When most people think of six-figure jobs, they picture doctors, lawyers, or tech jobs in fancy offices. But these days, there are all kinds of unexpected (and way more creative) ways people are pulling in six-figure incomes. And some of them right from their couch. Here are 13 unexpected and cool ways people are making serious money, proving that the road to success doesn’t always look traditional.
It’s important to note that just like waiting for a promotion at a job, the competition is high and not everyone will be successful. But many have found success simply by sticking to it long enough and carving their niche.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Pet influencers on Instagram or TikTok
Yep, people’s dogs and cats are actually making more money than most of us will ever make. Sponsored pet posts, brand deals, and cute merch can bring in cash really quickly.
Online course creators
People are teaching all kinds of things online, from photography to cake decorating to sourdough baking. They’re making a lot of money doing it. Plus, once the course is created, it can keep selling itself.
Virtual assistants (VAs)
You can definitely start out by just offering small help, but pro-level VAs tackle huge projects for a ton of different clients. Many six-figure VAs have carved out a specialized niche and upped their rates.
Professional gaming or streaming
Twitch and YouTube streamers and channel owners are generating substantial income. With subscriptions, donations, and sponsorships, it can really, truly add up to six figures. Who knew playing video games all day could be this legit?
Selling digital products
Things like templates, e-books, or stock photos are low-cost to make and can sell over and over. It’s like having a mini money machine online.
Freelance writing or design
Writers and designers who work for multiple clients or specialize in high-paying niches can easily break into six-figure territory. Niche expertise equals big bucks.
YouTube content creators
Ad revenue, sponsorships, merch, and affiliate links add up FAST. You don’t have to be the next PewDiePie to make a surprising amount of money if you have an engaged audience.
Airbnb or short-term rental hosts
People are turning spare rooms, tiny homes, or vacation spots into major income streams. Some hosts even scale up to manage multiple properties.
Etsy or handmade product sellers
Handmade jewelry, custom art, or even printable planners are another source of good income. Etsy sellers with a niche and good marketing can hit six figures.
Affiliate marketers
Affiliate marketers promote products online and get a percentage cut as a commission for every sale. Affiliate income can be massive with the right audience.
Voiceover artists
Need a voice for your audiobook, ad, video game, podcast, or YouTube video? Voiceover artists are in high demand, and many are able to work from home studios to command a lot of money per gig.
Self-published authors
Yep, authors are making big bucks by writing and selling their own romance, fantasy, memoir, or self-help books on Amazon or other platforms. A passionate fan base can translate into real sales.
Professional organizers
Helping other people declutter their homes or offices is a nice little business, with top-level organizers charging high rates. Add a little media exposure to the mix, and it’s a six-figure biz.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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