How Digital Nomads Make Money
Curious about how digital nomads make money while traveling the world? Let’s explore the remote jobs, freelancing opportunities, passive income streams, and business ideas that support a location-independent lifestyle.
Imagine it’s Monday afternoon and you’re working at a beachfront café in Bali, a cozy cabin in the Swiss Alps, or a bustling co-working space in Mexico City. This is the reality for digital nomads—people who earn a living online while exploring the world.
But how exactly do they make money? Whether you're dreaming of quitting your 9-5 or looking for remote work ideas, this guide breaks down the top income streams that sustain a nomadic lifestyle. In our experience, most digital nomads have multiple sources of income in order to sustain their lifestyle and diversify risk.
How Digital Nomads Make Money: The Top 10 Income Streams
Remote Work for a Company
Freelancing
Online Coaching & Consulting
E-commerce & Dropshipping
Affiliate Marketing
Blogging & Content Creation
YouTube & Podcasting
Stock Photography & Videography
Online Courses & Digital Products
Teaching English or a Skill Online
Remote Work for a Company
Many digital nomads work traditional jobs but remotely.
Common roles: Marketing, customer support, software development, project management.
Where to find jobs: We Work Remotely, Remote.co, FlexJobs.
Freelancing
Common freelancing gigs: copywriting, graphic design, web development, social media management, property management, virtual assistance.
Online Coaching & Consulting
Offer expertise in business, fitness, wellness, or personal development.
Monetization: 1:1 coaching calls, group programs, workshops.
Commerce, E-commerce & Dropshipping
Open a brick & mortar store and hire someone to run it.
Start an online store selling physical or digital products.
Use platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or Amazon FBA.
Affiliate Marketing
Promote products or services and earn commissions.
Common platforms: Amazon Associates, RewardStyle, and brand affiliate programs.
Pro Tip: find a niche that excites you and become an affiliate for high ticket items to earn the most commission per sale.
Blogging & Content Creation
Monetization: Ad revenue, sponsored posts, digital products.
Best for: Influencers, writers, photographers, videographers, fashionistas, wellness and travel enthusiasts.
Podcasting (+ YouTube)
Income streams: Brand sponsorships, memberships, live shows and group meet ups or trips.
Here’s a comprehensive $25 PDF Guide on How To Start A Podcast
Publish to YouTube, Spotify and Apple
Growth strategy: Provide valuable content in a niche (e.g., travel, remote work, self-development).
Stock Photography & Videography
Create an instagram or website to promote your stock content.
Sell direct or on Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Pexels.
Great for: Those with an eye for photography or video editing
Online Courses & Digital Products
Create courses on Teachable, Kajabi, Kahana or Udemy.
Create a membership program on Skool or Squarespace.
Other digital products: E-books, templates, Notion planners.
Teaching English or a Skill Online
ESL teaching on VIPKid, Cambly, or iTalki.
Other teaching options: Skillshare, Outschool, private tutoring.
Do What Works For You
There’s no one way to make money as a digital nomad. Some choose a stable remote job, others build a freelancing business, and many create multiple income streams for financial security. The key? Finding a path that aligns with your skills, interests, and desired lifestyle.