You’ve likely encountered them while browsing online – advertisements promising “$2,000 a week with online jobs, no experience needed!” or comments on social media boasting “$120,000 annually working just five hours a week online!” These claims, often linked to dubious websites, sound incredibly appealing. And while the allure of effortless riches online is strong, it’s crucial to approach these promises with a healthy dose of skepticism. The reality is, those “get rich quick” online schemes are usually too good to be true.
However, the digital landscape does offer genuine opportunities for individuals seeking online jobs, even without prior experience. It’s entirely possible to find legitimate and rewarding online roles that require little to no previous professional background. These jobs may not promise overnight wealth, but they provide a solid entry point into the remote work world, offering flexibility, valuable skill development, and real income potential.
This article aims to cut through the noise and guide you towards authentic online job opportunities. We’ll explore over 20 of the most common online jobs that welcome applicants with minimal or no experience. Furthermore, we’ll equip you with the essential knowledge to identify legitimate opportunities, steer clear of online job scams, and successfully launch your online career journey.
Spotting Legitimate Online Jobs: How to Avoid Scams and Find Real Opportunities
The rise of remote work has unfortunately also paved the way for an increase in online job scams. While countless real and well-paying remote jobs exist, it’s vital to be able to distinguish between genuine opportunities and fraudulent schemes. Falling for a scam can lead to financial loss, wasted time, and frustration. Let’s examine the key red flags that should raise alarm bells when searching for online employment:
Red Flag 1: Promises of Easy Money for Minimal Effort
As career expert Esther Inman, CEO and founder of Virtual Assistant Internship, aptly states, “Online jobs are still jobs.” Legitimate online work requires effort, time, and skill – just like any traditional job. Be wary of any online position that advertises itself with phrases like “work just a few hours a week and earn thousands” or suggests that you can make substantial income with virtually no work. These are classic hallmarks of scams. If an online role seems unbelievably easy or the promised compensation is drastically disproportionate to the effort required, it’s almost certainly a scam. Genuine employers value your time and skills and understand that real work deserves fair compensation, not unrealistic promises.
Red Flag 2: Requests for Upfront Fees or Payments
A legitimate employer will never ask you to pay an application fee, or require you to purchase supplies or “training materials” upfront to secure an online job. This is a major red flag. Scammers often use these fees as a way to extract money from job seekers without any intention of providing actual employment. Similarly, be extremely cautious of roles that require you to “invest” in inventory as an independent distributor or business owner, especially if it involves multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes. While some MLMs are legal, the vast majority of participants make little to no money, and many actually lose money. If you’re interested in online sales, reputable companies hire remote sales staff without requiring you to pay for the privilege of working for them. Remember, a real job pays you, you don’t pay them to work.
Red Flag 3: Poor Communication and Lack of Online Presence
Pay close attention to the professionalism of the job posting and the company’s online presence. Grammatical errors, typos, and unprofessional language in job descriptions are strong indicators of a potential scam. As career coach Olivia Johnson points out, these are akin to the red flags you’d look for in spam emails. Furthermore, investigate the company itself. A legitimate organization will typically have a professional website, a social media presence, and employee profiles on platforms like LinkedIn. A company with little to no online footprint, or very few employees listed on professional networking sites, should raise suspicion. While new companies do emerge, a complete absence of online presence is unusual in today’s digital age and often signals a lack of legitimacy.
Red Flag 4: Guarantees of Huge Profits in a Short Time
While some legitimate online jobs may not be high-paying initially, especially entry-level roles like micro-task work or online surveys, they are still honest ways to earn income. However, any online job that guarantees massive profits in a very short timeframe, particularly with no experience required, is highly likely to be a scam. Be realistic about earning potential, especially when starting out. Building a successful online career takes time, effort, and skill development. Legitimate entry-level online jobs can be a great starting point to gain experience and build your resume, but they are not designed to make you rich quickly. Focus on building skills and experience, and your earning potential will grow over time.
To ensure you’re focusing on genuine opportunities, prioritize reputable job boards and platforms. Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and industry-specific job sites are generally safer than less-known platforms. While exploring various job sites is fine, exercise extra caution when using lesser-known platforms and always thoroughly research any company before applying. And remember, The Muse (hi!) is also a great resource for finding legitimate online job opportunities.
20+ Online Jobs With No Experience Required: Your Gateway to Remote Work
Now that you’re equipped to identify and avoid online job scams, let’s explore a diverse range of legitimate online jobs that often welcome applicants with little to no prior experience. These roles offer a fantastic starting point for building your remote career:
1. Data Entry Clerk
Average Annual Salary: $38,867
Data entry clerks are essential for organizations needing to digitize and organize information. This role involves transferring data from various sources – spreadsheets, physical documents, order forms, etc. – into digital formats, typically databases, computer programs, or spreadsheets. Responsibilities often include verifying data accuracy and identifying errors. For example, a healthcare administration company might hire data entry clerks to process patient records or insurance claims. Many companies hire data entry clerks on a full-time, part-time, or freelance basis, often requiring only a high school diploma and basic computer skills.
Data entry is frequently a remote-friendly job, offering flexible hours as the work doesn’t always need to be completed during standard business hours. This makes it ideal for individuals seeking work-life balance or those with non-traditional schedules.
Find online data entry clerk jobs on The Muse
2. Proofreader or Copy Editor
Average Annual Salary: Proofreader: $50,694 | Copy Editor: $55,535
Proofreaders and copy editors play a critical role in ensuring the clarity and accuracy of written content. Proofreaders are the final line of defense before publication, meticulously reviewing texts for grammatical errors, typos, formatting inconsistencies, and style guide adherence. Copy editors perform similar tasks but may also refine sentence structure, paragraph flow, and overall clarity to enhance readability and accuracy.
Companies across various industries that produce substantial written materials – marketing agencies, publishing houses, online content platforms – frequently hire remote proofreaders and copy editors on a part-time, full-time, or freelance basis. Success in these roles requires a strong command of English grammar and spelling, exceptional attention to detail, and often passing a skills assessment. Subject matter expertise or familiarity with specific style guides can be advantageous. While degrees in English, communications, or related fields are common, some positions are available without prior professional experience, particularly for those demonstrating strong skills.
Find online proofreader jobs on The Muse and copy editor jobs on The Muse
3. Virtual Assistant
Average Annual Salary: $44,794
Virtual assistants (VAs) provide administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from a remote location. Their tasks are diverse, often encompassing clerical and secretarial duties such as managing emails and messages, scheduling appointments, preparing documents, maintaining databases, and even handling travel arrangements. Industries like real estate, e-commerce, and consulting heavily utilize virtual assistants.
Typically, a college degree isn’t mandatory, but excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, alongside strong time management, organizational, and problem-solving abilities. VAs must be tech-savvy, proficient in software programs like Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint), email platforms, and various client-specific software. This role is well-suited for detail-oriented individuals with strong communication and organizational skills.
Find online virtual assistant jobs on The Muse
4. Administrative Assistant
Average Annual Salary: $44,683
In today’s increasingly digital world, administrative assistants can often perform their duties entirely online, on both full-time and part-time schedules. Administrative assistants handle a wide range of clerical and office support tasks. These can include data entry, billing, inventory management, record-keeping, correspondence, and basic accounting tasks. Industries like education, healthcare, and non-profits frequently hire remote administrative assistants.
Strong typing skills, proficiency in office software, and critical thinking are crucial for this role. While a high school diploma is often sufficient for entry-level positions, some employers may prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Many administrative assistant roles are entry-level, making them accessible for those starting their careers or transitioning to remote work.
Find online administrative assistant jobs on The Muse
5. Executive Assistant
Average Annual Salary: $64,339
Executive assistants provide high-level administrative support specifically to executives and senior management within a company. Their responsibilities build upon those of administrative assistants, often including managing executive calendars, planning complex travel itineraries, preparing meeting materials, taking meeting minutes, and conducting research. Industries like finance, technology, and pharmaceuticals often require remote executive assistants.
This role is ideal for individuals who are highly organized, self-directed, and possess strong problem-solving skills, as noted by Esther Inman. While often fully remote, some executive assistant positions may require occasional in-office presence. Carefully review job descriptions to understand location requirements.
Find online executive assistant jobs on The Muse
6. Social Media Manager
Average Annual Salary: $57,683
In today’s digital age, a strong social media presence is vital for businesses. Social media managers (or coordinators) are responsible for managing an organization’s online presence across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Depending on the company size and structure, tasks can range from scheduling posts and creating content to engaging with audiences and analyzing social media performance.
Responsibilities can include planning and scheduling content, writing engaging captions, creating visually appealing graphics (using tools like Canva or Adobe Spark), responding to comments and messages, monitoring social media analytics, and developing social media marketing strategies. This role can be entry-level in smaller businesses or more senior in larger marketing departments. Remote social media manager positions are available across diverse industries, from restaurants to tech companies, offering full-time, part-time, and freelance opportunities. Demonstrating a solid understanding of social media platforms and showcasing successful account management (even personal accounts) is crucial. Strong writing and basic data analysis skills are also highly valued. While a marketing degree is often preferred, a compelling portfolio can sometimes outweigh formal education.
Find online social media manager jobs on The Muse
7. Social Media Influencer
Average Annual Salary: $69,000 (highly variable)
The rise of social media has created a new career path: social media influencing. It’s a field that’s accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds and experience levels. While building a successful influencer career requires significant effort and dedication to grow an engaged audience and monetize your platform, the barrier to entry in terms of formal experience is low. As Olivia Johnson emphasizes, success requires a strong work ethic, understanding platform algorithms, and developing a consistent content strategy.
Influencers create content around their passions – whether it’s makeup, food, travel, or niche interests like Excel tips or movie analysis. Monetization strategies include brand partnerships, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and selling merchandise. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube are ideal for video content, while Instagram, X, and Facebook suit image and text-based content. Building a successful influencer career takes time and effort, but it can be a rewarding path for those passionate about content creation and audience engagement.
8. Graphic Designer
Average Annual Salary: $51,424
Graphic designers create visual content to communicate ideas and messages for organizations, brands, or individuals. They work with images, typography, and layout to produce designs for logos, websites, marketing materials, product packaging, and more. The work is primarily digital, making it well-suited for remote work. Graphic designers can work in-house for companies or as freelancers, serving multiple clients.
Essential skills include creativity, artistic flair, and proficiency in design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Strong communication skills are also crucial for understanding client needs and collaborating effectively. While a bachelor’s degree in graphic design is common, a strong portfolio showcasing your design skills is paramount, often outweighing formal qualifications, particularly for freelance work. Building a portfolio with diverse projects is key to demonstrating your capabilities to potential clients or employers.
Find online graphic designer jobs on The Muse
9. Writer
Writing encompasses a vast range of online job opportunities, from crafting website content to creating marketing copy. Many writing roles can be performed remotely on a full-time, part-time, contract, or freelance basis. Strong writing skills and a portfolio of writing samples are essential for all types of online writing jobs. Familiarity with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) principles is also highly valuable for online writers, as it helps ensure content is discoverable online. SEO knowledge can be acquired through online courses and resources.
Here are several common types of remote writing roles:
Technical or Medical Writer
Average Annual Salary: Technical Writer: $67,010 | Medical Writer: $82,737
Technical and medical writers specialize in translating complex technical or scientific information into clear, accessible language for various audiences. They create documents like instruction manuals, brochures, articles, and educational materials. Industries like technology, healthcare, and engineering heavily rely on these writers. While a bachelor’s degree in English, communications, or journalism is often preferred, demonstrating subject matter expertise is crucial. In some cases, a degree in a technical or scientific field combined with strong writing skills is highly valued.
Find online technical writer jobs on The Muse and medical writer jobs on The Muse
Copywriter
Average Annual Salary: $59,458
Copywriters create persuasive written content aimed at selling products, services, or ideas. Their work appears in various marketing materials, including website copy, social media posts, email campaigns, and product descriptions. Industries across the board, from retail to technology, utilize copywriters to drive sales and marketing efforts. A bachelor’s degree in marketing, writing, or communications is often a requirement for copywriter positions. A strong portfolio showcasing your ability to write compelling and effective copy is essential.
Find copywriter jobs on The Muse
Content Writer
Average Annual Salary: $55,288
Content writers create longer-form written content focused on informing, educating, or engaging an audience. This includes articles, blog posts, website content, and white papers. The goal is often to build brand awareness, drive website traffic, and establish thought leadership. Industries like marketing, media, and technology employ content writers extensively. Content writing positions can be full-time, part-time, or freelance, offering schedule flexibility. Strong research skills, excellent writing abilities, and SEO knowledge are valuable assets for content writers.
Find online content writer jobs on The Muse
Blogger or Newsletter Writer
Average Annual Salary: $41,044 (highly variable)
For those seeking more creative control, blogging or newsletter writing offers an avenue to build an online writing career. Starting a blog or newsletter can be a side project that can evolve into a sustainable business. Platforms like Substack and Patreon facilitate monetization through subscriptions and memberships. Blogs and newsletters also serve as excellent portfolios to attract freelance clients. Success in blogging or newsletter writing depends on consistent content creation, audience engagement, and effective marketing.
10. Customer Service Representative
Average Annual Salary: $44,312
Customer service representatives provide support to customers via phone, chat, or email, addressing inquiries and resolving issues related to products or services. This is a common entry point for online job seekers. Industries like retail, technology, and finance frequently hire remote customer service representatives. However, it’s important to carefully evaluate job specifics, as some roles may have rigid schedules and limited growth opportunities. Inquire about advancement potential and schedule flexibility during the application process if these are priorities.
This role suits individuals who enjoy interacting with people and possess strong communication and problem-solving skills. However, phone-based customer service roles may require a quiet work environment, which may not be ideal for everyone. Email and chat-based customer service roles offer more flexibility in terms of work environment.
Find online customer service representative jobs on The Muse
11. Sales Representative
Average Annual Salary: $50,444 (plus commission potential)
Sales representatives sell products or services on behalf of their employers. They may be provided with leads or respond to inbound inquiries. This role is suitable for those who enjoy interacting with people and are comfortable with sales-oriented tasks. Industries across the spectrum, from software to consumer goods, employ remote sales representatives. Sales roles can be full-time or part-time. While a bachelor’s degree isn’t always mandatory, strong communication and persuasive skills are essential.
Be cautious of sales positions that require upfront payments for products or focus heavily on commission-only structures, as these can be less stable and potentially exploitative. Focus on roles with a base salary and a clear commission structure from reputable companies.
Find online sales representative jobs on The Muse
12. Account Executive
Average Annual Salary: $64,408 (plus commission potential)
Account executives are similar to sales representatives but often manage client relationships at a higher level. They are responsible for selling products or services to businesses and organizations, often managing a portfolio of accounts. Industries like advertising, technology, and consulting frequently hire remote account executives. Responsibilities include setting sales targets, identifying potential clients, and closing deals through activities like cold calling and developing sales pitches.
This role requires strong communication, organizational, and time management skills. While some entry-level account executive positions are available, some companies may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field and some prior sales experience.
Find online account executive jobs on The Muse
13. Software Engineer or Developer
Average Annual Salary: $94,226
Software engineers and developers are in high demand and often work remotely. They use coding languages to create software applications, websites, and computer systems. The role involves significant problem-solving and debugging to ensure code functions correctly. Collaboration and communication are essential, as software engineers typically work in teams.
While professional experience isn’t always mandatory, demonstrating coding proficiency is crucial. This can be through personal projects, coding bootcamps, or a computer science degree. Familiarity with specific coding languages like Python, JavaScript, or SQL may be required depending on the role. Building a portfolio of coding projects and performing well in technical interviews are key to landing a software engineering role.
Find online software engineer jobs on The Muse and software developer jobs on The Muse
14. English Teacher (Online)
Average Annual Salary: $47,981
Online English teachers instruct students in countries where English is not the primary language. This role is well-suited for former teachers or those comfortable working early morning hours due to time zone differences. Online English teaching companies often provide lesson plans and resources. Many companies require a teaching certification and a TEFL or TESOL certificate, demonstrating qualifications to teach English as a foreign language. However, some companies may only require native-level English fluency and a bachelor’s degree. Platforms like VIPKid and Education First are popular employers of online English teachers.
Find online English teacher jobs on The Muse
15. Tutor (Online)
Average Annual Salary: $39,851
Online tutoring is increasingly important, catering to students of all ages and academic levels. Tutors can work with specific subjects, provide test preparation, or utilize online learning tools. The goal is to enhance student confidence and academic performance. You can tutor through online tutoring companies or start your own independent tutoring business. While certifications may be required for some tutoring positions, passion for teaching and subject matter expertise are key assets. Platforms like Chegg Tutors and TutorMe connect tutors with students.
Find online tutor jobs on The Muse
16. Community Manager
Average Annual Salary: $57,594
Community managers cultivate and moderate online communities for brands or organizations across social media groups, forums, and other platforms. Responsibilities include answering questions, moderating discussions, and managing community membership. This role often offers schedule flexibility and suits extroverted individuals who enjoy online communication. Familiarity with social media platforms and strong written communication skills are essential. As Esther Inman notes, formal degrees aren’t typically required, making it accessible to those with strong social media skills. Companies across industries, particularly those with strong online communities, hire community managers.
Find online community manager jobs on The Muse
17. Translator
Average Annual Salary: $55,181
Bilingual or multilingual individuals can find opportunities as online translators. Translators work across diverse fields like law, marketing, healthcare, and education, converting written content from one language to another. While certifications or a basic education in translation may be beneficial, practical language fluency is paramount. Cultural awareness and understanding of societal norms are also important for accurate and effective translation. Translation platforms and agencies, as well as global companies, hire freelance and in-house translators.
Find online translator jobs on The Muse
18. Project Manager
Average Annual Salary: $80,412
Project managers oversee and coordinate projects for companies across various industries, including marketing, software development, and product development. While typically requiring experience, some companies offer entry-level project management roles or assistant positions. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential. Certifications like PMP can enhance career prospects. Freelance project management is also an option for experienced professionals.
Find online project manager jobs on The Muse
19. Photo and Video Editor
Average Annual Salary: Video Editor: $55,115 | Photo Editor: $64,550
Photo and video editors are crucial for creating visually engaging content. This role requires proficiency in editing software like Adobe Creative Suite. Skills can be self-taught through online resources and bootcamps. Building a strong portfolio showcasing your editing skills is essential for securing jobs or freelance clients. Industries like marketing, media, and entertainment frequently hire remote photo and video editors. Combining editing skills with other areas like marketing or photography can expand career opportunities.
Find online video editor jobs on The Muse or photo editor jobs on The Muse
20. Transcriber (or Transcriptionist)
Average Annual Salary: $48,950
Transcription involves converting audio and video recordings into written text. It’s a good entry-level online job requiring minimal experience or formal education. Transcribers work for various clients, including museums, legal firms, and content creators. Fast and accurate typing skills are paramount, along with tech-savviness to handle different audio/video formats. Specialized knowledge of industry-specific terminology may be required for some roles. Transcription platforms and companies specializing in transcription services hire remote transcribers.
Find online transcriber jobs on The Muse
How to Find Online Work Without Experience: Practical Tips
Even without direct experience, landing a great online job is achievable. Here are actionable tips to boost your chances:
1. Identify the Skills You Need
Before applying, thoroughly analyze job descriptions for your target roles. Identify the core skills and experiences employers seek. Create a list of these desired skills to guide your job search and skill development efforts. Understanding employer needs is the first step to positioning yourself as a strong candidate.
2. Highlight Your Transferable Skills
Transferable skills are abilities gained in one context that are applicable to different roles. Think about skills from volunteer work, school projects, hobbies, or previous non-related jobs. For example, organizational skills from event planning can be valuable for an administrative role. Communication skills honed in customer service are transferable to sales or virtual assistant positions. Actively identify and emphasize your transferable skills in your resume, cover letter, and interview responses. Provide specific examples of how you’ve used these skills and how they relate to the target online job.
3. Invest in Online Learning and Certifications
If you lack specific skills for a desired online job, online courses and certifications are readily available. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses in various fields, from digital marketing to coding. Consider free or low-cost options to acquire marketable skills. Earning relevant certifications can demonstrate your commitment to learning and enhance your resume. For example, a Google Digital Marketing Certificate can boost your application for social media or content writing roles.
4. Pursue Online Internships
Online internships offer valuable on-the-job training and experience, often with lower entry barriers than permanent roles. Internships provide a structured way to gain skills and build your resume in a remote setting. Search for online internships on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and specialized internship websites. An internship can significantly increase your hireability for future online job opportunities, either with the internship employer or elsewhere.
5. Create a Compelling Online Portfolio
For creative roles like writing, design, software development, or social media management, an online portfolio is indispensable. Showcase your best work in a centralized online space, whether it’s a personal website or a portfolio platform like Behance or GitHub. If you lack professional experience, create sample projects relevant to your target roles – write articles, design graphics, code projects, or manage a sample social media account. A strong portfolio visually demonstrates your skills and style to potential employers.
6. Showcase Your Remote Work Readiness
Employers hiring remote workers prioritize self-discipline, communication, and time management. Throughout your application and interview process, emphasize these qualities. Highlight your ability to work independently, manage your time effectively, and communicate clearly in a remote setting. Prepare to answer common remote interview questions that assess your remote work capabilities and self-motivation.
FAQs About Online Jobs With No Experience
Is it possible to work remotely with no experience?
Yes, absolutely. Many companies offer entry-level remote jobs. While direct experience is not always mandatory, demonstrating relevant skills or foundational knowledge through projects, volunteer work, or online courses can significantly strengthen your application.
Are there online jobs for 18 year olds with no experience?
Yes, several online jobs are well-suited for 18-year-olds with no prior work experience. Good options include transcription, photo and video editing, graphic design, and freelance writing. These roles often require skills learned in high school or through self-study, and building a portfolio of personal projects can be highly beneficial.
Are there online jobs that pay well, no experience required?
Entry-level online jobs typically don’t offer very high starting salaries. However, focusing on building skills and gaining experience in fields like software engineering, project management, and medical writing can lead to well-paying remote careers over time. These fields have strong earning potential as you advance and develop expertise.
Alyse Kalish and Amanda Cardoso contributed to the current version of this article.
