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8 Remote Entry-Level Jobs That Pay at Least $49 an Hour

These high-paying remote roles offer strong pay without years of experience.

By Andy Lindquist

Edited by Andrea Basse

Updated Jan. 12, 2026

Getting a high-paying remote job is one of the best ways to boost your earnings while preserving your sanity. When you work from home, you can skip the daily commute, saving both time and money. Instead of sitting through morning traffic, you can focus on building wealth from the comfort of your own space.

Here are eight entry-level remote jobs that pay $49 or more per hour.

Editor's note: All salary information comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Computer and information research scientist

Median hourly wage: $67.74

In this job, you'll do research and design experiments to help solve complex computer problems in the medical, business, and science fields. This will involve developing new software and hardware architectures to solve the issues, which lends itself to remote work.

A background in computer science and a master's degree with research experience are typically required.

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Software developer

Median hourly wage: $63.20

As a developer, you will create new software products from design through testing to deployment. Having a strong internet connection and attention to detail are musts in this role, as you'll need to respond quickly to any software issues as they arise. Since this is done via a computer, it lends itself to remote work.

A background in computer science and demonstrated aptitude for writing computer code and developing software are critical to landing this type of job. That means having a strong digital portfolio of products that you've built.

Database architect

Median hourly wage: $59.18

Database architects design, build, and maintain the structures that store and secure an organization's data. You'll create the blueprints for data management systems, a high-level strategic role that is distinct from daily administration. In the world of big data, every company needs someone to keep its database secure and up to date. The work is performed digitally, often in cloud environments, enabling remote work.

A bachelor's degree is required.

Political scientist

Median hourly wage: $67.01

In this job, you'll study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. That will also involve researching political ideas and analyzing governments, policies, and political trends. The work involves deep research, data analysis, and report writing, all of which are suitable for a remote office environment.

A master's degree in political science or a background in the industry is the typical entry point, though now it's possible to build your own brand independently before moving on to a big organization.

Sales engineer

Median hourly wage: $58.42

Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses. You'll use your technical skills to explain the benefits of their products to potential customers. This role can be done remotely, as long as you have a fast internet connection and a fast phone connection, since you'll be making many cold calls to prospects.

A bachelor's degree is required, but there's also a specific skill set and aptitude for sales. If you have had any success in a sales role before, it would make the transition into this job much easier.

Actuary

Median hourly wage: $60.47

In this role, you'll use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the economic costs of risk and uncertainty. You'll be primarily working for insurance companies and consulting firms, either as an employee or an independent contractor.

The job is autonomous and data-heavy, making it one of the most remote-friendly roles in the financial sector. A bachelor's degree in mathematics or statistics is typically required, but you'll also have to pass a series of actuarial exams to demonstrate your aptitude.

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Economist

Median hourly wage: $55.50

Economists study the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services. That means analyzing data, researching trends, and evaluating economic issues. Many economists work for the federal government or do consulting. Since the primary output is reports and forecasts, which can be completed easily from a home office.

A bachelor's degree in economics is typically required, but this industry is moving towards proof of work via independent work before getting hired by a private company or government.

Data scientist

Median hourly wage: $54.13

In this job, you'll use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from big data sets. You'll have to determine what data an organization needs and then collect, clean, and analyze it to help solve problems. This role is inherently digital and one of the fastest-growing remote professions, with a 34% growth rate over the next decade.

A bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or computer science is typically required, though a robust portfolio of projects can be highly valuable.

Bottom line

Landing an entry-level remote job that pays $49 an hour or more is realistic if you focus on skill-based roles in research, technology, sales, or analytics. Most of these jobs reward demonstrated skills, portfolios, or advanced training, and once you're qualified, geography becomes far less relevant to your pay. And higher hourly earnings can help lower your financial stress by giving you more flexibility and stability.

While remote work has decreased in recent years, it's still a big part of the economy. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the share of U.S. workers who usually worked from home in 2023 was 13.8%, more than double the 5.7% rate in 2019. Even as some companies push return-to-office policies, remote work remains far more common than before the pandemic.

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