How to make money as a programmer?

Giorgi Chitishvili
3 min readMar 31, 2023

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As a programmer, you have a unique skill set that can translate into a lucrative career. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, there are plenty of opportunities to make money as a programmer. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to make money as a programmer, including freelancing, building your own products, and working for established companies.

Freelancing

Freelancing is a great way to make money as a programmer, especially if you’re just starting out or if you’re looking to build your portfolio. There are a few different ways to approach freelancing as a programmer, including:

  • Finding work on freelance platforms: There are plenty of freelance platforms out there, such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr, where you can find programming work. These platforms allow you to bid on projects and work with clients from around the world.
  • Building your own freelance business: If you’re looking to build a sustainable freelance business, you’ll need to do some marketing and outreach to find clients. This might include building a website, reaching out to potential clients on LinkedIn or other social media platforms, or attending networking events.

When it comes to setting your rates as a freelancer, it’s important to consider your experience level, the complexity of the project, and the value you can provide to the client. Don’t be afraid to negotiate your rates or offer discounts to build up your portfolio and reputation.

Building Your Own Products

Another great way to make money as a programmer is by building your own products. This might include:

  • Creating your own software: If you have an idea for a software product, you can build it yourself and sell it to customers. This might include developing an app, building a web-based tool, or creating a game.
  • Building a SaaS product: Software as a Service (SaaS) products are becoming increasingly popular, as they allow customers to access software on a subscription basis. If you have an idea for a SaaS product, you can build it yourself and market it to customers.
  • Creating online courses or tutorials: If you have expertise in a particular programming language or framework, you can create online courses or tutorials and sell them to students.

When it comes to building your own products, it’s important to focus on solving a real problem for your target market. This might involve doing market research, testing your product with potential customers, and iterating based on feedback.

Working for Established Companies

If you’re looking for a more stable income as a programmer, working for an established company might be a good option. This might include:

  • Working for a tech company: There are plenty of tech companies out there that are always looking for skilled programmers. This might include startups, established tech companies, or even non-tech companies that are building their own software products.
  • Working for a government agency: Government agencies also need programmers to build and maintain their software systems. This might include working for local or state governments, as well as federal agencies.
  • Working for a non-profit: Non-profits also need programmers to help build and maintain their websites, databases, and other software systems.

When it comes to working for established companies, it’s important to consider the company culture, the benefits package, and the potential for growth within the company. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re being fairly compensated for your skills and experience.

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