Escape Video Call Hell: 8 High-Paying Remote Jobs That Pay $75+/Hour Without Camera Time

For many workers, the freedom to work from home has become the ideal scenario. With no commute, many people find they gain more productive hours back. However, this productivity can quickly disappear if you find yourself tied to an unending loop of video calls.

Fortunately, not all high-paying remote jobs require you to be on camera. Whether you're camera-shy, tired of constant meetings, or just prefer a quieter workday, there are flexible roles that respect your time and boundaries.

With that in mind, here's a list of eight roles that both pay close to $75 an hour or more and don't need you jumping on Zoom every few hours.

1. Cloud Engineer

Average to high hourly salary range (Indeed): $74.75 to $112

A cloud engineer works with cloud-based systems and platforms. They may help design and build cloud-based architecture or maintain and update existing systems. Recruitment experts suggest that to become a well-paid cloud engineer, you'll need a bachelor's degree, programming skills, and some relevant experience.

Remote opportunities exist in numerous industries, and long hours spent coding mean few (if any) video calls.

2. Lead Data Scientist

Average to high hourly salary range (Indeed): $71.12 to $103

With a bachelor's degree and a passion for numbers, you could land a lucrative data science role. You'll use data collection and analysis to create forecasts and inform business strategies. In most cases, you'll be too busy crunching numbers to attend video calls.

Discover well-paid, fully remote data science roles in recruitment, health care, and more, with minimal need to jump on Teams or Zoom at the drop of a hat.

3. Machine Learning Engineer

Average to high hourly salary range (Indeed): $77.12 to $127

Machine learning and AI are becoming integrated into all aspects of life. The upside is that with a computer science-based bachelor's degree and relevant experience, you can find roles in just about any industry.

Remote work is possible, and because the role demands data collection, coding, and AI training, video calls won't be at the top of your "to-do" list.

4. Financial Manager

Median hourly salary (BLS): $77.74

Managing someone's finances, whether it's an individual or a business, is a largely data-based job. Most communication is conducted via email to transfer documents and ensure an accurate paper trail exists for audit purposes.

To become a financial manager, you'll need five years' experience in a financial role and a relevant bachelor's degree.

5. Computer and Information Systems Manager

Median hourly salary (BLS): $82.31

Opportunities in this field are increasing at a rate significantly faster than the average. If you've got a bachelor's degree and at least five years' experience in a related field, you could make good money in this role without endless video calls.

Many remote computer systems managers utilize collaboration or project management tools to ensure everything is logged and accounted for.

6. Blockchain Architect

Average hourly salary (Glassdoor): $89

This role requires specific skills and experience. You need to be able to design, build, and scale blockchain solutions for banking, logistics, security, and any number of other applications.

It's a role that can be easily done remotely. While collaboration is essential, the need to document every step of a blockchain project means that video calls may be less frequent than in other roles.

7. Cybersecurity Architect

Average hourly salary (Glassdoor): $91

Emerging and increasingly sophisticated threats make cybersecurity a top concern for businesses. With that in mind, it's no wonder that experts in creating more secure security architecture are in demand.

You'll need at least a bachelor's degree, with some employers requiring a postgraduate degree. But with so many systems to secure, video calls won't be a top priority.

8. Software Development Manager

Average hourly salary (Glassdoor): $111

Leading a small DevOps (development and operations) team can be done from anywhere. And many digitally focused teams prefer using messaging apps like Slack and Google Chat rather than taking the time to set up video calls.

You'll need a minimum of a bachelor's degree and experience in software development. People management and communication skills will also help you land a high-paid remote role.

If you're looking to escape endless meetings and still earn a decent salary, these remote jobs prove it's possible. The catch is you likely need a unique skill set, but that's something you either have from school or can develop through online courses (that still won't require any video calls).

Finding the right remote role for you can be a step forward in your journey to lower your financial stress. Best of all, these jobs can help you enjoy more flexibility, focus, and freedom while keeping your camera off.