If you ask digital native generations, working 9-5 is so last decade. Headlines about digital nomads earning money while traveling have become a constant in the news over the past few years.
As a result, the number of people exploring the opportunity of working “on the go” has gone through the roof.
But what lies behind the rise of digital nomads, how much do digital nomads make, what are some top-paying remote jobs, and what considerations should digital nomads keep in mind?
We’ll answer these questions and more. Buckle up!
The Rise of Digital Nomads
The pandemic upended traditional work models, opening new possibilities for individuals looking for flexibility, adventure, and the ability to work from anywhere in the world. The idea of working from an exotic location such as Bali or Thailand went from wishful thinking to a real possibility.
There’s no doubt people are drawn to the digital nomad lifestyle and the freedom to travel it presents. And while you’d expect that the pandemic and the lockdowns would divert people from the nomadic lifestyle, it was quite the contrary—the pandemic has catalyzed this new way of life. According to Exploding Topics, there has been a 258% growth in search volume for the term “digital nomad” from 2020.
With remote work becoming the norm, people suddenly realized they could trade their cubicles for sandy beaches and mountain views. As companies embraced flexibility, adventurers started packing their bags and exploring the globe, living life on their own terms.
Today, 46% of the digital nomad community is comprised of individuals from the United States, and 70% of digital nomads are Millennials and Gen Z. Now, the question is: Are we on the brink of a seismic shift in the way people work or is this an overblown prediction?
Data from WYSE Travel Confederation shows that the number of digital nomads is expected to reach 60 million by 2030. It seems that the digital nomad lifestyle is not just a trend and it’s far from a passing fad.
What is a Digital Nomad?
A digital nomad is an individual who leverages technology to work remotely while living a nomadic lifestyle, and earning while traveling. Digital nomads are not tied to a specific location for their work and can travel to different places while continuously working. Usually, digital nomads have jobs in fields such as software development, design, writing, marketing, and consulting.
Now, don’t confuse digital nomads with frequent travelers. While both might love hopping on planes, they have different lifestyles and goals. Digital nomads are the ones who’ve cracked the code on working from anywhere—laptop in tow, you can find them working in cafes from Bali to Berlin, blending work and adventure. On the flip side, frequent travelers are all about the thrill of exploring a new vacation destination and soaking up fresh experiences.
How do digital nomads make money?
You’ve probably read articles about digital nomads earning money with just a laptop and decent WiFi, through online gigs and businesses. And while it sounds too good to be true—it actually is! We’ve seen times and times again successful examples of people breaking the 9-5 mold and living life on their own terms.
One of the best-known digital nomads is Pieter Levels, an individual developer famous for creating the Nomads.com (formerly Nomad List) service. Today, he makes more than $308,000 per month from his apps and products.
Everything started with his project to launch 12 startups in 12 months back in 2014. At the time, he was looking for the best places to live as a nomad, but he struggled to find that information online. As a result, he created Nomad List (today Nomad.com), where people can get information on the cost of living, weather conditions, and good internet for different places across the globe.
Another popular digital nomad is Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad. His first trip to Costa Rica got him hooked on travel, and his trip to Thailand showed him that he didn’t have to be tied down to his job or be rich to travel. He started his blog in 2008, and he now travels the world while helping others with his planning checklists, tips for mastering travel, guides to getting free flights, and travel companies for finding deals.
That means that nowadays, there are endless possibilities for making a living through your passion and earning while traveling the world. The big question is: What should one do to live (and earn) as a digital nomad?
How to Become a Digital Nomad?
Choosing the digital nomad route is as easy as one-two-three. First, you need to understand how you want to make money. Next, you should assess your digital skill set and determine what fits your knowledge best. Lastly, weigh the pros and cons of the different options you have at your disposal. Let’s dig into each of the steps:
1. Understand how you want to make money
Not all jobs are made equal. While for some occupancies, you are not tied to a specific location and you can work from a remote location, in some cases, the job itself requires a physical presence (such as salesperson in a physical store, surgeon, or dentist). So, the first thing you need to do is figure out how to make money while having the freedom to work from different locations.
2. Assess your digital skillset
The second step is tightly connected with the first one. Besides the desire to do a certain job that allows you to have a nomadic lifestyle, you must have the necessary digital skillset. Whether writing, graphic design, software development, or something else, you need to assess your skills, as that will be your most powerful weapon.
3. Weigh the pros and cons of different options
The third step is considering the different options allowing you to live as a digital nomad. Whether working for a remote company, running a startup business, or freelancing, each option has its advantages and drawbacks you should consider before making your decision.
| PROS | CONS | |
|---|---|---|
| Working for a remote company | Stability of a regular paycheck and benefits, structured schedule, built-in support network | Limitations to a 9-to-5 schedule, fixed working hours, corporate culture can be tricky to navigate remotely |
| Running a startup business | Be your own boss and pursue a passion project, flexibility to create your own schedule | Uncertainty around funding, clients, and workload; longer hours, constant hustle |
| Freelancing | Freedom to choose clients, projects, and work hours, and diverse income streams | Risk of inconsistent income, responsibility for benefits and taxes, stress to find clients and organize time |
How Much Do Digital Nomads Make?
If you want to pursue the digital nomad lifestyle, you must have a good grasp of how much you can earn while traveling and how much money you need to be able to afford that way of life.
According to Digital Nomad World, the range of a digital nomad’s income is really huge. Depending on their job domain, level of skills, and experience, they can earn from $10,000 to $170,000 annually. When it comes to the money digital nomads need to support their lifestyle, a reasonable income would be around $30,000 a year.
If we look at some of the most popular jobs among digital nomads, we can see that UX/UI designers make between $92K - $160K per year. Freelance writers, on average, make around $51K per year and can earn as much as $130K per year. The average pay for virtual assistants is around $80K, and it can go up to $127K.
Other popular digital nomad jobs include online coaching, with an average annual salary between $47K - $86K, and online course builders, who can make between $64K - $120K per year.
One of the key success factors for the digital nomad lifestyle is making sure you have systems, processes, and strong discipline around the day-to-day workload. This will ensure you stay on track and get a regular income stream. However, being a digital nomad means you have to rely on yourself, so it’s always good to have multiple income streams that will provide better safety and peace of mind.
Multiple revenue streams for digital nomads
For digital nomads, having multiple revenue streams isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Think of it as your financial safety net while you’re juggling laptops and passport stamps—because relying on a single income source can feel daunting. One month, you might land a juicy freelance gig, and the next, you could be left wondering where your next paycheck is coming from.
By diversifying your income—whether through side hustles, passive income streams, or selling digital products—you create a buffer that allows you to ride out those inevitable ups and downs. Plus, it opens up more opportunities to explore your passions, connect with different people, and ultimately live your best nomadic life without the constant anxiety of financial instability.
One of the ways to add another revenue stream is to start a travel blog and monetize your expertise as a traveler or subject matter expert through Whop. This is exactly what Marielena travels does by sharing their travel tips, guides, and insights, and Girl Boss Abroad with paid courses and newsletters that teach others how they can work remotely while traveling.
Top-Paying Remote Jobs For Digital Nomads
Curious to find out what are some of the best-paying remote jobs for digital nomads? Here are 10 digital nomad jobs that bring hefty paychecks.
1. Freelance writer
If you’ve got a way with words, freelance writing is your ticket to remote riches. Brands are always on the hunt for engaging content that resonates with their audience, and that’s where you come in. Whether you’re crafting blog posts, marketing copy, or thought leadership pieces, you can work from a beach in Bali or a café in Paris—your choice. The best part? Your earnings can skyrocket as you build your portfolio and establish a niche. The average salary of freelance writers is between $46K and $82K per year.
2. Web developer
With the demand for online presence skyrocketing, skilled web developers can achieve impressive rates. Whether you’re specializing in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development, you can snag remote gigs that pay top dollar while enjoying the freedom to work from anywhere. The annual average salary ranges between $73K-$120K.
3. SEO specialist
If you know the secrets of keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building, you’re in high demand. With companies eager to boost their visibility, you can earn a solid paycheck while working remotely and sipping coffee in your favorite local spot. The SEO specialist’s annual salary can go up to $94K.
4. Shopify developer
As ecommerce continues to boom, Shopify developers are the go-to pros for building and optimizing online stores. If you’ve got the skills to create eye-catching, user-friendly websites that convert visitors into customers, you can score some serious cash while living the nomadic dream. The average annual salary for a Shopify developer ranges between $107K-$131K.
5. Translator
Translating is a fantastic way to make bank while embracing your nomadic lifestyle. Businesses, authors, and content creators need your linguistic expertise to break down language barriers and reach global audiences. Translators can earn between $46K-$86K per year.
6. Online language teacher
Teaching a language online is not only rewarding but can also be quite lucrative. Online English teachers can earn up to $87K per year. As an online language teacher, you can connect with students from around the globe, helping them master a new language while you work from your laptop in a cozy café or a hammock on the beach.
7. Video creator or editor
In a world obsessed with video content, skilled creators and editors are riding the wave to success. Whether you’re filming vlogs, creating promotional content, or editing stunning short films, there’s a massive demand for video talent. With platforms like YouTube and TikTok thriving, you can turn your creative flair into a thriving remote career. Video editors can earn up to $94K per year.
8. Graphic designer
If you have an eye for aesthetics, graphic design is your golden ticket to a remote career that pays well. The possibilities are endless, from crafting logos and marketing materials to designing social media graphics. The average annual salary for graphic designers is between $58K-$97K.
9. Podcast editor
With the podcasting boom in full swing, you can work with creators from all over the world, helping them produce top-notch content while enjoying the freedom to work from your favorite remote spot. If you’ve got a knack for sound editing and storytelling, this role can be both fulfilling and lucrative. Podcast editor salaries start from $56K per year, and you can make up to $113K as a senior podcast editor.
10. Software engineer
Software engineers are the backbone of the tech world, and their skills are highly sought after—especially in remote work. Whether you’re developing apps, creating software solutions, or troubleshooting systems, you can earn up to $206K per year while living as a digital nomad.
Considerations For High-Earning Digital Nomads
Becoming a digital nomad is not as easy as selecting a location and jumping on a plane. There are planning and researching phrases you shouldn't skip, especially things like visas and taxes.
The good news is that more countries have started to realize the potential of attracting high-earning digital nomads, and as a result, they’ve started offering some benefits and visa schemes to get them onboard. According to BTN Europe, over 66 countries have launched digital nomad visas, including Anguilla, the Bahamas, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Germany, Norway, Japan and Taiwan.
Another common obstacle digital nomads face is the requirement for a minimum yearly or monthly income in order to get visas, and in many cases, those requirements are quite steep. If you want to work from Malta, for example, you must earn at least $3,000 per month. And in order to get a visa for Iceland, your earnings must be nearly $7,820 per month. Hungary’s ‘White Card’ lasts for two years with a minimum monthly income of around $2,200.
If you want to get a LTR (Long Term Resident) visa in Thailand valid for 10 years you have to reach the annual salary threshold of almost $84,000. Similarly, if you earn a minimum of $3,500 per month, then the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai’s year-long visa could be a fantastic option (individuals must have health insurance cover).
Another thing to keep in mind is taxes. Most digital nomad visas cover stays between one and two years and offer some benefits, including special rates, tax reductions, or full tax exemptions. The tax regulation for digital nomad visas is complicated and varies from country to country, so make sure to check the specifics before deciding where to move.
According to Global Nomad Guide, Greece has recently introduced a new tax incentive to attract digital nomads and remote workers. Half of the income of workers who move their tax residence to Greece is tax-exempt for the first seven years, providing a significant tax break.
Another popular country for digital nomads is Portugal, which has gained significant popularity with its Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program, attracting high-value-added professionals with low or even zero tax on foreign income for ten years.
If you want to work from Malta, you can get a tax exemption for up to twelve months. The income requirement is almost $47,000 per year, and the duration of the visa is one year. After that, you can renew your visa up to three times for a total stay of four years.
Things are slightly different if you want to move to Thailand. To become a tax resident of Thailand, you need to spend 180 days in the country. Thailand applies progressive income tax rates, which start at 5% if you make more than $4,200 per month and go up to 35% if you earn over $145,000.
For digital nomads looking to move to Dubai, there aren’t any personal income taxes in the UAE. However, if you are a freelancer, you are subject to corporate income tax rates if your revenue exceeds AED 1,000.000 (~$272,000).
Start Making Money As A Digital Nomad Today
Imagine having an office with a beach view for one month and working from a Portuguese coffee shop the next month. Sounds like a dream life, right? The digital nomad lifestyle might be the perfect fit if you’re all about productivity on the go and earning money while traveling.
The best part is that nowadays, platforms like Whop allow you to monetize your passion, whether that’s writing, graphic design, software development, or more. With Whop, you can create your own whop, which is your internet hub, and sell all kinds of digital products and services. Whop allows you to create paid communities (ideal for influencers and coaches), create and sell online courses (great for all creators), host video calls, sell digital downloads like travel planners and city guides, and so much more.
So, whether you want to earn money as a travel blogger by selling access to a community or you want to create paid courses and newsletters to teach others how to work remotely while traveling, you can do it all with Whop.
Ready to start making money as a digital nomad today? Join Whop and start earning.
