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The best work from home jobs in Australia

SEEK content team – updated on 29 February, 2024

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Work from home jobs have become increasingly popular in recent years – and for good reason. They give workers more flexibility and a better work-life balance, while companies can access a wider pool of talented employees not limited by location.

If you’re wondering how you can work from home and earn an income, this guide is for you. We give you a range of work-from-home job ideas that you can match to your existing skills and interests. We also share some of the pros and cons of work from home jobs, to help you work out if it’s right for you.

Popular full time and part time work from home jobs

There are many full-time and part-time jobs in Australia that offer work-from-home flexibility. Which specific roles are appropriate for you depends on your skills, experience, interests and qualifications. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Customer service representative

For someone with little to no experience but strong communication skills, becoming a work-from-home customer service representative is an option. You’d be responsible for answering calls and emails, helping customers with queries, payments and any other issues.

Expected salary: $65,000

Skills required:

Customer service
Good communication skills
Data entry
Computer experience
Organisation
Time management

Explore remote customer service roles.

Social media manager

Social media managers have the best of both worlds: they get to be creative and they get to use their analytical skills to read engagment data and strategise content plans. They work with organisations – in-house, through an agency or freelance – advising on social media strategies and content creation. You will typically need a diploma or degree in marketing to work in social media, but it’s also possible to become a social media manager as a step up from being a content creator.

Expected salary: $80,000

Skills required:

Social media management
Copywriting
Social media strategy
Social media platforms
Graphic design
Content creation
Data analysis

Explore remote social media roles.

Tutor

Tutors are private teachers, working with students in specific subject areas. This may include providing supplementary teaching to high school or university students who need help with exams, tutoring in a foreign language or teaching a musical instrument. Casual tutors don’t usually need any formal qualifications, but those registering with an agency or working for a large organisation may need certifications in their field. A Working with Children check is essential if you’re tutoring kids.

Expected salary: $40 per hour or $80,000 per year (depends on the subject and the hours)

Skills required:

Teaching skills
Communication skills
Time management
Subject knowledge: english, mathematics, physics, etc.

Explore work-from-home tutoring roles.

UX designer

A UX or user-experience designer is a graphic designer with specialised skills in creating pages for websites. Their designs have to make it easy for users to navigate a site and drive them to find information or buy products. This includes:

researching user behaviour,
creating wireframes (the page structure of a website),
prototyping (creating a simulation of how the design works),
collaborating with other teams,
testing websites and more.

Most employers expect UX designers to either have a design degree specialising in user experience and a portfolio of work.

Expected salary: $115,000

Skills required:

Design software (like Figma and InDesign)
UX design
Wireframing
Research
Testing

Explore remote UX designer jobs.

Virtual assistant

Virtual assistants provide administrative support to businesses or individual people from a remote location. It’s one of the most popular work-from-home jobs as it allows freelancers to work from anywhere. A virtual assistant provides support with:

Emails
Calls
Social media management
Project management
Bookkeeping

Becoming a virtual assistant usually requires no formal qualifications or experience.

Expected salary: $57,792

Skills required:

Communication skills
Organisation skills
Time management
Computer literacy (for emails, letters, data management, etc.)
Administrative skills
Problem-solving skills
Attention to detail

Explore remote virtual assistant jobs.

Web developer

Web developers are in high demand as more organisations move more of their services and offerings online. Developers work with different coding languages to build and maintain websites and programs – a job that by nature can be done 100% online. Whether you’re working as permanent staff or on a freelance basis, you’ll typically need relevant qualifications in programming languages and/or a diploma or degree in IT or web development.

Expected salary: upwards of $85,000

Skills required:

HTML and CSS
JavaScript
Python
Critical thinking
Problem solving
Communication
Collaboration

Explore remote web developer jobs on Seek.

Data entry clerk

As a data entry clerk, you’re responsible for accurately entering information into an online database of some type. This may include verifying client details by email or phone, organising and storing files and ‘cleaning’ or correcting data. You rarely need any formal qualifications, but experience and computer proficiency will help you get access to a wider range of data entry clerk jobs.

Expected salary: $53,000

Skills required:

Typing
Computer literacy
Time management
Attention to detail
Database experience
Communication

Explore remote data entry clerk jobs: SEEK.com.au.

Transcriptionist

A transcriptionist listens to audio recordings and types them up into written documents. It’s a common role in healthcare, law and media, transcribing notes for doctors, lawyers, counsellors and journalists – but transcription work can be found in almost any industry. This work from home job can be done anywhere you have a computer and a quiet enough environment to accurately transcribe audio that might be difficult to hear.

Expected salary: $38–46 per hour

Skills required:

Excellent listening skills
Typing proficiency
Attention to detail
Grammar and punctuation
Research skills
Familiarity with style guides
Transcription software
Integrity
Critical thinking
Specialised knowledge in relevant field (e.g., medical or legal terminology)

Explore remote transcription jobs.

Graphic designer

Graphic design is another popular work-from-home job that can be done 100% online. Designers can work remotely as permanent staff for an organisation or freelance, with their own clients. As a graphic designer, you create visuals like:

Digital illustrations
Magazine, book or newspaper layouts
Company logos and other brand assets
Print or digital ads

Work from home jobs for graphic designers cover practically every industry and sector. While you can get a job as a self-taught graphic designer, a design degree or training and certification in design software can help you break into the field. Once you have a portfolio of work and a professional network, you’ll be in a good position to freelance full time.

Expected salary: $70,000

Skills required:

Adobe Creative Suite
Vectr
Generative AI knowledge
Typography
Photography (optional)
Animation (optional)
Web design (optional)

Explore remote graphic designer jobs.

Translator

If you are fluent in a language other than English, you can pick up work-from-home jobs as a translator. Translate written documents or recordings, or create subtitles for film and TV. You could specialise in academic, diplomatic or government translation jobs or enjoy a wide variety of different translation work through an agency. Formal training and a qualification in interpreting or translation can help you improve your skills and expand your opportunities. Demand for translation work from home jobs depends on the language/s you know.

Expected salary: $90,000

Skills required:

High level of fluency in a foreign language
Communication
Computer literacy
Specialised knowledge in relevant field (medical or legal terminologies)

Explore remote translation and interpreter jobs.

Writer

There are many different writer roles that can be done from home. Some popular work-from-home jobs for writers include: author, content writer, copywriter, technical writer, PR writer, grant writer and finance writer. Freelance journalism can be done remotely, but is not completely desk-based, as journalists may spend a large proportion of their time on field assignments.

A degree in writing, journalism or communications is the first step to learning the skills to become a professional writer or reporter. A portfolio of published work is a must.

Expected salary: from $70,000

Skills required:

Technical knowledge of grammar
Researching
Attention to detail
Time management
Interviewing
Networking
Subject matter expertise
Problem solving

Browse remote content writer jobs.

Clinical coder

A clinical coder, also known as a medical records coder, translates descriptions outlining medical diagnoses and procedures into code that records healthcare data in a patient’s records. They use a universal coding system that is recognised throughout Australia, so clinical coders must first have technical training. You’ll need a vocational qualification in clinical coding or a degree accredited by the Health Information Management Association of Australia (HIMAA) to gain entry to this type of full-time or part-time work-from-home job.

Expected salary: $83,000

Skills required:

Clinical coding
Knowledge of medical terminology
Technical knowledge of software
Knowledge of ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases v10)

Explore remote clinical coder jobs.

Tech support

IT support technicians help provide computer assistance to clients, customers or employees at an organisation. Their responsibilities may include:

Troubleshooting software or computer systems,
Giving instructions to people by phone or chat
Network administration
Remote installation of software
Customer service

Tech support provided over the phone or internet does not generally require a formal qualification, only specialised knowledge of the product. A diploma in IT can provide a stepping stone for people wanting to break into tech support.

Expected salary: $73,000

Skills required:

Technical product knowledge
Troubleshooting
Customer service
Communication
Problem solving
Email and/or chat
Knowledge of call-centre system

Explore tech support jobs.

Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers take on the day-to-day financial admin for businesses, including data entry, following up on transactions, reconciling books, processing expenses and more. With a computer and internet, bookkeepers have the ability to work from anywhere. To be a bookkeeper, you’ll need a Certificate IV in Accounting & Bookkeeping or a Diploma in Accounting. A bookkeeper is responsible for:

maintaining accurate financial records for an organisation,
tracking financial transactions, and
ensuring that records adhere to accounting principles.

Expected salary: $75,000

Skills required:

Accounting software proficiency
Data entry
Communication skills
Attention to detail
Numerical accuracy
Time management
Organisation skills

Explore remote bookkeeping jobs.

Project manager

Project managers can work in a diverse range of industries, including construction, tech, healthcare manufacturing and defence. Much of a project manager’s duties, like budgeting, client liaison and resource management, can be done remotely, though there might be times when you’d have to meet clients or be onsite. Project management isn’t an entry-level role – you’d need experience in the relevant industry and potentially a business or project management qualification.

Expected salary: $140,000

Skills required:

Project management
Commercial acumen
Technical software proficiency
Communication skills
Problem solving
Time management
Leadership skills
Negotiation skills

Explore project manager jobs.

Consultant

Consultants are professionals who advise clients in their area of expertise. They often work on a freelance basis with different organisations, providing advice based on the client’s specific needs. Consultants work across all industries and consult on all manner of subjects: logistics, marketing, healthcare, finance, law and more. As a business consultant, you will have typically spent many years in the relevant industry. You should have qualifications and substantial experience in the area you wish to consult in.

Expected salary: $85,000

Skills required:

Subject matter expertise
Communication
Problem solving
Analytical skills
Interpersonal skills

Explore different consultant jobs.

Sales representative

A sales representative or sales rep sells the products or services of a company. While every sales role is different, if you’re selling digital products (like websites or SaaS software), there’s less need to be in the office. Advancements in video and phone conferencing software gives new meaning to ‘face-to-face’ meetings, allowing even more traditional salespeople the freedom to work from home.

Expected salary: $78,000

Skills required:

Customer service
Communication skills
Results focused
Computer literacy
Negotiation skills
Drivers licence

Browse online sales jobs.

Editor

Editors work across a variety of fields and in a number of different editorial roles. There are book editors who support authors writing manuscripts, there are magazine and newspaper editors who work with journalists, and editors who work in digital content. Editors who work in print publishing usually need to work on-site at least part of the week or month to proofread and check printed materials.

As editors’ jobs largely rely on using computers, it’s a common job that can be done from home. To become an editor, you will need formal qualifications and extensive experience as a writer or journalist.

Expected salary: $100,000+

Skills required:

Editing for grammar and readability
Proofreading
Journalism
Knowledge of the media industry
Publishing software proficiency
Exceptional language skills
Communication skills
Fact-checking skills

Explore remote editor jobs.

Recruiter

Recruitment is another top work from home job. A recruiter’s role is to match applicants to vacant positions, often working on a freelance or contract basis for clients who are outsourcing their recruitment needs. As recruiters can advertise for jobs, vet applicants and communicate with job seekers and clients online or via the phone, their jobs can be easily done from home. There’s no formal educational requirement for becoming a recruiter, but a degree or certificate in human resources can help. A wide industry network is essential.

Expected salary: $75,000+

Skills required:

Communication
Time management
Customer service
Computer literacy
Organisation
Problem solving
Negotiation

Explore remote recruiter jobs.

Information security analyst

An information security analyst is responsible for protecting a company’s computer systems, networks and data from security breaches and cyber threats. As all of an IT security analyst’s role is online, it’s a work-from-home job that can be done from anywhere. To start working in the field, you’ll need a degree or certificate in computer science or cyber security and programming experience. Depending on which organisation you work with, you may need a police background check.

Expected salary: $110,000

Skills required:

Cybersecurity knowledge
Network security
Security technologies
Vulnerability assessment
Security architecture
Encryption
Endpoint security
Communication

Explore information security analyst jobs

Administrative assistant

Remote administrative assistants provide all-round office help to clients, taking care of scheduling, customer service, data entry, basic bookkeeping, event planning and more. It’s a popular work from home job in Australia requiring no formal qualifications (although a business administration certificate can help increase your opportunities).

Expected salary: $60,000

Skills required:

Communication
Computer literacy
Customer service
Data entry
Problem solving
Time management

Explore remote administrative assistant and office all-rounder jobs.

Benefits of working from home

There are many benefits to working from home. Workers have more control over their workdays, save time and money by not having to commute, and can enjoy a better work-life balance. There are also benefits for employers.

No need to commute

The average Australian spends around an hour a day getting to and from work. Working from home means you have more time for errands, family and friends, and unwinding after work.

More flexibility throughout the day

Working from home gives you more flexibility to decide how to plan your day. You can exercise or do house chores in your lunch break. You can stretch your legs whenever you want, do quick errands or pick up children from school. Being able to get small tasks done during your workday helps you feel on top of life admin and reduces time spent on weekends catching up on household duties.

Higher level of ownership for your work

People who work from home say they feel greater autonomy in their roles, which can lead to higher levels of job satisfaction. More autonomy and control over your workload also helps build trust between you and your boss/clients.

Increased productivity

When you’re in a busy workplace, there are countless distractions. You chat to people, walk to and from the pantry, go to the restroom, take an hour or more for lunch, then there’s more time getting to and from meetings. Working from home, you can control your space and reduce distractions. You can work in a more focused way and be more productive overall, adding to work-life balance.

Work-life balance

When you’re not spending time at or commuting to and from a workplace, you have more time for leisure. Your flexible workday means you can fit small chores in around your work tasks. You can enjoy being with your children more and have more time and energy after work to spend on hobbies or social activities. Work-life balance is directly connected to mental health.

Increased satisfaction

With more personal time and better work-life balance comes increased satisfacation in your job and in life. When you feel happier in a role, you’re more motivated to work hard, and feel more comitted to stay with your organisation long term.

More diverse talent pool

Companies benefit from a work-from-home policy as it gives them access to a wider talent pool – they aren’t restricted by geography when hiring. Remote hiring also benefits organisations by allowing them more diversity in their employees, which helps drive innovation and fosters an inclusive and collaborative culture.

Disadvantages of working from home

Remote work isn’t for everyone. There are some disadvantages and downsides to work-from-home jobs that you should weigh up against the benefits before committing to the remote-work lifestyle.

Home distractions

Like any workplace, a home office setup can come with distractions. This may include interruptions from housemates, looming chores, noisy children, visitors or neighbourhood activities. Pets can also be a distraction, as they may invade your workspace or try to get your attention throughout the day.

Isolation

If you work from home full time, without regular social interactions or excursions out of the house, you may start to feel lonely or isolated. Leaving your home to spend time with others in a physical workplace comes with opportunities for positive personal interactions and can make you feel more connected to the outside world. A lack of face-to-face interaction can negatively affect team dynamics if an organisation doesn’t make an effort to promote collaboration and team building.

Cost of equipment

Unless you have an employer that pays for your setup, you will have to finance your own workspace. These costs are usually tax deductible, but you’ll need to invest your own money initially. Most workplaces will give work-from-home employees an equipment allowance, but it’s usually only enough to cover the most basic equipment. Things like ergonomic chairs and stand-up desks are typically outside the company allowance.

Lack of community and teamwork

Team collaboration and workplace relationships are important in some lines of work. When you’re not interacting with teammates face to face, it can take more effort to get to know each other and learn how to work together effectively. This lack of in-person interaction can potentially make teamwork more difficult or affect team bonding.

Difficulty separating home and work life

It’s easy for the lines between your life and work to become blurred when they share the same space. Working from home can make it hard to switch off and compartmentalise your various duties. Not adequately separating work from leisure time can possibly lead to burnout.

Lack of office equipment

Stationery, printer, paper, a powerful computer, software licences – when you work from home, you’re in charge of supplying all of this. People working from home may not have access to everything they need to make their jobs run as easily or efficiently as possible, making them less productive than if they were in a company workspace with all the latest tech.

Working from home comes with a host of pros and some important cons. For some people, nothing beats the flexibility it provides and the improved work-life balance that comes with more time at home. Others find working from home too distracting or isolating. The good news is that almost any job that can be done from an office can be done remotely, so if you like the idea of a work from home job – even if it’s not on this list – you should feel empowered to make it happen.

FAQs

What is the highest paying work from home jobs?

Some of the highest paying work-from-home jobs include:

Social media manager
Web developer
Graphic designer
Copywriter
Tech support
Recruiter

What you can earn working from home depends on your industry, your skills and your expertise.

Which field is best for work from home?

Any fields that allow you to work from a computer are the best for work-from-home or remote jobs. Most IT jobs can be done from home, as can most roles in digital fields, like graphic design, online marketing, online customer service and some sales roles.

Which work is best for earning money from home?

The best work for earning money from home depends on your skills – and a host of other factors. Expertise in a niche, your work experience, a wide professional network, good qualifications and strong communication skills all influence your salary. Generally, the same roles that command high salaries onsite have high earning potential from home: web developers, copywriting, data analytics, consulting, project management and sales are some examples.

How can I work from home and get paid?

To work from home and get paid, explore remote job opportunities or freelancing. Look for job ads that mention being hybrid work or “flexible work arrangements”, as these will typically be jobs where you can entirely or partially work from home. Freelancing also gives you the freedom to work from home and get paid for your skills and experience.