Top 10 Digital Nomad Jobs for Beginners to Make Money Online Now

Remote work has changed the game as it gives you the freedom to skip long commutes, work from anywhere, and create a schedule that fits your lifestyle. Unlike in traditional offices, 70% of digital nomads work 40 hours or less per week. So, as one, you can enjoy more free time compared to traditional office workers.

There are many flexible, beginner-friendly jobs like freelance writing or even mystery shopping. In these roles, you don’t need years of experience. You just need some basic skills and the right mindset, and you can quickly land your first gig and start working from anywhere.

Who Is a Digital Nomad?

A digital nomad is someone who works remotely while they travel or live in more than one place. They, most of the time, have very few possessions, as they choose freedom over a fixed location. Digital nomads work from anywhere — cafés, co-working spaces, or even their own van — using Wi-Fi or mobile hotspots. They are more prevalent in fields like programming, design, or content creation, and this allows them to embrace a flexible and mobile lifestyle.

Being a digital nomad gives you the ultimate freedom as you can set your own hours, work from anywhere, and balance work with travel. You can structure your day around what you need, not your boss’s schedule. Plus, you save money on commutes, office clothes, and can even live in more affordable places. With fewer office distractions, you’ll likely be more productive, less stressed, and experience better mental health.

Types of Digital Nomads

Digital nomads are of different forms, and it depends on how they earn a living while traveling. Each has its way of working remotely. So, let’s look at the main types and how you can fit in as a beginner.

1. Freelancers

Freelancers are people who are self-employed and offer services to clients on a flexible basis. These services could be writing, graphic design, programming, marketing, etc. As a freelancer, you get to choose your own clients and work schedule, and this gives you complete control over your time. It is a great entry point for beginners. For a start, you can offer skills you already have and then learn new ones as you go. 

Our expert, John Butterworth, who is from the UK but works as a digital nomad living in China and Vietnam, says his first job was as a freelance SEO consultant. 

In my first job, I would advise businesses on how to improve their websites to drive more traffic from Google. All you need is a laptop to get started and that enables you to work anywhere with an internet connection.

Freelancers usually work on an hourly or project basis, which means your income will depend on the amount of work you do. While this gives freedom, it will make your monthly earnings less predictable. However, it is a good way to start earning online while you enjoy the flexibility of working from anywhere.

2. Remote Employees

Remote employees are those who work for a company but from outside the office. Unlike freelancers, remote employees have steady jobs with regular pay, and that makes their work more secure. 

Remote roles are a great option if you want a stable income while still having the freedom to travel or work from home. However, as a remote employee, you must follow the rules of the company. I mean rule like set working hours and even a difference in time zone, which can limit flexibility. 

3. Business Owners

Some digital nomads run their own businesses. They are known as online entrepreneurs who create and manage businesses that operate online. Unlike freelancers who get paid for their time, business owners build something that can grow beyond their personal work hours. 

You could start an e-commerce store, offer online courses, or build a service-based business where you hire others to help. While it takes time and effort to build a business, the ability to scale and grow makes this one of the most exciting paths for digital nomads. 

Now, let us get to the main aim of the article. The top digital nomad jobs you can venture into as a beginner.

Top 10 Digital Nomad Jobs to Go For as a Beginner

1. Voiceover Artist

A voiceover artist uses their voice for projects like commercials, radio dramas, video games, or narrations. It is a flexible job you can do from anywhere with a basic setup. All you need is a good microphone like the Rode NT1 and TONOR, recording software like Audacity and Adobe Audition, and a quiet space to work. With some training from experts, you will be able to create professional voiceovers from home or while traveling.

You can find such experts online at websites like John Burr Voice, The Great Voice Company, etc. Coaches charge differently, but according to A VO’s Journey, you should expect to pay between $55 and $125 per hour for a one-on-one VO coaching session. There is no average learning time range to become a VO artist, but if you consistently practice and market your skills, you can become one in a year.

You do not need formal qualifications. However, you must have clarity, good pronunciation, and vocal control. Some artists practice by reading books aloud or mimicking characters to build their skills. You need about $300-$500 to make a basic recording setup, and that makes this job accessible even to beginners.

In terms of pay, voiceover work varies depending on the project. As a beginner, you will earn an average of $29 per hour. If you are looking to find voiceover gigs, you can check out freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. You can also visit Voices.com and Bunny Studio for more specialized jobs.

2. Graphic Designer

A graphic designer creates visual content to pass messages through logos, brochures, websites, or ads. As a beginner, you can become a graphic designer from anywhere if you have a laptop and design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva. With these tools, you can bring visual concepts to life, and they’re user-friendly for beginners.

You do not need a formal degree to get started as a digital nomad graphic designer, but you must build a strong portfolio. First off, you need to learn about designing tools. Get familiar with how each Photoshop or Illustrator tool functions. Jump on courses like Fundamentals of Graphic Design and Adobe Graphic Designer Professional Certificate.

You can then create sample designs or take on small freelance projects to showcase your skills. To find remote graphic design jobs, visit platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and 99designs. Starting rates range from $12.74 to $43.03 per hour for beginners, depending on the project and your experience.

The flexibility to work remotely allows you to design from anywhere. There is a growing demand for digital content, and this job offers a steady income and the freedom to work for clients around the world. 

3. Online Mystery Shopper

An online mystery shopper is someone who evaluates the shopping experience on an e-commerce website. They access and report on everything from browsing to checkout and give feedback on how to improve customer service. You don’t need any formal qualifications to become one. All you need is basic online shopping experiences and a good eye for detail.

To get started, you’ll need a computer and a stable internet connection. Your job is to test all the features of the website, see how easy it is to find products, make purchases, and use customer support. You then report about your experience to the company, giving suggestions on what to improve on.

You can find online mystery shopper gigs on sites like Market Force, BestMark, and Secret Shopper. In most jobs, you get paid per task, usually between $10 and $75, depending on how complex the assignment is.

With this job, you can work from anywhere, and that gives you the freedom to manage your own schedule while you earn. More companies are focusing on how they can improve online shopping experiences, and demand for this role is growing. So, it's a great way to make extra income while on the move.

4. Digital Marketing Specialist

A digital marketing specialist promotes products and services online through campaigns, social media, and email marketing. If you want to become one, you have to build fundamental skills in content creation, SEO, and social media management. This is where John Butterworth falls in. He said he chose to become an SEO specialist because it is easier to be that and work as a digital nomad, which has been his passion.

I decided to do SEO for two main reasons. Firstly, because it combines my two biggest passions: website coding and creative writing. Secondly, because I wanted to work abroad and live the digital nomad lifestyle. SEO allowed me to do that because it's a low-cost business to setup and you can work from anywhere with just a laptop.

You don’t really need a formal degree. However, you will stand out if you have a degree in marketing, business, English or any related field that enhances your ability to create original, relevant content to promote a business’s products and services. You also must dedicate some time to studying and preparing yourself to become one.

If you have never worked on websites before then I would say it's not the best choice for beginners. SEO requires a lot of studying to learn all of Google's documentation and guidelines for websites. In my experience, it usually takes beginners 1-2 years before they start to generate great results for their clients. My best advice would be to start a website on your own first and practice generating organic traffic to that before offering your services to paying clients.

Digital Marketers use tools like Google Analytics, Hootsuite, and Mailchimp to run campaigns and track results. You have to be very familiar ith these tools because the more familiar you are with them, the better.

On average, a digital marketer can earn around $60,000 a year, but as a beginner, it can be lower, around $30,000. If you want to earn more, you have to gain experience and improve your skills by taking courses like Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate, The Complete Digital Marketing Course, etc.

You can find remote digital marketing jobs on platforms like Upwork, FlexJobs, and We Work Remotely. These sites help connect you with companies looking for marketers. You can also connect with people around you by attending industry networking events like John did.

I found my very first client by attending a digital marketing networking event in China. I got chatting to an owner of a marketing agency based in Beijing, although the owner himself was British. From there, he introduced me to some other business owners in the area, and I landed my first client through those referrals. Note that before then, I worked for some agencies for low or even no pay sometimes. I just wanted to use those experiences and boost my portfolio.

5. Freelance Writer/Copywriter

A freelance writer/copywriter writes content for clients on a project basis, such as blog posts, product descriptions, or social media captions. To become a copywriter, you can start by:

• Understanding the basics of copywriting. You must, of course, know how to write information clearly and correctly. However, copywriting is more than that. You need to deeply understand human psychology and what the specific customers need. Your content must catch the audience, the words have to be well arranged, and you have to include pictures and CTAs that will appeal to your audiences. You can learn about these by taking online courses like The Strategy of Content Marketing, Mike Nardi’s Free Practical Copywriting Course, etc. You can then study from established copywriting blogs like Copyblogger and Copyhackers, and then read copywriting books like The Copywriter's Handbook and Scientific Advertising.
• Knowing why companies use writers/copywriters. Part of the needed marketing skills is to know your target audience. When you understand why people need copywriters, you will be able to naturally advertise to those needs. Your employers need content that piques the interests of their customers.
• Choosing and working on your niche. You know the niche you will function best. So, establish yourself there and go for clients that target what you know. For instance, as a nomad, you can focus on writing for travel blogs and the like.
• Creating a portfolio. Your portfolio has some of your work samples targeted at what might impress your potential clients. It must have 200-400 words and represent the quality you will offer your clients.

In essence, to become a freelance writer/copywriter, you don’t need a degree, but good writing skills and creativity.

You can use Grammarly to edit and Google Docs to write. They have in-app tools like Grammarly’s “your writing progress”, which monitors your writing progress every week and gives some resources to help you deliver quality work. The average freelance writer can earn between $20 to $45 per hour, depending on experience and the type of writing.

You can find writing gigs on Upwork, Fiverr, and ProBlogger. They connect you with clients seeking writers for different projects. To succeed, build a solid portfolio, manage your time, and continuously improve your writing. 

6. Professional Meme Creator

A professional meme creator is someone who makes funny, relatable images or videos that go viral online. It’s all about creating micro-content that connects with people’s feelings and trends. As Ka5sh, a popular meme creator, said in an interview with NBC News, "It’s all about knowing the trends — knowing what’s funny and what everyone collectively feels about certain things."

Ka5sh said he started by observing online trends and creating memes based on these topics. He shares his trademarked works on Instagram, X, and TikTok, and other influences will use them as they go viral. From there, organizations will reach out to him to make memes for their marketing content; that is how he gets paid. 

You can become one by creating and growing your social media account and then using tools like Canva, Meme Generator, and Photoshop to design memes. The needed skills are creativity, humor, and the ability to understand internet culture. The pay varies, but creators can earn between $10 to $50 per gig or more if working with brands.

To find meme creator jobs, check sites like Upwork and Fiverr or reach out to brands on social media. Like Ka5sh, many meme creators start by mixing humor with their personal projects, eventually getting paid for their creativity. It’s a fun and flexible job you can do from anywhere.

7. Virtual Assistant

A Virtual Assistant (VA) is someone who helps businesses remotely by managing tasks like scheduling, emails, and customer support. This job gives you flexibility. You can work from anywhere and on your own terms. Here’s how you can become a VA:

• Identify your skills. Focus on tasks you’re good at, like admin work, social media, or customer service.
• Take online courses. You can go to platforms like Udemy or Coursera, which offer courses like Become a Virtual Assistant.
• Set your rates. Start with $12 to $35 per hour, as this is the range, and adjust as you gain experience.
• Build an online presence. Create a profile on Upwork and Fiverr to showcase your skills.
• Apply for jobs. Search job boards like Remote.co and FlexJobs for VA positions.

You’ll need tools like Google Workspace (for emails and documents) and Trello or Asana (for task management). Some of the needed skills are organization, time management, and communication. 

8. Affiliate Marketer

Affiliate marketing is a job where you earn money by promoting products or services and getting a commission, between 1% and 20%, for each sale made through your referral link. You can start by choosing a product you believe in, signing up for an affiliate program like Amazon Associates, and then sharing the product links on your blog, social media, or website.

The essential skills you need are communication, marketing, and content creation. You'll also need a website, social media platforms, and affiliate tracking software like Awin. Popular affiliate networks include Amazon Associates, Etsy Affiliates, and eBay Partner Network.

You can start this job from anywhere, and income depends on how many people buy from your link. Sites like FlexJobs, ShareASale, and CJ Affiliate are great for finding affiliate marketing opportunities.

9. Pet Sitter

Pet sitting is a flexible job where you care for pets in their owners' homes while they’re away. As a pet sitter, your job is to feed, walk, play with pets, clean litter boxes, and even give medication if need be. Sometimes, you will need to stay overnight to keep the pets company.

If you're just starting, you can find pet-sitting gigs through Rover, Wag, and Care.com. You don’t need much — just basic knowledge about pet care, a love for animals, and good communication skills to keep owners updated.

Pet sitters usually make $10 to $30 per hour, depending on what they need to do and the location. You can do this from anywhere, and it’s a great way to earn money while on the go.

10. Video Editor

A video editor takes raw video footage and turns it into a polished product. As a digital nomad, you can work from anywhere, editing content like YouTube videos, ads, or even films. To get started, you’ll need to learn how to edit videos using software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro through courses like Adobe Premiere Pro CC Masterclass: Video Editing in Premiere and Complete Graphics Design and Video Editing Masterclass.

You can start the practice by editing free clips or giving free services to small businesses. You don’t need a degree, but a strong portfolio is vital. Freelancers earn $15 to $50 per hour, depending on experience and complexity.

Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer help you find remote video editing jobs. With practice, good communication skills, and creativity, you can turn this into a full-time digital nomad career.

How to Get a Digital Nomad Job as a Beginner

It could sound tricky to start a career as a digital nomad, but with the right steps, it's totally possible. Here’s a breakdown of how to get started:

1. Build your skills. Begin by learning new skills on one of the listed jobs or improving on the ones you have. You can use Coursera or Udemy, as they have courses in everything from graphic design to social media management.
2. Create a portfolio. Whether you are a writer, designer, or developer, you need a portfolio. Show off your best work online through a personal website or platforms like LinkedIn or Behance.
3. Start small. Initially, you may need to take smaller, low-paying gigs to gain experience or even do it for free. You can start with freelance websites like Fiverr and Upwork. It’s about building a reputation.
4. Network. Join Facebook or LinkedIn groups related to your skills, like Freelance Video Editors (global) for video editors. You can also attend networking events to connect with other freelancers and potential clients as you engage in these communities.
5. Use remote job boards. Websites like We Work Remotely, Remote OK, and Working Nomads list remote opportunities across all industries. Check them regularly to find gigs.
6. Stay adaptable. As a digital nomad, you must be flexible. Be open to trying new things, whether it's a different niche, tactics, or learning new software to fit what a client needs. People have different lifestyles, and your country of residence might be very different, lifestyle-wise, from where you are from, so you must adjust. John himself said he had to make some adjustments in Vietnam.

How every country networks and makes business connections is different. What shocked me about Vietnam especially is how much business is done through Facebook and Messenger. My advice here is that you need to adapt to the way things are done in the country you're living in. Do not move somewhere and expect everyone to operate the same way they do back home.

So, you'll land your first remote job with time, effort, and a positive attitude. You just have to keep growing, and the opportunities will come.

General Skills You Need as a Digital Nomad

As a digital nomad, there are some soft skills you must have and master—they are just as necessary as the hard skills. Here are some that will set you up for success:

1. Effective Communication and Networking

Generally, when working remotely, you must be able to communicate clearly and concisely. Since you won’t be in the same room as your clients or team, you must convey your ideas clearly through emails, chats, or video calls and always keep your client updated. To improve communication, listen actively, ensure you understand what others need, and practice articulation to avoid misunderstandings.

You also have to be an excellent networker. John said this is the most essential skill you need as a digital nomad.

Networking is the most essential skill you need to develop! You can't be shy when you're solo-travelling in a foreign country. You need to get to as many meetups or business events as possible to broaden your network. If not, it can get pretty lonely fast.

2. Self-Motivation

You must stay motivated even without a boss keeping tabs on what you are doing. It’s easy to get distracted, especially while traveling. Set specific goals for yourself each day and celebrate small wins to build self-motivation. Use productivity apps like Todoist to keep yourself accountable.

3. Time Management

To balance work and travel, you need excellent time management. You’ll need to place tasks on priority, meet deadlines, and avoid procrastination. To develop this skill, create daily schedules, use time-tracking apps like Trello or Toggl, and always plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress.

4. Adaptability

As a digital nomad, you’ll face constant changes in your environment, from new time zones to unstable internet connections. If you have adaptability skills, you will be able to adjust quickly and stay productive. You can improve this skill by being open to new experiences and looking for what you must learn from any challenges that come your way.

5. Organization

It is crucial to stay organized when juggling multiple clients and tasks. To stay on track, keep a detailed to-do list or use task management apps like Asana. Plan your work in advance, break tasks into manageable steps, and never let clutter affect your focus.

Start Your Journey as a Digital Nomad Today

There are many digital nomad jobs for beginners, from freelance writing and graphic design to virtual assisting and online tutoring. Each job gives you a unique opportunity for growth, freedom, and the ability to work from anywhere, but you must learn how to transition. 

My digital nomad adventures have taken me to China and Vietnam, respectively. The transition is always harder when there's a language barrier in place! The best way to overcome that is to find your tribe and build a support network of likeminded nomads in your area. Digital nomad lifestyles can sometimes feel like you're living in a bubble but connecting with expats that have been there longer than you are an invaluable resource. And the best part? They are always willing to share their mistakes and experiences with you.

Now is the time to dive in if you're ready to ditch the traditional 9-to-5 and explore the world while earning a living. Start small, build your skills, and be consistent. Don’t wait—your remote work adventure is waiting. Take the first step and start exploring these digital nomad opportunities today.