social media graphics, and UX/UI.
For beginners, the fastest way in is to build a portfolio of digital projects. Tools like Canva and Figma lower the barrier to entry, and many designers start by creating ad creatives or social media content for small businesses.
Over time, specializing in platforms like Figma or combining design with copywriting can lead to higher-paying work in areas such as e-commerce ads, website design, or brand strategy.
Long term, the strongest growth is in UX and UI design, where companies need people who understand not just visuals, but how users interact with digital products. These roles often require more training, but they offer higher pay and solid career stability.
Whether you start by helping businesses with ad creatives or by teaching yourself design software, this is a field where skill and portfolio matter more than formal credentials. With consistent practice and specialization, graphic design can be an entry point into a wide range of digital design careers.
Learn more: How to Make Money as a Freelance Graphic Designer.
7. Software Developer
| Factor | Details |
| Median Pay | $63.20 per hour |
| Projected Growth | 15% (Much faster than average) |
| Education Needed | Bachelor's typical bootcamps widely accepted |
Coding is one of the most valuable skills you can learn for the future of work — but the field is shifting fast. The Bureau of Software development is one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying online careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 17% growth rate through 2034, adding nearly 288,000 new jobs with a median pay of more than $130,000.
By contrast, traditional computer programmer jobs are expected to decline as routine coding tasks are automated or outsourced. For beginners, the key is to see coding as an entry point into broader developer roles, not an endpoint.
Opportunities are especially strong in areas where coding overlaps with other disciplines:
- AI-assisted development → using tools like GitHub Copilot or Replit to code more efficiently.
- Specialization in platforms and languages → such as Python for data, JavaScript frameworks, or cloud environments.
- Cross-disciplinary roles → combining coding with design (UX engineering), finance (fintech), or analytics (data science).
The fastest way to start is through a coding bootcamp or self-study portfolio. Research shows that nearly 89% of bootcamp graduates find jobs within a year, and many employers now value GitHub projects and demonstrated skills as much as formal degrees.
Long term, coding skills open the door to stable, high-paying careers in software development, mobile app design, and emerging fields like AI and machine learning. While the “pure programmer” role is fading, the demand for problem-solvers who can build, adapt, and innovate with code is stronger than ever.
Learn more: How to Become a Coder in 2025? Your Ultimate Guide to Skills, Resources, and Career Paths
8. Sales Copywriting
| Factor | Details |
| Median Pay | $ 24.57 per hour |
| Projected Growth | 1% (Slower than average) |
| Education Needed |
Copywriting is one of the most results-oriented online jobs. The goal is simple: write words that drive action. That could mean selling a product, getting someone to sign up for an email list, or persuading them to click “buy.”
AI tools can produce decent generic copy, but businesses still pay a premium for writers who can deliver measurable results. The difference between passable copy and persuasive copy often comes down to psychology, customer insights, and the ability to tell a brand's story in a way that drives revenue.
Breaking into copywriting usually starts small. Many people land a first project through a freelance platform or a referral, then use that work to demonstrate results. Even a single example where your writing increased conversions can open the door to higher-paying opportunities. Over time, proven copywriters often move into roles such as content strategist, marketing manager, or creative director.
The field itself is not going away. Advertising spend continues to grow, but the skill set is evolving.
Copywriters who learn to blend AI tools with human insights and who focus on measurable business outcomes will continue to thrive. And because so many fast-growing companies rely on digital advertising, the demand for skilled copywriters extends across industries.
At the end of the day, the formula is straightforward: if you can help a business make more money, you can make more money as a copywriter.
Learn more: How to Become a Copywriter (Even With No Experience).
9. Social Media Manager
| Factor | Details |
| Median Pay | $ 23.46 per hour |
| Projected Growth | 6% (Faster than average) |
| Education Needed | Bachelor's common; portfolio of content often enough |
Social media management has become one of the fastest-growing areas of digital marketing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth through 2034, and LinkedIn has repeatedly named digital marketing one of the most valuable skills to add to your resume.
The role today goes well beyond posting updates.
Many people get their start by running accounts for local businesses, but the field now includes brand storytelling, influencer partnerships, campaign management, and even direct e-commerce through platforms like TikTok Shop.
As more commerce moves onto social platforms, businesses need managers who can plan content, analyze results, and adapt to fast-changing trends.
For beginners, the easiest way to break in is to create content yourself. Your portfolio can be the work you do for your own accounts, or content created for small clients. Over time, the best-paid roles come from mastering advanced skills such as paid advertising, influencer management, and cross-platform campaign strategy.
Ultimately, success in this career depends on developing a craft. Those who devote the time to learning platform algorithms, experimenting with content, and staying on top of social trends will find strong demand for their skills.
Related Reading: The 10 Best Online Jobs For College Students.
10. Search Engine Optimization
| Factor | Details |
| Median Pay | $ 23.46 per hour |
| Projected Growth | 6% (Faster than average) |
| Education Needed |
SEO used to be about one thing: ranking websites on Google. Ten years ago, the field centered almost entirely on optimizing for Google organic results and local business listings. Today, SEO is much broader. Companies need help getting discovered across multiple platforms — from YouTube to TikTok Shop to AI-driven search tools that present answers directly.
At its core, SEO is still about helping businesses get found online.
But the way people search has diversified, and businesses need professionals who can adapt. That might mean optimizing a website for Google, growing visibility on YouTube, or experimenting with how new AI-powered tools pull and display information.
For beginners, one of the best ways to break in is by building your own website and using it as a case study. If you can show results — more traffic, leads, or sales — you can use that proof to land small clients. From there, you can move into higher-paying work, whether that's local SEO for small businesses or broader content strategies for larger brands.
Like other skills on this list, SEO follows a simple rule: if you can help businesses make more money, you can make more money. The tools and platforms may be changing, but the demand for people who can help companies get found online is here to stay.
Learn more: The best way to learn SEO is with hands-on experience. Personally, I learned SEO by starting a blog and seeing what worked and what didn't. With real proof of results on my resume, I was then able to obtain clients and earn a high rate for my work.
11. Marketing Automation Specialist
| Factor | Details |
| Median Pay | $37.00 per hour |
| Projected Growth | 7% (Much faster than average) |
| Education Needed | Platform specific certificaitons |
Marketing automation is now a core part of how businesses connect with customers. The days of blasting the same email to everyone are over. Companies rely on specialists who can segment audiences, set up workflows, and personalize messages so that no lead or customer interaction is wasted.
Platforms like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Marketo are widely used in mid-sized and larger companies, while smaller businesses often rely on tools like ConvertKit, Aweber, and Mailchimp. F
or beginners, vendor certifications are one of the fastest ways in. HubSpot, for example, offers free training that can take you from zero to job-ready in weeks.
What makes this career path attractive is that the skills are portable and measurable. You can start by helping a small business automate email campaigns or Shopify sales, then build case studies that prove your work increases revenue.
With experience, marketing automation specialists often grow into roles such as CRM manager, digital marketing strategist, or marketing operations lead — many of which pay well into the six figures.
This field is changing quickly, but that change brings opportunity. If you enjoy data, problem-solving, and using technology to improve how businesses reach customers, marketing automation is a beginner-friendly path with strong long-term prospects.
Learn more: Check out HubSpot's free marketing automation courses to get started.
12. Video Editing and Production
| Factor | Details |
| Median Pay | $33.93 per hour |
| Projected Growth | 3% (As fast as average) |
| Education Needed | No degree required; portfolio essential |
Video is now one of the most powerful ways brands tell their stories. From short-form content on TikTok and Instagram to long-form YouTube videos and professional advertising campaigns, businesses rely on video editors to help shape how audiences see their products and services.
The beauty of this field is that your work becomes your resume. Many beginners start by editing for small businesses, YouTubers, or even their own personal projects. With time, those samples can be used to land bigger clients or W-2 roles with agencies and in-house marketing teams.
At the entry level, video editing might mean creating social media posts or repurposing raw footage into polished clips. As you develop your skills, the career path can expand into higher-paying opportunities in brand storytelling, creative direction, or full-scale production management. Specialized editors who work in areas like animation, motion graphics, or advertising campaigns are often in the highest demand.
There are no formal certification requirements, but mastering professional tools (such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut, or DaVinci Resolve) and building a strong portfolio are essential. With video consumption continuing to rise across every platform, the demand for skilled editors is expected to stay strong.
Learn more: How to Become a Freelance Video Editor.
13. Online Tutoring
| Factor | Details |
| Median Pay | $19.27 per hour |
| Projected Growth | 1% (Slower than average) |
| Education Needed | College preferred, but can still break into certain niches without degree |
Online tutoring continues to grow as education shifts toward more personalized, one-on-one instruction.
Platforms like Tutor.com, Cambly, and VIPKid connect tutors with students around the world, with strong demand in subjects like math, science, and English as a second language. For many beginners, signing up through one of these portals is the fastest way to start earning.
This career is especially accessible to those with prior teaching or subject expertise. Retired teachers often find tutoring to be a flexible second career, and current teachers use it as a way to supplement their income. (See our guides to the best side hustles for teachers and the best online jobs for retired teachers.)
While the pay ceiling is lower than in some digital careers, online tutoring is in steady demand and provides clear pathways into related roles. Experienced tutors may grow into curriculum development, instructional design, or education consulting.
Learn more: Check out our article on the best online tutoring sites, which goes into more detail on each of the leading companies in the field.
14. Sales Representative
| Factor | Details |
| Median Pay | $ 25.62 per hour |
| Projected Growth | 5% (faster than average) |
| Education Needed | High school diploma or bachelor's, depending on role |
Sales is one of the most transferable skills in the job market. Nearly every industry needs sales professionals to bring in new customers and drive growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sales representative roles are expected to grow about 5% through 2034, with higher demand in business-to-business and technology sectors.
For beginners, entry-level positions often provide on-the-job training. Many start in inside sales or account management before moving up to higher-paying roles like enterprise sales, business development, or sales leadership. Because compensation is frequently tied to performance, sales roles offer some of the strongest earning potential for motivated workers.
At the end of the day, the saying holds true: if you can sell, you'll never go hungry.
Learn more: Read HubSpot's ultimate guide to a career in sales for insight into potential avenues for launching a career in the field.
15. Virtual Recruiter
| Factor | Details |
| Median Pay | $35.05 per hour |
| Projected Growth | 6% (Faster than average) |
| Education Needed | High school diploma or bachelor's, depending on role |
Recruiters help companies find and hire the right talent. As more hiring moves online, the role of the virtual recruiter has expanded, with opportunities in industries ranging from tech to healthcare. Many positions can be done fully remote, making this a flexible career path.
For beginners, breaking in often means working for staffing agencies or supporting an in-house HR team. Over time, recruiters who demonstrate strong communication and networking skills can move into higher-paying roles such as senior recruiter, talent acquisition specialist, or recruitment manager. Fees and commissions can be substantial — some firms earn 20–25% of a candidate's first-year salary.
This is a career for people who enjoy connecting with others, researching talent, and helping both employers and job seekers succeed. Strong interpersonal skills, persistence, and an ability to learn industry-specific needs will set you apart.
Learn more: How to Become a Recruiter — The Beginner's Guide.
16. Medical Assistant
| Factor | Details |
| Median Pay | $21.25 per hour |
| Projected Growth | 12% (Much faster than average) |
| Education Needed | High school diploma or bachelor's, depending on role |
Medical assisting is one of the fastest-growing healthcare support roles, with demand projected to rise 12% through 2034. Much of this growth comes from the expansion of telehealth and outpatient care, where medical assistants can handle administrative and patient-facing tasks remotely.
Typical responsibilities include scheduling appointments, managing billing, maintaining electronic health records, and coordinating communication between providers and patients. While no college degree is required, completing a short medical assistant or billing/coding certification can improve job prospects and speed up hiring. Many programs can be taken online and include job placement support.
This role can also be a stepping stone into higher-level healthcare careers. Experienced medical assistants often transition into billing specialists, office managers, or further training in nursing or healthcare administration. For people who want a remote-friendly healthcare career with strong job security, medical assisting offers one of the best entry points.
Learn more: How to Become a Medical Assistant: The Steps You Can't Ignore.
17. Market Research Analyst
| Factor | Details |
| Median Pay | $ 23.46/hour |
| Projected Growth | 8% (Much faster than average) |
| Education Needed | Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, statistics, or related field |
Market research analysts study market conditions and consumer behavior to help businesses make better decisions. Demand is solid, with an 8% projected growth rate through 2034, and more than 50,000 new jobs expected. The work is also highly remote-friendly, with more than half of positions offering telework options.
For beginners, the traditional entry point is a bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or statistics. But you don't need a degree to get started if you can show skills and results. A practical path is to earn a certification in a specific platform — such as Google Analytics, HubSpot Marketing, or Shopify Analytics — and then use freelance platforms to take on small projects. By focusing on one platform and becoming an expert, you can quickly build a portfolio of case studies that demonstrate value to employers.
Over time, this role can lead to higher-paying opportunities in market strategy, product research, or even data science, which is projected to grow 34% through 2034. Market research is an excellent starting point for anyone who enjoys turning data into insights and wants a flexible, remote-friendly career path.
Learn more: Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate course.
Best Online Job FAQs
When you work from home, you'll usually (but not always) be classified as an independent contractor. That means you're working on a per-hour or per-project basis, rather than for a set annual salary. As a result, your annual earnings can vary widely based on a number of factors. If you're organized, motivated and efficient, you can often earn more money for the same amount of work as compared to a more traditional work environment.
But on the flip side, if you're someone who finds it difficult to stay focused and has a tendency to coast through the day, you might end up making significantly less. That's because as a freelancer or contractor, you're only getting paid for the work you actually do. Being at home can be distracting, and it's easy to end up with only four billable hours after an eight-hour workday.
Your take-home pay will also depend on the types of contracts you're able to win. You'll make a lot more money as a paid social media manager than you will by doing online data entry jobs.
Referrals from your network are always an ideal place to start your job search.
Other avenues include sites like FlexJobs. A strictly remote job board, FlexJobs screens each listing before making it available to applicants.
Beyond FlexJobs, Indeed is another job board that's worth checking out, as it has the most powerful search engine among job listing websites. One of Indeed's most helpful free features is its job alerts function, which allows you to get an email any time a new job opportunity that matches your parameters opens up.
As with any job, the necessary qualifications depend on the type of work you're seeking. In general, if you need a certification to do the work in person, you'll also need one to do it online.
However, some jobs — such as freelance writing and editing jobs — can be easier to get online if you have limited work experience. For example, while few newspapers will hire a journalist who has zero training, it's fairly easy to gain a foothold as a content writer for a blog or website.
If you're looking to freelance instead of working directly with a company, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr and Toptal are great starting points. These websites provide access to a wide range of jobs and clients, as well as tools and resources to help you manage your projects and communicate with clients )making it easy to work efficiently and professionally).
Amazon hires for both its customer service and technical positions (like software developers) on a remote-first basis. See our guide to working from home for Amazon to learn where to look for positions depending on your skillset.
Work-from-home scams often disguise themselves as real job opportunities on popular job search websites. The common theme among these opportunities is that there's little to no information about key facts such as hourly wages and benefits. Some even require you to make a payment upfront, which is a major red flag.
To protect yourself, research the company offering the job on sites like Glassdoor, which lets past employees leave anonymous reviews. You'll also want to check popular review sites and make sure real customers are leaving reviews, in addition to the Better Business Bureau.
Payment methods vary by employer and platform. PayPal is a popular choice for freelance work, allowing you to send and invoice, and receive payments globally. Most companies that hire freelancers have a PayPal account. Freelance sites like Upwork and Fiverr handle payments for you, but there may be processing fees. If you're working for a company, ideally set up direct deposit so the money goes directly to your bank account.
How to Get an Online Job With Little or No Experience
There's a lot that needs to happen to land one of the opportunities highlighted here. That's why we created four in-depth guides, with the goal of giving you the greatest possible chance at building a successful work-at-home career.
Use these resources below to help land your ideal online job.
- How to Write a Resume With No Experience. Download our free beginner's resume template, then let us walk you through how to create a winning resume for landing your dream job.
- How to Start Freelancing (Complete Beginner's Guide). Check out our hub of content that helps you go from beginner to highly-paid freelancer.
- 10 Best Online Jobs That Pay Weekly Or Faster. If you're in need of generating income quickly, here are 10 beginner-friendly online jobs that can help you get through a cash shortage.
*We gathered data from a variety of sources to determine hourly rates, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor and Payscale.
