In a Nutshell
Jobs with flexible hours allow you to balance your priorities and maintain a better work-life balance with less stress. They often involve roles such as web design, software engineering, project management, online marketing and content creation.
Although a nine-to-five job with a fixed schedule typically allows better predictability and stability, some people prefer flexible work options that can provide them a better work-life balance.
With the advent of team communication software such as Zoom and Slack, the workplace is quickly changing. Many high-paying jobs allow the flexibility of working remotely, part-time and freelance.
Skip to the infographic for a quick visualization of the most flexible jobs available.
Note: All average hourly rate and median salary information reported is from the 2021 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
High-paying jobs with flexible hours
Achieving a better work-life balance and prioritizing your day how you choose are all perks that can come with a flexible job.
Here are 80 of the most flexible jobs that may match your ideal lifestyle.
1. Data scientist
Data scientists are in demand as more companies need to replace transferred and retired workers. To properly manage and analyze big data, most companies will hire data scientists to offer their expertise.
A career in data science is often flexible since most work can be done remotely. Apart from working at a major corporation, data scientists also have the option to work part-time or as a freelancer. Because of their deep understanding of machine learning, statistical modeling and other professional knowledge, they are usually compensated generously.
- Median hourly rate: $48.52
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
2. Photographer
Photographers can showcase their talent and skills in various industries. For example, fashion, sports, concerts, commercials, industrial, wedding, food and travel. Depending on your interests and capabilities, you can venture into many different niches as a freelance photographer. If you’ve always been interested in taking photos, consider trying it out professionally.
- Median hourly rate: $18.73
- Education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
3. Dietitian
Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in food and nutrition, and their job entails advising clients on how and what to eat in order to achieve a certain health or body goal. For example, weight loss or managing conditions such as high cholesterol.
Dietitians can work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and private practices, but they can also work remotely by supporting patient needs through phone or video calls.
- Median hourly rate: $29.64
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Graphic designer
If you are a creative who is passionate about taking on a variety of art and design projects, graphic design might be a flexible and suitable career path for you. Graphic designers often develop product concepts and arrange illustrative materials, as well as visualize and create graphics.
As a graphic designer, you have the option to work in-house at a firm or find your own clients as a freelancer on sites such as Upwork of Fiverr. By working independently, you’ll have the flexibility to schedule and charge clients on your own terms.
- Median hourly rate: $24.38
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
5. Virtual assistant
As the name suggests, a virtual assistant is a person who provides virtual administrative services to businesses from a remote location. Typically, a virtual assistant’s job duty can range anywhere from making phone calls, managing email accounts or handling customer service.
- Median hourly rate: $19.08
- Education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
6. Plumber
Plumbing is a profession in which you earn as you learn. While you prepare to get your plumbing license, you can work under the supervision of a licensed plumber to gain experience and expertise.
The benefits of becoming a licensed plumber include job flexibility, stability and earning potential. No matter where you are in the world, plumbers will always be needed. As you gain experience, you’ll even have the opportunity to become your own boss and set your own schedule.
- Median hourly rate: $28.79
- Education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
7. Blogger
Blogging can be a lucrative career depending on the size of your blog and your niche. With a loyal blog audience, bloggers can make money through displayed advertisements, affiliate marketing, selling courses and promoting online products. If creating content is your passion and expertise, create a blog today and start making money.
- Median hourly rate: $15.28 (salary from Indeed.com)
- Education requirements: None
8. Electrician
An electrician is a skilled person who specializes in installing, designing and maintaining electrical systems in different types of buildings. Most electricians start out their careers by attending apprenticeship programs or trade schools.
Once their skill set is established, many electricians choose to become self-employed in order to have better autonomy in terms of work schedule.
- Median hourly rate: $28.87
- Education requirements: Electrician apprenticeship or certification
9. Massage therapist
If the regular nine-to-five career does not fit your ideal lifestyle, consider pursuing a career in massage therapy. As a massage therapist, you have the option to work in a wide variety of settings such as hotels, resorts, health facilities, clients’ homes or even on cruise ships.
A career in massage therapy can be part-time or full-time, which is great for people who value flexibility. Additionally, becoming a massage therapist doesn’t require a college degree, which can save you a considerable amount of tuition fees.
- Median hourly rate: $22.55
- Education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
10. Interior designer
Thanks to technology such as Zoom and design software, interior designers can now work remotely in the comfort of their own homes while communicating with clients. The certifications needed to become an interior designer can vary from state to state, but generally, designers are required to pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification examination.
- Median hourly rate: $29.01
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
11. Software consultant
Software consultants usually have extensive experience in software engineering or software development. To keep up with the latest technology and software trends, many companies hire software consultants to provide their expertise in this field.
- Median hourly rate: $52.41
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
12. Personal trainer
If you’re passionate about fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, becoming a personal trainer can be a flexible and rewarding career option to pursue. Some personal trainer certifications can take as little as three to four months to complete.
Once certified, you can start picking up clients and carve out a niche for yourself. Successful personal trainers often utilize social media to promote themselves and land celebrity clients. Once established in the industry, you can start charging high hourly rates for your services.
- Median hourly rate: $19.57
- Education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
13. Web designer
One of the most effective ways to prove a business’s credibility is through establishing a strong online presence and having a well-designed website.
According to the BLS, the employment of web designers and web developers is projected to grow 23% from 2021 to 2031, which is relatively faster than other careers and industries. If building websites is your passion, consider making it your career and even start your own web design business.
- Median hourly rate: $37.65
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
14. Speech-language pathologist
A speech-language pathologist is a health care professional trained to provide vocal rehabilitation and treatment to people who have difficulties with speech or language.
Speech-language pathologists can work in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics and private practices. Though many choose to work full-time, going part-time is also an available option.
- Median hourly rate: $38.01
- Education requirements: Master’s degree
15. Advertising sales agent
Sales agents are responsible for promoting a company’s products and services by identifying leads and educating prospects. Today, many companies are allowing their sales representatives to create their own schedules and even work from home.
If you are passionate about sales and prefer a commissioned-based salary, consider becoming a sales representative for a flexible career.
- Median hourly rate: $25.16
- Education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
16. Genetic counselor
Genetic counselors are health care professionals who work with individuals or families to help them understand how their family history and DNA could affect their health. For example, identifying the risks of inherited diseases or conditions.
- Median hourly rate: $38.54
- Education requirements: Master’s degree
17. Software developer
The main role of a software developer is to develop software and provide solutions that cater to the users’ needs. To become a software developer, you will need a proficient understanding of programming languages and engineering principles.
- Median hourly rate: $52.41
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
18. Social media managers
With the popularity and power of social media, many businesses need a social media manager to help manage and expand their online presence.
Social media manager responsibilities can include running social media campaigns, analyzing key metrics to improve performance, and creating engaging content to promote the business. Apart from working alongside the marketing team in a firm, social media managers can also choose to work as a freelancer or start their own agency.
- Median hourly rate: $64.12
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
19. Online tutor
Becoming an online tutor is a great career option for anyone who has expertise in a certain topic and enjoys teaching. Today, there are many sites where tutors can offer their services to students worldwide. Depending on the subject and your level of experience, hourly rates can vary.
However, tutoring online can allow you to work as much or as little as you want, which is a great career option for those who prefer flexibility instead of a fixed schedule.
- Median hourly rate: $17.53
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
20. Dog walker
Dog walking might not seem like the most lucrative career, but if you manage to rack up a considerable number of clients, you can be making a profit that is equal to or even more than the average full-time salary.
A number of apps allow you to find dog walking opportunities online and slowly build your reputation in the business. As you grow your loyal client base, you can even start your own dog-walking business and make a long-term career out of it.
More high-paying flexible job options
Plenty of career options can allow you to earn a high income while working flexible hours. Here are some of the most flexible jobs in different fields you can explore.
Flexible careers in business and communications
- Real estate agent
- Financial analyst
- Content strategist
- Communications specialist
- Project manager
- Quantitative market researcher
- Chartered accountant
- Client services coordinator
- Recruiter
- Management consultant
- Entrepreneur
- Auditor
- Business process analyst
- Account manager
- Supply chain coordinator
- Operations manager
- Controller
- Economics writer
- Executive assistant
Technical jobs with flexible hours
- Front-end developer
- Game designer
- UX designer
- Java developer
- Tech product manager
- Enterprise architect
- Machine learning engineer
- Computer systems analyst
- Technical support engineer
- Back-end developer
- Solutions engineer
- Computer research scientist
- Database administrator
- Mobile application developer
- Cloud architect
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Internet of things designer
- Full-stack developer
- Business intelligence analyst
- Quality assurance analyst
Creative jobs with flexible schedules
- 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
Even if you don’t have any experience or expertise in these fields, it’s never too late to upskill yourself by taking courses and learning new skills. Set aside a budget each month to invest in yourself and become a skilled candidate for a wide range of career opportunities.
How to get a flexible job
Image: Infographic