11 High-Paying Remote Entry-Level Jobs That Start at $60+ Per Hour

The traditional advice to start at the bottom and work your way up doesn't always lead to financial success. With technology evolving rapidly, companies are facing critical skills shortages, creating opportunities for new graduates and career changers to capitalize on high-demand skills.

Here are 11 remote entry-level jobs where specialized knowledge commands at least $60 per hour, proving that in today's economy, what you know matters more than how long you've known it.

Editor's note: All salary information was pulled from ZipRecruiter.

1. DevOps Engineer

Average hourly salary: $60.53

DevOps engineers are often called the "Swiss army knife" of computer engineering, bridging the gap between software development and IT operations. This role requires strong communication skills and familiarity with cloud platforms, automation tools like Jenkins or Docker, and version control systems. A bachelor's degree in a technical field is typically required.

2. Enterprise SaaS Sales Representative

Average hourly salary: $61.99

Sales can be exceptionally lucrative when dealing with high-value B2B products and services. SaaS salespeople help companies understand how products like Salesforce or HubSpot solve complex problems. While occasional in-person meetings may be necessary, the entire sales pipeline can be managed remotely. This role demands excellent relationship-building skills and discipline to handle long sales cycles.

3. Actuary

Average hourly salary: $63.39

Actuaries use statistical models to evaluate risk for insurance companies, pension funds, and government agencies. This remote-friendly career leverages math or statistics degrees to build predictive models from anywhere. It's a perfect example of how specialized knowledge can translate into high-paying remote work.

4. AWS Cloud Engineer

Average hourly salary: $62.89

Have you ever streamed Netflix? You can thank cloud engineers for that. AWS cloud engineers build and maintain Amazon's cloud infrastructure, with demand exploding due to AI and other new technologies. Major tech companies actively recruit for these roles and often provide training.

5. Telehealth Nurse Practitioner

Average hourly salary: $62.64

Telehealth services are lifesaving for patients who cannot easily travel to medical facilities. Remote nurse practitioners (NPs) can monitor patients effectively using remote health monitors. This role requires passing the NCLEX-RN exam and earning a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN).

6. Quantitative Analyst

Average hourly salary: $64.36

Often called the "rocket scientists" of the financial world, quantitative analysts help major financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and JPMorganChase organize market data into coherent predictive models. This role requires a master's degree in mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science, or engineering, plus programming skills in languages like Python, R, or MATLAB.

7. Solar Sales Representative

Average hourly salary: $63.65

For those who prefer people over technology, solar sales representatives talk to homeowners about saving on electricity by adding solar panels. While remote, this job involves significant interaction rather than sitting at a computer all day. Companies like Solar Energy Partners and Tesla Energy often provide training for sales associates.

8. Cybersecurity Professional

Average hourly salary: $63.92

From federal governments to small businesses, everyone needs cybersecurity protection. Cybersecurity professionals protect networks from cyberattacks that could devastate finances and reputations. You'll need at least an associate's degree in computer science, engineering, or mathematics, plus industry certifications for specialization.

9. Data Architect

Average hourly salary: $69.98

While data scientists analyze data, data architects build the infrastructure that makes analysis possible. Think of data architects as kitchen builders and data scientists as the cooks who use the kitchen. This vital role requires skills in programming, SQL, data modeling, machine learning, and cloud platforms.

10. Software Engineer

Average hourly salary: $70.92

From coffee makers to cars, software is everywhere and constantly evolving. Software engineers keep systems updated for major tech companies, startups, and traditional businesses. This high-demand, remote-friendly job requires a bachelor's degree and demonstrable coding skills through projects or internships.

11. Telemedicine Physician Assistant

Average hourly salary: $115.14

The highest-paying role on this list, telemedicine physician assistants conduct video consultations with patients, manage care, and review diagnostic imaging. While the path is longer (requiring a master's in Physician Assistant Studies, passing the PANCE exam, and state licensing), the pay is exceptional and the work can be done remotely.

The talent shortages in tech and healthcare are breaking the old career model. People can thrive through training and hard work, with many technology positions accessible through bootcamps and certifications rather than traditional degrees. The future belongs to skill-builders who can learn quickly and stay current.