In recent times, finding a fully remote job has become more challenging. Last year, the percentage of entirely remote job listings on ZipRecruiter reached a peak of almost 14%, a significant increase from the pre-pandemic rate of 4%. However, this year, the share of fully remote jobs advertised on the platform has dropped to less than 11%. This decline is not necessarily due to companies requiring employees to return to the office, but rather a result of hiring slowdowns in sectors like tech and finance, which typically offer remote work opportunities.
Despite the decreasing availability of full-time remote positions, the demand for such jobs remains strong. Paid remote jobs on LinkedIn received nearly half of all applications in May, even though they represent a smaller portion of job listings. Workers now prioritize location flexibility for reasons such as travel, caregiving, health, or lifestyle choices. According to Julia Pollak, ZipRecruiter's chief economist, job ads for fully remote roles consistently receive more than twice as many applications as in-person jobs, highlighting an imbalance in the labor market.
Interestingly, the most likely jobs to be fully remote, according to ZipRecruiter, are not necessarily the most lucrative. Many of these positions have average annual salaries below $50,000. This could be because employers face less pressure for wage growth when they have access to a wider pool of candidates across the country, particularly in regions with a lower cost of living. Surveys also indicate that many people are willing to accept lower pay in exchange for the opportunity to work remotely full-time.
Job seekers looking for remote work face challenges such as unclear job listings regarding the extent of remote work required. This ambiguity may stem from employers wanting strategic flexibility, and uncertain about whether employees will need to return to in-person work or if office spaces will be closed when leases end. This lack of clarity makes it difficult for jobs to determine which positions offer fully remote work.
ZipRecruiter faces difficulties in accurately classifying listings because of this ambiguity. The platform considers both the employer's categorization and the job description to determine if it qualifies as fully remote. Although not perfect, this system provides job seekers with the best indication of where to find fully work-from-home roles.
According to Pollak, job categories with "research" in the title, as well as customer support, data entry, assistant roles, and jobs related to writing and content creation, have a good chance of being fully remote. However, it's worth noting that certain jobs advertised as remote, such as some positions in the insurance industry, may still involve a significant amount of driving.
In conclusion, for those prioritizing a higher salary, traditional office jobs may be the best option. However, fully remote jobs are still available, especially for individuals willing to compromise on pay.