The 10 highest-paid jobs you can do from home

A woman working in her room
More than four million people in Britain work from home Credit: Gary John Newman/Getty Images

The number of people working from home has surged in recent years, fueled by the economic downturn forcing many Britons out of their traditional office jobs, and technological advances making it easier for people to work remotely.

The Office for National Statistics puts the number of home workers at around four million, a 19pc increase over the past decade.

Jobs site Indeed has identified the top 10 most lucrative freelance occupations in Britain, ranked by annual salaries.

1. Freelance quantity surveyor – £77,338

Quantity surveyors manage all of the constructions costs relating to building projects, and can either work in an office or on-site. Freelancers can of course carry out much of their work from the comfort of their own home, while maintaining regular visits to their construction sites.

2. Recruiter – £58,500

Recruiters are responsible for the screening, interviewing and hiring of new employees for a company. They may also scout university campuses for future graduates, and therefore can spend a lot of time travelling, meaning flexible working is required. 

3. Freelance artist – £51,728 

Artists are notoriously poorly paid, but freelance artists, rather than those who work in a studio or for a company, have the freedom to charge clients what they like so can often command more. There's the added bonus that they can work from home or a private studio, saving on travel costs.

An artist 
Artists can work from the comfort of their own home or private studio

4. Freelance designer – £50,800

The art and design industry, which covers jobs such as interior designers and graphics designers, is ideal for those who want to work from home, as there is generally little reason to be in an office.

Graphic designers, for example, will typically work remotely, liasing with clients face-to-face or over the phone to discuss requirements and budget, and then developing the concept on their computer at home.

5. Therapist – £49,072

Most private therapists see patients in their own home as it is convenient and cheap and clients often enjoy the more informal environment. However, some therapists may be reluctant to see clients at their own residence as they can find it difficult to separate work and life and can become distracted, preferring to rent out a private office or room elsewhere. 

6. Freelance copywriter – £43,852

Copywriters produce written content for various clients, such as marketing materials for a company website. This can be done at home, and copywriters often combine this work with other freelance writing to bring in extra money.

7. Personal trainer – £43,454

Personal trainers can work in a gym, their own home, public parks and green spaces, or their client's home. They will assist clients in exercises to minimise injury and promote fitness, and monitor a client's progress to ensure they meet their personal goals.

8. Tax consultant – £43,442

Tax consultants use their knowledge of tax legislation to provide advisory services to personal and corporate clients, making sure they take advantage of any tax loopholes and benefits. Working in corporate tax usually attracts a slightly higher salary than working in personal tax.

9. Developer – £43,107

Software developers are responsible for designing, installing, testing and developing applications for computers.

While developers usually work in teams with engineers and managers, it is feasible for them to work from home with regular calls to colleagues.

10. Web developer – £39,836

Web developers spend their time designing, coding and modifying websites for clients. Remote work and self-employment are common in the tech industry as the only equipment needed is a good quality computer and Internet connection. Some companies will require their staff to work remotely all the time. 

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