Earning methods
Real-world earning methods, laid out like a game guide: what each one pays, which skills and licenses it needs, and what it costs to start. Each row is a method, not a job title. Click one for the full guide.
Entry methods mark the floor: no skills needed, and pay to match. Top methods mark the ceiling: years of training and hard selection. Most of the interesting methods sit in between.
| Method | Income | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| TopAviation | $107k – $464k wage | 95Airmanship90Procedures & crew coordination90Decisions under pressure |
| MidMobile business | $90k – $280k profit, per job | 55Locksmithing (basics)60Automotive electronics / ECU45Mobile service + marketing |
| MidSpecialization · combo | $100k – $200k profit, per job | 60Welding60Commercial diving55Fitness / risk tolerance |
| TopAviation | $78k – $216k wage | 90Situational awareness85Clear radio communication90Stress tolerance |
| MidInsurance · deployable | $60k – $150k profit, per job | 55Damage / construction estimating50Negotiation & customer handling55Xactimate / documentation |
| TopTrades | $55k – $150k wage | 80Electrical & mechanical systems75Rigging & safety70Elevator code |
| MidTrade-to-tech · hot demand | $54k – $110k wage | 50Hardware / networking basics45Facilities / infrastructure50Monitoring & response |
| MidUtilities · hidden gem | $38k – $120k wage | 50Mechanics / pumps45Basic chemistry50Monitoring / SCADA |
| MidInfrastructure · travel | $55k – $90k wage | 55Fusion splicing55OTDR testing50Willingness to travel |
| MidFlexible / semi-remote | $40k – $100k profit, per job | 50Mortgage document handling50Accuracy / compliance55Title/escrow networking |
| EntryHealthcare | $28k – $45k wage | 20Patient care basics25Patience & communication20Physical stamina |
| EntryRetail | $25k – $40k wage | 10Customer service10Cash handling10POS systems |
| EntryFood service | $25k – $38k wage | 10Customer service15Speed & multitasking10Food safety basics |
About this guide
Game guides rank money-making methods by profit per hour and list the skills each one needs. MM Guidance does the same for real work. The focus is on methods people overlook: combinations of a few mid-level skills that pay like a single top-level one, and trades with a paid way in instead of a student loan.
Know a method that belongs here, or a number that's off? Suggestions are coming soon.