The expansion of the world wide web and rise of telecommuting is allowing many Americans the flexibility to work from almost anywhere, including the comfort of their own homes.  Working from home has many benefits.  It cuts out the cost and time of a commute, and makes it more convenient to take care of other aspects of your busy life during your work day.  Meanwhile, you don’t have to sacrifice productivity and performance on the job.

According to BetaNews.com, about 45% of US employees work from home, in a variety of industries.  Some of the most lucrative careers allow you to work from home.  So if you think that the convenience of working from home means you must accept a lower salary, think again.  Here are five of the most lucrative work from home jobs in 2017:

1)  Market Researcher

Market research analysts and managers study market trends to determine what products a company should carry.  They also help companies decide what prices to set their products at, and who their customer base is.  On top of being one of the most lucrative work from home jobs, this is a growing job sector, since most industries have a need for market research.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, market research jobs are expected to grow at a faster than average pace of 19% between 2014 and 2024.   The average salary for market researchers is currently about $62,000 annually.

Market research jobs in New York, NY

Market research jobs in San Francisco, CA

2)  Software Developer

This is one of the most lucrative work from home careers because software developers work long hours and tend to do most of their work alone.  Software developers install software systems, write software program codes, test computer programs and come up with ideas to improve software systems.  Some software developers have a bachelor’s degree, but you can often pursue this career with work experience and certifications.  Microsoft, Oracle and Cisco are among the companies that offer software developer certification training programs.  The average salary for a software developer is about $85,000 annually.

Software developer jobs in New York, NY

Software developer jobs in San Francisco, CA

3)  Online Teacher

If you are a teacher that wants options other than standing in a classroom and keeping a regular school schedule, being an online teacher is one of the most lucrative work from home jobs.  You can choose from a variety of subjects and levels of education.  If you want to teach college courses, reach out to an online college or a traditional university that teaches online classes.  If you want to teach grade school, check out websites like K12.com and ConnectionsAcademy.com.  Pay depends on the subject and level of education, but the average salary for online teachers is about $46,000 per year.

Online Teacher jobs in New York, NY

Online Teacher jobs in San Francisco, CA

4)  Graphic Designer

This is one of the most lucrative work from home careers because it requires a high level of skill and creativity.  Graphic designers create visual images that appeal to consumers.  While some of their creative work is done by hand, much of their work is web and computer-based.  Graphic designers are needed in a number of industries, including marketing, entertainment and retail.  The average salary for graphic designers is about $51,000 annually.

Graphic designer jobs in New York, NY

Graphic designer jobs in San Francisco, CA

5)  Virtual Call Center Manager

If you have experience in customer service, being a virtual call center manager is one of the most lucrative customer service careers.  In this role you train and oversee a team of call center agents, and make final decisions about customer purchases if needed.   There are hundreds of companies hiring for virtual call center jobs, including Amazon, 1-800-Flowers and Jet Blue.  You can also check out jobs available at call center services companies like Alpine Access and LiveOps.  The average salary for virtual call center managers is about $58,000 annually.

Virtual call center jobs in New York, NY

Virtual call center jobs in San Francisco, CA