You can learn to code with your terms and at your own pace
Learning to code is one of the most important and valuable things you can do in your lifetime. Programming is an in-demand skill that pays extremely well, enabling you to create whatever you can dream up.
If you're thinking about learning to code, you're lucky: there are many ways to pay the bills while learning to code and level up your skills. If you're looking for a way to make money while learning to code, these 10 ideas will help you get started.
You are ready! You don't need to know everything to start
If you're reading this and learning to code, I'm sure you're motivated to learn and ready to take action. One of the biggest challenges I see is that people don't feel like they're ready. They're waiting for the perfect time or the perfect opportunity. But you know what?
There is no ideal time to learn how to code or to start getting paid for coding. There is no perfect time to start your business or take action. You're ready right now!
And you don't need to know everything to get started. The truth is, you can do a lot even if you don't know how to code. You can build a website and make money even if you don't know how to code. You can start a business and make money even if you don't know how to code.
There's no perfect time. Dont' wait. It's time to get started! Let's go!
10 ways how to make money during learning how to code
1. Share your knowledge with others
When you're first starting out in your career, it can be tough to find ways to make money. However, if you're learning how to code, there are a few ways that you can make some extra cash while doing so. One way is to share your coding journey with others. There are many options for how you can do it:
-> If you want to start making money with your writing, you should start a blog and write on a platform like Medium.com. On your blog, you can put some affiliate links or ads. On Medium.com, you can join Medium's Partner Program and earn cash for writing posts. You can also build an audience by sharing your posts on social media!
-> If you prefer videos rather than posts, you should try your hand at video creation. Whether you're a newbie or an expert, you can earn money on Youtube. The best way to start is to make videos on how to program different software. Not only will you be developing your own skills, but you'll be helping others learn how to code. If you get good at it, you could make a living off of it.
-> Another great way to make money during learning how to code is course creation. Remember: You do NOT have to be a genius to create a successful programming course! By teaching just basic skills, you can make money teaching on sites like Udemy, Coursera, and Udacity.
-> Do you like to talk a lot? Perfect! I have an excellent solution for you. Start your own podcast! Podcasting is a fantastic way to engage with your audience, share knowledge to help them grow, and earn passive income! Podcasting also is a promising way to get noticed by the sponsor companies.
-> One option to make some money is to create an ebook - a guide for beginners, helping them learn the basics of coding. You can also include your own experiences as a programmer, offering advice and tips for others who are just starting out. The great thing about writing an ebook is that you can set your own price. You can also choose the length and scope of your book. You may want to keep your book short and simple if you are just starting out. That way, you can focus on teaching people the basics of programming.
-> You can get paid as a beginner programmer mentoring others! It's a great way to get programming and teaching experience and extra money if you don't have a job! You can tutor friends or family members or find someone on the Internet who is willing to do the same.
2. Create and sell your coding work - app, theme, or game
-> Creating an app
You can get paid right away as a beginner programmer creating a web or mobile app. It's a great way to learn how to program and put your skills to use! First, you have to have a solid idea about what you want to build. You get paid only when someone finds it useful and is willing to pay for it. With platforms like AppSumo and Startup Stash, you can earn a high income as a beginner programmer.
-> Creating a theme or plugin
Do you know HTML and CSS? Perfect! It's enough to create and sell themes! If you know JavaScript basics, it's even better - you can make a lot more things like plugins! You don't have to be an expert to do this. My favorite marketplace to do this is ThemeForest. You can find anything here: WordPress themes, HTML themes, WordPress plugins, and more! It is one of the biggest marketplaces. You can sell your works here, and you can also buy many high-quality coding stuff. It can be time-consuming to design a theme or a plugin. It is also difficult to market and make them known. But it is worth it. You can create a plugin or theme that can be sold over and over again.
-> Creating a game
Many people dream of being able to pay the bills by making games, but they don't realize they can achieve this through creating HTML5 games. HTML5 games are different than traditional games because they don't require downloading or installing anything. To make this game, all you need is a basic programming background. You don't have to spend months building it! Do you want an example of a successful HTML5 game? Here you go - WORDLE! A simple but unbelievable popular web game created by one developer for his girlfriend! You don't have to be a great expert or spend months or years building another World Of Warcraft. Start simple!
3. Start freelancing
While freelancing is hard work, it can be very rewarding. Working for yourself and being your own boss has many benefits. Not only can you make more money, but you can decide when and where you work. You can get new experiences and even build your resume by listing the skills you've learned on your profile.
You can create a profile on platforms like **Upwork or Freelancer **and begin looking for jobs. Freelance sites like these make it easy to get paid for the work you do, and you can get paid for things like fixing bugs, writing small programs, and helping to design products.
It's important to remember that it's a competitive space! You won't be able to get jobs unless you create a profile and demonstrate that you are good at what you do. However, you can also get a lot of practice and experience here.
4. Start to learn to code and get paid in your current company
Believe it or not, you can start learning how to code and get paid in your current company. How? There are a lot of ways to do it.
For example, check if your company offers any coding courses or resources. Many companies now see the value in having employees who can code and are willing to invest in their employees by paying for them to take courses or even sending them on training trips.
Once you have a basic understanding of coding, look for ways to apply it to your current job. Maybe you can create a simple script to automate a process or build a tool that helps you do your job better.
Remember: you don't have to quit your job to learn how to code. Use resources you have and opportunities that you may not yet see at first glance.
5. Reach out to local businesses
You can make some extra cash by reaching out to your local businesses. Many businesses need programmers to help with various tasks, such as developing software, creating websites, etc. In most cases, the pay is good, and the work is steady.
If you're interested in finding work with local businesses, start by doing a web search for businesses in your area.
Once you've found a few companies that look like a good fit, reach out to them and see if they need any help with programming tasks.
Be sure to include your skills and experience in your pitch and what you're hoping to charge per hour.
6. Get paid jobs
-> internships
There are many benefits to paid programming internships. Not only do you get paid while you learn how to code, but you also gain valuable experience in the industry. This can help you land a job after graduation or even advance your career.
Paid programming internships also allow you to work with experienced developers and learn from them. You'll get to see firsthand how they code and solve problems, and you can learn a lot from observing and working with them.
If you're interested in a paid programming internship, thoroughly research the company and the position. Make sure it's a good fit for your skills and interests and that you'll be able to learn and grow while you're there.
-> entry-level jobs
There are many types of entry-level jobs in the coding field. Various resources offer entry-level positions, including job boards and online coding boot camps.
The best way to find the perfect job for you is to look at the different coding jobs out there and see which one matches your skillset and interests.
A junior developer role is one option for getting paid while learning how to code. A junior developer is someone new to development but has some experience coding. They often work with a more experienced developer to learn the ropes of the trade. Junior developer roles usually require little experience and can be a great way to get started.
You may be worried that you don't have enough experience, but remember that everyone starts somewhere. Don't let fear hold you back - go for it!
-> hybrid roles
A hybrid role is a great job position for beginner programmers because it allows them to learn and gain experience in programming and other related fields.
For example, a hybrid role might involve working as a programmer for a software company and providing customer support or doing quality assurance testing. This type of position can be very beneficial for those new to the programming field and who want to learn as much as possible. It can also be an excellent way to transition into a full-time programming role.
7. Get paid by finding bugs
There are many ways to make money as a programmer, and one of them is bug bounty hunting. Even if you are a beginner programmer, you can still make good money by finding and reporting bugs to companies and organizations.
You need to know a few things to be a successful bug bounty hunter. First, you need to be able to find bugs. This means having a keen eye for detail and being able to spot potential issues in code. Second, you need to be able to report bugs clearly and concisely. The better you are at doing this, the more likely companies will take your reports seriously and pay you for your findings.
Finally, it would help if you were patient. Not every bug you find will be a big payout, but if you keep at it, you will eventually find some worth a lot of money. So if you're interested in making some extra cash as a programmer, consider becoming a bug bounty hunter. If you think that this option is a good fit for you, check the websites below and start your bug bounty career:
- HackerOne
- Bugcrowd
- Federacy
- WhiteHub
8. Enter coding competitions
If you're looking to make some extra money as a beginner programmer, coding competitions are a great way to do it. Many competitions offer cash prizes for the best code submissions, making them well worth your time.
Competitions are a great way to practice the most challenging skills, accumulate a portfolio of your work, and eventually win some prizes. You might find that you do not earn a lot of money with this, but it can be a great way to inspire you to embrace new challenges and develop your profession.
Below you will find some websites worth mentioning here:
- CodeChef
- HackerEarth
- HackerRank
9. Involve in open-source
It may sound weird, but you can get paid for creating open-source software.
In recent years, open-source software has become increasingly popular. This is because it is free and offers users a high level of flexibility.
While many people think that developing open-source software is solely for experienced programmers, this is not always the case. Beginner programmers can get paid for their work on open-source projects by receiving donations from users or companies.
One great way to get started in this area is to find a project that interests you and reach out to the developers. Ask if they need any help and offer your services.
You may have to start by doing some volunteer work, but this can be a great way to gain experience and develop your skills.
Another option is to create your own project. This can be a bit more challenging, but it can also be more rewarding.
Many companies and individual users donate money to support open-source software development. This can be an excellent way for beginners to start programming and make some extra money.
But how can you do it?
One way to get donations is to set up a donation page on your project's website or GitHub. This page should list the project's goals and how the donations will be used.
It is also essential to make it easy for donors to donate, preferably through a PayPal account or other online payment system.
You can also use the below websites to collect donations:
- Buy me a Coffee
- Patreon
Another way to get donations is through crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo.
These platforms allow you to set up a campaign and collect donations from individuals or businesses. It can help you raise money from many people in a short period of time.
10. Join groups and start networking
When you’re first starting out in your programming career, it can be challenging to find first job. One great way to get started is to join groups and start networking.
There are many groups for programmers on social media and in person. These groups can be a great way to connect with other programmers, learn new things, and find a job.
Networking with other programmers can also help you get paid as a beginner programmer. Many employers are looking for experienced programmers, but they may also be willing to hire beginners if they know someone who can recommend them.
Networking gives you the opportunity to meet people who may be able to help you find a job or provide you with advice on your career.
You can find great groups of people on Facebook, Discord, Slack, LinkedIn or Twitter. Be sure that you also check meetups and tech events in your area and join them too!
Start learning and earning money today!
We hope you enjoyed our article on how to get paid while learning to code.
Getting paid while learning to code is a fantastic opportunity for many people and we hope that this blog post has given you some ideas on how you can do it.
You can find a job, start a business, or use your coding skills to freelance.
No matter what route you choose, learning to code is a valuable skill that will pay off in the long run.
So what are you waiting for? Start today!