12 Best Jobs for Single Moms: Flexible Career Picks for Solo Parents

By Shannon McLaughlin | Updated On April 7, 2023

most ideal jobs for working single mothers

Key Takeaways

  • Single mothers can find rewarding careers in many industries that offer flexible hours and remote work options, including bookkeeping, writing, web development, real estate, and more.
  • Single mothers can stand out in crowded job markets and land well-paying, family-friendly jobs by investing in their education, certifications, and skill development.
  • Job hunting tips for single parents to increase their chances of finding the ideal work-life balance by tailoring their resumes and getting ready for interviews.
  • The right job opportunities can empower single mothers to succeed professionally while being committed and loving parents, paving the way for a prosperous household.

Hey there, supermoms!

We understand that juggling work and home can be challenging, but don’t worry. We’re here to help!

We’ve compiled a super handy list of the best jobs for single moms with flexibility, the option to work from home, and a decent income. We also included tips for job hunting and balancing a full-time career.

We aim to find you a fulfilling and rewarding job to support your family’s needs while nurturing your personal growth.

Eager to learn more? Let’s get started!

What Makes a Good Job for a Single Parent?

  • Flexibility
  • Stability
  • Benefits
  • Work Balance

The 12 Best Jobs for Single Moms

mom working at home with her baby
  1. Bookkeeper
  2. Writer
  3. Graphic Designer
  4. Child Care Provider
  5. Data Entry Clerk
  6. Real-Estate Agent
  7. Entrepreneur
  8. Virtual Assistant
  9. Clinical Research Assistant
  10. Social Media Manager
  11. Web Designer/Developer
  12. Tax Preparer

Bookkeeper

Are you good with numbers? You can manage business financial records as a bookkeeper while working from home. Many bookkeepers enjoy lax hours and even freelance opportunities, making it one of the great jobs for a single parent. With online courses and certifications, you’ll be crunching numbers quickly.

Bookkeepers can build a business and earn $60.00 per hour or more than $100,000 yearly. Moreover, the entry-level for this position can earn up to $20 per hour, according to Indeed.

The salary range, however, may change based on elements like location, experience, and education. So it’s always a good idea to do some Googling first and find the going rate for bookkeepers in your area.

You can then use this information to negotiate your salary and get paid what you’re worth. And, as mentioned earlier, you can even consider starting your own bookkeeping business and earn even more!

Writer (probably our favorite from the list!)

Mother of 3 and mental health writer, Maureen Lezama, shares this: “Since I’ve been working as a freelance content writer, I’ve been more present in my children’s lives. My kids and I have become closer since I’m mostly at home. I’ve become more aware of their needs, both physically and emotionally.”

Are you a budding wordsmith or a creative visionary? Are you perhaps a language lover? If you answered yes, consider a profession in writing.

As a single mom, it’s one of the best jobs you can have! Writers can work from home and set their own hours, making juggling work and family easier. From freelance writing to blogging, there’s a wide variety of writing opportunities. You could write articles, create website content, or even write your novel. The possibilities are endless!

According to Indeed, a well-known online job search platform, a writer can expect an average salary of $25.72 per hour. This allows them to secure a stable income while taking advantage of this profession’s flexibility and creativity.

You only need two things to get started:

  1. A PC, laptop, or tablet (with keyboard)
  2. A reliable internet connection.

Finally, brush up on your grammar skills and practice your writing regularly. You can even take online courses to hone your craft and learn new things. After which, polish your skills and discover your unique writing voice with dedication and hard work.

Graphic Designer

graphic designing

If you love playing around with designs and have an eye for aesthetics, graphic design might be your perfect career path! 

This is a versatile job that suits single moms with artistic skills. A graphic designer can work from home, freelance, or join a company. They can create visual content for various media, such as websites, social media, and print materials while enjoying adjustable working hours and an average salary of $39,270 per year.

But you might be thinking: “Yes, I love to draw and create, but I don’t know how to use Photoshop, Illustrator, or Procreate!”

Don’t worry, and you’re not alone! Many people (even other graphic designers!) feel intimidated by learning new software or techniques.

If you have a knack for design but have never had the chance to pursue it professionally, there’s still hope for you! You can unleash your creative juices by using a tool called Canva. It’s a tool that you can access on any internet browser that lets you create cool designs for logos, social media assets, and marketing materials – even if you don’t have any experience in visual design.

Canva has loads of templates and design elements to help you get started, and you can also take digital courses or specializations to sharpen your design skills.

Fire up that inner designer in you and see where it takes you!

Child Care Provider

babysitting services

Are you a big fan of spending time with kids? If yes, becoming a childcare provider could be perfect for you! You can work at a daycare or start your own if you’re entrepreneurial.

The best part? It’s a fantastic way to earn money while caring for your children.

Becoming a childcare provider can be rewarding for single moms who love working with children. By opening a home-based daycare or working at a local childcare center, single moms can align their work hours with their children’s school schedules and create a family-friendly environment.

To ensure you’re all set for success, check out some certification programs and online resources that’ll give you all the knowledge you need.

So, explore this excellent opportunity to blend your love for kids with a fulfilling job!

Data Entry Clerk

Data Entry is one of the best jobs for single mothers as it gives flexibility and can be performed remotely, allowing single parents to work from home.

As a data entry clerk, you’ll be putting records and information into various companies’ databases; the best part is that it usually comes with flexible working hours. Even if you’re starting out, entry-level positions are waiting for you.

The average salary for a data entry clerk in the United States as of March 27, 2023, is $41,266 annually. If we do the math, that comes out to be about $19.84/hour. This equates to $3,438/month or $793/week.

Want to up your game? Here are the job responsibilities of a Data Entry Clerk, according to Glassdoor:

  • Responsible for inputting a high volume of data
  • Ensures that all necessary data is being entered and maintained
  • Must verify and edit data as needed
  • May perform other general office tasks like scanning documents and answering phones

And guess what? Most of the training you’ll need happens right on the job. However, you’ll need to be tech-savvy, have a keen eye for detail, and have a decent typing speed of about 40 words per minute.

For requirements, you’ll need a high school diploma or a GED to apply for this position. If you’re unsure, here is the difference between the two.

So, if you’re up for it, why not try data entry? You’ll be mastering a new skill and starting a career that could be just the right fit for you!

Real Estate Agent

real estate services

Did you know there were over 1.46 million realtors in the U.S. in 2020, and that number keeps growing? That’s right! Becoming a real estate agent is a popular choice for many, especially for single mothers, because of the flexibility, freedom, and, let’s be honest, the potential earnings. Realtors can earn an average salary of around $80k, which is pretty awesome, right? And guess what? There’s no cap on how much you can make!

If you love guiding people through the exciting process of buying, selling, or renting properties, and you’re a people person and love helping others, then you could rock as a real estate agent!

You’ll need to grab a real estate license and then work on building your client base. And once you get your license, the sky’s the limit.

So, if you’re up for the challenge, why not try this booming profession?

Entrepreneur

Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit in you? Are you ready to take the plunge and be your own boss? If you’ve got a passion and a drive, starting a business might be the perfect path for a single parent like you. The best part? The sky’s the limit regarding the types of businesses you can create! You could set up an online store through your website, offer consulting services, or even open an online shop like Etsy or Shopify. (And you can do it full-time or part-time!)

Additionally, working from home allows you to set your own hours and achieve the ideal work-life balance for you and your family. Can you imagine how exciting it would be to set your schedule and not be held to anyone else’s expectations?

Right, it’s pretty awesome.

Now, if you’re wondering where to begin, don’t worry! Tons of online resources can help you get started on your entrepreneurial journey. From business planning and marketing to financial advice, a wealth of knowledge is waiting for you on the internet to tap into. You can start your journey by reading this article from Hubspot.

So, are you ready to take the first step toward becoming a successful entrepreneur? Remember, with determination, hard work, and a little creativity, you can turn your dreams into a reality.

Chase those entrepreneurial dreams and show the world what you’ve got!

Virtual Assistant

virtual assistant mom

Becoming a Virtual Assistant is probably one of the best jobs for single moms! These jobs offer flexibility and the ability to work from home. With this job, you can help entrepreneurs and businesses with email management, scheduling, etc. The best part? You can do all of this from the comfort of your home office!

Becoming a Virtual Assistant is probably one of the best jobs for single moms! Virtual assistant jobs offer flexibility and the ability to work from home. With this job, you can help entrepreneurs and businesses with email management, scheduling, etc. The best part? You can do all of this from the comfort of your home office!

The average salary for this type of job will vary depending on experience, skill level, and the difficulty of the tasks they are assigned, according to the well-known freelancing website Upwork. However, they claim the average hourly rate is between $10 and $20.

If you want to become a Virtual Assistant this 2023, read this article from Coursera to get started.

With dedication and a bit of learning, you can become the go-to person for businesses and entrepreneurs needing a helping hand! And a perfect job for single moms looking to balance their work and family.

Clinical Research Assistant

A clinical research assistant is a career you might want to pursue if you love science and medicine. You’ll be a key player in managing clinical trials, gathering data, and keeping records in this position, which are crucial duties in the healthcare sector.

What’s best? Clinical research coordinator positions are an excellent option for single parents who want to balance work and family because many allow remote work and flexible time.

According to indeed.com, a clinical research coordinator’s average salary is quite competitive, so you can support your family while working meaningfully.

So why not give it a try? You might find a profession that perfectly suits your single-parent lifestyle.

Social Media Manager

Have a knack for social media and enjoy interacting with others online?

Why not think about working as a Social Media Manager?

This job is part of creating exciting content, managing business social media profiles, and engaging with followers. A single mother who chooses to work from home but still be connected to the outside world will find it the perfect job.

The best part of working remotely and having flexible hours as a social media manager is how convenient it is for working moms like you. Additionally, the average salary for social media managers in the United States is respectable, making $57,135 per year, allowing you to provide for your family while working a job you like.

If you’re taking things to the next level, many online courses are available to help you become an expert. You can take this free certification course from Hubspot Academy to get started.

Take up social media management to benefit from a flexible job with a competitive hourly wage and the chance to use your creative talents.

Web Designer/Developer

Do you enjoy coding and are passionate about creating websites? Want to work from home while looking after your kids? You can build distinctive websites for clients as a web developer or designer, work with code, and earn good pay of $78,300 annually while working from home.

The best part is that many developers and designers work freelance, giving you more freedom to juggle work and family obligations. Don’t worry if you’re starting out; many online paid, free courses will teach you coding and other essential web development/design skills you need to succeed. Plus, you’ll get to build an impressive portfolio of projects to showcase your talent to potential clients.

So, why not give it a shot and dive into the exciting web development/design world? You’ll be amazed at how fulfilling it can be to create stunning websites, all done from home while being there for your child. With determination and the right skills, you can thrive in this industry and positively impact your family’s daily routine.

Tax Preparer

final thoughts on career picks for solo mothers 1

Do you enjoy helping others and have a knack for math?

Why not think about training to prepare taxes? While enjoying seasonal flexibility, working remotely from home, and receiving a competitive salary, you can assist people and businesses with their tax preparation.

You’ll need relevant education, such as a degree in accounting or finance, to get started. Don’t forget to obtain any necessary certifications or licensure to boost your credibility in the field. To learn more about this career, click here.

So, if you’re ready to start an exciting and rewarding career, give tax preparation a shot. You’ll be surprised at how fulfilling it can be to help others while enjoying the benefits of working from home.

Job Hunting Tips for Single Parents

Single parents face many unique job-hunting challenges. Here are some tips to help them succeed.

  • Connect with other single parents to uncover job opportunities
  • Focus on jobs that offer flexibility and remote work options
  • Update your resume and LinkedIn profile
  • Consider honing your skills or gaining or earning your certifications to improve your employability
  • Seek assistance from local organizations and job placement agencies

How can a single mom work full-time?

You can work full-time and love it by mastering time management, setting clear boundaries, and leaning on your support network!

The great news?

It is much simpler to balance your personal and professional lives with remote work options and flexible schedules (hello, flextime!).

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has been super helpful in showing you that, with a bit of grit, focus, and suitable job options, you can land a gig that meets your family’s financial stability and helps you grow as a person.

Keep polishing your skills, stay open to fresh opportunities, and never forget that you’re a rockstar mom who can nail professional success while being a fantastic and devoted parent.

We believe in you! So go out there, explore these fantastic job options, and remember you can do this.

Motherhood Society employs only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed research, to validate the information in our articles. Discover our editorial methodology to understand how we ensure the accuracy, dependability, and integrity of our content.

Shannon is a mother of two boys and one girl. She's hoping her experience with parenting and everything in between can help other moms navigate the complex world of motherhood.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
>