TThe pandemic has made the prospect of never having to commute to work much more attainable for those who want to work remotely full-time.
Demand for fully remote work has outstripped employers’ willingness to allow it in recent months, according to the latest WFH Research Project Reportmonthly survey conducted jointly by the University of Chicago, the Autonomous Institute of Technology of Mexico, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University.
Read more: How to ask your employer if you can telecommute permanently
“The majority of today’s workers have made it clear that they value work flexibility and, specifically, telecommuting opportunities,” said Kathy Gardner, vice president of communications at FlexJobs.
“Among remote jobs, work-from-anywhere jobs are even more desirable,” adds Gardner, noting that roles without geographic requirements only complement 5% of remote jobs discovered by Flexjobs researchers.
Although the prospect of a recession loomed over the US economy and the Federal Reserve took over aggressive steps to cool inflation, the labor market remains relatively stable. The US economy added 261,000 jobs in October, which was higher than analysts expected, although the pace of growth slowed from September, according to data released Nov. 4. Separate official data released on November 1 showed that US job vacancies rose to 10.7 million in September, partially offsetting the decline in the previous month and a challenge economists’ forecasts.
According to research published by the Pew Research Center in July, about one in five workers said they were somewhat or very likely to look for new career opportunities in the next six months. Americans cited low pay as one of the top reasons they left their jobs last year in separate Pew Research held in February.
For many, this decision may be financial. ADP payroll data released on Wednesday showed that average annual wages in the private sector rose 15.2% in October for people changing jobs.
Read more: The pandemic has revealed how much we hate our jobs. Now we have a chance to reinvent work
For candidates hoping to get it all while securing a six-figure salary and on-site flexibility, Gardner says there are managerial roles in a number of industries that she’s seen dominate the telecommuting market.
To secure remote roles that pay well, Gardner suggests applying the same rules to every job application. “Be prepared to personalize your resume and cover letter, list any telecommuting experience you’ve had before, showcase your telecommuting skills,” she says.
She recommends that applicants include a technology section on their resumes to highlight their skills with remote collaboration tools like Zoom, Google Drive and Slack.
Read more: Telecommuting is now a status symbol. Here’s how to create a workplace that works for everyone.
Here are some of the best paying jobs in the US that can be done completely remotely, according to FlexJobs.
Financial Manager
Financial planning roles typically include coordinating accounting, preparing financial and cash flow statements, and profit forecasts, while complying with regulatory requirements. The average salary for financial managers is about $134,180 and the unemployment rate remains low at 2.9%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that between 2020 and 2030, 118,200 financial manager roles should emerge.
Gardner says that “salaries for remote and hybrid jobs vary by company and other factors such as the candidate’s experience and education.”
Commercial manager
Marketing managers oversee campaigns to convey the message of a brand or organization to a target market and drive growth of products or services. Successful candidates have secured average salary of about $142,170 in 2020, with the lowest-paid 25% still earning about $101,690.
It is common for applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in related fields, such as communications, journalism or advertising.
Software developer
Software development positions are among the more lucrative computer and IT positions that do not require a master’s degree, like other high-paying positions in the technology sector. US applicants usually provide average salary of $120,730 in May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Responsibilities in these roles involve the design, installation and maintenance of software systems through engineering and programming.
Thomas Vick, regional director of global employment agency Robert Half, says data engineering positions, as well as software development roles, consistently offer high salaries for remote roles.
“Most of the positions we get on the software side … are remote, but we’re seeing more and more customers wanting a hybrid environment,” adds Vick. “Companies that want candidates to be fully on-site struggle to find the quality of talent they’re looking for.”
Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and health service managers are responsible for directing and coordinating the business activities of health care providers, and applicants can typically expect average salary of about $101,340. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 28% employment growth for medical and health services management roles between 2021 and 2031 – faster than the average for all occupation growth, suggesting it is a role with continued prospects.
A bachelor’s degree is usually required to enter the field, and many people in these roles also have master’s degrees, as well as administrative or clinical experience in healthcare settings or hospitals.
Human resource managers
The roles of HR Manager are expected to grow by 7% between 2021 and 2031, in line with average growth for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These roles had an average salary of about $126,230 in May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and typically consist of tasks related to the effective coordination of administrative functions within an organization.
Senior roles require more experience, so candidates must be able to demonstrate their competence along with strong networking abilities. Gardner advises job seekers to reconnect with past colleagues, connect with online groups, research companies that are telecommuting-friendly, and network with senior people on platforms like LinkedIn.
For those ambitious enough to seek out these competitive roles, the payoff will be substantial, Gardner says. “Employees remain in high demand, and as companies continue to embrace telecommuting-friendly jobs, they will have more opportunities than ever to find a career with the telecommuting capabilities they want.”
More must-see stories from TIME