News & Trending Jobs & Career News

10 Remote Jobs That Pay $55 an Hour (No, Really)

Skilled professionals can earn top pay without going into an office.

By Summer Nevins

Edited by Andrea Basse

Updated Jan. 19, 2026

Remote work no longer means settling for lower pay. Today, many professionals earn $55 an hour or more without commuting or spending long days in an office. These roles can offer flexibility, strong income, and work that rewards experience rather than nonstop hustle. With the right background or credentials, working from home can be a practical way to keep earning on your own terms.

The sections below explore specific remote-friendly jobs that will earn you at least $55 an hour, including their qualifications, growth potential, and what the work entails on a day-to-day basis.

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

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.¹ <p>Clients who complete the program and settle all debts typically save around 45% before fees or 20% including fees over 24–48 months, based on enrolled debts. “Debt-free” applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Average program completion time is 24–48 months; not all debts are eligible, and results vary as not all clients complete the program due to factors like insufficient savings. We do not guarantee specific debt reductions or timelines, nor do we assume debt, make payments to creditors, or offer legal, tax, bankruptcy, or credit repair services. Consult a tax professional or attorney as needed. Services are not available in all states. Participation may adversely affect your credit rating or score. Nonpayment of debt may result in increased finance and other charges, collection efforts, or litigation. Read all program materials before enrolling. National Debt Relief’s fees are based on a percentage of enrolled debt. All communications may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance. In certain states, additional disclosures and licensing apply. ©️ 2009–2025 National Debt Relief LLC. National Debt Relief (NMLS #1250950, CA CFL Lic. No. 60DBO-70443) is located at 180 Maiden Lane, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10038. All rights reserved. <b><a href="https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/licenses/">Click here</a></b> for additional state-specific disclosures and licensing information.</p>

Computer and information research scientist

Median hourly pay: $67.74

As companies develop more advanced software, AI, and data systems, computer and information research scientists play a growing role. They design new computing technologies and solve complex technical problems, often working remotely for universities, government agencies, or tech firms. Daily work includes research, data analysis, and collaboration.

Most roles require a master's degree or a doctorate in computer science or a related field. Employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade, with career paths leading to senior research or consulting roles.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

Information security analyst

Median hourly pay: $60.05

Information security analyst roles are also seeing steady job growth. They protect computer systems and sensitive data from cyber threats, and they can do this in a remote or hybrid setting. Daily tasks include monitoring networks, assessing risks, and responding to incidents.

You'll need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, with certifications like CISSP or Security+ preferred. Employment in this field is growing faster than average at 29% over the next decade, with career paths leading to senior security or consulting roles.

Financial manager

Median hourly pay: $77.74

Financial managers are crucial for every business, and this role can be easily done remotely or in a hybrid environment. They oversee budgets, forecasts, and financial strategy. Day-to-day may look different across companies, but the function typically includes analyzing reports, advising leadership, and managing risk.

Most positions require a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or business, with CPA or CFA credentials boosting pay. Employment is projected to grow faster than average at 15%, with career paths leading to executive or consulting roles.

Compensation and benefits manager

Median hourly pay: $67.48

Compensation and benefits managers design pay structures, health plans, and retirement programs, which often support remote work. They analyze pay data, ensuring compliance, and advising leadership.

These types of jobs require a bachelor's degree in HR, business, or finance, with certifications such as CCP or SHRM preferred. Job growth is steady, with career paths advancing to senior HR leadership or consulting roles.

Training and development manager

Median hourly pay: $61.10

Training and development managers are HR professionals who plan employee education, leadership programs, and virtual learning initiatives. Daily work includes assessing training needs, managing vendors, and evaluating programs.

You'll need a bachelor's in HR, education, or business, and certifications strengthen prospects. Employment is projected to grow about as fast as average, with career paths into senior HR leadership or consulting roles.

Sales engineer

Median hourly pay: $58.42

Sales can be done from anywhere, meaning sales engineers often work remotely. They sell complex technical products and provide client support. Daily tasks include virtual product demos, answering technical questions, and supporting sales teams.

Most positions require a bachelor's degree in engineering or a technical field. Employment growth is steady, with career paths leading to senior sales leadership, solutions architecture, or consulting roles.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

Lawyers/legal counsel

Median hourly pay: $72.67

Lawyers provide legal advice, draft documents, and represent clients. Many roles support remote work, especially in contract law, compliance, or consulting.

A law degree and state bar licensure are required. Daily work includes legal research, writing, and virtual client meetings. For career paths into consulting, in-house counsel, or part-time advisory work, job growth is projected to be average.

Computer and information systems manager

Median hourly pay: $82.31

Computer and information systems managers oversee an organization's technology strategy, often doing so remotely. They manage teams, set technology priorities, and coordinate projects.

Most roles require a bachelor's in computer science or a related field plus extensive IT experience. Employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade, with career paths into executive leadership or consulting roles.

Senior financial analyst

Median hourly pay: $62.98

Senior financial analysts evaluate investments, forecasts, and financial performance, with many roles supporting remote work. Day-to-day, they may model data, prepare reports, and advise leadership. With experience, analysts may advance to finance manager, portfolio manager, or consulting roles.

You will need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or accounting, and a master's degree or a CPA or CFA certification can increase pay. Job growth is faster than average, with career paths to finance manager, portfolio manager, or consulting roles.

Earn as much as $1K doing simple online tasks

A company called Freecash has compiled all sorts of quick cash tasks from about a dozen advertisers and market research companies thirsty for more data. Freecash has paid out over $13 million to users since 2019, and has over 50,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot.

Senior software engineer/developer

Median hourly pay: $78.84

Senior software engineers are often fully remote, and the need for them is strong in the current job market. They design, develop, and maintain applications, write and review code, and debug while virtually collaborating with team members.

You typically need a bachelor's in computer science or a related field, plus strong coding experience. Employment in software development is projected to grow faster than average, with career paths leading to roles as a lead developer, software architect, or tech consultant.

Bottom line

Remote work can offer high-paying, flexible opportunities that rival traditional office roles, with many positions exceeding $55 an hour. From tech and finance to legal and design, these careers value experience and specialized skills over long hours or age.

An important insight: many of these roles can be pursued part-time or project-based, allowing workers to maintain income while controlling their schedule. By focusing on in-demand fields and building relevant credentials, remote work can be a sustainable, rewarding way to extend earning potential and lower your financial stress over time.

More from FinanceBuzz: