A higher income is the dream for most, if not all, people. This is because a higher income means you are more equipped to afford your needs and wants without incurring debt or other financial problems. 

So even though money might not make you happy, it sure does make a lot of your worries go away — or, at the very least, stay at bay. However, mere wishful thinking won’t increase your income. Instead, you need to acquire high-income skills — that is, skills that can earn you over six figures yearly.

Let’s take a look at some of these skills.

1. Software engineering

If you’re a computer freak who loves searching for errors and constantly learning new stuff, consider building software engineering skills. 

As a full-time software engineer, you can work for international companies, earning as high as $100,000 per year. If you prefer freelancing, you can charge as high as $150 per hour. 

The best part about software engineering is that you don’t have to possess a degree to land a software engineering job. Bootcamps or online certifications are enough to land you a job. 

2. Sales 

Sales is another high-income skill you can learn to earn good money. In 2020, LinkedIn ranked sales as the most in-demand job title. Most salespeople earn between $50,000 to $200,000 a year. In addition to this lucrative sum, salespeople earn more bonuses and commissions whenever they close deals for their companies. 

Like software engineering, you don’t have to possess a degree to build a career in sales. You can even transition into it from other careers. 

Read this post to learn more about building a career in sales. 

3. Content creation 

From Tik Tok to Instagram, there is a massive demand for engaging, fun content. So if you have a knack for creating content, you should hone your content skills. For example, if you’re funny, you can try creating skits on Instagram. If you’re a good writer, consider making humorous threads on Twitter like Hauwa. 

Alternatively, you can render your content creation services on a freelance basis via platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. 

4. Digital marketing 

Digital marketing entails a lot of skills such as content marketing, email marketing, Facebook advertising, search engine optimisation (SEO), and social media marketing. You can become a consultant, freelancer, or do agency work regardless of which of these skills you choose. 

But before doing that, you need to first build a solid groundwork of knowledge and proof of work. Enrolling in online courses, taking an internship, or offering digital marketing services to small businesses can help you achieve that. 

5. Web design 

Are you detail-oriented? Do you have an eye for visual designs? If so, web design might be the skill for you. Starting out as a web designer, you can charge between $30 to $80 per hour on freelance platforms. 

If you choose to work in-house for Nigerian companies, expect to earn as high as ₦430,000 monthly. But if you’d instead work for an international company, you can earn $4700 monthly. 

6. Web3 development 

Currently a web developer? You stand a chance of earning way more than you do if you delve into web 3.0, touted as the next big thing in tech. 

As a web 3.0 developer, you can earn between $70,000 to $230,000 per year. You should consider this seriously, as there is a high demand that outweighs the low supply of web3 developers. 

7. Mobile app development 

With almost every company opting to have an app, the app market’s growth doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon. This growth has translated to the demand for developers who create and maintain those apps. And so, if you fancy building complex creative projects, you should consider learning and honing app development skills. 

However, app development takes time to learn. Don’t expect to become an expert within six months. Here is a guide to help you get started in app development. 

8. Audio and video production 

The surge in podcasts and on-screen videos has led to increased demand for people with audio and video production skills. With these skills, you can work for content creators or companies, helping them lean up audio or video files from a less than perfect original into a file ready for publication. 

According to ZipRecruiter, this skill can earn you up to $78,000 annually. 

How to make money off these skills 

It’s not enough to learn these skills. You need to make money off them as well. Here are ways you can do that.

1. Get a new job or seek a promotion. Armed with a new skill, you can search for a new job. Not ready to get into the job market yet? Seek a promotion or negotiate a higher salary at your current job. Since you already have high-income skills, that will be easier to achieve. 
2. Freelance or consult. Working as a freelancer or consultant is an excellent way to work your own hours, work for multiple clients, and determine your working environment. While doing that, you can easily make $1000 in a week. 
3. Sell a course. Once you’ve mastered your desired skillset, feel free to monetise your knowledge by creating and selling a course. Done well, online courses are a passive income stream that can earn you money even while sleeping.