Best Jobs for Digital Nomads in 2024
Ever wondered what it would be like to trade your office cubicle for a workspace with a view of the beach or a foreign city? You’re not alone. The dream of becoming a digital nomad—working remotely from anywhere in the world—has captured the imagination of many Americans.
With the rise of flexible work arrangements and the digital revolution, this dream is becoming more attainable than ever. Based on a comprehensive survey and insights from Indeed Worldwide, we’ve uncovered the best jobs for digital nomads in 2024, the income needed to make a comfortable transition, and the most sought-after destinations for your new remote office. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the historic alleys of Italy, join us as we unfold your blueprint for a successful digital nomad lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- More than 1 in 3 Americans are dissatisfied with traditional office settings; 2 in 5 of them are actively preparing to become digital nomads in the next 12 months.
- Americans looking to embrace a digital nomad lifestyle estimate that an average annual income of $72,313 is necessary for a comfortable transition.
- For 1 in 9 Americans, the availability of a digital nomad visa is a key factor in choosing a destination to move to and live as a digital nomad.
- The US, France, and Australia offer the most lucrative remote job opportunities for digital nomads.
- The highest-earning remote roles for digital nomads include data scientists ($132K), business analysts ($100K), and project managers ($88K).
The Shift to Digital Nomadism
What’s fueling Americans’ desire to hit the road and work remotely? Let’s see who’s ready to make the leap into the digital nomad lifestyle and how they plan to make it happen.
Traditional office work is becoming a thing of the past, and many Americans want to break free from the confines of office settings and daily commutes. More than one-third of those we surveyed expressed dissatisfaction with conventional work environments—including 36% of millennials and 33% of Gen Z.
This restlessness could have many professionals setting out for a change of scenery very soon, with 2 in 5 actively preparing to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle within the next year. Over half of those gearing up for a nomadic lifestyle (55%) were even considering leaving the US to become expatriates, with Gen Z (61%) being the most interested generation in expatriation.
Americans considering digital nomadism have set their sights on certain jobs. Topping the list was the desire to work as a content creator (23%) or freelance writer (23%).
No matter the job, financial considerations play a major role in transitioning to digital nomadism, and prospective digital nomads estimated an average annual income of $72,313 would be necessary for a comfortable switch. That figure varied slightly by generation, with Gen Z aiming for $70,957, millennials at $72,676, and Gen X setting the highest benchmark at $74,512. This suggests that income goals or needs may slightly increase with age.
Dream Destinations
Next, we asked where these prospective digital nomads dream of setting up their remote workplaces. Whether they want to remain in their home country, nearby Canada, or far-flung places like Japan or Italy, what shapes these big decisions?
Our survey reflects the broader rise of digital nomadism as an alternative lifestyle veering away from traditional mortgages and possessions. While those who were planning to take advantage of this opportunity may have dreamed of distant shores, most of them limited their relocation plans to within the US. However, those who did plan to venture further chose Japan, Italy, and Canada as their top destinations.
More than 1 in 4 Americans surveyed said Japan was their desired destination, but it stood out the most among the youngest crowd. Gen Z was 77% more likely than other generations to consider the Land of the Rising Sun as their potential new home. This could be partly attributed to Japan’s new digital nomad visa, which has made it a more accessible destination for remote workers. Could this country be leading a global shift toward recognizing the economic and cultural benefits of the digital nomad lifestyle?
Digital nomad visas could change the game for many Americans considering their remote work location options; 1 in 9 said it would be a key factor in this decision-making process. Luckily, Japan isn’t the only country offering digital nomad visas. So, once you pick a destination, job availability might be the next thing on your digital-nomad-plan checklist.
Prime Jobs and Locations for Digital Nomads
Since even the best-laid plans can go astray, we listed the best-bet countries for digital nomads based on the number of remote job opportunities available on Indeed, plus the jobs that can earn aspiring remote workers the highest income.
The frontrunners with the most remote work opportunities for digital nomads were the US, Italy, Canada, and the UK. These destinations offer a wealth of remote job openings that appeal to those looking to combine their professional ambitions with their desire for geographic flexibility.
The US, France, and Australia were also distinguished not just by the quantity of their remote job offerings but also by the quality—as far as pay. The most lucrative remote job opportunities were within these countries’ borders. However, the US had the most substantial income possibilities compared to all of the other countries where digital nomads desired to live.
As for the job roles promising to reward them most handsomely, data scientists, business analysts, and project managers topped the list. These professions offer the highest earnings for digital nomads ($132,000, $100,000, and $88,000 per year, respectively), reflecting the value of tech skills that let you work from anywhere. In the US specifically, remote data scientist job postings offered the highest average annual pay at $143,000.
Navigating Nomadism
The digital nomad lifestyle is more than a fleeting trend—it’s a burgeoning movement. The future of work is shaping up to become as dynamic as the destinations awaiting these adventurous souls. Beyond the attractive qualities of certain destinations across the globe, the right financial situations and job options are essential for a smooth transition to digital nomadism.
Whether you’re looking for a tech industry hub or a cultural change, the world is your office. And as the digital age continues to unfold, who knows what other destinations will emerge as hotspots for the digital nomads of tomorrow? Keep your passport ready and your work flexible—the best is yet to come.
Methodology
For this campaign, we surveyed 1,010 Americans interested in becoming digital nomads. The generational breakdown was as follows:
- Gen Z: 19%
- Millennials: 55%
- Gen X: 21%
- Baby boomers: 6%
Note: The percentages don’t total exactly 100 due to rounding.
We also collected 6,788 job postings from Indeed on a global scale. To maintain consistency, we converted all foreign currency amounts into US dollars. We annualized the pay data, adjusting calculations based on whether the positions were full-time or part-time. Our analysis covered a wide range of job types—including full-time, part-time, contract, fixed-term, freelance, internship, permanent, and temporary contract.
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