These Are the Most Flexible Remote Jobs—And They’re Hiring for Every Skillset

I don’t know about you, but even with employees returning to the office post-mandates, a large majority of the people I know still work from home or at least have a hybrid role. Maybe that’s the industry I’m in, or maybe it’s just a result of the highly virtualized world we live in. More and more professionals are taking their careers (and companies) completely digital. With that comes endless opportunities for people to use their skills across the world and make a living online. Unsurprisingly, there are now an estimated 40+ million virtual assistants in the world.

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A virtual assistant is exactly what it sounds like: a contracted employee who assists companies or professionals remotely. In the past, these types of jobs were mainly reserved for receptionist and administrative positions, but now, there’s a virtual assistant job for basically every skill set in every industry. We’re talking real estate, healthcare, education, and more. And since the internet never sleeps, these jobs are always in demand, which is a huge deal for job seekers, given the state of the job market.

So, whether you’re looking for your next WFH gig or are interested in taking the contractor route for more flexibility, look no further. We rounded up 20 different virtual assistant roles, plus where you can apply for them.

In this article 1 Where to start if you’re new to virtual assisting 2 20 virtual assistant jobs that are in demand 3 Where to easily find virtual assistant jobs

Where to start if you’re new to virtual assisting

If you’re interested in diving into the world of virtual assisting but are completely new to the game, start by identifying your skills and strengths. Just as importantly, ask yourself what kind of work you want to be doing. What parts of your existing job, or previous jobs, light you up? What do you want to learn next in your career? From there, you get to decide what you specialize in and what kind of work you want to offer. If you’re not quite qualified for the work you want to be doing, no stress. You can strengthen your skills, learn something new, or gain certifications completely online before diving in. Think: take a graphic design course or learn how to code.

From there, set your own expectations and requirements for work. How much do you want to work? What rate of pay is acceptable to you? You are completely in control. Finally, zhuzh up your resume and consider creating an online portfolio to outline your expertise and active skills, as these also help you stand out to employers. Once you have all of your ducks in a row, peruse open roles and start applying.

20 virtual assistant jobs that are in demand

1. Data entry clerk

A data entry clerk ensures company databases are current and accurate by collecting data, inputting information into systems, reviewing records, and performing regular system and computer backups. Since this is an entry-level position, employees usually only need a high school education. However, obtaining a data entry certificate or a postsecondary degree in business or a business-related field can help you earn more than the $23 hourly pay. Basic office essentials like a computer or laptop, printer, scanner, and fax machine are also needed for this role. Likewise, strong computer skills and literacy, attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills are also imperative.

2. Virtual personal assistant

Virtual personal assistants lend support by managing tasks and scheduling meetings and appointments for their clients remotely. Their daily duties may include handling correspondence, reaching out to companies and other professionals on behalf of their client, booking travel, and more. Hours can vary from full- to part-time and may include some nights and weekends. That said, you can earn up to $33 per hour with the right credentials, hospitality degree, or experience. So be sure to build up your resume and include relevant skills like trustworthiness, time management, organization, communication, and problem-solving.

3. Social media assistant

Social media assistants help clients manage their social media accounts and online presence by scheduling content, monitoring their social channels and increasing followers and engagement, staying in the know of the latest trends, updating and deleting old content, and assisting in the creation of social media campaigns. Most social media assistants have a degree in a field similar to communications, marketing, or graphic design. On average, social media assistants will earn a salary of $44,134 on average, but relevant experience and skills can help increase this figure. So, be sure to research and know the ins and outs of all social media platforms and build strong writing, graphic design, time management, research, and editing skills.

4. Technical support specialist

Technical support specialists help customers and employees troubleshoot computer, app, and device problems, usually through an online chat platform or by telephone. On average, they earn $58,135 annually, but that number can increase to $80k with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in computer science or IT or an IT certificate. Likewise, phenomenal computer knowledge and tech skills and great customer service skills are essential.

5. Assistant web designer

Assistant web designers are both creative and tech-savvy and use their skills to help create aesthetically pleasing and functional sites. They’re often proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, and Adobe Photoshop. Likewise, they’re also familiar with various content management systems, like WordPress, and have a degree in graphic design or computer programming or a web design certification. Assistant web designers earn $59,228 per year on average.

Source: Natasha Torres | Dupe

6. Scheduler

Similar to personal assistants, schedulers are responsible for creating and coordinating schedules for a company. This may involve updating digital calendars, scheduling meetings, and sending out reminders for upcoming events and appointments. Unsurprisingly, excellent time management and organizational skills are a must, along with great customer service skills. Schedulers typically earn up to $26 per hour.

7. Research assistant

If you’re capable of combing through everything you read with a fine-tooth comb, this is the role for you. Research assistants collect and analyze data, summarize findings, present reports, and conduct and study surveys, trends, and online data. On average, they earn up to $31 per hour and have a strong background in research and analysis and critical thinking. While not all jobs require a degree for this role, having a relevant degree and a detailed resume can help.

8. Editorial assistant

Editorial assistants assist editors at publishing houses, magazines, and online publications with administrative and editorial duties. Their responsibilities often include implementing publication schedules, pitching, writing, editing, and revising content, and creating digital content. According to Glassdoor, editorial assistants can earn anywhere from $46k to $74k per year. Likewise, this can be a great position for anyone currently pursuing a degree in communications, journalism, or English.

9. Virtual customer service representative

Virtual customer service representatives answer customer questions and assist with orders, billing services, and tracking shipments via phone, email, or an online chat platform. To perform their job well, reliable internet and phone access are a must, along with basic computer skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to work and think independently. A high school diploma or GED is typically all you need to become a virtual customer service representative, but experience working with the public is an added bonus and can help you earn more than the standard hourly rate of $19.

10. Virtual financial assistant

Virtual financial assistants offer bookkeeping services and help businesses keep track of their finances; they’ll track income and expenses, balance spreadsheets, make calculations and adjustments to a company’s budget, and help process invoices. Unsurprisingly, mathematical and computer skills are important for this role, along with the ability to work independently and alongside a team. Most financial assistants earn an average of $41,587 per year.

11. Copywriter

Curious about how to make an extra 1,000 a month? Look no further. Copywriters assist professionals in the communications and writing industries (think: public relations, bloggers, and online publications) by crafting compelling messages designed to persuade readers to take action. They earn an average of $76,412 per year, and more often than not, they have a degree in marketing or a communications-related field. Likewise, they’re also familiar with SEO best practices and have strong writing and communication skills. Furthermore, copywriting also allows for a lot of flexibility—you can get a part- or full-time job or go the freelance route and work for multiple companies, people, and outlets while you build your resume.

12. Virtual real estate assistant

A virtual real estate assistant offers admin support to realtors, brokerages, and industry professionals (like a mortgage loan underwriter). They typically help manage property listings, transactions, paperwork, contracts, and proposals. They also review legal documents, coordinate communications with buyers and sellers, and more. Reliable internet, computer skills, and top-notch organization are key; on average, you’ll likely earn anywhere from $50 to 70k per year.

13. Human resources virtual assistant

With more and more companies opting to work remotely, it’s unsurprising that HR virtual assistants would be in high demand. So not only can you earn up to $28 an hour answering phone calls and emails, drafting documents, and scheduling meetings, but you can also do it while wearing comfy clothes at home. While an HR degree is good, equivalent experience working with data entry systems or performing admin duties like payroll is also great as well.

14. Virtual receptionist

A virtual receptionist’s primary responsibility is interacting with customers, so experience working in a customer service role and impressive communication skills are key. Receptionists are responsible for answering phone calls, sharing helpful information with customers, and scheduling appointments. Likewise, in some cases, they may also be responsible for solving minor logistical issues like troubleshooting Excel and coordinating with outside vendors. On average, virtual receptionists earn around $18/hour, but that number can range up to $24. Reliable internet and phone connections are essential, along with multitasking, time management, and organizational skills.

Source: Maria Dilley | Dupe

15. Virtual operations assistant

This entry-level position is perfect for anyone who wants to gain experience in business administration. Operations assistants typically report to an operations manager and carry out tasks that focus on enhancing the company’s productivity and efficiency, like gathering information and updating paperwork. Solid interpersonal, administrative, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills are key. As a virtual operations assistant, you’ll need basic office essentials (like a computer, printer, scanner, etc.) and a phone for this role, and you can expect to earn around $30,637 annually.

16. Remote executive assistant

Remote executive assistants provide high-quality support to an executive team or single leadership member by assisting with things like maintaining a schedule of meetings, completing paperwork, and booking travel online or through a virtual help platform. Because this is a more complex role compared to that of an office assistant, previous clerical experience is often required, and the pay is more substantial, with the average annual salary being $64,456. Likewise, solid attention to detail, multitasking abilities, and interpersonal skills are essential.

17. Talent acquisition assistant

A talent acquisition assistant (sometimes called a staffing assistant) helps companies or recruiters find, screen, and interview candidates for a job. Their day-to-day duties may include tracking applications, scheduling interviews, creating and updating job listings, and drafting offers; they may also be responsible for conducting background and reference checks and developing surveys to gather feedback from candidates on the hiring process. Most talent acquisition assistants have at least one year of office administration experience, but some employers may require a four-year college degree. Furthermore, you can expect to earn anywhere from $52 to 65k annually.

18. Virtual event planner

Virtual event planners help clients bring their vision to life for an event like a wedding, party, fundraiser, or corporate gathering. They’ll meet with clients virtually to discuss budget and expectations before locking down the right venue and coordinating with on-site staff or outside vendors (think: caterers, musicians, bartenders, and more); they’re also responsible for reviewing bills and approving payment. To land this role, you’ll need a bachelor’s in business, marketing, communications, or hospitality management, as well as solid networking and negotiation skills. Interpersonal, creativity, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills are also essential. And obtaining an event planning certification can help you earn more than the standard $30 hourly rate.

19. Online proofreader

Online proofreaders ensure text is free from grammatical, typographical, spelling, punctuation, syntax, or formatting errors before being published. A keen eye, patience, and attention to detail are crucial for this. Also, while some employers require a bachelor’s in English, journalism, or another related field, most will test for competency with a proofreading test during the first step of the hiring process. To become an online proofreader, brush up on your reading, editing, writing, and grammatical skills; build a portfolio; and familiarize yourself with various writing styles. Pay will vary since this position is mainly offered on a freelance or contract basis, but overall you can expect to start off earning around $20 per billing hour.

20. Content writer

Content writers help businesses and other professionals craft compelling written content for blogs, online publications, emails, newsletters, video copy, social media posts, and more. Though they’re not required, relevant degrees in fields like communications or marketing can be beneficial. Relevant experience is also helpful as well. The easiest way to gain experience is to practice writing through a personal blog or freelance gigs. This will help you hone your research, writing, grammatical, and communication skills and learn about SEO best practices. Pay will vary depending on your position and skill set, but content writers typically earn around $22 per hour.

Where to easily find virtual assistant jobs

Although you can land virtual assistant jobs through traditional job search platforms (like Indeed or LinkedIn) or even through good old networking, a handful of platforms specialize in pairing virtual assistants with the right work. Basically, they pair you with clients who need your skills. This can make finding work so much easier, which is why we highly recommend starting there first. Not to mention, many offer ongoing learning opportunities and community support. Here are some of the top-rated platforms for virtual assistants looking for consistent work.

Belay

Belay is a staffing company that helps connect virtual assistants (as well as accounting and marketing professionals) to companies looking for remote, part-time help. All you have to do is apply to Belay, wait for approval, and then they match you with your ideal client. Since they work as the middleman, they offer ongoing check-ins so your client relationships work for the long run.

Boldly

Boldly focuses on staffing experienced and talented executive assistants (with at least seven years of experience) with long-term, full-time, remote work (typically lasting two to three years). What’s nice about Boldly is that you get to choose the clients you work for since they prioritize creating successful partnerships for the long haul.

Zirtual

Zirtual is a U.S.-based company that matches virtual assistants with startups and executives. Zirtual handles all of the vetting and makes sure each VA finds a relevant match based on skill and talent. They offer a huge range of administrative services, from inbox management to social media to data entry, making it a great option for a wide range of skill sets.

Time etc

Time etc matches virtual assistants with small businesses and entrepreneurs for part-time work in industries like real estate, finance, healthcare, and more. VAs on Time etc specialize in administrative task assistance, from inbox, to-do lists, document formatting, and more, and have an average of 12 years of experience.

Fancy Hands

Fancy Hands is a company that provides on-demand virtual assistants for both one-time tasks and ongoing support. Tasks can range from administrative to business planning services and go by a task-per-month system. The best part about Fancy Hands? Applying is a total breeze.

InboxDone

InboxDone is a company of virtual assistants who specialize in calendar and inbox management. No surprise, right? Organization and written communication skills are crucial in their hires. If the inbox isn’t your thing, they also offer other services, such as virtual research assistants and data entry. Both part-time and full-time coverage are available depending on their needs.