FlexJobs has released its latest Remote Work Index, providing an overview of remote job trends for the third quarter of 2025. The report draws on FlexJobs’ database of hand-screened job postings and highlights both growth and contraction in various industries.
According to the index, remote job postings fell by 4% from July to September 2025. This marks the first quarterly decline since the start of the year, indicating a shift in the remote job market. Most remote positions remained concentrated among experienced professionals (66%), with manager (18%), senior manager (9%), and entry-level roles (7%) following.
Some sectors continued to see growth in remote opportunities, particularly in engineering, project management, and sales. These fields showed increased demand for experienced and senior-level professionals. Sales also maintained high levels of remote roles throughout the quarter, while HR & recruiting, customer service, and marketing posted steady numbers.
However, other industries saw a decrease in remote jobs—on average down by 12%. Factors such as seasonal hiring patterns, a cooling labor market, or return-to-office mandates contributed to this decline. Despite these changes, computer & IT jobs remained the largest source of remote postings overall.
The highest-paying and most sought-after remote jobs offered average salaries above $100K according to Payscale data. Key areas included tech, product management, and account management roles.
FlexJobs identified ten companies that led in posting fully remote jobs during Q3 2025. While overall opportunities have cooled somewhat, worker interest in flexible arrangements remains strong.
A recent FlexJobs State of the Workforce Report found that 69% of respondents would accept lower pay for a chance to work remotely—an increase from last year’s figure. Financial concerns are also influencing career decisions; FlexJobs’ Work Shift Pulse Report noted that 62% would consider moving into blue-collar work if it meant better pay or stability.
Toni Frana, career expert at FlexJobs, commented on current trends: “Due to the competitive nature of the job market right now, I expect to see more workers staying put this fall. Even if workers don’t have the perfect job with the remote work option they want, the economic uncertainties and a tighter job market are pushing many to stay in the job they have.”
This approach is sometimes called “job hugging,” where employees remain in their current positions for financial security amid uncertainty. Frana added: “It really comes down to knowing where to look, starting with industries that are still seeing growth, such as engineering or communications, and hiring for high-paying remote jobs.”
She emphasized professional development as essential: “For professionals who are ‘job hugging’ and job searching, now is the time to focus on gaining skills employers prioritize in remote hires and invest in your professional development including fields driving remote growth.” She also advised proactive efforts: “The competition remains high…networking personal branding and strong follow-up efforts after applying…will provide more opportunities to be visible to employers looking to fill roles.”
FlexJobs continues its mission as a resource for those seeking flexible work options by offering vetted listings across all experience levels as well as advice and events for career support.
