Some people prefer flexible options to achieve a better balance between work and life.
The workplace is rapidly changing with the introduction of team communication software like Zoom and Slack. Many well-paid jobs offer the flexibility to work remotely, part-time or freelance.
Note that All information on average hourly rates and median salaries reported comes from the 2021 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Flexible hours and high-paying jobs
Flexible jobs can help you achieve a better balance between work and life, as well as prioritize your day.
These 80 flexible jobs may be the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
1. Data Scientist
Data scientists are needed to replace workers who have retired or transferred. Most companies hire data scientists for their expertise to properly manage and analyse big data.
Data science careers are often flexible, as most of the work can be performed remotely. Data scientists can also choose to work as freelancers or part-time employees at major corporations. They are compensated well because of their extensive knowledge of machine learning, statistics, and other professional skills.
- Median Hourly Rate: 48.52
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
2. Photographer
Photographers can show their talents and skills across a wide range of industries. Fashion, sports, concerts and commercials are just a few examples. As a freelancer photographer, you can explore many niches depending on your abilities and interests. Consider taking up photography professionally if you have always enjoyed it.
- Median Hourly Rate: 18.73
- Minimum education requirements: High School diploma or equivalent
3. Dietitian
Dietitians are nutritionists who specialize in food. They advise clients on what and how to eat to reach a specific health or physical goal. Weight loss, for example, or the management of conditions like high cholesterol.
Dietitians work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities. They can also support patients remotely via phone or video call.
- Median Hourly Rate: $29,64
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Graphic Designer
Graphic design is a flexible career option for creatives who are passionate about art and design. Graphic designers develop product ideas, arrange illustrations and create graphics.
You can work as a graphic design in-house for a company or as a freelancer through sites like Upwork and Fiverr. Working independently will give you the freedom to set your own schedule and charges.
- Median Hourly Rate: $24.38
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
5. Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant, as the name implies, is someone who provides administrative services remotely to businesses. A virtual assistant can be responsible for anything from managing email accounts to handling customer service.
- Median Hourly Rate: $29.08
- Minimum education requirements: High School diploma or equivalent
6. The Plumber
You can earn money while you are learning. You can gain experience by working under a licensed plumbing professional while you are preparing to obtain your license.
Among the benefits of becoming licensed as a plumber are job flexibility, earning potential and stability. Plumbers are always needed, no matter where they live. You can even become your own boss as you gain experience and create your own schedule.
- Median Hourly Rate: 28.79
- Minimum education requirements: High School diploma or equivalent
7. Blogger
Blogs can be lucrative careers depending on their size and niche. Bloggers can earn money by displaying advertisements, using affiliate marketing, or selling online courses. Create a blog if creating content is what you are passionate about and your expertise.
- Median Hourly Rate: $16.28 (salary on Indeed.com).
- Education Requirements: None
8. Electrician
A skilled electrician is someone who has a specialization in the installation, design and maintenance of electrical systems for different types buildings. Apprenticeship programs and trade schools are the most common ways that electricians begin their careers.
Many electricians who have a solid skill set choose to work independently to enjoy greater autonomy over their schedule.
- Median Hourly Rate: 28.87
- Educational requirements: Electrical apprenticeship or certification
9. Massage Therapist
Consider pursuing a massage therapy career if the traditional 9-to-5 career doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Massage therapists can work in many different settings, including hotels, resorts and health facilities. They may also be employed at clients’ homes, or on cruise ships.
Massage therapy is a career that can be done part-time or on a full-time basis. This is ideal for those who are flexible. A massage therapist does not need a college education, so you can save a lot of money on tuition.
- Median Hourly Rate: 22.55
- Education requirements for non-degree awards:
10. Interior designer
Interior designers can work from home using technology like Zoom and design software. They can also communicate with their clients. Interior designers can be certified in different states, but they must pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification exam.
- Median Hourly Rate: $29.01
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
11. Software Consultant
Most software consultants have extensive experience with software engineering or development. Many companies hire software consultants in order to keep up with the latest software and technology trends.
- Median Hourly Rate: $52.41
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
12. Personal Trainer
Personal training can be an exciting and flexible career choice for those who are passionate about fitness. Some certifications for personal trainers can be completed in as little as 3 to 4 months.
Once you are certified, it is possible to start attracting clients and carving out your own niche. Social media is a great way for personal trainers to market themselves and attract celebrity clients. Once you are established in the field, you can charge high rates per hour.
- Median Hourly Rate: $19.57
- Minimum education requirements: High School diploma or equivalent
13. Web designer
A well-designed and strong online presence is one of the best ways to demonstrate a company’s credibility.
The BLS projects that employment for web designers and developers will grow by 23% between 2021 and 2031. This is faster than most other industries and careers. Consider making your passion for building websites your career. You can even start a web design company.
- Median Hourly Rate: $35.65
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
14. Speech-language pathologist
A speech-language therapist is a professional health care provider who has been trained to offer vocal rehabilitation and treatment for people with difficulties in speech or language.
Speech-language pathologists work in many different settings including schools, clinics, and private practices. Many choose to work part-time.
- Median hourly Rate: $38.01
- Education requirements: Master’s degree
15. Advertising sales agent
Sales agents promote a company’s services and products by identifying prospects and educating them. Many companies today allow their sales representatives the freedom to set their own schedules, and some even let them work from home.
Consider becoming a sales representative if you love sales and want a flexible job that pays on a commission basis.
- Median hourly Rate: $25.16
- Minimum education requirement: High School diploma or equivalent
16. Genetic Counselor
Genetic counselors work with families and individuals to understand the impact of their DNA and family history on their health. As an example, they can identify the risks associated with inherited conditions or diseases.
- Median hourly Rate: $38.54
- Education requirements: Master’s degree
17. Software developer
Software developers are responsible for developing software and providing solutions to meet the needs of users. You will need to have a good understanding of engineering principles and programming languages in order to become a software programmer.
- Median hourly Rate: $52.41
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
18. Social media managers
Many businesses require a social media manager because of the power and popularity of social media. They need someone to manage and expand their presence online.
Social media managers can be responsible for running campaigns on social media, analyzing metrics to improve performance and creating engaging content that promotes the business. Social media managers have the option to work with the marketing team of a company, or as freelancers.
- Average hourly rate is $64.12
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
19. Online tutor
Anyone who is passionate about teaching and has expertise in certain topics can become an online tutor. There are many websites where tutors offer their services to international students. Hourly rates vary depending on your subject and level of expertise.
Online tutoring allows you to choose how much time you spend working. This is an excellent career choice for people who like flexibility over a set schedule.
- Median hourly Rate: $17.53
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
20. Dog Walker
If you have a large number of clients you can make a profit equal to, or even greater than, the average full-time wage.
You can find online dog-walking opportunities and build up your reputation. You can start your own business as you build up a loyal clientele.
- Average hourly rate is $13.81
- Minimum education requirement: High School diploma or equivalent
Flexible jobs with high salaries
You can earn a good income by working flexible hours. You can find flexible work in many different fields.
Flexible career options in business and communication
- Real estate agent
- Financial Analyst
- Content Strategist
- Communication specialist
- Project Manager
- Quantitative Market Researcher
- Accountants are Chartered Professionals
- Client Services Coordinator
- Recruiter
- Management Consultant
- Entrepreneur
- Auditor
- Business Process Analyst
- Account Manager
- Supply chain coordinator
- Operation manager
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- Writers of Economics
- Executive Assistant
Flexible hours for technical jobs
- Front-end developer
- Game designer
- UX designer
- Java developer
- Tech product manager
- Enterprise architect
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Engineers with technical support
- Back-end developer
- Solution engineer
- Computer researcher
- Database Administrator
- Mobile application developer
- Cloud architect
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Designer of the Internet of Things
- Full-stack developer
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Quality assurance analyst
Flexible schedules for creative jobs
- Tattoo Artist
- Art director
- Fashion designer
- Animator
- Video editor
- Screenwriter
- Makeup artist
- Music composer
- Hair stylist
- Videographer
- Fashion journalist
- Writing coach
- Multimedia artist
- 3D Artist
- Visual Strategist
- Photo editor
- Motion graphics designer
- Sound Engineer
- Voice-over artist
- Professional dancer
- High School Coach
It’s never too early to learn new skills and take courses, even if you have no experience in these areas. You should set aside money each month to invest in your skills and be a qualified candidate for many career options.