How Much Money Can I Make With a Remote Job?
If you're considering switching to remote work, you've probably asked yourself, "How much money can I make working remotely?" or "Do remote jobs pay less?" or “Do I have to take a pay cut if I get a remote job?”. As a remote career coach and someone who’s worked remotely for years, let’s break down what I’m really seeing behind the scenes (both from research and from working with countless people finding remote work).
The truth is, the answer depends on several factors like your industry, experience, and negotiation skills. But the good news? Remote jobs not only pay competitively, but many workers are earning even more than they would in a 9-5 office setting! So, let’s tackle some common myths about your potential remote job income and look at what you can really expect when you switch to working remotely.
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Do Remote Jobs Pay Less Than Office Jobs?
The Myth: Remote Work Means Lower Pay
One of the biggest myths I hear is that remote jobs automatically mean a pay cut.
The Reality: Remote jobs can pay just as well—or more
This couldn't be further from the truth. Statistically, remote workers make more on average than their in-office counterparts! In fact, according to a report from FlexJobs and Global Workplace Analytics, remote workers earn about $4,000 more per year than those who commute into an office every day.
This lines up with what I've seen in my own work as a remote career coach. I've helped many people transition from in-office jobs to remote roles without sacrificing their income. In fact, 18% of remote workers report earning six figures or more.
What this means for you: when you’re looking for a remote role, you can expect to earn at least the same as your current office job, if not more. In many cases, transitioning to remote work can even provide opportunities to negotiate a higher salary or take on roles in industries that are known to pay well.
If you want to see what remote workers make at popular companies, check out this Buffer salary breakdown reel. It gives a clear look at how much employees earn at a fully remote company.
What’s the Real Cost of That Office Job?
Hidden costs of office work
Here’s another misconception: some people think working from an office doesn’t come with added expenses. But when you actually add up all the little things like commuting, gas, eating out for lunch or grabbing coffee with coworkers, the costs can really add up. In fact, a survey by Owl Labs found that employees who go into the office at least part-time spend an average of $863 per month on work-related expenses.
What remote workers save each month
Now, compare that to those who work full-time from home, who spend just $423 per month on things like internet, utilities, and meals. That’s a difference of $440 per month or a whopping $5,280 per year that in-office workers are spending just to maintain their jobs!
When working remotely, you can slash those costs, saving a significant amount each year. Not only are you pocketing extra cash by avoiding commuting, but you’re also saving time—giving you more freedom to focus on work, personal goals, or just relaxing (sounds nice doesn’t it?).
Curious how much money you could save by getting a remote job? Access the FREE Go Remote Calculator to figure out just how much you could save and earn by working remotely!
Is Remote Work Only for Developers and Admins?
Another common myth is that remote work is only for certain types of roles, like developers, customer service or administrative work. But that’s not true at all! Remote work is spread across so many industries. It’s like asking, “What kind of office job can I get?” The possibilities are endless!
Remote roles exist across every industry
If you’re wondering what types of high-paying remote jobs are out there, the options are vast. Some popular remote jobs include:
Account Management
Business Development
Finance & Accounting
Product/Project Management
Human Resources
Legal
Marketing & Sales
UI/UX Designers
These are just a few examples. The reality is, almost any role that can be done from a computer has the potential to be done remotely. It’s just about opening your mind to the opportunities out there and applying yourself. There are more remote jobs out there now than ever before, across every industry. In fact, here are 50 remote jobs that let you work remotely.
Can You Still Get Promoted and Raises While Working Remotely?
One of the biggest fears people have about working remotely is that they’ll be “out of sight, out of mind”—especially when it comes to things like raises, promotions, bonuses, or even high-visibility projects that lead to bigger financial opportunities. And it’s a valid concern. If your manager sees your in-office colleague every day and you're just a face on a screen, won't that person be top of mind when it’s time to hand out rewards?
Visibility and performance in remote roles
But here’s the reality: companies that are serious about remote work are also serious about performance-based compensation, not proximity-based perks. The shift to hybrid and fully remote models has forced many organizations to build fair, transparent systems to evaluate output—not just face time.
Why remote roles may help you grow faster
In fact, many remote-first companies have more structured promotion cycles and salary review processes specifically to ensure fairness across the board. If anything, working remotely can put more control in your hands—you’re measured by the results you deliver, not whether you’re seen chatting by the coffee machine.
Plus, remote roles often come with clearer metrics and documentation around performance, which makes it easier to advocate for yourself when it's time to ask for a raise or a bonus. And don’t forget: fewer office politics and distractions mean many remote workers are able to take on more strategic, high-impact work—the kind that leads to bigger paydays.
Real-Life Remote Job Wins
I know the transition to remote work can feel intimidating at first. But the results speak for themselves! To give you a real-world example, here are some messages between and some of my 1:1 clients. They landed a remote job with almost a 100% pay increase—almost double their previous salary—and on top of that, they’re now saving thousands each year just by working from home. Imagine what you could do with an extra $5,000!
This is a powerful example of what’s possible when you transition to remote work. It’s not just about flexibility—it’s about maximizing your earning potential and designing the career that fits your life.
Clients landing higher-paying roles
Now, I’m not about to say that you can double your salary by landing a remote job or by working with me. These results are not common. However, of all the 1:1 remote career coaching clients that I’ve worked with, every client has ended up earning more when landing their remote job, with only one earning the same as their previous role. None of my 1:1 clients have taken a pay cut while going remote.
Take Control of Your Remote Career
If you’ve been on the fence about whether a remote job is right for you, let me reassure you—it absolutely is! You can earn a great salary, save money on everyday expenses, and design a lifestyle that suits your personal and professional goals. I’ve seen it happen time and time again with my clients.
Tools to support your job search
If you're just getting started with the remote job search, grab the Free Remote Career Playbook or subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter—packed with remote career tips and 30+ new remote job listings each week! Or if you’re ready to start building your OWN remote job success story learn more about 1:1 remote career coaching.
