top of page

10 Best Digital Nomad Jobs for Beginners

  • Writer: Mary
    Mary
  • Nov 4, 2020
  • 7 min read

What Are Digital Nomad Jobs and Why Start Now?


Digital nomad jobs let you work from anywhere in the world with just a laptop and an internet connection. More companies are hiring remote workers than ever before, making it the perfect time to start your location-independent career. Whether you want to work from a beach in Bali or a café in Paris, these beginner-friendly jobs can help you earn money while traveling.


The remote work market is growing fast. You don't need years of experience or fancy degrees to get started. Many digital nomad jobs for beginners require basic skills you probably already have, like writing, organizing, or social media use.


Woman with a laptop sits on a log, overlooking a scenic landscape of water and mountains. She's wearing a hat, and a red backpack is nearby.

1. Freelance Writing: Turn Your Words Into Income


Freelance writing is one of the most popular digital nomad jobs because anyone can start with basic writing skills. Companies need blog posts, website content, product descriptions, and articles. You can find work on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Contently.


What you'll do:

  • Write blog posts and articles

  • Create website copy

  • Develop product descriptions

  • Edit and proofread content


Average pay: $20-$100 per hour, depending on experience and niche


How to get started: Build a simple portfolio with 3-5 writing samples on free platforms like Medium or start your own blog. Focus on topics you know well, like travel, technology, or fitness.


2. Virtual Assistant: Help Businesses Run Smoothly


Virtual assistants handle administrative tasks for busy entrepreneurs and companies. This remote job is perfect for organized people who like helping others stay on track. You'll manage emails, schedule appointments, book travel, and handle customer service.


Common tasks:

  • Email management and inbox organization

  • Calendar scheduling and appointment booking

  • Data entry and spreadsheet management

  • Customer support and communication

  • Social media posting and basic management


Average pay: $15-$30 per hour for beginners


Skills needed: Good communication, organization, time management, and basic computer skills. Familiarity with tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and project management software helps.


3. Social Media Management: Get Paid to Post


If you spend time on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok anyway, why not get paid for it? Social media managers create content, schedule posts, respond to comments, and help businesses grow their online presence. This is one of the best digital nomad jobs for beginners who understand social platforms.


What you'll handle:

  • Creating and scheduling social media posts

  • Responding to comments and messages

  • Growing follower counts

  • Creating simple graphics using Canva

  • Tracking engagement and performance


Average pay: $15-$50 per hour


Getting started: Manage social media for a friend's business or create your own accounts to showcase your skills. Learn the basics of each platform's algorithm and best posting times.


4. Online English Teaching: Share Your Language Skills


Teaching English online is a flexible digital nomad job that pays well. You don't need teaching experience for many positions, just native-level English and a stable internet connection. Companies like VIPKid, Cambly, and iTalki connect teachers with students worldwide.


Requirements:

  • Native or fluent English speaker

  • Bachelor's degree (for some companies)

  • Good internet connection and webcam

  • Patience and enthusiasm


Average pay: $15-$25 per hour


Schedule flexibility: Choose your own hours and teach as much or as little as you want. Many teachers work early mornings to catch students in Asian time zones.


5. Graphic Design: Create Visual Content Remotely


Graphic designers create logos, social media graphics, website designs, and marketing materials. If you have an eye for design, this digital nomad job offers great income potential. You can start with basic tools like Canva and upgrade to Adobe Creative Suite as you grow.


What you'll create:

  • Social media graphics and posts

  • Logos and brand identity

  • Website designs and layouts

  • Marketing materials and flyers

  • Infographics and presentations


Average pay: $25-$75 per hour


Learning resources: Take free courses on YouTube, Skillshare, or Coursera to build your skills. Practice by creating designs for imaginary clients or redesigning existing brands.


6. Data Entry Specialist: Simple Work With Steady Income


Data entry is one of the easiest digital nomad jobs for beginners because it requires minimal training. You'll input information into databases, spreadsheets, or systems. While it's not the most exciting work, it's reliable and available worldwide.


Typical responsibilities:

  • Entering customer information into databases

  • Transferring data from one format to another

  • Updating and maintaining records

  • Verifying the accuracy of the entered data


Average pay: $10-$20 per hour


Best for: Detail-oriented people who can work independently and maintain focus on repetitive tasks.


7. Customer Service Representative: Help People From Anywhere


Many companies hire remote customer service reps to answer questions, solve problems, and support customers via phone, email, or chat. This beginner-friendly digital nomad job offers stable income and often includes benefits.


Your daily work:

  • Answering customer inquiries via phone, email, or chat

  • Solving problems and troubleshooting issues

  • Processing orders and returns

  • Documenting customer interactions


Average pay: $12-$22 per hour


Requirements: Good communication skills, patience, problem-solving abilities, and a quiet workspace with reliable internet.


8. Transcription: Turn Audio Into Text


Transcriptionists listen to audio or video recordings and type them out word-for-word. This digital nomad job works well for fast typists who pay attention to detail. You can find transcription work in medical, legal, or general fields.


Types of transcription:

  • General transcription (podcasts, meetings, interviews)

  • Medical transcription (requires certification)

  • Legal transcription (court hearings, depositions)

  • Caption creation for videos


Average pay: $15-$30 per hour, more for specialized fields


Getting started: Practice your typing speed (aim for 60+ words per minute) and sign up on platforms like Rev, TranscribeMe, or GoTranscript.


9. Website Testing: Get Paid for Your Feedback


Website testers evaluate websites and apps, then provide feedback on user experience. Companies need real people to test their products before launch. This easy digital nomad job requires no special skills, just honest opinions.


What you'll do:

  • Navigate websites and apps while recording your screen

  • Complete specific tasks and share your experience

  • Point out bugs, confusing elements, or problems

  • Provide suggestions for improvement


Average pay: $10-$60 per test (tests usually take 10-20 minutes)


Popular platforms: UserTesting, TryMyUI, Userlytics, and TestingTime


10. Bookkeeping: Manage Finances Remotely


Bookkeepers help businesses track income, expenses, invoices, and financial records. While this digital nomad job requires some training, you can learn the basics in a few months through online courses. It offers excellent pay and steady work.


Key responsibilities:

  • Recording financial transactions

  • Managing invoices and payments

  • Reconciling bank statements

  • Preparing financial reports

  • Using software like QuickBooks or Xero


Average pay: $20-$40 per hour


Getting certified: Take online bookkeeping courses through platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or specialized programs like Bookkeeper Launch.


How to Choose the Right Digital Nomad Job for You


Picking the best remote job depends on your skills, interests, and income goals. Ask yourself these questions:

  • What skills do I already have?

  • How much money do I need to earn each month?

  • Do I prefer creative work or structured tasks?

  • How much time can I dedicate to learning new skills?

  • What type of work environment do I enjoy?


Start with jobs that match your current abilities, then expand into new areas as you gain experience. Many successful digital nomads combine multiple income streams, like freelance writing plus virtual assistant work.


Essential Tools for Digital Nomad Jobs


Having the right tools makes remote work easier and more professional:


Communication tools: Zoom, Skype, Slack, Microsoft Teams

Project management: Trello, Asana, Monday.com, Notion

Time tracking: Toggl, Harvest, RescueTime

Payment platforms: PayPal, Wise, Payoneer

VPN services: NordVPN, ExpressVPN for secure connections

Cloud storage: Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive


Invest in a good laptop, noise-canceling headphones, and a reliable internet backup plan like a mobile hotspot.


Tips for Landing Your First Digital Nomad Job


Getting your first remote job takes effort, but these strategies help:

  1. Build a simple online portfolio: Show examples of your work even if they're practice projects

  2. Start with freelance platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer help beginners find clients

  3. Network in digital nomad communities: Join Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and forums

  4. Offer competitive rates initially: Charge less when starting to build reviews and experience

  5. Be professional and reliable: Deliver quality work on time to earn good reviews

  6. Keep learning: Take free online courses to improve your skills


Remember that everyone starts somewhere. Your first clients might be small jobs, but they lead to bigger opportunities.


FAQs About Digital Nomad Jobs for Beginners


What is the easiest digital nomad job to start?


Virtual assistant and data entry jobs are the easiest to start because they require minimal specialized skills. You can begin with basic computer knowledge and organizational abilities, then expand your services as you gain experience with different tools and platforms.


How much money can beginners make with digital nomad jobs?


Beginners typically earn $10-$30 per hour, depending on the job type and skills. Virtual assistants start around $15-$20 hourly, while freelance writers and graphic designers can earn $20-$50 per hour once they build experience and a client base.


Do I need special equipment for remote work?


Most digital nomad jobs only require a reliable laptop, a stable internet connection, and basic software. Some positions, like online teaching, need a webcam and a microphone. Invest in a good laptop, noise-canceling headphones, and a portable WiFi hotspot for flexibility.


How long does it take to find your first digital nomad job?


Finding your first remote job typically takes 2-6 weeks of active searching and applying. Building a simple portfolio, creating profiles on freelance platforms, and applying to 10-20 positions daily speeds up the process significantly for motivated beginners.


Can I work digital nomad jobs without experience?


Yes, many digital nomad jobs welcome beginners without formal experience. Virtual assistant, data entry, customer service, and website testing positions often provide training. Start with entry-level roles, build your skills and portfolio, then move into higher-paying specialized work.


What skills do most digital nomad jobs require?


Core skills for remote work include good communication, time management, self-discipline, basic computer proficiency, and reliable internet access. Specific jobs need additional abilities like writing skills for content creation or design knowledge for graphics, but most can be learned online.


Ready to start your digital nomad journey? Pick one job from this list that matches your current skills, create a profile on a freelance platform, and apply to your first five opportunities today. Your location-independent lifestyle is closer than you think!

Comments


bottom of page