Plenty of people assume strong hourly pay only arrives after a decade of climbing a corporate ladder. A handful of analytical, technical, and research-driven fields tell a different story.
These careers tend to reward a specific degree, a certification, or a provable technical skill rather than years of seniority, which makes them worth a look if you are weighing a career change or want to find an online side hustle that pays like a full career. Many of these roles are also posted widely on remote job boards.
Here is what each job involves, what helps you get hired, and where the openings tend to show up.
Actuary
Median hourly wage: $62.50 an hour
Projected growth: 9% (2025-35)
Actuaries compile and analyze statistical data to estimate the probability and likely economic cost of events such as death, sickness, accidents, or natural disasters. They also design and test insurance policies and other strategies meant to minimize risk and maximize profitability.
Entry typically requires a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, actuarial science, statistics, or a related analytical field, plus passing a series of professional exams to become certified, and many employers expect one or two exams passed before graduation. Exam progress is the credential hiring managers look at first, and remote or hybrid actuarial roles are commonly posted on Indeed and LinkedIn.
Shopping for cheaper auto insurance? Enter your zip code here to get started.
Software developer
Software developers analyze users’ needs and then design, build, and test the applications or systems that meet them, creating diagrams and models that guide programmers in writing code. They also handle maintenance and upgrades after a program is released.
A bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field such as engineering or mathematics is typically required, and some employers prefer applicants with a master’s degree or prior internship experience. A portfolio of working projects helps newer applicants compete, and remote developer postings are easy to find on FlexJobs and Indeed.
Information security analyst
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems, monitoring for breaches and maintaining firewalls and data encryption programs. They also develop security standards, test disaster recovery plans, and prepare reports on attempted attacks and breaches.
Employers typically require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field plus related work experience, and they often prefer candidates who hold a professional information security certification. That certification is the fastest way to stand out early, and remote listings for the role turn up regularly on Indeed and LinkedIn.
Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.
Compare car insurance rates
See if lower rates are available
Currently Insured?
Yes
No
Multiple Cars?
Yes
No
Homeowner
Yes
No
Age
30-39
By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form,
Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy
Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.
Great News! We’ve located some excellent quote options just for you.
Where can we send you info and recommendations?
Enter Email
Bundle Home & Auto to Save More?
Yes
No
Active Military?
No
Yes
By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form,
Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy
Economist
Median hourly wage: $59.96 an hour
Economists conduct research, prepare reports, and evaluate issues related to monetary and fiscal policy. They may also collect and analyze statistical data.
Most entry-level positions require a master’s degree, though some government jobs accept a bachelor’s degree with enough coursework in economics, statistics, or mathematics, and higher-level roles often call for a Ph.D. Strong quantitative and data analysis skills carry the most weight here, and remote and hybrid openings show up on LinkedIn and Indeed.
Mathematician
Mathematicians decide what data are needed to answer specific questions and apply mathematical theories and techniques to solve practical problems in business, engineering, and science. They use statistical software to analyze data and then communicate findings to technical and nontechnical audiences.
A master’s or doctoral degree in mathematics is typically needed for private-industry positions, though federal government jobs may accept a bachelor’s degree or significant coursework in mathematics. Because the field is small, it pays to check FlexJobs and LinkedIn often so you catch postings while they are live.
Bottom line
None of these fields hand out big paychecks for free. Each one asks for a specific degree, a certification, or a technical skill set, and that is exactly what makes them reachable without a long resume.
If one lines up with your background, treat the switch like a project: pick the credential that opens the door, rewrite your resume for remote work, and set alerts on Indeed, FlexJobs, and LinkedIn so you see listings early.
While you train, a smaller push to earn extra money can cover the cost of the coursework or exams and keep your budget steady until the new work starts paying.
Make Money: 8 dumb ways to make money (almost anyone can do this)
- Things to cut when living on retirement (many people ignore #11).
- 14 moves seniors could benefit from but often forget about.
- Find out if you could pay less for car insurance in just a few clicks.
- Learn how to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind.
5 Ways You Could Make Real Money Without Quitting Your Job
By FinanceBuzz Editors
6 Things To Do If You’re Barely Scraping By Financially
By FinanceBuzz Editors
7 Clever Ways to Crush Your Debt
By FinanceBuzz Editors
Hands Down The Laziest Ways People Are Making Extra Cash
By FinanceBuzz Editors
7 Moves If You Want to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck
By FinanceBuzz Editors
25 Legit Ways to Make Extra Cash
By Team FBZ
Chris Lewis has spent his career turning data into answers. As the Head of Research at FinanceBuzz and a Certified Educator in Personal Finance, he oversees the data journalism and media relations teams, digging into the personal finance topics that shape Americans’ lives at every stage, from Social Security and retirement income to 401(k) strategies, jobs, and real estate.
