Trying to reach six-figure earnings but don’t know the first step to take? The good news is that you can reach six figures in more ways than you might imagine. A fancy degree and a traditional 9-to-5 job are no longer required to earn six figures. The internet and hustle culture help people to earn money through activities like freelancing, online course sales, real estate flipping and digital art creation. Here are 12 proven methods used by real people to earn six figures today. You too can follow these to achieve your financial goals!
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Freelancing (Writing, Graphic Design, Programming, etc.)
The freelancing industry is booming as people provide services such as:
- Copywriting & content writing
- Graphic design & branding
- Web development & coding
- Video editing
Freelancers can find high-paying clients through platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal. Top freelancers earn premium rates by specializing in sought-after skills such as UX writing and AI prompt engineering, and conversion-focused design.
Selling Online Courses & Digital Products
If you have valuable knowledge, you can transform it into a course, eBook, or template to sell online. Teaching things like coding, photography, & even personal finance allows people to earn six-figure salaries. You can sell your courses online through Teachable, Udemy or Gumroad. Offer downloadable templates, planners, or guides for sale on your website or through Etsy. You can set up automated sales systems to generate passive income while you sleep.
Running an E-commerce Store
Selling products online is easier than ever with the help of platforms such as Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon FBA. Some successful sellers:
- Private label brands (buy in bulk, rebrand, and resell)
- Print-on-demand products (custom T-shirts, mugs, or art)
- Handmade items (jewelry, candles, home decor)
The key? Choose a profitable market segment and concentrate on building your brand while using social media marketing strategies.
Real Estate Investing (Even Without Owning Property)
There are real estate investment opportunities that don’t require owning property. Six-figure earners are making bank through:
- House hacking (renting out a portion of their home)
- Flipping contracts (discovering undervalued properties and selling the contract to investors)
- Short-term rentals (Airbnb arbitrage – renting properties and legally subletting them)
Real estate becomes a powerful wealth-building tool when done correctly.
High-Ticket Sales (Without a Degree)
Sales positions in fields like technology, real estate and finance are the fastest way to access to six-figure salaries without the need for a college degree. SaaS companies pay their tech sales representatives large commissions. The same goes for real estate agents (once you get licensed) and B2B sales consultants. Top salespeople master persuasive techniques, develop strong relationships, and regularly close big deals
Social Media Management & Content Creation
Companies will spend generously to grow their presence on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. For example, social media managers, who handle business and brand accounts, earn big salaries. YouTubers and influencers earn money through advertisements, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing programs. Those who know how to generate engagement and increase sales can build substantial wealth in this field.
Affiliate Marketing (Getting Paid to Promote Products)
Affiliate marketers generate income through online product promotions that earn them a commission. They make money by:
- Creating blog posts optimized for search engines so they reach top positions in Google search results
- Creating YouTube videos reviewing products
- Generating traffic for affiliate links by using TikTok and Instagram
The best part? You can earn money by promoting existing brands such as Amazon and Shopify without needing to create any products.
Tech Jobs (Even Without a Degree)
The tech industry is expanding rapidly and having a CS degree is no longer necessary for entry.
- Software engineers (Learn coding through free courses like FreeCodeCamp).
- Data analysts (Learn SQL and Excel).
- Cybersecurity specialists (Google offers certifications).
Most people enter the technology field through online bootcamps, freelance work and networking activities.
Starting a Subscription-Based Business
Subscription-based businesses generate regular payments that create the potential for reaching six-figure earnings. Some ideas:
- Exclusive content on Patreon or Substack
- Subscription boxes (beauty, fitness, or hobby-related)
- Paid membership communities
If you can create ongoing value, a small but loyal audience can turn into a big paycheck.
Personal Branding & Coaching
Your expertise in any field allows you to establish a six-figure coaching or consulting enterprise. Some niches include:
- Fitness & wellness coaching
- Career coaching & resume writing
- Financial coaching (help with budgeting, and investment strategies, repairing credit profiles, etc.)
Developing a professional image on LinkedIn, YouTube, or Instagram enables you to connect with affluent clientele
Remote Customer Support or Virtual Assistance
Skilled virtual assistants (VAs) and customer support representatives earn between $25 and $50 per hour from many businesses. Some six-figure earners specialize in:
- Executive assistance (email, scheduling, admin work)
- Tech support for SaaS companies
- Bookkeeping & finance assistance
Virtual assistants who master automation, social media management, and email marketing have the ability to increase their service rates.
Creating & Selling NFTs or Digital Art
The NFT and digital art industry experienced rapid growth which allows skilled self-promoting artists to earn over $100,000 by selling digital works. Ways to profit include:
- Selling NFTs on OpenSea or Foundation
- Creating digital art packs for content creators
- Selling stock photos, videos, or music
The combination of creativity and marketing skills leads to substantial income opportunities in this field.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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