High-paying remote jobs have tumbled in recent months after hitting a high during the Covid-19 pandemic.
But new data suggests that decline may have hit the floor — and six-figure jobs overall are surging despite the softening labor market.
An analysis of half a million job postings on Ladders.com between April and June found the share of six-figure remote jobs grew about 7% in the second quarter compared to the prior three-month period — accounting for 9% of the $100,000-per-year jobs available.
Still, Mullinix said high-paying remote work in 2024 isn't anywhere near the level it's been in recent years.
“Even with this quarter-over-quarter growth, we aren’t even close to the numbers we saw last year, when there were double the remote and hybrid opportunities,” Mullinix said.
In-office six-figure jobs still dominate the landscape, accounting for about 88.26% of high-paying roles on Ladders.
“The freefall in remote and hybrid opportunities stalled in Q2," said Ladders Director of Growth Marketing John Mullinix, who led the research team. "While many outspoken CEOs have demanded workers return to the office, the data shows some relented and gave employees what they wanted."
Surge in six-figure jobs overall
The number of total six-figure jobs jumped by 20% in the second quarter of 2024, according to the Ladders data. That's a sign of an economy on the rebound and new investment in growth by businesses that require higher-paid roles.
“With inflation on the rise, businesses are adjusting wages to attract and retain top talent, especially in specialized fields like tech, health care and engineering,” Mullinix said. “Industry growth in sectors like tech, finance and health care also plays a big part, as these areas continue to boom. Additionally, increased investments in technology and sustainability are creating demand for skilled professionals, often with higher salaries.”
Andy Medici covers small-business finance, remote work, the future of work and small-business trends. He has covered the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and other Covid-19 relief programs.