Do you want to work from home but you’re looking for something new or different?
When I first started working from home over a decade ago, I had no idea how many different work-from-home and remote jobs existed. I thought working online meant things like becoming a blogger, a virtual assistant, or a freelance writer. While those are all great options, the truth is, there are so many surprising ways to work at home today.
Whether you’re looking for a full-time career or a fun way to make extra money, this list has something for everyone. You don’t need a fancy degree or tons of experience to get started with many of these, either.
Surprising Work From Home Jobs You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Here are some of the most surprising work-from-home jobs you’ve probably never heard of – and exactly how to get started with each one.
1. Search engine evaluator
This might sound technical, but it’s actually very beginner-friendly and most people don’t even know that this job exists!
As a search engine evaluator, you help companies like Google and Bing improve their search results by rating how useful or relevant a search result is.
You don’t need a tech background, just good judgment and the ability to follow instructions.
How to get started:
- Apply through companies like Appen, TELUS International, or Lionbridge.
- Most will have you take a test to see how well you understand their guidelines.
- Once accepted, you’ll get tasks each week that you can complete on your own schedule.
You can typically get paid around $10 to $15 per hour.
You can learn more about this job at How To Find Search Engine Evaluator Jobs And Make Money At Home.
2. Voiceover artist for audiobooks and videos
If you’ve been told you have a nice speaking voice (or even if you haven’t!), this can be a fun job to try. Companies need voiceovers for audiobooks, e-learning videos, phone apps, YouTube videos, and more.
Voiceover artists are used all the time, probably a lot more than you even realize.
How to get started:
- Create a simple demo reel using your phone or a USB mic.
- Join sites like Voices.com, Fiverr, or ACX (Amazon’s audiobook platform).
- You don’t need acting experience, but clear speaking is important.
Beginners can earn around $50 to $200 per project, and more as you gain experience.
You can learn more at How To Become A Voice Over Actor.
3. Online juror
Yes, this is a real thing! Lawyers sometimes run mock trials or test out legal arguments before going to court. They hire everyday people to act as online jurors to get feedback.
How to get started:
- Sign up on sites like eJury.
- You’ll need to be a U.S. citizen and over the age of 18.
You can usually earn around $10 to $50 per case, depending on how hard the case is. I did do some research, and I found that some online juror focus groups were paying over $200 for full-day mock juries too.
4. Remote notary public
I didn’t know this until recently, but many states now allow notaries to work online, helping people notarize legal documents over video.
How to get started:
- First, become a certified notary public in your state.
- Then, register with platforms like Notarize to sell your services remotely.
- You’ll need a webcam and secure internet.
Online notaries typically make around $5 per document that is notarized. If you work for yourself, you may be able to make a little more.
5. Closed captioner for live events
Live captioning is a growing job, especially as more and more events go virtual. Captioners type what is being said in real time for Zoom calls, live videos, and webinars.
How to get started:
- Practice your typing speed (you’ll need to be able to type fast, at least 60-80 words per minute).
- Look for work with companies like Rev or sell your services yourself on sites like Fiverr or UpWork.
The typical pay is usually around $20 to $75 per hour, depending on the event and your experience.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners To Make $2,000 Monthly
6. Mystery shopper (but for apps and websites)
Instead of visiting stores in person, you can now mystery shop digital experiences. You can test websites, apps, and even customer service chats. I have done many of these over the years, and these are usually my favorite because I don’t have to leave my house.
How to get started:
- Sign up on sites like UserTesting.
- You’ll complete tasks like navigating a website or giving feedback on an app.
- Most tests only take 10-20 minutes.
Sites like UserTesting pay around $10 per website test, which is good considering that it’s flexible, quick, and you can do it from your couch.
Recommended reading: Want To Make An Extra $100 A Month? Learn How To Become A Mystery Shopper
7. Online dating profile writer
Yes, this is a thing! People hire writers to write dating bios, messages, and even full profiles to help them find better matches online.
How to get started:
- Create a simple website or Fiverr gig selling this as a service.
- Practice writing a few sample bios to showcase your work.
You may be able to charge around $30 to $100+ per profile, depending on the detail and the demand you have.
8. Remote life coach or accountability partner
If you’re naturally encouraging and good at helping people stay on track, this could be a great online side job.
With this type of job, you may be helping people set goals, checking in with them weekly to see how they are doing, and helping them stay motivated. This job can be done over the phone, through email, or on video calls – so you can do it all from home.
I know a few online life coaches personally, and they all seem to really, really love their job – and they are also really good at what they do (they are very passionate about it!).
How to get started:
- No official certification required to start (though it can help).
- Many build their own client base through referrals and social media (such as by posting helpful tips for their life coach target niche).
The pay varies very widely for a life coach and can be anywhere from around $100 to $1,000 per session.
9. Sleep consultant
If you enjoy helping families and want a meaningful at-home business, becoming a sleep consultant might be a great fit.
Sleep consultants support parents by creating personalized sleep plans to help babies, toddlers, and even older kids develop better sleep habits. You can work with clients via email, phone, or video calls, which makes this job flexible and home-based.
I know so many people who have hired sleep consultants (especially for their babies), so I think this will continue to be a growing field.
How to get started:
- You don’t need a medical degree, but training through a sleep training certification program can help you feel more confident and attract more clients.
Many sleep consultants charge around $300 to $1,500 per client.
You can learn more at How To Become A Sleep Consultant And Make $10,000 Each Month.
10. Remote speech therapist
If you’re already a certified speech-language pathologist, there’s a growing demand for remote SLPs.
Remote speech therapists help children or adults with speech and language goals via Zoom or other video tools, and they provide therapy sessions, evaluations, and progress reports.
I personally know two remote work speech therapists, so I know that this is a real job! One works for an early intervention program, and the other works for herself.
How to find work:
- Look for remote SLP jobs online, apply to independent telehealth clinics, or reach out to an early intervention program in your state.
- Set up a home office with good lighting, headphones, and reliable internet.
Remote speech therapists typically earn around $40 to $50 per hour.
11. Virtual event planner
Virtual events aren’t going away anytime soon. From online conferences to birthday parties and product launches, people need help organizing online events.
Typical tasks include coordinating with vendors, sending invites, managing the tech platform, solving tech issues as they happen, and helping with the flow of the event.
How to get started:
- Create a portfolio of sample event ideas.
- Market your services on LinkedIn or freelance platforms like UpWork and Fiverr.
- Have different packages (such as planning only, planning + day-of support).
The amount you can make will vary widely depending on how much a client is putting toward an event. So, you may be able to earn $500 to $5,000+ per event, depending on how hard it is.
12. Virtual stylist or closet organizer
If you love fashion and have a good eye for picking out outfits, this can be a creative work-from-home job.
Virtual stylists or closet organizers help clients build capsule wardrobes, organize closet spaces, shop for specific events, and give feedback via Zoom, email, or apps like Pinterest.
How to start:
- Sell your services on social media or Fiverr.
- Take before-and-after photos to show your skills of how a person’s style has improved thanks to your work.
The amount you can make is typically around $50 to $300 per session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about surprising work-from-home jobs that you may be interested in.
What is the most surprising work from home job?
Honestly, I think online dating profile writing or mock jury work might surprise most people – they sound made up, but they’re very real and in demand!
Can you really make money with these types of jobs?
Yes, many people earn full-time or side income with them. Some start slow and grow over time.
Are work from home jobs legit?
Yes, work-from-home jobs are legitimate. Now, not all of them are through a reputable company, so make sure you do your research on the company and the job. But, I have worked from home for years and have done many different online jobs, so I can personally say that yes, many are real!
Do I need a degree or certification?
Some jobs require a degree (like speech therapy), but most are open to beginners who are willing to learn.
What do I need to work from home?
Usually just a computer, internet, and sometimes a headset or webcam. Sometimes, you may need a phone so that you can take telephone calls, but that just depends on the job you are trying to do.
Surprising Work From Home Jobs You’ve Probably Never Heard Of – Summary
I hope you enjoyed my article on the most surprising work-from-home jobs you may not have heard of.
As you can see, there are SO many surprising ways to make money from home, and there are plenty of different work-from-home opportunities. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing because there’s probably something out there that fits your interests, skills, and lifestyle.
Even if you’re just looking for a few extra hours a week, these unique jobs can help you work from home in a way that’s flexible, fun, and maybe even a little unexpected.
What job do you think you’ll try? What other jobs would you add to this list?
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