Balancing work and parenting is no small task, especially for stay-at-home dads. Fortunately, the rise of remote work and flexible job opportunities makes this challenge more manageable. Whether you’re looking to boost your household income or begin a fulfilling career without leaving your family, this guide has you covered.
Here’s why flexible jobs are growing in popularity, their benefits, and the top 15 career options to explore.
In 2023, 7% of U.S. fathers were stay-at-home dads, making up 18% of all stay-at-home parents, according to Pew Research. This reflects shifting cultural norms and greater recognition of dads' role in caregiving. Many fathers stay home to strengthen bonds, share parenting equally, or adjust to changing family dynamics. Here’s why more dads are choosing this path.
Flexible and remote work arrangements, which became more common post-2020, have significantly reshaped traditional parenting roles. These arrangements enable parents, particularly dads, to take on more active responsibilities at home, such as helping with schoolwork and managing household tasks.
Remote work allows parents to be present for important family moments while maintaining a steady income. This shift has created new opportunities for families to better balance work and caregiving, making it easier to share responsibilities and prioritize family time.
Cultural perceptions of dads as primary caregivers are evolving, with increasing recognition of their role in nurturing and raising children. This shift is helping redefine modern fatherhood, emphasizing emotional involvement and active participation in family life.
The rising costs of childcare are pushing families to find creative solutions. Flexible jobs have become a crucial option, reducing daycare expenses and allowing dads to support their families both emotionally and financially from home. This approach strengthens family bonds and promotes work-life balance for the entire household.
Skills Needed: Networking, sales skills, communication, empathy, problem-solving, active listening, and a real estate license
For Arizona dads, pursuing a career in real estate can be highly rewarding. The average salary for a real estate agent in Arizona working part-time is $52,000 per year, according to the Arizona School of Real Estate & Business 2025 Salary Guide. (Full-time agents earn an average of $162,500, according to the survey.) Agents enjoy flexible schedules, making it easy to plan showings, open houses, and meetings around family responsibilities. Additionally, it is the perfect career for stay-at-home parents who want to grow their businesses as their children become more independent.
How to Become a Real Estate Agent:
Enroll in required real estate courses through the Arizona School of Real Estate & Business.
Pass the required licensing exam.
Join a brokerage to kickstart your career and gain on-the-job training.
Skills Needed: Writing, editing, and research skills
Freelance writing offers the freedom to work when and where you want. Writers in Arizona earn around $23.15 per hour, and you can specialize in anything from blogging to technical writing to boost your income.
Tasks Include: Managing emails, scheduling, and customer service
Virtual assistants are in demand, with an average salary of $30.05 per hour in Arizona. It’s a role that blends flexibility with significant earning potential, helping businesses stay organized while allowing you to work entirely from home.
High-Demand Subjects: Math, science, and foreign languages
If teaching interests you, online tutoring is a rewarding and flexible job. Tutors in Arizona earn about $17.58 per hour, with platforms like VIPKid or Tutor.com providing opportunities and resources.
Tools Needed: Adobe Creative Suite or Canva
Graphic designers can earn $22.63 per hour on average in Arizona, with opportunities to work on projects like logos, marketing materials, or website designs. Having a strong portfolio is key to attracting steady clients.
Skills Needed: Coding skills in languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Web developers build and maintain websites for businesses and entrepreneurs, offering a flexible work schedule and excellent income potential. The average salary for a web developer in Arizona is an impressive $82,585 annually -- working full time.
Start Learning: Platforms like Udemy or Codecademy offer affordable courses to help beginners
Daily Tasks: Scheduling posts, monitoring engagement, and analyzing metrics
This role balances creativity with technical expertise, making it an excellent fit for tech-savvy dads.
Products to Sell: Handcrafted goods, vintage items, or digital downloads
While specific salary averages vary, many successful sellers earn extra income by finding a niche market. Dedication and consistent effort can lead to significant earnings over time.
Getting Started: Pick a niche, such as parenting tips or tech reviews, and start creating content.
Though blogging earnings vary widely, you can monetize through affiliate marketing or sponsored content. Persistence is key, and opportunities grow as your audience expands.
Industries Hiring Remotely: Healthcare, e-commerce, and telecommunications
Remote customer service roles offer steady hours and reliable income streams, making them a great option for stay-at-home dads. Pay rates differ by company, but minimal requirements make this an easy field to enter.
Attention to detail is key for data entry jobs, which involve entering information into databases or spreadsheets. Pay varies, but benefits include the flexibility to work from anywhere.
Requirements: Fast typing and strong listening skills
Transcriptionists can specialize in areas like medicine or law for higher rates. Though income depends on your speed and expertise, this is a great job for dads with time to focus.
Popular Niches: Fitness, parenting tips, or financial advice
Turn your skills into income by coaching or consulting remotely. The earning potential is limitless, depending on how much demand exists for your expertise.
Whether you’re capturing family portraits or shooting stock images, photography offers creative freedom. Rates vary, but a well-built portfolio can lead to steady bookings.
Getting Started: Sign up on platforms like Rover or advertise locally
Pet sitting can bring in a reliable side income, especially if you’re already home during the day. Earnings depend on the number of clients and services you provide.
Stay-at-home dads no longer have to choose between being present for their families and building careers. Flexible jobs—from real estate to freelance writing to tech roles like web development—provide income and free up time for family. Explore your strengths, choose a path that aligns with your goals, and take that first step towards a fulfilling career.
Are you ready to complete the steps to become a real estate agent? The Arizona School of Real Estate & Business has served aspiring Arizona real estate agents for 55 years. We offer flexible course options, including self-paced, livestream, and in-person, with excellent exam pass rates.
You’ve got this, dads!
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only, based on an August 2024 survey of Arizona School of Real Estate & Business (ASREB) alumni and publicly available industry sources. While ASREB strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the information. Earnings and outcomes vary widely based on factors like location, experience, and market conditions and should not be considered guarantees. This guide does not constitute professional advice. Users should consult additional sources for personalized guidance.
