“I switched to remote work during the pandemic, but never imagined I could earn over $120K from my home office.” — Jordan, Full-Stack Developer
Summary — Top 5 Remote Jobs That Pay Big in 2025:
| Job Title | Average Salary | Best Sites to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Software Engineer | $120K–$180K | The Ladders, Toptal, Stack Overflow |
| Digital Marketing Manager | $95K–$140K | FlexJobs, We Work Remotely |
| UX/UI Designer | $90K–$135K | Toptal, Dribbble, Stack Overflow |
| Cloud Solutions Architect | $130K–$190K | The Ladders, Turing |
| AI/ML Engineer | $140K–$200K | Turing, FlexJobs, The Ladders |
Insider Note: These aren’t low-skill, part-time gigs. They’re high-leverage roles ideal for remote veterans or mid-level professionals ready to level up.
Related:
- What industries pay the most for remote jobs in 2025?
- Which job boards post the highest-paying roles (I tested 5)?
Table of Contents
1. Remote Software Engineer
Salary Range: $120,000 – $180,000
Demand Drivers: Every major company is scaling apps and platforms remotely.
Required Skills:
- Proficiency in full-stack (React, Node.js, Python)
- DevOps / CI/CD pipelines (Docker, Jenkins)
- Cloud deployments (AWS, Azure, GCP)
Top Sites to Apply:
- The Ladders → Search “Senior Remote Engineer” for $100K+ listings
- Toptal → Premium freelance gigs for vetted developers
- Stack Overflow Jobs → Trusted by global dev teams
✅ Jordan’s Win: “I landed a 6-month contract through Toptal that paid more than my last full-time job. Their vetting system filters serious clients.”
Pro Tip: Add GitHub links to your resume. Hiring managers prioritize portfolios over traditional CVs.
2. Digital Marketing Manager (Remote)
Salary Range: $95,000 – $140,000
Why It Pays: Remote marketers are now core revenue drivers, not just content creators.
Core Skills:
- PPC campaign mastery (Google Ads, Meta, LinkedIn)
- SEO optimization (on-page + technical)
- Funnel automation (ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign)
- CRO & analytics (GA4, Hotjar, Looker)
Best Sites:
- FlexJobs → Filters for “remote” + “six-figure marketing” roles
- We Work Remotely → Heavily used by SaaS and DTC startups
- PeoplePerHour → Short-term lead gen or email funnel gigs
✅ Rachel’s Routine: “I use FlexJobs to track full-time marketing roles and stack income with freelance clients on PeoplePerHour.”
Tactic: Use keyword-rich titles like “Remote Growth Strategist | Paid Ads + SEO + CRO” on job boards.
3. UX/UI Designer (Remote)
Salary Range: $90,000 – $135,000
Why It Pays: Great UX is directly tied to conversion and retention — especially for SaaS.
Tools to Know:
- Figma, Adobe XD, Webflow
- Zeplin, Sketch, InVision
- Responsive prototyping, accessibility design
Where to Find Jobs:
- Toptal → Apply only if you have a top-tier portfolio
- Dribbble Jobs → Excellent for visually-led startups
- Stack Overflow → Many hybrid design-dev roles
Rachel’s Reminder: “Always include a Loom walkthrough of a past design sprint. It’s the fastest way to stand out.”
Edge Strategy: Build a Notion-based UX case study library. Recruiters love context.
4. Cloud Solutions Architect (Remote)
Salary Range: $130,000 – $190,000
Why It Pays: Cloud architects are essential for ensuring scalable infrastructure in remote-first organizations. As more companies migrate to multi-cloud environments, demand for architects who can handle complexity is soaring.
Must-Have Credentials:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate/Professional
- Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Job Platforms:
- The Ladders → Advanced infrastructure roles in finance, AI, healthtech
- Turing → AI-based matching for global cloud talent
✅ Jordan’s Playbook: “I recorded a walkthrough of a multi-cloud deployment and uploaded it to LinkedIn. It led to 3 interviews in 7 days.”
Apply Faster: Pre-build white-labeled deployment projects in GitHub to demonstrate readiness and execution speed.
5. AI/ML Engineer (Remote)
Salary Range: $140,000 – $200,000
Why It Pays: AI is no longer experimental—it’s operational. From personalized recommendations to fraud detection, machine learning underpins modern product strategy.
Must-Have Capabilities:
- Model building (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
- LLM integration (OpenAI APIs, NLP pipelines)
- Data architecture (Spark, Airflow, Snowflake)
Apply on:
- Turing → Great matching engine for ML engineers
- The Ladders → Target fintech/medtech for highest pay
- FlexJobs → Ideal for R&D and hybrid research-product roles
Jordan’s Tactic: “Turing let me upload a case study video. It replaced 3 interviews with one offer.”
CTA Tip: End every AI job application with: “Demo-ready ML pipeline available upon request.”
6. Remote Content Strategist / SEO Director
Salary Range: $85,000 – $125,000+
Why It Pays: SEO and content strategy are core levers for long-term, low-cost lead generation—making them a staple in every marketing org.
Core Skills:
- Keyword strategy, pillar clustering, content briefs
- On-page optimization, E-E-A-T compliance, link-building systems
- Analytics mastery (GA4, Search Console, Ahrefs, SEMrush)
Top Sites:
- FlexJobs → Filters for content leadership roles
- ClearVoice & Contently → Match experienced strategists with big brands
- We Work Remotely → Often posts editorial lead positions
✅ Rachel’s Move: “My SEO strategist role at a remote fintech firm pays six figures plus bonuses. Found it through FlexJobs.”
Tactic: Create a one-pager showing previous content plans, traffic gains, and link velocity — attach as a PDF.
7. Cybersecurity Analyst (Remote)
Salary Range: $110,000 – $165,000
Why It Pays: Security threats rise with remote work. Cyber talent is in high demand.
Core Responsibilities:
- Monitoring & responding to security threats (SIEM, IDS/IPS)
- Risk assessments, internal audits, compliance (SOC 2, HIPAA)
- Penetration testing, endpoint security tools
Best Platforms:
- The Ladders → Government, healthcare, and fintech security roles
- FlexJobs → Remote roles with high trust requirements
- Dice → Cybersecurity contractor and W2 listings
✅ Jordan’s Note: “Cyber analysts are the new backbone of remote orgs. I got multiple $150K+ offers through Ladders and Dice.”
Pro Tip: Add CompTIA Security+ or CISSP credentials to your headline + LinkedIn.
8. Data Scientist (Remote)
Salary Range: $115,000 – $170,000
Why It Pays: Companies need predictive models and customer insights more than ever.
Skill Stack:
- Python, R, SQL, Power BI, Tableau
- Data wrangling, cleaning, and modeling
- Machine learning basics (XGBoost, decision trees)
Where to Apply:
- The Ladders → Data science listings at top-tier firms
- FlexJobs → Well-vetted hybrid research/product roles
- AngelList → Early-stage companies hiring data leads
✅ Rachel’s Insight: “Many data roles aren’t labeled ‘Data Scientist.’ I use filters like ‘remote + analytics + predictive modeling’ to uncover hidden gems.”
Extra Tip: Build a data portfolio using real business cases on GitHub or Kaggle.
9. Remote Project Manager
Salary Range: $90,000 – $130,000
Why It Pays: Remote-first companies depend on PMs to coordinate cross-timezone deliverables and ensure projects ship on time. Experience with agile frameworks and digital ops makes PMs indispensable.
Tools to Master:
- Asana, Trello, ClickUp, Monday.com
- Slack, Zoom, Loom for async updates
- Agile, Scrum, and Kanban methodologies
Top Job Boards:
- FlexJobs → Filter by “Project Manager” + “Fully Remote”
- Remote.co → Excellent for operations-heavy PM roles
- We Work Remotely → Tech + SaaS project management listings
✅ Jordan’s Routine: “I automated 30% of my workflow using ClickUp. That saved my team 8 hours/week — shared that in my application and got hired fast.”
CTA Move: Link a Notion project dashboard or sprint tracker in your resume.
10. Legal Counsel (Remote Corporate Attorney)
Salary Range: $120,000 – $180,000
⚖️ Why It Pays: Startups, fintech, and SaaS companies all need contract, compliance, and data privacy support remotely. Legal teams are no longer limited to office walls.
Skills Needed:
- Corporate governance, M&A, SaaS contracts
- Remote employee compliance + IP rights
- GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA legal expertise
Apply On:
- The Ladders → Executive legal counsel roles
- LinkedIn Jobs → Many remote legal positions never hit job boards
- FlexJobs → Vetted listings from firms hiring remote counsel
✅ Rachel’s Tactic: “I created a ‘Remote Legal Stack’ guide for startups. Added it as a content link in my FlexJobs profile — got 4 callbacks in 3 days.”
Bonus Play: Offer free audits or legal templates in cold messages to warm leads.
Final Steps to Secure Your $100K+ Remote Job in 2025
1. Tailor Your Resume to Every Role Generic resumes don’t cut it. Use AI tools like Jobscan to match keywords and highlight impact.
2. Build a Recruiter-Friendly LinkedIn Profile Use a headline like “Remote UX Lead | Conversion-Focused | Figma + Webflow Expert.” Add a CTA and portfolio link in your About section.
3. Apply Daily on High-Converting Platforms
- The Ladders for $100K+ listings
- FlexJobs for scam-free roles
- Turing for AI-vetted tech gigs
4. Leverage Backdoor Channels Send cold messages on LinkedIn using micro-case studies or project walkthroughs via Loom. Mention mutual goals and KPIs.
5. Track Everything Use tools like Teal or Notion to log applied roles, contacts, interviews, and follow-ups.
6. Systematize Your Week
- Monday: Resume updates
- Tuesday: Apply to 5 jobs
- Wednesday: Publish 1 LinkedIn post
- Thursday: Outreach to 3 recruiters
- Friday: Practice mock interviews
7. Bonus Move: Build a Personal Brand Post weekly wins, case studies, or lessons on LinkedIn. Link these in your profiles across platforms.
Start Now
Your next high-paying remote role is one optimized profile—and one smart application—away.
FAQ: High-Paying Remote Jobs in 2025
What’s the fastest way to land a remote job that pays $100K+?
Start by optimizing your profiles on FlexJobs and The Ladders. Use job-specific keywords, publish a project portfolio, and reach out to recruiters with personalized case studies. Most six-figure hires in 2025 came from proactive outreach, not passive applications.
Are there high-paying remote jobs for non-tech professionals?
Yes — roles like Digital Marketing Manager Content Strategist, Legal Counsel, and Remote Project Manager all offer $90K–$180K salaries. These roles are in demand across startups, SaaS companies, and remote-first enterprises.
Do I need a degree to get a $100K remote job?
Not always. Platforms like Toptal, PeoplePerHour, and Upwork focus more on portfolios and proven skills. Developers, marketers, and SEO strategists regularly land six-figure contracts without formal degrees.
Which job sites are best for finding remote legal or executive roles?
Use The Ladders for high-paying legal, C-suite, and leadership roles. Pair this with LinkedIn Jobs to uncover remote listings that never hit public boards.
Can I land a remote job with no experience in 2025?
Yes — but you’ll need proof-of-work. Start freelancing via Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, build a project portfolio, then apply to junior roles on FlexJobs. Many pros transitioned from entry-level freelance gigs to $100K roles in under 12 months.
What roles are in highest demand right now for remote hiring?
As of 2025, the top roles include:
– AI/ML Engineers
– Cloud Architects
– Digital Marketers
– UX/UI Designers
– Cybersecurity Analysts
Companies are prioritizing roles tied to growth, automation, and infrastructure.
7. Should I pay for premium job boards like FlexJobs or The Ladders?
If you’re targeting high-paying roles, yes. These platforms screen listings, reduce scam risk, and prioritize six-figure listings. Both offer money-back guarantees, and most users report higher-quality leads within 7–10 days of subscribing.
Jedilyn Leyson is a digital operations and content systems specialist with a deep passion for simplifying the backend chaos of online publishing. With a background in web operations and years of hands-on experience scaling editorial workflows, she now helps solopreneurs and content teams create smarter, leaner, and more sustainable home office systems. When she’s not building SOPs or fine-tuning Airtable dashboards, you’ll find her testing new productivity stacks or deep in Notion builds.
View LinkedIn