Code Your Way to Wealth: 25 Side Hustles for Programmers

Programming is a highly sought-after and fulfilling career. But just like every other profession out there, sometimes you would need to supplement your earnings with side hustles. Whether you are looking forward to making an extra income every month or you wish to put your creativity to work, there are tons of programming side hustles you could try.

In this guide, Foundeck explores 25 side hustles you can start as a programmer.

1. Develop Mobile Apps

Unlike before, many businesses and organizations now desire to have a mobile app for their business operations. As a programmer, you can develop apps and make them available for sale in the market. If you are particularly proficient with the use of Java or Swift, then this could be a good hustle to try out. You would, however, need to connect with organizations that would like your product. While this side hustle could take you some effort and time to gain public attention, a single app that hits the market could bring you good revenue. 

2. Create Plugins and extension

As a web developer, you can create plugins and extensions that would help automate or ease several processes and actions. You could develop plugins that would aid the integration of software or automate tasks on a website and so on. You can always determine your price and make some extra income when purchases are made.

3. Create a YouTube Channel

Creating and monetizing a YouTube channel is another great way to earn more money with your programming skills. As such, you would need to understand the monetization aspect of YouTube channels before you can earn from this. You could teach people about coding, tech related topics and provide some programming tips. In Fact, you would also be able to learn more as you teach through the channel. 

4. Participate in Hackathons

Participating in hackathons might not bring you much money, but could help you gain the visibility needed to survive and thrive in the programming industry. Programming hackathons is like a coding competition hosted by companies, industries, institutions, etc. in order to solve one problem or the other. By participating in them, you stand a chance of winning prizes and apart from that, it could help you gain attention from big companies and organizations that need your services.

5. Create Custom themes

You can also start designing custom themes for websites and blogs. You can create a variety of them and sell them to businesses, organizations, bloggers etc that are in need of them. You can also focus on creating themes based on the needs of each client. That is, you only create them when a customer requests one. Either way, you can always decide on your price and make more money.

6. Freelancing 

No matter the type of programming skill that you have, you can easily earn through freelancing. Whether you are a website or mobile app developer or you are a software engineer, you can make more money by working in your free time. The good thing about freelancing is that you can always choose the type of project you want to work on, select the timeframe you want to use to work and decide to work from home. By using freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer, you would be able to get clients who need your service.

7. Website development

A major requirement for every business and startup now is a website for product or service promotion. With that, you can always earn money by helping these business owners create and redesign their websites. With the use of freelancing platforms and social media platforms, you would be able to gain more customers.

You could expect a varying amount of pay which will be dependent on the complexity of the website design, the quality of your job, the overall scope of the website, the kind of businesses you work for and so on. Also, you would want to charge more if you are building a website from scratch than when you are redesigning. Apart from that, you might need some knowledge of graphic design and writing to thrive in this hustle.

8. Build APIs

APIs meaning Application Programming Interface are a means through which several software systems connect and pass valuable information to one another. Beyond that, they help programmers efficiently speed up their development time, valuable for data security and protection and many more. As such, they are essential tools for businesses, organizations, tech companies and many more and with that, they would require your service as a programmer to integrate APIs into their systems.

9. Debugging activity

If you’re passionate about starting a side hustle in software development but aren’t sure about creating software from scratch, then you can render debugging and troubleshooting services to individuals, businesses and organizations. With that, you would help them work on their already existing software projects, test the software, and provide recommendations when needed.

10. Create Content on social media

Almost every type of skill can be monetized through the use of social media and, with that, programming is not excluded. Whether you are a website or mobile app developer, you can make money by creating content on social media. You would have to begin by building your followers and sharing coding and programming tips. You can make use of Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and so on. Making money through social media handles could take some time, as you would need to gain traction and get the attention of your audience. However, once you've been able to get recognition and build your handles, it becomes much easier to earn. 

You can always use written and video content to teach your skill. However, you would also need to understand the monetization aspect of social media. Apart from that, you can partner with some tech-related companies, promote their product on your handle and earn commission for sales made. 

11. Build E-commerce store

With so many e-commerce business owners out there, the need for developers is always on the rise. With that, you can choose to help them develop an e-commerce store just like Shopify. You would need to source for this type of business owner to earn more. The amount to charge for this depends on you and your expertise, the volume of work to do, and many more. Apart from rendering this service to others, you can always create an online store for yourself if you have a product to sell. 

12. Consultation services

You can also render consultation services to companies, organizations and individuals. Most times businesses need ideas and advice to make decisions relating to software, system optimizations, website development and so on. With that, you can offer a one-on-one consultation service to them and get paid for this. Rendering a consultation service also requires that you are an expert in the field. Moreover, many businesses and individuals looking to seek the opinions of consultants usually check out for their level of expertise.

13. Blogging

By creating your website and creating meaningful content relating to programming, you’d be able to earn a massive income. Blogging requires that you perfectly understand how to curate meaningful, error-free, grammatically correct and engaging content for the audience. You would also need to understand how to do keyword research to create contents that interest your audience. There are several ways to earn through blogging, however, all are targeted towards getting more website visitors or getting the audience to perform an action. By signing up for Ad Networks like Google AdSense or engaging in affiliate marketing through your website, you would be able to generate more income. 

14. Create video games

Creating video games is another side hustle to make extra money. By creating them and selling them out or developing them and making them available to the public, you would be able to earn an extra income. Although it could quite be challenging, especially if you’re a newbie, it is usually rewarding when you get your feet on the right track.

15. Sell courses online

With the use of sources like Udemy, Coursera and so on, you will be able to sell courses to aspiring programmers. First, you need to be highly skilled and proficient to be able to sell on these platforms and once you are set, you can always market or drive traffic so people can buy from there. While the creation of the courses can take some time, effort and investment, you would be able to generate more massive income from selling your course. Apart from that, you can always decide on the amount you wish to sell your product and so you can determine your profit margin.

16. Virtual and Augmented Reality Development

As the market for Virtual and Augmented reality continues to grow, so are the opportunities to be explored. If you are passionate about the world of VR and AR, then this is a great hustle to try. You might, however, need to go through more learning to thrive here. Depending on the aspect you wish to focus on, you can create educational or entertainment apps or games that suit the VR and AR platforms and so on. 

17. Create AI software

If you are passionate about Artificial Intelligence, then you can create AI software that solves a particular problem or meets the needs of a specific set of people. You can render this as a service to organizations that are in need of AI solutions for their businesses or audiences. You can also develop AI software that would be distributed publicly and used online.

18. Software testing

Another side hustle you can try out as a programmer is software testing. Developers are constantly in need of a second party who is also an expert in the field and who could help run a test on programs and software. You would be responsible for diagnosing any errors in systems, websites, and programs and giving recommendations before they are made available to the public. While you will be able to make good money off this, you will also help ensure that good quality products are released online.

19. Contribute to open-source developing

There are programmers all over the world who contribute to open-source code or projects. Although this doesn’t guarantee payment or monetary reward however, in some cases, developers could make some money through this means. We have had several developers who create free products for people to use and they are rewarded through donations. So the trick is to create your product, make it free for use and also include a platform where individuals could make donations as appreciation if they wish. In Fact, this could be a good way to showcase your skills as you could win a client by doing this.

20. Create eBooks

By creating a detailed eBook on programming, you would also be able to earn more. Several platforms, including Amazon, allow you to earn by sharing your skills and knowledge with other people. You would, however, need some writing skills to sell eBooks. Once you have your book ready and published, you would only be required to market your product to a target audience to earn. Apart from that, you also have the chance to determine the price of your book and so you always decide on your profit. 

21. Mentorship

As there are highly skilled and proficient programmers, we also have aspiring newbies who are in need of experts who would walk them hand in hand on their journey. As such, you can always take in students to mentor one-on-one and you can earn more on this. Providing a mentorship programme should be done with the aim of helping to aspire minds to gain ample knowledge and tricks that work. With that, your mentorship programme could take as long as one to three to six months and more. The better the quality and effectiveness of your programme, the higher the chances of gaining more students who will be willing to pay you well and, as such, you must be an expert in the field to earn through this.

22. Sell Codes

You can also create codes and list them on platforms like CodeCanyon for sale. This platform showcases many code-snippets, plugins etc that are available for sale. Not only that, it has millions of sellers and a customer base and that makes it a good platform for you to sell your creativity. Apart from CodeCanyon, there are several other platforms where you can list out your codes for sale. 

23. Big bounties

This side hustle doesn’t only allow you to earn, but also have fun while working. With Big Bounties, you could be hired to find out if no security breaches are going on with software or website use. Basically, you would help them determine if there are security flaws going on with the usage of an app or website. By utilizing tools like HackerOne, you would be able to connect with companies that are ready to hire and pay you for bug analysis and reports.

24. Podcasting

Apart from creating YouTube videos, you can also try podcasting. With that, you can begin something like a talk show where you invite other expert programmers to talk about varying programming topics and careers. Apart from the fact you would be able to earn directly from doing this, you could also gain more visibility and attention from companies that need your services. 

25. Create Technical documents

Lastly, if you are an expert in the programming field, then you can write some technical documents that provide practical solutions to problems. This would involve creating user guides, manuals, etc. that explain or simplify the intricacies of a system or software. With this, you won’t only be earning from the hustle, but you would be able to also share your knowledge.

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Conclusion  

Whether you are a newbie or an expert in the programming field, there are always side hustles you could try out. While each of the hustles requires some specific skills and knowledge that you could build, you must take into consideration your strengths, interests and abilities before venturing into them.