How to Make 6 Figures As A Release Manager? (11 Best Ways in 2024)

Updated: September 9th, 2024

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

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

Starting a blog could provide you with an excellent opportunity to supplement your income as a release manager while offering the flexibility to work from anywhere. With over 77% of internet users reading blogs and millions of page views each month, blogging allows you to target a broad audience and become a sought-after thought leader in your industry.

By sharing your expertise and insights about release management, you could create valuable content that draws in readers, and over time, you could monetize your blog through ads, sponsored posts, and selling digital or consulting services. This endeavor could ultimately not only enhance your professional reputation but also pave the way to earning six figures if managed effectively.

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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2. Digital products ($261K/month)

As a release manager looking to supplement your income, creating and selling digital products could be a lucrative avenue. Digital products are easy to produce and can range from software, like apps or tools, to information products, such as eBooks or online courses. You have the technical expertise and project management skills to create high-quality digital products that can attract a substantial customer base.

The beauty of digital products is that they do not require you to manage physical inventory or incur high start-up costs. Once created, these products can continually generate income through your website, allowing you to focus on your primary job while earning passive income. With dedication and a strategic approach, you could potentially grow this side business into a six-figure venture.

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

Starting a social media marketing agency could significantly boost your income as a release manager, potentially helping you to reach that coveted six-figure salary. You could clear your utility bills, finance a college education, or save for a dream vacation by leveraging social media marketing tools, which don't require a massive time commitment thanks to automation.

By developing a solid social media marketing strategy and creating an attractive agency portfolio, you could efficiently serve clients while still handling your full-time job responsibilities. This entrepreneurial venture offers you the flexibility to work around your existing schedule, making it an ideal supplement to your current income as a release manager.

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

Starting a career coaching business could significantly supplement your income as a release manager, potentially helping you reach the six-figure mark. By leveraging your speaking talents and HR expertise, you could offer personalized guidance and strategy services to clients navigating professional transitions and growth opportunities.

You could design custom sessions focusing on resume building, interview preparation, and workplace advancement tailored to each client’s unique aspirations. With the flexibility to conduct these meetings in-person or virtually, you could build a robust client base, offering specialized advice and accountability that empowers meaningful career breakthroughs.

Launching this side business allows you to monetize your natural motivational abilities and set your own schedule, providing a balanced complement to your primary role as a release manager.

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

Creating an online course could help you make six figures as a release manager by allowing you to monetize your specialized skills and knowledge. By identifying educational gaps in release management processes, you could develop comprehensive and engaging video lessons accompanied by supplementary materials, catering to professionals eager to advance their expertise in this niche.

As an entrepreneurial course creator, you could either offer self-paced courses or cohort-based structures, providing flexibility and catering to different learning preferences. This endeavor not only unlocks passive income potential but also positions you as a thought leader in your field, attracting a base of lifelong learners and creating steady, scalable revenue streams with minimal startup costs.

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

Starting an ecommerce store could be a viable way for you, as a release manager, to supplement your income and potentially reach six figures. Leveraging your organizational and project management skills, you could efficiently set up and run an online business, meeting the demands of a growing digital marketplace. The advantages of lower overhead costs, increased flexibility, and greater reach compared to traditional brick-and-mortar businesses make this a feasible entrepreneurial venture.

Given the booming eCommerce market and the convenience it offers consumers, you could tap into diverse customer bases without significant in-person interactions. By establishing a user-friendly website, integrating secure payment processing, and managing inventory effectively, you could scale your business while balancing your primary role. This side business could not only provide additional financial security but also pose as a stepping stone to full entrepreneurial success in the future.

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

Starting a podcast could be an excellent side business for a release manager looking to make six figures. By focusing on a niche you're passionate about, such as release management best practices, you could attract a dedicated audience interested in your expertise. Practical steps to get started include selecting a compelling topic, investing in basic recording equipment, and using affordable hosting platforms to publish your episodes.

Promoting your podcast through social media, online communities, and word of mouth could help you build a substantial listener base. A loyal audience can open doors to monetizing your podcast through sponsorships, advertising deals, and even premium content offerings. This additional income stream could significantly boost your earnings, bringing you closer to that six-figure mark.

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

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

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

Starting a YouTube channel could provide a lucrative avenue for supplementing your income as a release manager. By creating content related to your expertise—such as tutorials, project management tips, or insights into software releases—you could attract a dedicated viewer base. With YouTube's established monetization system and incredible popularity, you could earn additional revenue through ad placements, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

To grow your channel, you'll need to invest time in producing quality content and promoting it effectively. Once you reach the minimum threshold of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, you can join the YouTube Partner Program to start earning money from ads. If you love content creation, this could transform into a significant side business or even a primary source of income, helping you hit that six-figure mark.

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

Starting an affiliate marketing business could be a great way for you to supplement your income as a release manager. By promoting other companies' products or services and earning commissions on sales made through your referrals, you could generate a significant additional revenue stream without a large upfront investment. This could help you reach the coveted six-figure mark more quickly.

This low-cost business idea leverages your existing marketing skills to drive traffic and sales, allowing you to earn passive income. Sign up for affiliate programs in your chosen niche, and once approved, use the unique tracking links provided to start earning commissions. This model allows you to build a scalable side business that complements your current career as a release manager.

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

Leveraging your role as a release manager, you could supplement your income by becoming a social media influencer. Social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok offer the perfect stage to share your unique expertise and build credibility in the tech and project management niche. By creating engaging and valuable content about release management, you could attract tech enthusiasts and professionals, thereby increasing your follower base.

With a strategic approach, you could collaborate with software companies and project management tool providers, offering reviews and tutorials that resonate with your audience. This partnership could open additional revenue streams through sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and even product collaborations. Utilizing your industry expertise could not only elevate your professional profile but also pave the way toward achieving six figures by diversifying your income.

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

As a release manager, leveraging your expertise and starting a freelance writing business could be a lucrative way to supplement your income and potentially reach six figures. This flexible career choice allows you the freedom to define your work schedule and work from anywhere, enabling you to balance both roles efficiently. By writing about topics related to project management, software releases, or IT processes, you could share your industry knowledge while generating additional income.

To succeed, you'll need strong writing skills, the ability to meet deadlines, and the willingness to stay updated with current writing tools and trends. Your experience as a release manager could provide a unique perspective that clients value, making your services in high demand. By maintaining proper communication and being a self-starter, you could build a thriving side business that complements your primary career.

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.