Here’s a list of home-based business ideas that offer freedom from a traditional job but attract competitive pay:
1. Medical transcriptionist
National average salary: $34,389 per year
Find jobs: Medical transcriptionist
A medical transcriptionist or transcriber listens to a healthcare expert’s recorded dictation and transcribes the data. A medical transcriptionist should be familiar with medical jargon so they can interpret dictation in areas such as diagnostic test results or surgical reports. Accurate transcription provides thorough reporting for client healthcare records. Transcriptionists working from home need a quiet place to work, a headset that filters noise and a reliable, speedy internet connection.
2. Child care provider
National average salary: $37,169 per year
Find jobs: Child care provider
Primary duties: Child care entails monitoring the safety and well-being of children. Child care providers may offer snacks or meals throughout the day. If caring for infants or toddlers, child care providers are responsible for diaper changes and feedings. Providers may offer age-appropriate educational and engaging ways for children to learn through games or books. Those who offer care in their own homes use cellphones for customer communication and software or ledgers for notes and reports.
3. Personal driver
National average salary: $57,916 per year
Find jobs: Personal driver
Primary duties: A personal driver provides transportation from one location to another. Personal drivers may run errands for individuals or transport people or cargo. Personal drivers maintain a professional manner whenever they’re interacting with clients. In addition to a cellphone, drivers meticulously maintain their vehicles to avoid issues when transporting clients.
4. Housekeeper
National average salary: $34,262 per year
Find jobs: Housekeeper
Primary duties: A housekeeper is an individual who performs routine household duties such as vacuuming, dusting, mopping and overall cleaning. Some housekeepers may offer additional services such as doing laundry or window cleaning. Housekeepers are typically required to arrive on time and consult with home or business owners for clear task instructions. In addition to housekeeping supplies, including mops, buckets and vacuums, home-based housekeepers rely on appointment tracking and invoicing software, a cellphone and reliable transportation.
5. Bookkeeper
National average salary: $50,820 per year
Find jobs: Bookkeeper
Primary duties: A bookkeeper studies a client’s financial documents such as cash receipts, invoice receivables and payables. The bookkeeper is tasked with organizing this information to balance how and when the business gets paid and where it spends its money. Bookkeepers may report on spending trends or alert clients to overdue payments. Bookkeepers who maintain home offices require accounting software or ledgers, a cellphone and a reliable internet connection.
6. Pet Sitter
National average salary: $39,246 per year
Find jobs: Pet sitter
Primary duties: Pet sitters are responsible for the care and feeding of the animals in their care, which may include a variety of different species of pet. Responsibilities of pet sitters may include walking dogs, changing cat litter boxes and ensuring an adequate supply of food and water. Some clients may also require sitters to administer medication or provide extra care, depending on their pet’s specific needs. Home-based pet sitters should have a cellphone, appointment-tracking software and reliable transportation to and from clients.
7. Website designer
National average salary: $56,866 per year
Find jobs: Website designer
Primary duties: A website designer helps clients create or update effective websites. Designers might write content, design page layouts or determine a website’s technical requirements. Designers create backups to ensure website integrity, and they solve code problems that may interfere with a website’s performance. Website designers who work from home may require planning and design software and a fast and reliable internet connection.
8. Graphic designer
National average salary: $50,656 per year
Find jobs: Graphic designer
Primary duties: A graphic designer works with clients to develop marketing materials, book covers or logos. Graphic designers gather information and specifications from the client and often prepare rough drafts or present their own ideas. Graphic designers work with clients to build brands, launch campaigns or update websites. Work-from-home graphic designers need access to design and planning software, a fast internet connection and networking platforms for collaboration.
9. Massage therapist
National average salary: $46,232 per year
Find jobs: Massage therapist
Primary duties: Individual clients meet with a massage therapist to seek relief from pain, stress or physical ailments. A massage therapist will first learn about a client’s health and medical symptoms so they can assess their needs and develop a treatment plan. They’re trained to manipulate muscles and tissue for therapeutic and stress-relief benefits. The supplies for a massage therapist working from home include a massage table, cellphone and appointment software.
10. Translator
National average salary: $47,985 per year
Find jobs: Translator
Primary duties: Translators work to translate one language into another or convert audio into text. They may work on translating media into another language or decipher technical jargon to create a document that can be more widely understood. They ensure the original meaning and tone of the material carry over to the new version. Home-based translators require a quiet place to work, devices for transcription and a headset for optimal communication.
11. Social media manager
National average salary: $55,933 per year
Find jobs: Social media manager
Primary duties: Social media managers are responsible for developing and executing social media marketing campaigns for businesses or individuals. They create content, manage social media accounts and monitor and analyze engagement metrics. Social media managers should have well-developed skills in writing, graphic design and communication. They also require knowledge of various social media platforms and analytical tools to track and improve performance.
12. Tailor
National average salary: $38,203 per year
Find jobs: Tailor
Primary duties: A tailor repairs or alters garments by replacing buttons, zippers, pockets and linings. A tailor may alter the fit of a garment by adding or subtracting length or width. Sewing services may include custom-making garments according to the exact measurements of the client. Wedding dresses and men’s suits are often created or altered by a tailor. Besides sewing machines, a home-based tailor will typically use a phone to communicate with clients and garment design software or books.
13. Copywriter
National average salary: $58,458 per year
Find jobs: Copywriter
Primary duties: Writers perform research to write copy for a client’s brochures, website or advertising. They develop and present new ideas and help determine what makes a product appealing to the customer. Copywriters have a strong command of language and stringently follow directions and meet deadlines. Home-based copywriters work with computers, smartphones and networking platforms.
14. Makeup artist
National average salary: $46,341 per year
Find jobs: Makeup artist
Primary duties: Makeup artists apply makeup to clients for special events such as weddings or photoshoots. They generally possess great attention to detail, are knowledgeable about current trends and have strong customer service skills. Makeup artists may also offer makeup tutorials or consultations.
15. Ecommerce manager
National average salary: $67,963 per year
Find jobs: Ecommerce manager
Primary duties: Ecommerce managers oversee online sales for businesses, including managing online stores, creating product listings and developing marketing strategies. They will usually excel in website design, ecommerce platforms and analytics tools to optimize sales and improve customer experience. Ecommerce managers also use their communication skills to work with other departments, such as marketing and customer service, and collaborate with external vendors.
16. Virtual assistant
National average salary: $40,842 per year
Find jobs: Virtual assistant
Primary duties: A virtual assistant performs remote administrative tasks for a client or clients. Virtual assistants may undertake tasks like answering email, scheduling meetings or making travel arrangements. Assistants are strong communicators and comfortable with technology. Home-based virtual assistants require a cellphone, reliable internet and software specific to their job function.
17. Financial planner
National average salary: $76,263 per year
Find jobs: Financial planner
Primary duties: Financial planners help clients prepare for life changes including college, home-buying or retirement. They may assist in selecting investments or creating and reviewing debt consolidation plans. These planners help clients set and meet their financial goals. Home-based financial planners require access to computers and accounting and planning software, a cellphone and a speedy internet connection.
18. Realtor
National average salary: $95,407 per year
Find jobs: Realtor
Primary duties: Realtors help clients buy, sell and rent properties. They assist clients in finding suitable properties, negotiating contracts and closing deals. Realtors require strong communication and negotiation skills, knowledge of real estate laws and regulations and the ability to market properties effectively.
19. Home inspector
National average salary: $59,635 per year
Find jobs: Home inspector
Primary duties: An inspector checks homes for structural integrity and compliance based on codes and regulations. Home inspectors check residential infrastructure, including the exterior and interior of homes. They check for faults or defects in electrical and plumbing systems and water quality and they recommend repairs or alterations. To work from home, inspectors need access to an appointment and reporting software, a cellphone and reliable transportation to and from clients.