How to Make 6 Figures As A Api Developer? (11 Best Ways in 2024)
So you want to make six figures as a API developer? Good for you! Being a API developer is a highly respectable and well-paid profession, and there's no reason why you can't earn a high income if you put your mind to it.
In this blog post, we'll look at some of the best ways to make more money as a API developer - business ideas you can start to achieve such income. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Start a freelance writing business ($62.6K/month)
Starting a freelance writing business could significantly supplement your income as an API developer and potentially help you make six figures. Given your technical background, you could specialize in writing about technology and software development, which is highly sought after in the writing market. This niche expertise makes you a valuable asset to companies needing well-crafted technical documentation, blog posts, and educational content.
Freelance writing offers the flexibility to define your own schedule while working from home, enabling you to balance it alongside your regular job or other entrepreneurial ventures. With strong writing skills, the ability to meet deadlines, and staying updated with the latest writing trends and tools, you could build a lucrative side business or even transition into full-time freelance writing. This combination of technical knowledge and writing prowess is perfect for an entrepreneurial-minded API developer aiming to diversify their income streams.
How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 56 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
2. Become a social media influencer ($57.4K/month)
As an API developer, supplementing your income by becoming a social media influencer is a viable pathway to achieving a six-figure salary. By leveraging platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, you could establish yourself as an authority in the API development niche. Sharing engaging content such as tutorials, code reviews, and industry insights could attract a large following of aspiring developers and tech enthusiasts.
Brands are eager to collaborate with influencers who have credibility and a loyal audience. By consistently delivering valuable and informative content, you could monetize your following through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and paid partnerships with companies looking to reach your audience. This strategy not only creates a lucrative side income but also elevates your personal brand and opens doors to more professional opportunities.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $166,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)
How long does it take to build: 155 days (?)
How one mother built a profitable frugal motherhood, life, and travel blog from scratch, using Instagram, Pinterest, and paid sponsorships to grow from 0 to 18.5K followers and generate $1,500-$3,000 per month in less than two years.
3. Start a blog ($44.9K/month)
Starting a blog as an API developer could significantly supplement your income and help you achieve a six-figure salary by sharing your expertise and unique insights. With blogs being one of the top trusted sources for information and 77% of internet users engaging with them, you have the potential to reach a vast, interested audience by writing about trending topics in API development, best practices, or intricate coding solutions.
Furthermore, the opportunity to monetize through ads, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and even premium content like e-books or online courses could turn your blog into a lucrative side business or full-time venture. As a developer, by leveraging your technical skills and offering valuable content, you could build a loyal readership base that returns to your blog for quality, authoritative content.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
4. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could significantly supplement your income as an API developer. By sharing your expertise and insights on topics like API development, industry trends, or coding best practices, you could attract a dedicated audience eager for valuable information. Over time, this audience growth might lead to monetization opportunities through sponsorships, advertisements, or premium content subscriptions.
Additionally, a podcast allows you to establish yourself as a thought leader in the API development community. This increased visibility could open doors to speaking engagements, consulting opportunities, and potential side projects. If your content resonates well, you might even build a brand that can lead to a sustainable side business or a lucrative new career path.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
5. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)
As an API developer, you could supplement your income and potentially reach six figures by starting an ecommerce store. Leveraging your technical skills, you could build and integrate custom APIs to enhance user experience, streamline operations, and optimize sales funnels—resulting in increased efficiency and revenue for your online business.
eCommerce offers several advantages, such as lower overhead costs and the ability to reach a wider audience, compared to traditional brick-and-mortar stores. The booming convenience and efficiency of online shopping mean consumers can easily purchase products remotely, creating lucrative opportunities for tech-savvy entrepreneurs like you. Setting up a seamless ecommerce platform utilizing payment processing and inventory management systems could position you favorably in this growing market.
How much you can make: $350 — $13,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
6. Start a youtube channel ($146K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be a lucrative way to supplement your income as an API developer. By sharing your expertise through tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and coding tips, you could attract a substantial following of aspiring developers and tech enthusiasts. This type of content not only provides value but also establishes you as an authority in your field.
You could capitalize on YouTube's established monetization system by joining the YouTube Partner Program, which requires a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months. Achieving these metrics could open up revenue streams through ad placements, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. By leveraging YouTube’s incredible popularity and your passion for content creation, you could build a significant side income or even a standalone business.
How much you can make: $800 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Learn how this entrepreneurial couple made $5-7k a month by helping others find legitimate work from home jobs and creative ways to make money online through their blog and YouTube channel, as well as offering two flagship products designed to help beginner freelancers and new bloggers accelerate growth.
7. Create an online course ($82.8K/month)
Creating an online course could significantly boost your income as an API developer by leveraging your specialized knowledge to fill educational gaps in your field. As an entrepreneurial course creator, you could offer engaging video lessons and supplementary materials focused on API development, targeting lifelong learners eager to enhance their skill set.
By building a strong student base, your course offers the flexibility of self-paced or cohort-based learning, creating a steady stream of passive income. With relatively low startup costs, this side venture could quickly become a lucrative business, allowing you to monetize your instructional talents while still enjoying a fulfilling career as an API developer.
How much you can make: $275 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
8. Start a career coaching business ($48.5K/month)
Starting a career coaching business could help you make six figures as an API developer by leveraging your industry expertise to guide others in their professional journeys. You could provide personalized guidance and strategy sessions focusing on resume building, interview preparation, and workplace advancement specifically for those looking to enter or excel in tech roles. This not only diversifies your income streams but also positions you as a thought leader in your field.
With the flexibility to conduct coaching sessions virtually or in person, you could build a robust client base that values your specialized knowledge and motivational skills. By setting your own schedule, you would have the freedom to balance this side business with your primary role as an API developer, all while achieving consistent income growth. For entrepreneurial-minded developers, this could be an ideal way to monetize your human resources expertise and speaking talents.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $235,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Wall Street Oasis, the largest online community focused on careers in finance, has over 100 million visitors during its 14-year history and is currently receiving over 2 million visits per month, offering interview courses and mentorship services, in addition to building and investing in a thriving online community.
9. Digital products ($242K/month)
As an API developer, you could significantly boost your income by creating and selling digital products. These products could range from software tools and apps to informational products like eBooks, online courses, or even a subscription-based membership site. For example, you could package your knowledge into a comprehensive course on API development best practices or create utility tools that help streamline API integration processes.
Digital products are highly scalable and have low overhead costs, as they can be produced and distributed entirely online. This means you don't need to worry about inventory or physical storage, allowing you to maximize your profits. By leveraging your expertise and harnessing the power of digital platforms, you could easily build a sustainable side income that has the potential to grow into a six-figure business.
How much you can make: $10,417 — $1,766,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
FilterGrade is an eCommerce platform offering digital assets such as photo filters and video templates; attracting over 450,000 monthly users and generating approximately 30k a month, the founders worked hard to build a valuable marketplace for creators while focusing on digital marketing, partnerships, and content creation.
10. Become an affiliate marketer ($55.3K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business could significantly boost your income as an API developer by leveraging your technical skills to drive traffic and convert sales. As an affiliate marketer, you would promote other companies' products or services and earn a commission for sales made through your referral. Your expertise in APIs could help you target a tech-savvy audience, creating valuable content around the products and services you love.
By incorporating affiliate marketing into your portfolio, you could create additional income streams without the need to develop your own products. Signing up for affiliate programs in your niche requires minimal upfront investment, making it a cost-effective way to diversify your income. This business model is particularly advantageous for API developers who are entrepreneurial-minded and enjoy problem-solving through marketing and content creation.
How much you can make: $18,000 — $83,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
11. Start a social media marketing agency ($386K/month)
Starting a social media marketing agency could allow you to leverage your API development skills to supplement your income and even reach a six-figure annual revenue. By utilizing social media marketing tools, you could automate many repetitive tasks, minimizing the time commitment required and allowing you to focus on creating effective marketing strategies. This enables you to serve multiple clients efficiently, thus maximizing your earnings potential.
Additionally, building a strong portfolio for your agency could attract a steady stream of customers, further boosting your income. With the entrepreneurial mindset and technical skills of an API developer, you could excel in this side business or even transition into it full-time, taking advantage of the growing demand for digital marketing services. This venture could cover your utility bills, fund your education, or finance that next dream vacation.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,166,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 30 hours/week
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
