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If you’re looking for opportunities to earn money while working from the comfort of your home office, there is a wide variety of remote work positions that are projected to be in high demand in 2022.
Ziply Fiber — an internet service provider — recently analyzed data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Indeed.com and other employment sources to determine the remote jobs for which employers appear likely to be doing the most hiring. The good news for older adults is that several of the most in-demand positions are also popular with people age 50 and older because of the flexible work opportunities they provide.
The following list, ranked from high to low, explains which jobs are expected to offer the most openings. Average hourly pay is from the Ziply analysis. Clicking on the job title will take you to a page on the AARP Job Board that shows current postings for comparable positions. (Not all of these openings offer remote work opportunities.)
1. Customer Service Representative
This remote job continues to be a popular option among older workers because of the variety of opportunities. Positions are available in a wide range of industries, including insurance, automotive, technology and retail. Once you’ve completed the employer’s training and set up the computer and telephone for your workstation, the hours can be flexible, too.
2. Virtual Administrative Assistant
While many types of employers are hiring virtual administrative assistants to fill in the gaps on important projects, small-business owners are particularly fond of using these types of contractors. If you have business experience — especially skills using software such as Microsoft Office, PowerPoint and QuickBooks — being an online temporary assistant is a way to earn money while helping aspiring entrepreneurs.
3. Registered Nurse
Demand for telehealth appointments has increased, since some patients have been reluctant to see doctors in person during the pandemic. Virtual visits provide access to reliable medical advice and treatment without the risks posed by going into an office. That means that if you’re a nurse with the proper licenses for a given state (or states), you may be able to work remotely.
4. Software Developer
This continues to be a high-demand job field with great long-term prospects for those with the right tech skills — and those willing to get the right training. According to the BLS, the number of job openings in software development is expected to grow by 22 percent by 2030.
5. Digital Marketing Specialist
These specialists design campaigns that use internet advertisements, direct emails, newsletters and other digital tools to help businesses connect better with customers. Because the work mostly involves outreach online, this job is a natural fit for remote work.
6. Tutor
Even before the pandemic, tutors were in demand as families sought assistance to help their children do better in school. As students have shuffled in and out of virtual learning during the past two years, the need for tutors has grown. While most hirers prefer applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to what they would be tutoring, a degree is not always required.
7. Computer Systems Analyst
Helping businesses and organizations find the best options for meeting their information technology needs is the primary responsibility of computer systems analysts. In addition to remote work opportunities, this field also offers short-term contract positions.
