Best Microsoft Access Classes Online

The pandemic changed many things about our daily lives, and one of the most noticeable was the shift in attitudes towards remote and online work. While the number of jobs online is declining from the height of the pandemic, there are still substantially more opportunities for finding remote work than previously available. If you are interested in finding work either completely online or in a hybrid setup, you will certainly have options, provided you know where to look and what kinds of jobs you should pursue.

MS Access as a professional pathway in particular lends itself to remote work fairly easily. MS Access is still widely used with a market share of around 8% and adoption by over 134,000 companies, including large enterprises. Because these roles typically fall under IT departments, they are often more readily open to remote work. While finding and applying for remote work can present its own challenges, it is possible to become a virtual MS Access professional once you have the right training. 

An Overview of Remote Microsoft Access Careers

• MS Access Developer: This role is responsible for developing and designing databases (including things like tables, queries, forms, and reports) using Microsoft's programs and software. They’ll also implement security measures to protect data and manage user access levels, and diagnose and resolve issues with the database and applications. You can expect to make around $100,000 as an MS Access Developer, and you will find the most available job postings in New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.

• Data Analyst: A crucial professional to any business, a Data Analyst reviews data to identify key insights into a business's customers and uses the data to solve problems. They leverage statistical techniques and programming languages to understand and manipulate data, so an analytical mind is key. You can earn, on average, $83,000 starting out as a Data Analyst, but there’s much higher earning potential once you have a few years under your belt.

• Accountant: The simplest explanation is that an Accountant prepares and examines financial records. They are responsible for ensuring the effective management of money by tracking transactions, preparing financial statements, and providing valuable insights for decision-making. Entry-level salaries start at $70,000, and you can find plenty of available jobs in cities like Dallas, Atlanta, and Chicago.

• Cost Estimator: Similar to an Accountant in some ways, a Cost Estimator collects and analyzes data to assess the time, money, materials, and labor required to manufacture a product, construct a building, or provide a service. They generally specialize in a particular product or industry, so salaries can vary, but you can expect to earn around $77,000 per year in the United States.

Top Industries for Remote Microsoft Access Jobs

Due to Microsoft Access’s widespread adaptability and adoption, Microsoft Access is used in a variety of industries. You’ll usually see it used in small to medium-sized companies, but you can also work as a contract consultant or freelancer. Below is a list of industries that have an ongoing need for this kind of professional.

• Education: MS Access can be highly useful for school systems across the nation. Many use it to track student data, generate reports, manage admission and enrollment, and manage resources like library books and supplies, equipment, and curriculum. It can also help with administrative and operational tasks like staffing and financial management. The education sector is a major driver of the US economy, with estimated revenues exceeding $2.7 trillion. Composed of 13 subsectors of the economy that include public schools, testing, and educational support services, primary, secondary, and postsecondary schools alone generate 92.0% of the sector's revenue. High adoption in this sector means a high need for MS Access experts. 
• IT and Software Development: Some IT companies and software developers use Access for various internal tasks such as database management or developing custom applications. The tech sector contributed nearly $2 trillion to the US GDP in 2023 and is projected to continue to grow. Advances in software, AI, and digital transformation are the main contributing factors to that growth, and you can expect a staggering 11% increase in job growth in this sector by 2033.
• Retail: MS Access is often used by retail businesses for things like managing inventory, sales data, and customer information. It’s often adopted in this sector because of its ability to provide flexible, cost-effective, and user-friendly solutions. According to the National Retail Federation, retail is the nation's largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs. You can often find job postings for MS Access experts in this sector, many of which may be remote. 
• Project Management: This particular sector is unique in that it is found in almost every other industry, from construction to tech to healthcare to finance. Regardless of the field in which it’s applied, Access is often utilized for project planning, tracking, and resource allocation. Additionally, the project management industry is experiencing a significant rise in-demand, particularly in fields such as tech and construction, so you should find a steady demand for MS Access experts in this sector. 

Remote Job Outlook for Microsoft Access Professionals

Here’s the good news: The overall demand for data analysts and database professionals is strong, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 9% growth for database administrators and architects. While Access might not be as widely used as other database systems, specializing in Access can open the door to new opportunities, especially for those who can bridge the gap between Access and other technologies like SQL Server. Plus, it’s also important to consider the flexibility that being an MS Access expert provides, since you can also find success by working as a freelancer or consultant, offering your expertise to businesses with Access databases.