How to Make 6 Figures As A Full Stack Developer? (11 Best Ways in 2024)
So you want to make six figures as a full-stack developer? Good for you! Being a full-stack 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 full-stack developer - business ideas you can start to achieve such income. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Digital products ($261K/month)
As a full-stack developer, you could leverage your technical skills to create and sell digital products, opening up multiple avenues to supplement your income and potentially make six figures. Whether it's an app, a game, a subscription-based service, or even an educational course, the possibilities are endless.
Digital products are particularly attractive for an entrepreneurial-minded developer like you because they’re easy to create and distribute. You could build them yourself without needing to hire additional personnel, and without the overhead risks associated with physical inventory. With a well-designed product and effective marketing, your digital products could generate a consistent revenue stream directly from your website, allowing you to earn extra money or even start an entirely new 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.
2. Start a youtube channel ($146K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could provide a lucrative side income for entrepreneurial full-stack developers, helping you reach six figures. By sharing your expertise on coding, tutorials, and tech reviews, you could build a dedicated audience eager to learn from your experience. Given YouTube's established monetization system and popularity, achieving 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a year are attainable milestones that make it possible to join the YouTube Partner Program.
Once monetized, your channel could earn through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing, effectively supplementing your primary income. You could also offer premium content or courses to further maximize revenue. With consistent content creation and strategic promotion, your YouTube channel could evolve into a significant revenue stream, transforming your career trajectory.
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.
3. Start a freelance writing business ($65.5K/month)
Starting a freelance writing business could help you make six figures as a full-stack developer by leveraging your technical expertise to create highly valuable content. You could write about complex programming topics, software development trends, and other tech-related subjects that demand a premium rate. This dual focus on writing and development could position you as an industry thought leader, thereby attracting high-paying clients and multiple income streams.
Additionally, freelance writing offers flexibility, allowing you to work from home and set your own schedule. You could take on projects that complement your full-stack development work, thereby maximizing your free time and financial returns. With strong writing skills, the ability to meet deadlines, and proper communication, you could easily build a profitable side business that contributes significantly to reaching that six-figure income.
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.
4. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be an excellent way for you to supplement your income and potentially make six figures as a full-stack developer. By creating and producing engaging audio content on topics you're passionate about, you could tap into a popular form of entertainment and information-sharing that resonates with a broad audience. Whether you focus on tech-related subjects, interview industry experts, or discuss your developer journey, you have the potential to build a loyal listener base.
To get started on a budget, you'll need to choose a niche that appeals to a specific audience, invest in basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones, and find an affordable hosting platform to publish your episodes. Promoting your podcast through social media, online communities, and word of mouth could help grow your audience and attract sponsors or advertisers. This additional revenue stream could significantly boost your overall earnings, helping you achieve your six-figure income goals.
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. Create an online course ($91.9K/month)
Launching an online course could be your ticket to making six figures as a full-stack developer. By identifying educational gaps in topics where you excel, you could create engaging video lessons and supplementary materials that appeal to a wide audience. As an entrepreneurial-minded individual, this allows you to monetize your knowledge while keeping startup costs relatively low.
With the flexibility to offer self-paced or cohort-based structures, you could attract a diverse student base and create a stream of passive income. For those who enjoy sharing information, this venture not only leverages your full-stack expertise but also provides a lucrative pathway to earning additional income.
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 (?)
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.
6. Become a social media influencer ($57.4K/month)
Venturing into the world of social media influencing could open a substantial stream of additional income for you as a full-stack developer. By strategically choosing a popular niche related to your professional expertise, such as coding tutorials, tech reviews, or software development insights, you could build a loyal following on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. This not only allows you to share valuable content with a vast audience but also positions you as an industry authority.
Brands frequently seek partnerships with influencers who have established credibility, providing opportunities for sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and paid collaborations. This could significantly supplement your primary income and potentially catapult you into the six-figure earnings bracket. Additionally, your online presence might lead to further business opportunities such as speaking engagements, consulting gigs, or even selling digital products like courses or e-books.
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.
7. Start a blog ($44.9K/month)
Starting a blog could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even develop it into a full-fledged business. As a full-stack developer, you could leverage your expertise to create content that resonates with a technical audience, whether through tutorials, industry insights, or coding tips. With 77% of internet users reading blogs, and blogs being one of the top 5 most trustworthy sources of online information, your blog could grow to attract a significant following.
Additionally, with a strategic approach—such as selecting a niche you are passionate about and maintaining a consistent posting schedule—you could engage a dedicated readership. This engagement could eventually translate into monetization avenues such as advertising, sponsored posts, or premium content subscriptions. Given that approximately 409 million people view more than 20 billion pages each month, the potential for turning your blog into a lucrative income stream is immense.
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.
8. Become an affiliate marketer ($55.3K/month)
Starting as an affiliate marketer could be an excellent way for a full-stack developer to supplement their income and move closer to making six figures. By leveraging your technical skills, you could create targeted and optimized marketing campaigns that effectively promote products or services from other companies, earning you commissions for each sale made through your referrals.
Given that affiliate marketing requires minimal upfront investment, it's a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. You could focus on signing up for affiliate programs within your niche, utilizing your knowledge to drive traffic and sales efficiently. This approach not only allows you to use your existing skills but also opens up the possibility of diversifying your income streams, contributing significantly to reaching that six-figure mark.
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.
9. Start a career coaching business ($48.5K/month)
Starting a career coaching business could be a lucrative venture that complements your career as a full-stack developer, helping you reach the coveted six-figure income mark. By leveraging your extensive industry knowledge and experience, you could guide clients through professional transitions, offering personalized sessions on resume building, interview prep, and workplace advancement goals.
Given your technical background, you could attract clients from the tech industry who value your insights and tailored advice. With the flexibility to conduct sessions virtually or in person, you could build a steady client base, empowering breakthroughs and providing accountability. This side business not only enriches others’ careers but also monetizes your natural motivational abilities while allowing you to set your own schedule.
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.
10. Start a social media marketing agency ($116K/month)
Starting a social media marketing agency could be a lucrative side business for a full-stack developer looking to make six figures. Given your skill set, you could easily create and optimize social media marketing tools and software, allowing you to automate many tasks and serve clients more efficiently. This makes it possible to manage marketing strategies without requiring a significant time commitment, giving you the flexibility to continue your primary full-stack development job while generating additional income.
To succeed, you'll need to develop a robust social media marketing strategy and tailor it to meet the needs of your clients. By creating an impressive agency portfolio, you could attract a steady stream of customers eager to leverage your technical expertise. Whether you're looking to clear your utility bills, finance your education, or save for a vacation, a social media marketing agency provides a scalable way to supplement your income and potentially reach the six-figure mark.
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
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.
11. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)
Starting an ecommerce store could significantly supplement your income as a full-stack developer and potentially help you make six figures. With your technical expertise, you could create a seamless and highly functional online shopping experience, reducing the reliance on costly third-party services and leveraging your skills to keep overhead low. The booming ecommerce market, driven by consumer preference for convenience and efficiency, presents an opportunity for you to tap into a vast and growing audience.
By constructing your ecommerce business intelligently, you could benefit from the increased reach and flexibility of online sales, allowing scalability that traditional brick-and-mortar stores struggle to achieve. Plus, setting up and managing the required software—from website development to payment processing and inventory tracking—is right in your wheelhouse. This side venture could not only diversify your income but also provide entrepreneurial satisfaction, adding another lucrative layer to your career.
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.
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.
