Remote work offers the flexibility and freedom many people crave in today’s workforce.
Whether you’re looking to skip the daily commute, become a digital nomad, or simply prefer working from a home office, there are a wide variety of remote work options available to job seekers with varying needs and preferences.
But what is remote work? What types of remote jobs are out there, and what do the schedules look like?
In this guide, we’re covering the remote job meaning, including answers to “What does remote mean for a job?” and other common questions about the definition of remote work and what it means for you as a job seeker.
A remote job is a position where employees perform their duties outside a traditional office setting. These roles rely on digital tools, such as video calls, email, chat programs, and project management software, to enhance communication and maintain productivity.
Remote jobs can be full-time, part-time, freelance, or temporary. Some have fixed schedules, while others offer more flexibility in scheduling. In fact, some remote jobs may allow you to set your own work hours.
For example, a company may hire a fully remote customer service representative who works set hours from home, while a freelance graphic designer might work remotely with a flexible schedule.
What Is Remote Work?
Remote work is the practice of completing job responsibilities from a location outside of a central office, such as from home, a coworking space, or while traveling. Remote work encompasses various arrangements, including fully remote jobs, hybrid roles combining in-person and remote work, and other flexible job structures.
Many remote workers communicate through videoconferencing, messaging apps, and cloud-based platforms to collaborate with teams and complete tasks effectively.
10 Common Types of Remote Jobs
Wondering, “What kind of remote jobs are there?” You have plenty to explore across a variety of fields. From graphic design to writing to software development and even nursing roles, you can find a remote job that fits your skill set.
Below, you’ll find a ranked list of top remote job categories. While this list is by no means exhaustive, it includes the top 10 categories for remote jobs listed on FlexJobs in the past year.
1. Computer & IT Jobs
With roles like IT support specialist or systems administrator, remote computer and IT jobs focus on troubleshooting technical issues, managing networks, and implementing cybersecurity measures. These positions often require specialized certifications and a deep understanding of hardware and software systems.
2. Project Management Jobs
These jobs, often under titles like project manager or Scrum master, involve planning, executing, and overseeing projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget. Remote project managers rely on tools like Asana, Trello, and Monday.com to coordinate tasks and communicate with team members across different time zones.
3. Business Development Jobs
With roles like business development manager or sales development representative, professionals in this field focus on identifying growth opportunities, building partnerships, and increasing revenue. These positions require strong networking skills, strategic thinking, and a results-driven approach.
4. Operations Jobs
These jobs, often under titles like operations manager or process improvement specialist, involve optimizing business workflows, managing logistics, and ensuring efficiency across various departments. Remote operations professionals work to streamline company processes and implement best practices for organizational success.
5. Software Development Jobs
With roles like software engineer or front-end developer, software development jobs allow professionals to design, build, and maintain applications and digital systems. Many developers work remotely using programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and Java to create and improve software products.
6. Accounting & Finance Jobs
These jobs, often under titles like accountant or financial analyst, focus on managing budgets, preparing financial reports, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Remote finance professionals often use cloud-based accounting software to track expenses and analyze financial performance.
7. Medical & Health Jobs
With roles like telehealth nurse or medical coder, remote healthcare jobs enable professionals to provide virtual patient care, review medical records, or assist in administrative healthcare tasks. The rise of telemedicine has expanded opportunities for medical professionals to work from home while delivering essential healthcare services.
8. Sales Jobs
These jobs, often under titles like account executive or sales representative, involve generating leads, closing deals, and maintaining strong client relationships. Many remote sales professionals use customer relationship management (CRM) tools and virtual communication platforms to connect with customers and drive business growth.
9. Client Services Jobs
With roles like client success manager or account manager, client services professionals focus on ensuring customer satisfaction, troubleshooting issues, and helping businesses retain their clients. These roles require strong interpersonal skills and the ability to solve customer challenges efficiently.
10. Customer Service Jobs
These jobs, often under titles like customer service representative or support specialist, involve assisting customers via phone, email, or chat. Remote customer service professionals help troubleshoot issues, process orders or refunds, and provide excellent support to maintain customer loyalty.
This list is just a sampling, but it highlights areas where you can find some of the most promising remote job opportunities. For a deeper look into the best industries for remote work and other developments in the field, check out Remote Work Statistics & Trends: The Latest in Remote Work.
10 Common Remote Job Titles (Remote Job Examples)
Now, you may be asking yourself, “What are some remote jobs?” The world of remote work offers a wide range of job opportunities, from entry-level roles to more specialized positions requiring advanced expertise.
To help you explore your options, we’ve pulled together a list of 10 common remote job titles based on the highest-ranking titles in the FlexJobs database over the past year. These roles span multiple industries, providing insight into the types of work you can do remotely and the potential earnings you can expect.
With salary data sourced from Payscale, these remote jobs currently have live openings in the FlexJobs database!
1. Accountant
Average Salary: $58,546
Accountants prepare financial statements, manage bookkeeping, and ensure compliance with tax regulations for businesses and individuals. They typically use cloud-based accounting software to handle tax filings, audits, and payroll remotely.
2. Account Executive
Average Salary: $65,248
An account executive builds and maintains client relationships, identifies sales opportunities, and helps close deals. Working remotely, they communicate with clients via video calls, emails, and CRM tools to drive revenue growth.
3. Accounts Payable Specialist
Average Salary: $50,759
Accounts payable specialists process invoices, reconcile financial records, and ensure vendors are paid accurately and on time. They often use accounting software to manage transactions and generate reports remotely.
4. Business Development Representative
Average Salary: $52,953
A business development representative focuses on generating leads, building sales pipelines, and identifying potential clients. They conduct outreach through cold calls, emails, and networking to help businesses grow.
5. Customer Service Representative
Average Salary: $44,779
Customer service representatives handle inquiries, complaints, and support requests through phone, chat, or email. They troubleshoot issues, process refunds or orders, and ultimately work to ensure customer satisfaction.
6. Data Analyst
Average Salary: $68,359
A data analyst collects, organizes, and interprets data to help businesses make data-driven decisions. They use statistical software, create visual reports, and identify trends to improve business performance and strategy.
7. Executive Assistant
Average Salary: $64,996
A very common type of virtual assistant, executive assistants provide high-level administrative support to executives, managing calendars, scheduling meetings, and handling correspondence. They coordinate travel, schedule meetings, and prepare reports from a remote location.
8. Product Manager
Average Salary: $96,633
A product manager oversees the development, launch, and improvement of digital products. They collaborate with engineering, marketing, and design teams to ensure products meet user needs and business objectives.
9. Project Manager
Average Salary: $80,868
Project managers plan, execute, and oversee projects from start to finish, ensuring timelines and budgets are met. They coordinate tasks across remote teams, track progress, and communicate updates to stakeholders.
10. Software Engineer
Average Salary: $94,943
Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications, ensuring they function efficiently and meet user needs. They work with programming languages, cloud platforms, and development frameworks.
What Does Remote Mean? Levels and Types of Remote Work
Remote jobs cover a wide range of opportunities, from part-time gigs to full-time employment or freelance work. Whether you want flexibility or a structured schedule, there are remote positions for different preferences.
Below, we’ve outlined types of remote jobs, how they vary in structure, and what to expect in terms of schedules, employment terms, and location requirements.
3 Levels of Remote Work
There are different levels of remote work, depending on each employer’s needs.
The following are common levels of remote work:
- 100% Remote Work: Employees work entirely from home or another remote location, with no in-office requirements.
- Hybrid Remote Work: Employees split their time between remote work and office work, with specific days required in the office.
- Option for Remote Work: Employees can choose whether to work remotely, in-office, or a combination of both, depending on company policy.
6 Types of Remote Work
Curious about the difference between remote jobs with flexible schedules vs alternative schedules, or trying to decide between freelance and temporary remote work?
Understanding the various types of remote jobs is key to finding the right fit for you.
Here are six common types of remote jobs and how they differ:
- Alternative Schedule Remote Jobs: These positions operate outside the traditional 9-to-5 schedule and are ideal for those who prefer or require nonstandard hours. Alternative schedule remote jobs can include jobs that entail morning, evening, weekend, or overnight shifts.
- Flexible Schedule Remote Jobs: Workers in these roles can set their own hours, as long as they meet their deadlines or complete their required tasks. These flexible jobs offer autonomy and adaptability for those needing flexibility in their workday.
- Freelance Remote Jobs: Freelancers work as independent contractors, taking on projects for one or multiple clients. These roles allow for high flexibility but typically do not come with the benefits of full-time employment.
- Full-Time Remote Jobs: These positions require a standard full-time commitment, typically 40 hours per week, and often come with benefits. Full-time remote jobs may be performed entirely remotely (100% remote work) or may be full-time jobs with hybrid remote or optional remote work options.
- Part-Time Remote Jobs: These roles involve fewer hours, usually under 30 per week, and are perfect for those looking to balance work with other responsibilities or part-time income.
- Temporary Remote Jobs: Temporary remote jobs, which include seasonal jobs, have a defined end date and are often tied to specific projects or busy periods (e.g., tax season or holidays). They are ideal for workers looking for short-term commitments.
3 Types of Remote Work Location Requirements
Where you can work remotely depends on the specific job.
Location requirements for remote roles often stem from employers’ legal, tax, or licensing considerations. Furthermore, employers sometimes need workers available for on-site training, meetings, or client proximity.
Remote jobs typically fall into four categories:
- U.S. National Jobs: These jobs allow you to reside in and work from anywhere in the United States.
- International, Country-Specific Jobs: These jobs require you to reside in and work from a specific country outside of the U.S.
- City or State-Based Jobs: These jobs require you to reside in and work from a specific city or state within the U.S.
- Work-From-Anywhere Jobs: These jobs allow you to reside in and work from any location in the world.
It’s important to note that fully remote “work-from-anywhere” roles aren’t as common. According to FlexJobs data, around 95% of remote work requires workers to be based in a specific location, with only about 5% of remote jobs truly offering the freedom to work from anywhere.
Find Remote Jobs With FlexJobs
In summary, the remote job definition is a job allows you to perform your duties from outside a conventional office, such as from home, a coworking space, or anywhere with a reliable internet connection.
Meanwhile, remote work refers to the broader concept of completing work outside of a centralized office, encompassing fully remote roles and hybrid setups that combine remote and in-office work.
If you’re ready to make the leap from in-office to remote work, FlexJobs can help you find legitimate, hand-screened remote jobs across a wide range of industries. Whether you’re looking for a full-time career, a flexible side gig, or a freelance opportunity, our listings make it easy to connect with reputable employers offering remote work options.