How to Make 6 Figures As A Data Visualization Specialist? (11 Best Ways in 2024)

Updated: September 9th, 2024

So you want to make six figures as a data visualization specialist? Good for you! Being a data visualization specialist 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 data visualization specialist - business ideas you can start to achieve such income. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Digital products ($261K/month)

As a data visualization specialist, creating digital products could be an excellent way for you to supplement your income and move towards making six figures. You could leverage your expertise by developing software tools or apps that simplify data visualization processes for other professionals. Additionally, you could create and sell information-based products such as eBooks, online courses, or webinars that teach others how to excel in data visualization.

The beauty of digital products is that they are easy to create and distribute. With no need to maintain inventory or worry about shipping logistics, digital products can be sold directly from your website, making the overall process straightforward. Coupled with your specialized knowledge, the potential to build a thriving side business—or even a full-fledged business—is immense, allowing you to maximize your income and professional reach.

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 (?)

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2. Create an online course ($91.9K/month)

Starting an online course could be a lucrative way for data visualization specialists to supplement their income and potentially make six figures. By creating and selling digital classes that teach specialized skills in data visualization, you could tap into a growing market of eager learners looking to gain expertise in this in-demand field.

With low startup costs and the flexibility to offer self-paced or cohort-based structures, you could build a substantial student base, resulting in passive income streams. For those who enjoy sharing knowledge, launching an online course could not only help you monetize your instructional talents but also serve the growing community of lifelong learners seeking convenient access to emerging subjects in data visualization.

How much you can make: $350 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)

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3. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)

Starting an ecommerce store could provide you with a significant supplemental income, helping you to potentially reach six figures as a data visualization specialist. Since eCommerce businesses benefit from lower overhead costs, increased flexibility, and a broader reach compared to brick-and-mortar stores, you could leverage your analytical skills to optimize operations effectively.

By analyzing consumer behaviors and trends, you could curate products or services that align with market demands and maximize your sales. Your expertise in data visualization could also be applied to creating compelling, data-driven marketing strategies to attract and retain customers. This blend of your professional skills and entrepreneurial spirit could establish a profitable side business or even a full-time venture.

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

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4. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)

Starting a podcast could be a lucrative way to supplement your income as a data visualization specialist. By sharing your expertise and insights through engaging audio content, you could attract a dedicated audience who values your unique perspective. Monetizing your podcast through sponsorships, ads, or even premium content subscriptions could significantly contribute to reaching a six-figure income.

For entrepreneurial-minded data visualization specialists, delving into podcasting offers the opportunity to establish yourself as a thought leader in the field. With a minimal initial investment in basic recording equipment and hosting, you could start spreading valuable information and building a community around your niche. Engaging with listeners through social media and online communities could further amplify your reach, potentially leading to collaboration opportunities and higher income.

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

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5. Start a blog ($44.9K/month)

Starting a blog could significantly boost your income as a data visualization specialist by allowing you to showcase your expertise to a broader audience. With 77% of internet users reading blogs, you could use your platform to share valuable insights, tips, and tutorials on data visualization, thereby generating a dedicated following. This increased visibility could lead to monetization opportunities such as sponsored content, affiliate marketing, or even selling your custom data visualization tools and templates.

In recent years, blogging has evolved into a highly sought-after and lucrative business, especially given its location-independent nature. According to Optinmonster, blogs are rated as the 5th most trustworthy source for gathering online information, making them a credible way to establish yourself as an industry thought leader. By consistently providing high-quality content and maintaining a regular posting schedule, you could potentially turn your blog into a full-time career, contributing significantly to reaching your six-figure income goal.

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

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6. Become an affiliate marketer ($55.3K/month)

Starting an affiliate marketing venture could significantly boost your income as a data visualization specialist by leveraging your analytical skills and expertise in presenting data compellingly. By promoting relevant software, tools, and educational resources within the data visualization and analytics niche, you could drive traffic and generate sales through your insightful content, earning commissions in the process.

Affiliate marketing requires minimal upfront investment, making it an accessible option for those looking to supplement their income without significant financial risk. Utilizing your unique tracking links, you could measure the effectiveness of your efforts, fine-tuning your strategies to maximize your earnings potential.

With a strong understanding of data trends and user behavior, you could efficiently identify high-converting products, ensuring steady revenue from your affiliate marketing business. This entrepreneurial approach allows you to create a new stream of income while continuing to grow in your career as a data visualization specialist.

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 (?)

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7. Become a social media influencer ($57.4K/month)

As a data visualization specialist, you could leverage social media to establish yourself as an influencer in your niche. By sharing insights, tutorials, and visually appealing data representations on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn, you could attract a following of individuals and businesses interested in your expertise. This could open up monetization opportunities such as sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and collaborations with brands looking to target your audience with relevant products and services.

Furthermore, you could offer premium content, online courses, or webinars, providing in-depth knowledge that your followers would be willing to pay for. Building a strong personal brand through social media could not only supplement your income but eventually become a lucrative side business or even a full-time endeavor. Engaging regularly with your audience will enhance your credibility and expand your influence, ultimately helping you achieve six-figure earnings in 2024 and beyond.

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 (?)

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8. Start a career coaching business ($48.5K/month)

Launching a career coaching business could significantly supplement your income as a data visualization specialist, propelling you towards making six figures. By leveraging your industry expertise, you could provide personalized guidance to professionals seeking to navigate their career transitions and growth opportunities in the data field. This allows you to design custom sessions that assist with resume building, interview prep, and workplace advancement goals tailored specifically to each client's aspirations.

With the flexibility to host in-person or virtual coaching sessions, you could build a diverse client base, offering specialized advice and accountability to help others achieve their career objectives. Capitalizing on your speaking talents and human resources expertise could further monetize your natural motivational abilities, enabling you to set your own schedule and expand your financial horizons. This entrepreneurial path allows you to empower others while significantly boosting your own earnings through a scalable and fulfilling business.

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 (?)

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9. Start a social media marketing agency ($116K/month)

Starting a social media marketing agency could provide you with an additional revenue stream that might help you clear your utility bills, finance your college education, or save for a vacation, pushing you closer to making six figures. Leveraging your data visualization skills, you could create compelling, data-driven social media campaigns that attract more clients, enhancing your agency’s appeal and effectiveness.

With the automation tools available, you do not need to commit a significant amount of time, allowing you to balance this side business with your primary job. By developing a robust social media marketing strategy and creating a compelling agency portfolio, you could efficiently serve your customers, ensuring a steady stream of clients and income.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 30 hours/week

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10. Start a youtube channel ($146K/month)

Starting a YouTube channel could be a lucrative way to supplement your income as a data visualization specialist or even grow it into a full-fledged business. By sharing your expertise through tutorials, case studies, and industry insights, you could attract a broad audience interested in mastering data visualization techniques. With YouTube's established monetization system, you could earn revenue through ad placements, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing once you reach the minimum requirements—1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months.

As your channel grows, you could also offer premium content, such as in-depth courses or customized services, further boosting your income. This platform not only allows you to demonstrate your skills but also establishes you as a thought leader in the field, opening up additional opportunities like speaking engagements and consulting gigs. In the competitive landscape of data visualization, a successful YouTube channel could be your ticket to a six-figure income.

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

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11. Start a freelance writing business ($65.5K/month)

Starting a freelance writing business could significantly supplement your income as a data visualization specialist. With the flexibility that freelance writing offers, you could craft your own schedule and work remotely, allowing you to juggle multiple income streams without compromising your primary role.

By leveraging your expertise, you could write compelling content about data visualization, analytics, and industry trends, positioning yourself as a thought leader. Additionally, possessing strong writing skills, the ability to meet deadlines, and proper communication skills are essential qualities that could help you attract well-paying clients and steadily grow your business.

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 (?)

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meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.