Are There Really 6-Figure Remote Jobs That Don’t Require Much Work? Experts Explain
Written by
Jake Safane
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Earning over $100,000 per year while being able to work from home and avoid a demanding schedule might seem like you’re asking for too many things on one career wishlist. The reality, though, is that these jobs do exist, if you have the right expertise and seek them out.
“Finding a six-figure role with a light workload and flexible schedule is possible. However, many of these roles require a certain skill set or specific hands-on experience,” said Sam DeMase, career expert at ZipRecruiter.
Fortunately, you don’t necessarily need an advanced degree for many of these roles, although certain types of tech ones, for example, may require some sort of certification. Others, however, might be more about having the right background.
Examples of High-Pay and Low-Stress Remote Jobs
While much depends on the company, certain types of roles tend to be more likely to fit this bill, especially tech-oriented ones.
“Roles like data analyst, project manager, executive recruiter, AI prompt engineer and computer systems analyst are typically associated with higher pay and greater schedule flexibility,” DeMase said.
For some of these roles, the average salary might fall a bit below six figures, but if you have experience and work your way toward the high end of the scale, you can find remote jobs that pay over $100,000.
Some other examples of roles that tend to be remote, while requiring no more than 40 hours per week, include DevOps/site reliability engineer, business intelligence analyst and UX researcher/designer, according to Theresa Balsiger, vice president of candidate relations with Carex Consulting Group.
Many of these roles, she said, tend to be project-based or asynchronous, she said. So, you might find yourself with more downtime and lower stress than in some jobs that require constant activity.
How To Get These Jobs
While it might sound like a pipe dream to get a six-figure, low-stress job, it may be more within reach than you’d assume.
One tip is to learn in-demand skills and how to use popular tools, like AWS, CI/CD and SQL, Balsiger said. “There are several online courses you can take to level up your skillset and learn a new tech stack. Check out Coursera or Udemy,” she added.
Good old-fashioned networking is important too. But don’t just expect to land one of these jobs by connecting with people haphazardly. You should specifically talk to those who are already in these roles, such as by reaching out on LinkedIn to learn more and build relationships.
“See how they got there, ask them for introductions, etcetera,” Balsiger said.
If you’re not sure where to start in terms of what type of remote job you want, think about what you’re good at, even if that differs a bit from your current job, as long as you can connect the dots.
“Make a list of your superpowers and write down any notable results or achievements from prior roles. From there, choose roles that closely align with your current skill set. Remember, finding a role that values your existing skill sets is the easiest way to pivot,” DeMase said.
Also, be sure to emphasize these skills and any relevant experience on your resume, she said.
“Prepare a quick, results-based hook that instantly shows value,” DeMase explained.
“Employers told ZipRecruiter the number one thing they’re looking for in candidates is relevant work experience and skills, so don’t make them read between the lines. In your cover letter, don’t shy away from acknowledging your work experience, how it sets you apart from the competition and what skills you bring to the table,” she added.
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