Top 15 Remote-First US Companies Hiring in 2026

Finding a remote job in 2026 is no longer about just scrolling through endless job boards and hoping for the best. The game has changed. Today, top-tier US companies are looking for "proof of work" over long-winded resumes. They want to see what you can actually do before they even hop on an introductory call. If you are looking for a career that offers freedom, high pay, and a global culture, you are in the right place.

I’m Riten, founder of Fueler, a skills-first portfolio platform that connects talented individuals with companies through assignments, portfolios, and projects, not just resumes/CVs. Think Dribbble/Behance for work samples + AngelList for hiring infrastructure

The landscape of work has permanently shifted toward a distributed model where your physical location matters less than your output. These companies are at the forefront of this movement, offering robust benefits, asynchronous cultures, and a commitment to employee growth.

1. GitLab

GitLab is one of the world’s largest all-remote organizations with over 2,000 employees across more than 60 countries. They are world-renowned for their "Remote Playbook," which serves as the blueprint for thousands of other companies trying to master distributed work. In 2026, GitLab remains a powerhouse in the DevSecOps space, focusing heavily on engineering, cybersecurity, and product management. Their culture is built on the foundation of transparency, with a public handbook that details every process from hiring to technical architecture.

• Heavy Focus on Asynchronous Work: GitLab operates on the principle that you do not need to be online at the same time as your teammates to be productive. This allows for immense freedom in how you structure your day, making it perfect for night owls or those with family commitments.
• Radical Transparency and Documentation: Every company policy and technical decision is documented in a public handbook that anyone can edit. This culture of documentation ensures that no one is left in the dark, regardless of which time zone they are working from.
• Global Salary Benchmarking: While many companies cut pay based on where you live, GitLab strives for a fair, competitive wage that reflects your role and local market. They use a sophisticated calculator to ensure pay equity across their global workforce of thousands.
• Home Office and Tech Stipends: To ensure you have a professional setup, GitLab provides a generous budget for high-quality hardware and office furniture. They believe that a comfortable workspace is the first step toward high-quality engineering and creative output.
• Professional Development Credits: Employees are encouraged to keep learning through a dedicated budget for certifications, conferences, and books. Whether you want to master a new coding language or leadership skill, GitLab invests heavily in your long-term career growth.

Why it matters: GitLab is the "gold standard" for remote work, making it the perfect destination for those who value autonomy and documentation-heavy cultures. Landing a role here proves you are a top-tier professional capable of managing your own time and delivering results.

2. Atlassian

Atlassian, the company behind massive tools like Jira and Trello, has fully embraced a "Team Anywhere" philosophy. This means they don't just "allow" remote work, they have rebuilt their entire corporate identity around it. By 2026, they have expanded their hiring reach to almost every corner of the US. They focus heavily on team collaboration and building tools that make the remote experience better for everyone else, which means they truly understand the daily struggles of distributed teams.

• The Team Anywhere Initiative: Atlassian allows employees to choose where they work best, whether that is from home, a coffee shop, or one of their vibrant office hubs. This flexibility is not a temporary perk but a core part of their long-term business strategy to attract the world's best talent.
• Focus on Collaborative Tooling: Because Atlassian builds the tools that remote teams use, they are constantly experimenting with new features internally. Working here means you get to be on the cutting edge of how the world will work in the next decade.
• Generous Wellness and Mental Health Support: Recognizing that remote work can sometimes feel isolating, Atlassian provides extensive mental health resources and "recharge" days. They prioritize the holistic well-being of their staff to prevent burnout in a high-growth environment.
• Inclusive Global Community Events: Even though they are remote-first, Atlassian hosts incredible virtual and in-person gatherings to foster human connection. They invest in bringing teams together for "bonding weeks" to ensure that the social fabric of the company remains strong.
• High-Impact Project Ownership: Employees at Atlassian are given significant ownership over their work, from initial concept to final shipping. This "you build it, you run it" mentality is perfect for proactive professionals who want to see their work used by millions.

Why it matters: Atlassian offers the stability of a giant tech corporation with the flexibility of a startup. It is an ideal environment for those who want to build products that define the future of work while enjoying the freedom to live wherever they choose.

3. Automattic

Automattic is the powerhouse behind WordPress.com and Tumblr, and they have been 100% remote since their inception. They don't even have a central office, preferring to spend that "rent money" on employee benefits and annual company retreats. In 2026, they are actively hiring for roles in engineering, design, and marketing. Their hiring process is famous for being "skills-first," often involving a paid trial project rather than just a series of theoretical interviews.

• Open Source Contribution Culture: Much of the work at Automattic involves contributing back to the open-source WordPress project. This means your professional work has a direct positive impact on the open web, which is used by millions of people globally every single day.
• Paid Audition Hiring Process: Automattic often skips traditional interviews in favor of a "trial" where you are paid to work on a real project for a few weeks. This allows you to show your actual skills and see if you enjoy the company's working style before committing.
• Unlimited Vacation Policy: They trust their employees to manage their own time and take breaks whenever they need them to stay fresh and productive. There is no complex "accrual" system; you simply coordinate with your team and take the time off you need.
• Annual Grand Meetups: Once a year, the entire company flies to a single location for a week of learning, bonding, and shared experiences. These retreats have happened everywhere from Hawaii to Thailand, providing a unique way to meet your global colleagues in person.
• Co-working and Coffee Stipends: If you prefer not to work from home, Automattic will pay for your co-working space membership. They even provide a monthly stipend for coffee and snacks to ensure you are fueled up while working from your favorite local cafe.

Why it matters: For those who believe in the open web and want a company that has "remote" in its DNA, Automattic is the ultimate choice. Their focus on your actual output rather than your resume makes them a perfect fit for portfolio-driven creators.

4. Zapier

Zapier is the leader in workflow automation and has been a fully distributed company since it started. They hire people across almost every time zone to ensure they can support their global user base around the clock. In 2026, Zapier is focused on integrating AI into every part of their product, leading to a massive hiring spree for AI engineers and technical product managers. They are well-known for their incredibly supportive onboarding process for new remote hires.

• Global Talent Sourcing: Zapier doesn't care where you live as long as you have the skills to help them grow. This opens up opportunities for high-level US-based roles even if you live in a rural area or prefer to travel while you work.
• AI-First Product Strategy: Working at Zapier in 2026 means you will be at the forefront of the AI revolution. They are constantly building new ways for users to automate their lives using large language models, providing a highly innovative work environment.
• Robust Profit-Sharing Program: Unlike many companies that only offer a flat salary, Zapier shares its success with its employees through a generous profit-sharing plan. This ensures that everyone is motivated to help the company reach its long-term financial and product goals.
• Dedicated Onboarding Buddies: To help you settle into a remote environment, Zapier pairs every new hire with an "onboarding buddy." This person helps you navigate the company culture, understand the tools, and start making friends from your very first day.
• Semi-Annual Company Retreats: Zapier brings the whole team together twice a year to brainstorm and socialize in person. These events are highly anticipated and help bridge the gap that digital communication sometimes leaves, creating deep professional bonds among teammates.

Why it matters: Zapier is perfect for people who love automation and want to work in a fast-paced, AI-driven environment. Their mature remote processes mean you won't have to deal with the "growing pains" often found in newer remote companies.

5. Shopify

Shopify is a global commerce giant that moved to a "Digital by Design" model several years ago. They believe that the office is no longer the center of the professional world and have redesigned their entire workflow to support remote employees. In 2026, they are looking for talented developers, data scientists, and commerce experts to help them build the future of retail. They offer a unique "Shopify Flex" program that gives employees even more control over their schedules.

• Digital by Design Philosophy: Shopify has completely eliminated the "office-first" mindset, ensuring that every meeting and project is accessible to remote workers. You will never feel like a "second-class citizen" just because you aren't in a physical building with your manager.
• Merchant-First Impact: Every line of code you write or marketing campaign you design at Shopify, helps small business owners succeed. This gives your work a level of real-world purpose and meaning that is often missing in larger, more disconnected corporate roles.
• Personal Growth Stipends: Shopify provides a significant annual budget for you to spend on your own growth and development. Whether you want to take a specialized course, attend a major conference, or hire a career coach, the company supports your journey.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Through their "Flex" program, Shopify allows you to structure your working hours around your life, not the other way around. This is ideal for parents, caregivers, or anyone who performs better during non-traditional working hours.
• Access to Top-Tier Tech: Shopify ensures that every remote employee has the best possible hardware and software to do their job. They provide high-end laptops, ergonomic equipment, and all the digital tools needed to build a world-class commerce platform.

Why it matters: Shopify is a great choice for those who want to work at scale while maintaining a strong sense of autonomy. Their commitment to a digital-first culture ensures that you have all the resources you need to succeed from anywhere.

6. Buffer

Buffer is a pioneer in the world of remote work and is best known for its "Radical Transparency" policy, where it even publish their employees' salaries online. They are a smaller, more tight-knit team compared to the giants, which allows for a very human and empathetic culture. In 2026, Buffer is hiring for marketing, engineering, and customer advocacy roles, specifically looking for people who align with their core values of kindness and reflection.

• Salary and Revenue Transparency: Buffer believes that transparency builds trust, so they share almost everything internally and externally. You will always know exactly how the company is doing financially and how your pay compares to your peers across the organization.
• Four-Day Work Week: Buffer was one of the first tech companies to successfully implement a permanent four-day work week. This focus on "work-life harmony" ensures that employees have plenty of time to rest and pursue personal passions outside of their professional lives.
• Kindness as a Core Value: Unlike the "hustle culture" found in many startups, Buffer prioritizes kindness and empathy in all interactions. This creates a psychological safety that allows employees to take risks, make mistakes, and grow without fear of harsh judgment.
• Sabbatical Program: After every five years of service, Buffer employees are encouraged to take a fully paid six-week sabbatical. This allows for deep rest and the chance to return to work with a fresh perspective and renewed energy for future projects.
• Profit-Sharing and Equity: Buffer ensures that everyone has a stake in the company's success through equity and profit-sharing. This long-term thinking aligns the interests of the employees with the health of the business, fostering a truly collaborative environment.

Why it matters: Buffer is the ideal workplace for those who are tired of corporate politics and want a more human-centric, transparent experience. Their four-day work week is a massive draw for anyone looking to reclaim their personal time.

7. UnitedHealth Group

While you might think of them as a traditional healthcare company, UnitedHealth Group has become one of the largest employers of remote talent in the US. By 2026, they have thousands of open roles for nurses, data analysts, IT professionals, and customer service representatives. They offer the incredible stability of a Fortune 500 company while allowing a significant portion of their workforce to work from home permanently.

• Massive Stability and Benefits: Working for one of the largest companies in the world comes with unparalleled job security and a comprehensive benefits package. This includes high-end health insurance, 401(k) matching, and various employee assistance programs that smaller startups can't always match.
• Diverse Range of Roles: Because it is so large, UnitedHealth Group has remote openings in almost every field imaginable. Whether you are a clinical professional or a backend software engineer, there is likely a remote-eligible position that fits your specific skill set.
• Investment in Healthcare Tech: They are spending billions on digital health and AI to improve patient outcomes, making it an exciting place for tech professionals. You get to work on projects that have a direct impact on the health and lives of millions of Americans.
• Structured Career Paths: Unlike smaller remote companies, where roles can be fluid, UnitedHealth Group offers very clear ladders for promotion. If you are looking for a company where you can grow from a junior level to a director over several years, this is a great fit.
• Work-From-Home Support for Clinicians: They have pioneered remote roles for clinical staff, such as telehealth nursing and medical coding. This allows healthcare professionals to continue their vital work without the physical toll and burnout often associated with hospital environments.

Why it matters: UnitedHealth Group is the perfect destination for those who want the "best of both worlds, "the security of a massive corporation and the convenience of a remote lifestyle. It’s particularly great for those in the healthcare or insurance sectors.

8. HubSpot

HubSpot is a leading CRM and marketing platform that has fully committed to a hybrid-remote model they call "HubSpot at Home." They give every employee the choice to be fully remote, office-based, or a mix of both. In 2026, they are expanding their remote engineering and sales teams across the US, focusing on building a culture that is inclusive of everyone, regardless of where they sit.

• Flexibility as a Standard: HubSpot allows you to change your work preference once a year, giving you the freedom to move or change your lifestyle as needed. This flexibility ensures that the company adapts to your life stages rather than forcing you to adapt to them.
• World-Class Culture Code: HubSpot is famous for its "Culture Code," which emphasizes autonomy, heart, and the drive to "Grow Better." This cultural foundation makes it one of the highest-rated places to work on sites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn every single year.
• Global Vacation Days: In addition to unlimited vacation, HubSpot often holds "Global Week of Rest" events where the entire company shuts down. This prevents the "vacation guilt" that can happen in remote teams when you feel like you're missing out while away.
• Diversity and Inclusion Focus: HubSpot invests heavily in creating a diverse workforce and ensures that remote employees are fully included in all social and professional events. They use specialized tools and programs to make sure everyone's voice is heard in digital meetings.
• Tuition Reimbursement and Learning: They are deeply committed to the growth of their employees, offering generous tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees or specialized certifications. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are early in their careers and want to keep learning.

Why it matters: HubSpot offers a high-energy, high-growth environment that still values individual balance. It is an excellent place for marketing and sales professionals who want to work with the best tools in the industry from their own homes.

9. Dell Technologies

Dell has been a pioneer in flexible work long before it was trendy, starting their "Connected Workplace" program in 2009. By 2026, they have refined their remote operations to a science, offering roles in cybersecurity, sales, and software engineering. They are a great example of a hardware company that has successfully transitioned much of its professional workforce to a remote-first model.

• Established Remote Infrastructure: Because they have been doing this for over a decade, Dell has the systems and support in place to make remote work seamless. You won't have to deal with the technical glitches or communication silos that often plague newer remote organizations.
• Cybersecurity and Cloud Focus: Dell is moving heavily into the security and cloud space, creating thousands of high-paying roles for tech experts. Working here gives you the chance to work on the infrastructure that powers much of the modern digital world.
• Massive Internal Mobility: With a workforce as large as Dell's, the opportunities for internal moves are endless. You can start in sales and move into product management or engineering without ever having to leave the company or your home office.
• Strong Commitment to Sustainability: Dell is a leader in corporate sustainability, and they view remote work as a key part of reducing their carbon footprint. If you want to work for a company that takes environmental responsibility seriously, Dell is a top contender.
• Comprehensive Family Benefits: Dell offers some of the best family-related benefits in the industry, including generous parental leave and support for caregivers. They understand that remote work is often a tool for better family life and they actively support that balance.

Why it matters: Dell is a reliable, stable choice for professionals who want to work for a legacy brand that truly "gets" remote work. Their deep experience in the field makes them one of the most comfortable remote employers in the US.

10. Toptal

Toptal is an exclusive network of the top 3% of freelance talent globally, but they also have a massive, fully remote internal team that runs the platform. Since they deal with elite remote talent every day, their internal culture is incredibly high-performing and efficient. In 2026, they are hiring for roles in operations, talent matching, and software development to help scale their platform to even more enterprise clients.

• Working with the Best of the Best: Because Toptal only accepts the top 3% of talent, you will be surrounded by some of the smartest people in the industry. This environment pushes you to grow quickly and refine your skills to a world-class level.
• Fully Distributed from Day One: Toptal has never had an office, which means every process they have was built specifically for remote work. There is no "headquarters" where the real decisions happen; everyone has an equal seat at the virtual table.
• Focus on Output, Not Hours: Toptal doesn't care when or where you work as long as you deliver exceptional results. This high-trust environment is perfect for self-motivated professionals who hate being micromanaged and prefer to own their schedules.
• Access to a Global Network: Working at Toptal gives you access to an incredible network of experts across hundreds of industries. The connections you make here can be invaluable for your long-term career growth and personal professional development.
• Highly Competitive Compensation: To attract the top 3% of talent, Toptal offers salaries that are often at the very top of the market. They understand that to get the best people, they need to offer the best pay and benefits packages in the remote space.

Why it matters: Toptal is the ultimate destination for "A-players" who want to be surrounded by other high-performers. It is a challenging but incredibly rewarding place for those who take their craft seriously and want to be paid accordingly.

11. Salesforce

Salesforce is the world's #1 CRM platform and has become a massive advocate for what they call "Success from Anywhere." They offer a variety of remote roles, particularly in technical support, sales, and software engineering. In 2026, Salesforce is a top choice for those looking for a mission-driven company that values "Ohana," a Hawaiian concept that emphasizes family and responsibility to one another.

• Success from Anywhere Model: Salesforce gives employees the ability to choose a work style that fits their life, with many roles being 100% remote-eligible. This model is backed by significant investments in digital collaboration tools like Slack (which Salesforce owns).
• The "Ohana" Culture: The company culture is built on trust, customer success, innovation, and equality. This creates a supportive and inclusive environment where remote employees are encouraged to bring their full, authentic selves to work every day.
• Heavy Integration with Slack: Since Salesforce owns Slack, you will be using the absolute best communication tools to stay connected with your team. This makes the day-to-day experience of remote work feel fluid, fast, and highly collaborative.
• Generous Volunteer Time Off: Salesforce gives employees 56 hours of paid time off per year to volunteer for causes they care about. This commitment to giving back is a core part of their identity and is highly valued by their remote workforce.
• Leading-Edge AI Work: With the launch of "Einstein AI," Salesforce is at the cutting edge of business automation. Remote employees in engineering and product roles get to work on some of the most advanced AI implementations in the corporate world.

Why it matters: Salesforce offers the prestige of a top-tier tech giant with a culture that actually cares about your well-being. It’s an ideal spot for those who want to work on big problems with a great team of supportive colleagues.

12. Intuit

Intuit, the company behind TurboTax and QuickBooks, has leaned heavily into remote hiring to find the best financial and technical talent across the US. By 2026, they have established a robust "Virtual Expert" network that allows thousands of accountants and tax pros to work from home. They also offer high-level remote roles in data science and cybersecurity to protect the sensitive financial data of their millions of users.

• The Virtual Expert Network: Intuit has created a massive platform for financial professionals to provide expert advice to customers from their own homes. This has revolutionized the career paths for accountants and bookkeepers, offering them unprecedented flexibility.
• Focus on Financial Empowerment: Working at Intuit means helping individuals and small businesses manage their money better. This mission provides a high degree of job satisfaction, as your work directly impacts the financial health of your users.
• Advanced Data Science Roles: Because they handle so much financial data, Intuit is a playground for data scientists and AI experts. They offer many remote roles focused on building predictive models and automated financial tools.
• Strong Support for Diversity: Intuit is consistently ranked as a top employer for diversity, equity, and inclusion. They make a concerted effort to ensure that their remote hiring practices reach underrepresented groups in the tech and finance sectors.
• Robust Employee Resource Groups: Even as a remote employee, you can join various groups that connect you with colleagues who share your interests or background. This helps build a sense of community that can sometimes be missing in distributed teams.

Why it matters: Intuit is a perfect fit for those in the finance or data sectors who want a stable, mission-driven remote role. Their scale and focus on technology make them a leader in the "fintech" remote space.

13. Block (formerly Square)

Block is a global technology company with a focus on financial services, encompassing brands like Square, Cash App, and Tidal. They were one of the first major tech firms to announce that employees could work from home forever. In 2026, they continue to hire aggressively for remote roles in engineering, product design, and creative fields, looking for people who want to "rebuild the economy" for everyone.

• Permanent Remote Policy: Block has made it clear that remote work is not just a temporary measure but a permanent part of their strategy. This gives you the long-term peace of mind that your role won't suddenly be moved back to a physical office in San Francisco.
• Creative and Innovative Environment: Because they own diverse brands like Tidal and Cash App, Block offers a unique blend of finance, music, and technology. This leads to a highly creative and cross-functional work environment that is rarely found in traditional finance firms.
• Focus on Economic Empowerment: The company’s mission is to make the economy more inclusive. Remote employees get to work on products that help small businesses accept payments, individuals send money, and artists get paid fairly for their work.
• Decentralized Decision Making: Block operates with a very flat and decentralized structure, giving teams a high degree of autonomy. This is perfect for remote workers who want to take ownership of their projects and move quickly without excessive bureaucracy.
• Health and Wellness Stipends: Block provides generous allowances for mental health, physical fitness, and general wellness. They understand that a healthy employee is a productive one, and they invest heavily in the holistic well-being of their remote staff.

Why it matters: Block is the ideal choice for "forward-thinkers" who want to work at the intersection of finance and culture. Their permanent remote stance makes them one of the most reliable options for long-term remote careers.

14. Dropbox

Dropbox famously shifted to a "Virtual First" model, where remote work is the primary experience for all employees. They have even converted their former office spaces into "Dropbox Studios" meant for occasional team collaboration rather than daily work. In 2026, they are focused on building AI-powered tools to help teams organize their digital lives, creating many new roles in product and engineering.

• Virtual First by Design: Unlike hybrid companies, Dropbox is built around the remote experience first. Every meeting, document, and communication is optimized for a distributed team, ensuring that no one is left out of the loop.
• "Non-Linear" Workdays: Dropbox encourages employees to work during their "core collaboration hours" but allows them to manage the rest of their time as they see fit. This focus on results over "hours at a desk" provides incredible daily flexibility.
• The Dropbox Studios Concept: If you ever do want to meet your team in person, Dropbox has beautiful "studios" in major cities designed specifically for collaboration. These are not offices for heads-down work, but spaces for brainstorming and social bonding.
• Focus on Smart Workspace AI: In 2026, Dropbox is much more than just file storage; they are building an AI-powered workspace. Working here gives you the chance to define how artificial intelligence will help humans stay organized in the future.
• Generous Home Office Setup: To support their Virtual First model, Dropbox provides a significant one-time stipend to set up your home office. They want to ensure you have an ergonomic and professional environment so you can do your best work comfortably.

Why it matters: Dropbox is perfect for those who want a truly modern, "virtual-first" experience. Their thoughtful approach to remote work makes them a leader in employee satisfaction and digital innovation.

15. Adobe

Adobe is a creative powerhouse that has fully embraced flexible work for its global team. Known for tools like Photoshop and Premiere Pro, they offer remote roles in design, software development, and marketing. In 2026, Adobe is a top choice for creative professionals who want to build the tools used by millions of artists while enjoying the freedom of a remote lifestyle.

• Creative-Centric Culture: As a company that serves creators, Adobe has a culture that deeply values design, art, and innovation. Remote employees are encouraged to be creative in their own roles, whether they are in engineering or accounting.
• Massive Investment in AI (Firefly): Adobe is leading the way in generative AI for creators with their Firefly model. Working here in 2026 means being at the heart of the most exciting technological shift in the history of the creative industries.
• Consistently Rated a "Best Place to Work": Adobe is a regular on lists of the best employers in the US. Their focus on employee well-being, diversity, and professional growth makes them a highly sought-after company for remote talent.
• Adobe "Global Days Off": To help prevent burnout, Adobe has several company-wide days off throughout the year where everyone stops working. This collective break ensures that remote employees can truly unplug without coming back to a mountain of messages.
• World-Class Benefits for Remote Staff: Adobe offers an incredible benefits package that includes everything from comprehensive health insurance to support for adoption and surrogacy. They take a holistic view of employee needs and provide support for every stage of life.

Why it matters: Adobe is the dream destination for creative-minded professionals who want to work for a legendary brand. Their strong remote culture and focus on cutting-edge AI make them a top choice for 2026.

Show Your Skills with Fueler

Before you reach out to these top companies, you need a way to prove you can do the work. This is where Fueler comes in. Instead of a boring PDF resume, Fueler allows you to build a dynamic, "skills-first" portfolio that showcases your actual projects, assignments, and work samples.

Whether you are a developer with a GitHub repo, a designer with a Figma file, or a marketer with a successful campaign, Fueler gives you a professional home to organize these assets. When you apply to a remote-first company, sending a Fueler link tells the recruiter, "Don't just take my word for it, look at what I've actually built." It’s the ultimate way to build trust in a remote world where your work is your only true identity.

Final Thoughts

The remote job market in 2026 is highly competitive, but it is also more accessible than ever for those who lead with their skills. Companies like GitLab, Atlassian, and Automattic are looking for proactive individuals who can thrive in a distributed environment. By focusing on building a strong portfolio and demonstrating your "proof of work," you can secure a role that offers both professional growth and personal freedom. Remember, your resume might get you an initial look, but your actual work samples are what will ultimately land you the job in today's talent-driven market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I find high-paying remote US jobs in 2026?

To find high-paying roles, focus on remote-specific job boards like We Work Remotely or FlexJobs, and always lead with a portfolio of your work. Networking directly with hiring managers on LinkedIn and showcasing your "proof of work" on platforms like Fueler will significantly increase your chances of being noticed.

Do I need a degree to work for remote companies like Automattic?

Many remote-first companies like Automattic and GitLab prioritize skills and experience over formal degrees. They often use "auditions" or trial projects to see how you perform in real-world scenarios, making it possible for self-taught professionals or those with unconventional backgrounds to land senior-level roles.

What are the best skills for remote work in 2026?

The most in-demand remote skills include software development (especially AI integration), digital marketing, UI/UX design, and asynchronous communication. Being able to manage your own time, document your work clearly, and communicate effectively via text are also highly valued traits in distributed teams.

Are remote companies still hiring internationally from the US?

Yes, many US-based remote-first companies hire globally. However, some have geographic restrictions for legal, tax, or time-zone reasons. Look for companies that describe themselves as "fully distributed" or "all-remote" if you are looking for roles outside of the United States.

How can I stand out in a remote job application?

The best way to stand out is by sending a personalized "proof of work" portfolio instead of just a standard resume. Reaching out directly to hiring managers with a link to your Fueler profile and explaining exactly how your skills can solve their current problems will make you ten times more likely to get an interview.

What is Fueler Portfolio?

Fueler is a career portfolio platform that helps companies find the best talent for their organization based on their proof of work. You can create your portfolio on Fueler. Thousands of freelancers around the world use Fueler to create their professional-looking portfolios and become financially independent. Discover inspiration for your portfolio

Sign up for free on Fueler or get in touch to learn more.