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11 Remote Entry-Level Jobs That Pay at Least $45 an Hour

The wild part about the remote job market right now isn’t just that you can work from anywhere—it’s that some so-called “entry-level” roles are paying more than traditional office careers ever will.

If you’ve been doom-scrolling low-paying customer service jobs and wondering if this is all remote work has to offer… it’s not. There’s a whole tier of high-paying, entry-level-ish remote jobs that can realistically get you to $45/hour and beyond—especially if you’re willing to learn in-demand skills, build a small portfolio, and start where you are.

In this guide, we’ll walk through 11 remote entry-level jobs that can pay $45/hour or more, what they actually involve, ballpark average salaries, and how to get started—even if your current job feels nothing like “tech” or “online business.”

💼 P.S. If you want to see real listings while you read, check out the Nomad Cloud remote job board for digital nomads here.

In this article:

Are There Really Remote Entry-Level Jobs That Pay $45 an Hour?

11 Remote Entry-Level Jobs That Pay at Least $45 an Hour

Where to Find Remote Entry-Level Jobs That Pay Well

How to Actually Hit $45 an Hour

Photographer: LightField Studios / Shutterstock

Are There Really Remote Entry-Level Jobs That Pay $45 an Hour?

Short answer: yes—but most of them don’t show up under “no experience” with a big fat $45/hour in the title.

Instead, they tend to:

  • Be skill-based, not degree-based (you can learn a lot of this online).
  • Pay via projects, retainers, or clients rather than a traditional hourly wage.
  • Start lower and scale up quickly as you improve, niche down, and get results.


Think of $45/hour as a realistic target once you’ve:

  • Learned the basics
  • Done a few practice or lower-paid projects
  • Started working with real clients or a good employer


You won’t magically go from “no clue” to $90K/year overnight—but it’s absolutely possible to build up to that level, especially in digital, tech, and creative fields.

11 Remote Entry-Level Jobs That Pay at Least $45 an Hour

1. Freelance Copywriter

What you do:
Write words that sell or persuade—website copy, sales pages, landing pages, email sequences, and ads for brands, creators, and businesses.

Typical tasks:

  • Writing landing pages and sales pages
  • Email newsletters and launch campaigns
  • Ad copy for Facebook, Instagram, Google, etc.
  • Website copy (home, about, services pages)


Why it can pay $45/hour+:
Copywriting is directly tied to revenue. Good copy = more sales. Many beginner copywriters start around $25–$35/hour equivalent, but niched copywriters regularly earn $45–$150/hour based on project rates.

Average salary / income potential:

  • Entry-level in-house copy roles: ~$50,000–$65,000/year
  • Freelancers with a few solid clients: $70,000–$100,000+/year equivalent is common once you’re established.

Skills & tools:

  • Strong writing and editing
  • Basic marketing & buyer psychology
  • Research, interviewing clients/customers
  • Google Docs, Notion, email platforms

How to get started:

  • Take a few copywriting courses or study classic copy resources
  • Create sample pieces (fake or improved versions of existing pages)
  • Offer low-cost or free first projects to 2–3 clients for testimonials
  • Find clients via LinkedIn, Twitter, job boards, or cold outreach
2. Social Media Manager

What you do:
Plan, create, schedule, and analyze social media content for brands and creators.

Typical tasks:

  • Creating content calendars
  • Writing captions & choosing visuals
  • Scheduling posts across platforms
  • Replying to comments and DMs
  • Reviewing analytics and adjusting strategy


Why it can pay $45/hour+:
Most social media managers charge monthly retainers (e.g., $800–$1,500+ per client). With multiple clients and efficient workflows, your effective hourly rate can easily hit or surpass $45/hour.

Average salary / income potential:

  • In-house roles: ~$50,000–$70,000/year
  • Freelancers with 4–6 clients: $60,000–$90,000+/year equivalent depending on scope.


Skills & tools:

  • Understanding of platforms (IG, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.)
  • Canva or basic design tools
  • Scheduling tools (Later, Buffer, Hootsuite)
  • Basic analytics and content strategy

How to get started:

  • Run or improve your own account as a mini-portfolio
  • Offer discount packages to local businesses or creators
  • Specialize (e.g., real estate agents, online coaches, e-commerce brands)
  • Use your results (growth, reach, leads) as proof in pitches
3. Specialized Virtual Assistant (Premium VA)

What you do:
Provide high-level support to business owners—operations, launches, tech, or systems—rather than just basic admin.

Typical tasks:

  • Setting up workflows in tools like Notion, Asana, ClickUp
  • Managing client onboarding, invoices, simple tech
  • Supporting launches, webinars, or online programs
  • Customer support inbox & DMs


Why it can pay $45/hour+:
General VAs might earn $15–$25/hr, but specialized VAs (ops, systems, tech, launch support) often charge $40–$60/hour or $1,000–$2,500/month retainers.

Average salary / income potential:

  • General VA: ~$30,000–$45,000/year
  • Specialized VA: $55,000–$80,000+/year once you niche and raise your rates.


Skills & tools:

  • Organization, communication, problem-solving
  • Tools like Notion, ClickUp, Airtable, Stripe, Zoom
  • Comfort with tech and learning new platforms

How to get started:

  • Learn 1–2 core tools deeply (e.g., Notion + ClickUp)
  • Position yourself as a “Tech VA” or “Ops VA” rather than generic admin
  • Start with a few hours per week per client, then scale
Photographer: Ground Picture / Shutterstock
4. Online Tutor or Instructor

What you do:
Teach students online, either 1:1 or in small groups—English, math, sciences, test prep, or specialized skills.

Typical tasks:

  • Preparing lesson plans
  • Teaching live lessons via Zoom
  • Giving feedback and practice exercises
  • Sometimes creating recorded lessons or courses


Why it can pay $45/hour+:
Private tutors, especially in test prep (SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.) or specialized subjects, commonly charge $45–$100/hour.

Average salary / income potential:

  • Platform-based tutoring: ~$25,000–$45,000/year at lower rates
  • Private tutoring business: $50,000–$90,000+/year depending on hours & rates.


Skills & tools:

  • Strong subject knowledge
  • Clear communication and patience
  • Zoom or similar video tools, digital whiteboards

How to get started:

  • Tutor through platforms to gain experience & reviews
  • Gradually shift to your own clients with higher rates
  • Specialize in a high-demand niche (test prep, business English, coding basics, etc.)
5. Web Designer (No-Code / Template-Based)

What you do:
Build simple, clean websites using no-code tools like Squarespace, Wix, Webflow, or WordPress themes.

Typical tasks:

  • Planning site structure for clients
  • Customizing templates (colors, fonts, layout)
  • Adding copy, images, and basic SEO settings
  • Teaching clients how to update their site


Why it can pay $45/hour+:
Even a basic starter site can cost $1,000–$2,000+. As you get faster, your effective hourly rate often lands between $45–$100/hr or more.

Average salary / income potential:

  • In-house junior designer: ~$45,000–$65,000/year
  • Freelance web designer: $60,000–$100,000+/year with steady clients.


Skills & tools:

  • A good design eye (not necessarily formal training)
  • Proficiency in 1–2 website builders
  • Basic branding & UX understanding

How to get started:

  • Build your own portfolio site
  • Redesign a friend’s or local business website
  • Offer “Starter Site” packages with clear deliverables & timelines
6. Junior SEO Specialist

What you do:
Help websites get found on Google by doing keyword research, optimizing pages, and improving site structure.

Typical tasks:

  • Keyword research & mapping
  • On-page optimization (titles, headings, meta descriptions)
  • Basic audits and reports
  • Content briefs for writers


Why it can pay $45/hour+:
SEO drives free traffic (and revenue), so businesses will pay well for it. Even junior SEO freelancers can charge $45–$75/hour or flat monthly retainers once they know what they’re doing.

Average salary / income potential:

  • Junior SEO specialist (in-house): ~$45,000–$60,000/year
  • Freelance SEO: $60,000–$100,000+/year based on retainers & projects.


Skills & tools:

  • Keyword research tools (Ahrefs, SEMrush, etc.)
  • Understanding of on-page SEO & search intent
  • Google Search Console, basic analytics

How to get started:

  • Take SEO courses & practice on your own blog/site
  • Offer cheap or free audits to build your first case studies
  • Apply for junior SEO roles or pitch small businesses directly
7. Paid Ads Manager (Facebook, Instagram, Google)

What you do:
Run and optimize ad campaigns for businesses—think Meta ads, Google Ads, TikTok ads.

Typical tasks:

  • Setting up campaigns, audiences, and creatives
  • A/B testing copy, images, and landing pages
  • Monitoring metrics (CPA, ROAS, CTR)
  • Reporting results to clients


Why it can pay $45/hour+:
Paid ads are revenue-focused. Managers often charge $500–$2,000/month per client or a percentage of ad spend, leading to effective rates over $45/hr once you’re efficient and getting results.

Average salary / income potential:

  • Junior ads specialist in-house: ~$50,000–$70,000/year
  • Freelance/agency: $70,000–$120,000+/year with solid client roster.


Skills & tools:

  • Ads dashboards (Meta Business Manager, Google Ads)
  • Data interpretation and basic math
  • Copywriting & creative testing mindset

How to get started:

  • Run small-budget campaigns for your own project or a test client
  • Study ads case studies and frameworks
  • Offer discounted “trial month” packages to build results quickly
8. Junior UX/UI Designer

What you do:
Design user interfaces for websites, apps, and digital products with a focus on user experience.

Typical tasks:

  • Wireframes and mockups
  • Creating screens & flows in Figma
  • Collaborating with developers and stakeholders
  • Conducting basic usability tests


Why it can pay $45/hour+:
Even junior UX/UI roles often start at strong salaries, and freelance projects can pay $50–$100/hour equivalent.

Average salary / income potential:

  • Junior UX/UI designer (in-house): ~$65,000–$85,000/year
  • Freelance UX/UI: $80,000–$120,000+/year with a solid portfolio.


Skills & tools:

  • Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD
  • UX fundamentals (user flows, usability, accessibility)
  • Basic prototyping & component libraries

How to get started:

  • Take a UX/UI bootcamp or structured course
  • Build 3–5 portfolio projects (case studies, not just pretty screens)
  • Apply for junior roles & internships, or seek out early-stage startups that need design help
Photographer: GaudiLab / Shutterstock
9. Tech Support / Implementation Specialist (SaaS)

What you do:
Help customers use software—onboarding, troubleshooting, answering questions via chat/email, sometimes setting things up inside their account.

Typical tasks:

  • Responding to support tickets
  • Guiding users through setup & features
  • Creating help docs & tutorials
  • Sometimes light implementation or configuration


Why it can pay $45/hour+:
Entry-level support roles may start lower ($20–$30/hr), but “technical support specialist” or “implementation specialist” roles climb into the $35–$50+/hr range as you specialize and move into higher tiers or customer success.

Average salary / income potential:

  • Entry-level SaaS support: ~$45,000–$60,000/year
  • Implementation / technical specialist: $65,000–$90,000+/year.


Skills & tools:

  • Comfort with tech & software tools
  • Clear written communication
  • Patience & problem-solving
  • Familiarity with CRMs and ticketing systems

How to get started:

  • Look for “remote customer support,” “technical support,” or “implementation specialist” roles with SaaS companies
  • Highlight previous customer service or tech experience on your résumé
  • Learn the product deeply once hired—it’s your superpower
10. Freelance Video Editor

What you do:
Edit YouTube videos, social media content, podcasts, and online course videos.

Typical tasks:

  • Cutting footage and cleaning up audio
  • Adding captions, transitions, music, and graphics
  • Creating short clips from long-form content
  • Collaborating with creators or brands on style


Why it can pay $45/hour+:
Editors often charge per video (e.g., $150–$500+). When your workflow is dialed in, your effective rate frequently hits $45–$100/hour.

Average salary / income potential:

  • In-house junior editor: ~$45,000–$60,000/year
  • Freelance editor: $60,000–$100,000+/year with a handful of recurring clients.


Skills & tools:

  • Editing software (Premiere Pro, Final Cut, DaVinci Resolve, CapCut)
  • Storytelling and pacing
  • Basic motion graphics and sound design

How to get started:

  • Edit for a friend’s YouTube channel or podcast
  • Create a short reel showcasing your best work
  • Pitch YouTubers, podcasters, or brands with specific ideas for improving their content
11. Bookkeeper / Remote Accounting Assistant

What you do:
Help small businesses stay on top of their finances—transactions, reconciliations, reports.

Typical tasks:

  • Categorizing expenses and income
  • Reconciling bank accounts
  • Preparing simple financial reports and P&Ls
  • Supporting tax preparation


Why it can pay $45/hour+:
Specialized bookkeepers, especially those working with specific industries (online businesses, medical practices, real estate), commonly charge $45–$80/hour or flat monthly fees.

Average salary / income potential:

  • In-house bookkeeper: ~$45,000–$60,000/year
  • Freelance bookkeeper: $60,000–$90,000+/year as you add clients and streamline your systems.


Skills & tools:

  • QuickBooks, Xero, or similar software
  • Attention to detail
  • Basic accounting principles

How to get started:

  • Take an online bookkeeping certification or course
  • Practice with mock accounts or your own finances
  • Offer services to small business owners, freelancers, or local businesses
Photographer: PeopleImages / Shutterstock

Where to Find Remote Entry-Level Jobs That Pay Well

Some of the best roles never hit huge job boards. They show up in niche communities and curated boards.

A few other places to start:

  • Remote job boards – Filter for “entry-level,” “junior,” and “remote.”
  • Niche boards – For specific industries (creator economy, SaaS, tech, non-profits).
  • Freelance platforms – Good for early experience and social proof (then graduate off them).
  • Direct outreach – Pitch small businesses, creators, and startups. They often need help but haven’t posted a job yet.


Use search phrases like:

  • “remote junior ”
  • “entry level remote”
  • “freelance [skill]”

…and keep an ongoing list of companies you’d love to work with.

How to Actually Hit $45 an Hour

A few key principles:

  • Start where you are.
    It’s fine to begin at $25–$30/hour while you’re learning.
  • Raise your rates as your skills & results improve.
    Every 3–6 months, re-evaluate your pricing.
  • Think in projects & retainers, not just hourly.
    $1,500/month for ~8–10 hours/week is effectively $40–$45+/hour.
  • Track your time.
    So you know what you’re actually earning and where to adjust.

You don’t need to land your dream role on Day 1. You just need to:

  1. Pick one or two paths from this list that feel exciting (or at least interesting).
  2. Spend a few weeks learning the basics and building 1–3 sample projects.
  3. Start applying for roles and pitching clients—even if imposter syndrome is screaming.

From there, it’s all iteration: better skills, better clients, better pay.