A few years ago, quitting traditional 9 to 5 jobs and traveling the world seemed way too exotic for most people. However, the pandemic forced many of us to find effective ways to work remotely. It has become apparent that combining the digital nomad lifestyle with exciting careers is not as complicated as we once thought. And you can become a digital nomad in almost any field.
To prove it, we have compiled a list of the 40 best jobs for digital nomads covering a wide range of interests, skillsets, and professional backgrounds. We have included roles in digital marketing, technology, design, and more. We have also added a few examples of businesses you can run while traveling. Let us get started!
What is a Digital Nomad Job?
According to the Statista report, the number of digital nomads in the United States continuously increased over the last four years and reached 16.9 million in 2022. That is more than twice the 2019 figure! This uptick should come as no surprise—modern technology allows people of different professions, from programmers to fitness coaches, to work wherever they want. And many people take advantage of the opportunity.
Digital nomads are professionals who combine remote work and travel. Some are freelancers or small business owners, and others are employees. They all share the ability to do their jobs from anywhere, be it a cafe in New York City, a campground in a national park, or a coworking space in Bali. As long as a location has a decent internet connection and a source of electricity to charge a laptop, digital nomads can work there.
Here is our list of the best digital nomad jobs. You can find positions for new graduates as well as seasoned professionals.
Best Digital Nomad Marketing Jobs
#1 Software Developer
Software Developers, Programmers, Coders, and Software Engineers use programming languages to create various applications. Their work is naturally laptop-based and not location dependant, so it is easily compatible with a digital nomad lifestyle. Besides, these professionals are always in high demand, and there are plenty of remote job opportunities.
- Proficiency in programming languages (Java, PHP, C++, Python, etc.)
- Familiarity with Git and GitHub
- Understanding the best practices of working with databases
- Problem-solving ability
- Attention to detail
#2 Web Developer
Web Developers create websites that are visually appealing, easy to navigate, and function correctly. Front-end developers are responsible for visual elements that users see and interact with. Back-end developers focus only on the behind-the-scenes systems and structures. Full-stack developers do both back-end and front-end development. Regardless of a developer's specialization, this profession is perfect for a digital nomad.
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end developers
- Proficiency in a programming language like PHP, Python, or Java for back-end developers
- Familiarity with content management systems (WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, etc.)
- Creativity and problem-solving ability
- Attention to detail
#3 Software Tester / QA Engineer
Software Testers ensure that applications meet requirements, work as expected, and are bug-free. These professionals design test scenarios, run manual and automated tests, identify errors, and prepare bug reports for development teams.
Required Skills:
- Basic knowledge of databases and Linux commands
- Experience with test management and defect-tracking tools
- Familiarity with automation tools
- Attention to detail
- Analytical skills
Want to learn these skills fast? Join our Manual QA or QA automation programs!
#4 Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, clean, organize, and analyze data sets to transform them into valuable insights that help solve particular business problems. As data-driven decisions are becoming a must for success in any industry, the demand for these professionals is steadily growing. And many positions offer the possibility of working remotely.
Required Skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and SQL
- Knowledge of a programming language such as Python
- Experience with data visualization tools like Tableau, Microsoft Power BI, and Zoho Reports
- Familiarity with statistics, probability, and machine learning
- Critical thinking
#5 Tech Sales Representative
Tech Sales Representatives sell complex tech-related products and services like software applications, hardware, and IT support. They are responsible for researching potential clients, reaching out to qualified leads, preparing proposals, and negotiating contract terms. Although these professionals communicate daily with customers, their meetings usually occur online. A career in tech sales is a good choice for a digital nomad.
Required Skills:
- Solid understanding of the technology they sell
- Knowledge of the sales cycle used at tech companies
- Proficiency with tools like Salesforce and Pipedrive
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to learn quickly
Want to learn these skills fast? Join our Sales Engineering program!
#6 Tech Support Specialist
Tech support specialists resolve issues with technical products, be they hardware devices, software tools, or services. They advise users on the proper diagnostic steps, identify the root cause of the problem, and suggest possible solutions. Remote technical support specialists typically work via text chat, emails, or phone calls.
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of macOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems
- Familiarity with configuration management tools, patch management, and mobile device management
- Understanding of network services, wireless protocols, and commands
- Familiarity with security concepts, certificates, and password management
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Flexibility to work shifts
#7 Business Analyst
Business analysts analyze data to understand how an organization operates, identify areas for improvement and suggest recommendations for making work more effective. In other words, the primary job responsibility of a business analyst is to communicate with various stakeholders, analyze the company's needs, and recommend changes, be it changes in the work process, information systems, or organization's structure.
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of SQL, Python, or R
- Ability to work with analytical tools such as Google Analytics
- Familiarity with data visualization tools such as Tableau
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication skills
# 8 Security Consultant
A security consultant identifies vulnerabilities in a company's computer systems, networks, or software tools and suggests solutions to strengthen the security. They also design security policies, help to align them with regulatory requirements, and train employees.
Required skills:
- Knowledge of network infrastructure
- Understanding of operating systems vulnerabilities
- Familiarity with security management frameworks
- Certifications: CISSP, CISA, CRISC, CySA+, or similar
- Risk management skills
- Ability to work under pressure
Best Digital Nomad Design Jobs
#9 Graphic Designer
Graphic Designers create visual concepts to communicate specific ideas to an audience. They might work on logos, packaging, billboards, store signage, merchandise products, etc. It is a great job for digital nomads, as these professionals do not always have to be online to do their work. A graphic designer can take a sketchpad to the beach or a park and work on their next design without worrying about internet access.
Required Skills:
- Solid understanding of color theory, typography, and layout best practices
- Good command of one or more graphic design software (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, CorelDraw, etc.)
- Creativity
- Time-management
#10 UX Designer
User Experience (UX) Designers focus on creating an excellent experience for users when interacting with a product, whether a mobile application or a coffee machine. Their daily tasks might vary significantly depending on the project. Usually, these professionals are responsible for research, building user personas, designing new features, prototyping, and overseeing user testing.
Required Skills:
- Experience in various research methods
- Wireframing and prototyping
- Knowledge of user testing best practices
- Analytical thinking
- Collaboration
- Want to learn these skills fast? Join our UX Design program.
#11 UI Designer
UI designers design screens users will see while interacting with digital products. These professionals are responsible for layout, color schemes, fonts, icons, menus, animations, sliders, and other visual elements. Their goal is to create a product interface that is not only beautiful but also easy to use.
Required skills:
- Knowledge of branding, typography, and color theory
- Understanding of interaction design best practices
- Ability to create mockups and prototypes
- Proficiency in design tools like Sketch, Figma, or similar
#12 Illustrator
Illustrators create two-dimensional images for books, magazines, newspapers, comics, user manuals, marketing materials, and other forms of media. In most cases, they work remotely and set their working hours depending on their workload and deadlines. Illustrator is another example of a perfect career for digital nomads.
Required Skills:
- An eye for color, balance, and layout
- Excellent drawing, sketching, and painting skills
- Solid knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, or similar tools
- Creativity and artistic skills
- Time-management
#13 3D Artist
3D Artists use specialized software to develop artistic 3D elements for films, computer games, animations, websites, etc. They also create 3D models of products or architectural visualizations. This profession offers many remote job opportunities.
Required Skills:
- An eye for composition, realism, texture, color, and lighting
- Knowledge of 3D modeling software such as 3ds Max, V-Ray, and Maya
- Creativity and artistic skills
- Time-management
- Organizational skills
Best Digital Nomad Marketing Jobs
#14 Social Media Manager
Social media managers are responsible for developing strategies to attract more ideal customers to their client's pages. These professionals plan and create content, schedule posts, respond to audience comments, review analytics, and prepare reports. They can manage all company's channels (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) or focus on specific social media, as is the case for managers at Pinterest and Instagram.
Required Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of social media platforms
- Proficiency with scheduling and analytical tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, and FB Business Suite
- Creativity
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
#15 Social Media Ads Specialist
Social Media Ads Specialists plan, implement and manage paid campaigns on various social media channels. They are responsible for targeting the right audience, overseeing budget spending, optimizing ads, and tracking results. These professionals often focus on a particular platform—Facebook, YouTube, etc.
Required Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of the advertising platform
- Understanding of campaign metrics
- Familiarity with built-in and third-party analytical and tracking tools (Facebook Ads Manager, Google Analytics, etc.)
- Communication skills
- Analytical thinking
#16 SEO Specialist
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialists optimize websites to help them rank higher on search engine results pages and attract more organic traffic. They conduct keyword research, analyze competitor websites, develop a content strategy, assist with link-building campaigns, and suggest technical changes to improve website speed and allow search robots to index pages correctly.
Required Skills:
- Proficiency with tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, Screaming Frog, Google Analytics, or Google Search Console
- Familiarity with various Content Management Systems (CMS) and at least a basic knowledge of HTML and CSS
- Ability to work with back-end SEO elements such as schema markups, robots.txt, metadata, site speed optimization
- Understanding of current SEO best practices
- Strong analytical skills
#17 Search Ads Specialist
Search Ads Specialists plan, create, and manage paid campaigns on search engine results pages for Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc. They monitor their performance and optimize settings to display ads for relevant keywords and attract the right people while spending budgets wisely.
Required Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of advertising platform
- Understanding of campaign metrics
- Familiarity with analytical tools such as Google Analytics
- Attention to detail
- Analytical thinking
#18 Email Marketing Specialist
Email Marketing Specialists build an email list, develop email marketing strategies, manage email service provider platforms, and set up email campaigns. They prepare newsletter content and nurture leads through written communication. These professionals are also responsible for monitoring email campaign performance and preparing reports.
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of email marketing platforms such as ConverKit, MailChimp, and ActiveCampaign
- Understanding of email metrics and ability to make data-driven decisions
- Familiarity with HTML and CSS
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Creative thinking
#19 Digital Marketing Strategist
Digital Marketing Strategists oversee all the areas mentioned above—social media, organic traffic, paid ads, and email campaigns. They develop and implement cohesive strategies and ensure that the efforts of all marketing team members align towards a common goal.
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of CRM platforms and content management systems
- Familiarity with the leading digital marketing channels
- Proficiency with analytic tools
- Organizational skills
- Communication skills
Best Digital Nomad Writing Jobs
#20 Copywriter
Copywriters create content for websites, social media pages, or printed marketing materials. Copywriters write product descriptions, blog posts, ad copy, newsletters, video scripts, case studies, and more. This job is location-independent, making it perfect if you want to combine working and traveling.
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of SEO best practices
- Familiarity with CMS and social media platforms
- Strong writing skills
- Research skills
- Creative thinking
#21 Editor
Editors polish and refine what other authors have written. They revise texts for content, structure, clarity, length, or tone and proofread them for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. In other words, these professionals ensure that a piece of writing is ready for publication.
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of grammar, syntax, and punctuation
- Understanding how to adhere to style guides
- Familiarity with SEO best practices
- Organizational and time-management skills
- Attention to detail
#22 Technical Writer
Technical Writers create technical documentation for companies, including user manuals, operating procedure guides, white papers, training materials, specialized product descriptions, and maintenance instructions. They transform complex technical information into clear and concise materials.
Required Skills:
- Strong writing skills
- Research skills
- Ability to explain complex concepts in an easy-to-understand manner
- Time management and organizational skills
#23 Blogger
Bloggers share their knowledge of a particular subject in blog posts and publish them on their websites. You can find blogs on any topic you can think about: cooking, programming, travel, parenting, fashion, gardening, video games, and so on. Successful blogs can be monetized through affiliate marketing, selling your products or services, and selling ad space.
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of CMS platforms
- Familiarity with different areas of digital marketing
- Strong writing and editing skills
- Organizational skills
- Creative thinking
Best Digital Nomad Photography Jobs
#24 Photographer: Portraits and Events
With the right skills, working as a photographer is perfect for a digital nomad. People all around the world want to capture important moments of their lives. Photographers with good portfolios, strong personal brands, and the ability to market themselves can find clients for photoshoots wherever they travel. Professionals in this business usually work in a specific niche—weddings, newborns, business portraits, families, pets, etc.
Required Skills:
- Mastery of necessary hardware such as cameras, lenses, tripods, and lights
- Solid knowledge of composition and lighting rules
- Creativity and artistic skills
- Communication skills
- Time-management
#25 Photo Editor / Retoucher
Photo Editors perform editing services for other photographers, such as reviewing, selecting, and post-processing photos. Many digital nomads prefer this field because it is more flexible. Unlike photographers whose schedules depend on booked photoshoots and clients' preferences, photo editors can do their work whenever and wherever they want. They only need a laptop with software such as Lightroom or Adobe Photoshop.
Required Skills:
- Strong knowledge of Lightroom, Photoshop, or similar photo editing tools
- Understanding of various photography techniques and concepts
- Ability to follow instructions
- Time-management
#26 Photographer: Selling Photography Tours and Classes
Photographers often choose to share their professional expertise while traveling the world. They make money selling photography tours and workshops in different countries. During these tours, they teach students advanced photography techniques while showing the best time of day for photography at unique locations.
Required Skills:
- Expert knowledge of photography hardware: cameras, lenses, tripods, lights, etc.
- Strong command of various photography techniques
- Artistic skills
- Organizational skills
- Communication skills
List of Other Creative Jobs for Digital Nomads
#27 Podcast Producer
Podcast Producers oversee the process of creating podcast episodes, from brainstorming the topic ideas to tracking relevant metrics after the release. They are in charge of the recording, editing, and publication. Podcasts have become a popular marketing tool among many entrepreneurs who often prefer to hire a remote contractor for the producer role. And that is why this profession fits well with the digital nomad lifestyle.
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of audio-editing software such as Adobe Audition and Logic Pro
- Familiarity with leading podcast hosting services
- Organizational skills
- Attention to detail
#28 YouTube Channel Manager
YouTube Channel Managers help companies or entrepreneurs manage their YouTube channels. They are responsible for editing videos, preparing titles and descriptions, adding tags, creating thumbnails, and tracking the channel's performance.
Required Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of the YouTube platform
- Familiarity with SEO principles
- Experience with video editing software such as Adobe Premier
- Attention to detail
- Time-management and organizational skills
#29 Voiceover Artist / Voice Actor
Voiceover Artists record themselves reading scripts for audiobooks, commercials, documentaries, educational videos, video games, apps, toys, announcements, and more. These professionals can work from any quiet place if they have a high-quality microphone, a laptop with audio-editing software, and internet access.
Required Skills:
- Excellent diction
- Mastery of voice techniques and breath control
- Acting ability
- Experience with audio-editing software such as Adobe Audible
- Ability to follow instructions
Best Digital Nomad Administrative Jobs
#30 Virtual Assistant
Virtual Assistants remotely help small businesses with various administrative tasks. Their services might include email management, research, creating presentations, preparing reports, answering clients' queries, scheduling meetings, and translating documents.
Required Skills:
- Computer skills
- Attention to detail
- Organizational and time-management skills
- Problem-solving ability
- Communication skills
#31 E-Commerce Administrator / Online Shop Administrator
E-Commerce Administrators help maintain online store websites. They update product prices and descriptions, monitor stock levels, assist with implementing SEO strategies, manage automated emails, and add necessary product parameters.
Required Skills:
- Familiarity with e-commerce platforms such as WooCommerce, Shopify, or Amazon
- Proficiency with common computer applications
- Basic knowledge of HTML and SEO principles
- Organizational skills
#32 Translator
Working as a translator is excellent for digital nomads who know multiple languages. They can translate documents, website content, articles, marketing materials, books, and more. Since face-to-face interactions with clients are unnecessary, translators can work from anywhere.
Required Skills:
- Proficiency in both source and target languages
- Knowledge of grammar, syntax, and punctuation
- Experience with computer-aided translation tools such as memoQ or SDL Trados Studio
- Familiarity with localization tools such as Localise
- Attention to detail
#33 Accountant / Bookkeeper
Accountants and Bookkeepers help businesses keep their finances organized. Modern bookkeeping software tools allow these professionals to do their jobs remotely. Many digital nomads provide bookkeeping and accounting services for online businesses while traveling across the globe.
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of accounting principles and regulatory standards
- Proficiency with accounting tools such as QuickBooks or Zoho Books
- Familiarity with secure online file sharing and digital signature solutions
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
#34 Project Manager
Project Managers can also work successfully as digital nomads. With advanced solutions for communication, tracking tasks, and reporting, they can effectively coordinate teams and monitor projects remotely.
Required Skills:
- Proficiency with standard communication, file sharing, and project managing tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Jira, and Asana
- Excellent communication skills
- Organizational and time-management skills
- Creative thinking and problem-solving ability
#35 Recruiter / Headhunter
Recruiters help companies find suitable candidates for open positions. As the hiring process increasingly moves into the online space, many of these professionals have switched to remote work. They can easily list new jobs, attend Zoom meetings with hiring managers, review applications, and make screening calls while being miles away from the company's office.
Required Skills:
- Familiarity with the leading job boards
- Experience with applicant tracking systems (ATS)
- Excellent communication skills
- Time-management skills
- Negotiation skills
Best Digital Nomad Education Jobs
#36 Language Tutor
Digital nomads with a background in education often earn money by teaching English or other languages they speak fluently via Skype or Zoom. Some work for online language schools or join e-learning platforms like Preply or iTalki. Others market their services on social media and work with clients directly.
Required skills:
- TEFL certificate
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to use props and visuals effectively
- Computer literacy
- Ability to provide constructive feedback
#37 Online Course Creator
Modern technology makes it possible to teach almost anything online—from cooking to coding, gardening to photography. Creating online courses is another job that will enable you to become a digital nomad. Creators can sell their courses on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare. Or they might run their own websites and use a learning management system (LMS) like Thinktific or Kajabi for hosting.
Required Skills:
- Mastery of the skill you want to teach
- Ability to create engaging content
- Familiarity with e-learning platforms or LMS
- Digital marketing knowledge
- Organizational skills
List of Traditional Location Independent Jobs
#38 Journalist
Journalists create articles for newspapers and magazines—online or printed. Writing about different countries, cultures, and cuisine cousins while traveling the world is perfect for digital nomads. Journalism can be very competitive and challenging to break into, but it is worth the effort.
Required Skills:
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong writing and editing skills
- Ability to create engaging content
- Research skills
- Critical thinking
#39 Therapist / Psychologist
Modern mental health practitioners no longer need to be in their offices to help people. Many offer online counseling sessions for clients around the globe. Working as a therapist is perfect for digital nomads with advanced degrees in psychology or counseling.
Required Skills:
- Relevant education and certifications
- Resilient listening skills
- Excellent communication skills
- High level of empathy
- Patience
#40 Fitness Coach / Personal Trainer / Fitness Instructor
Fitness coaching might not be the first job path that comes to mind when thinking about digital nomads. However, many fitness professionals successfully work remotely. They offer individual video sessions to guide clients through a workout routine, create online programs for groups, or sell digital fitness products such as meal plans.
Required Skills:
- Relevant certifications
- Knowledge of physiology and kinesiology
- Great physique
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to give constructive feedback
Starting Your Own Business as a Digital Nomad
Working as an employee or a freelancer is not the only way to make a living as a digital nomad. You can also start your own business. The main advantage of this path is that, once it is up and running, you will have a steady income that does not depend on the exact hours you spend working. Here are a few examples of businesses popular among digital nomads.
#1 Digital Marketing Agency
Starting a digital marketing agency allows entrepreneurs to travel as much as they want, as they can run their business online from anywhere. You can focus on a specific area such as SEO, paid ads, or email marketing. Or you can build a team of professionals and position your business as a full-service marketing agency.
#2 Web Design Agency
Starting a web design agency is another excellent opportunity for digital nomads. Such services are in demand, and the business is easily scalable. For example, your team can not only build websites for clients but also develop and sell new WordPress themes.
#3 E-Commerce Business
Digital nomads often run e-commerce businesses. They set up online shops and sell digital or physical products. Delivering digital products—e-books, online courses, printables, membership programs, etc.—can be fully automated and does not require being in a specific location. As to physical products, some business owners have employees or contractors to handle the warehouse and shipment of goods. Others choose a dropshipping model where they do not keep products in stock but instead let the manufacturer send purchased goods directly to customers.
Digital Nomad Jobs for Beginners
Although some jobs mentioned above require a particular degree, certification, or advanced hard skills, there are still plenty of opportunities for new graduates and people transitioning careers. You do not need extensive work experience to become a digital nomad!
For example, as long as you possess basic organizational and computer skills, you can become a virtual assistant. Transcription and data entry jobs do not require any special skills except attention to detail, fast typing, and good spelling. If you are good at writing, you can build a portfolio and offer copywriting services. If your grammar and punctuation are excellent, you might want to try proofreading jobs.
Many digital nomad jobs require skills you can learn in a short time. Social media manager, email marketing specialist, e-commerce manager, and recruiters are just a few examples of such roles.
And surprisingly enough, you can break into the tech industry with plenty of remote, highly-paid jobs relatively quickly if you choose the right intensive course. For example, if you enroll in the Manual QA program at Careerist, you can start working as a software tester in just a few months.
How to Find Digital Nomad Jobs Abroad?
If you want to become a digital nomad, you have three options:
- Work remotely as an employee. It might be a full-time or part-time job.
- Take online gigs as a freelancer. Be prepared not to receive regular paychecks but rather be paid per project.
- Start your own online business. While this path requires a significant upfront investment of time and effort, it is scalable and can eventually provide steady income.
Regardless of your choice, you will need to find clients or employers. Here are some helpful resources:
- Freelance platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr feature plenty of job opportunities. There are projects for testers, copywriters, designers, marketers, and more.
- Job search boards such as Monster or Indeed. Traditional resources still work well, even when looking for a position that does not require you to be in the office from 9 to 5. You can use advanced filters to narrow the list of openings to those allowing remote work.
- Websites dedicated to remote jobs, such as FlexJobs, RemoteOk, or We Work Remotely. These sites can help you find job postings in categories like programming, testing, design, sales, marketing, and customer support.
- LinkedIn is another great resource for job hunting and networking with other professionals from all over the world. When going through job postings on LinkedIn, you can use filters to look for remote, part-time, or temporary positions.
You can combine several channels for the best remote job search results. For example, you can use job boards and LinkedIn while simultaneously networking on social media.
Conclusion
Modern technology has changed the way many businesses operate. Professionals from different industries can now successfully combine travel and work. If you are thinking about becoming one of the growing class of location independent workers, we hope our list of best digital nomad jobs will inspire you to find the role that best suits your interests and skills.