How to Make Money with JavaScript Programming

JavaScript Programming is one of the top choices of career options for developers to consider. With so many JavaScript frameworks coming up, it is sure to grow in the coming years. Search any top job sites, and you will find more openings for JavaScript developers than ever.

The results are the same on freelancing sites as well. There is no slowdown in demand for JavaScript developers. There is hardly a site without jQuery. Leave alone the application of Node.js, Angular.JS, Ember.js, etc.

So here are some of the key ways to make money as a JavaScript developer who is well versed in JavaScript programming.

1. Get JavaScript Programming Job

According to BuiltWith, 80% of the top 1 million websites use jQuery.

There is no denying the fact that as a web developer, one can’t ignore JavaScript.

So if you want to be a web developer, there is a reason to move over to JavaScript programming.

If you know JavaScript to the level where you can get a job, go for it. If you still haven’t considered learning JavaScript, try grabbing a book or an online course. Try working your way into the basics of JavaScript on weekends and work out a plan to get into a JavaScript programming job.

However,  the salary can take a step backward when you move from being an experienced programmer in some programming language to a fresher in JavaScript, but I am sure it will be the right career choice.

2. Develop Functionalities in JavaScript

As a JavaScript Developer looking to make money programming, one can develop certain functionalities in JavaScript or jQuery and either sell it for a price or provide services further customization.

As an example, here are some JavaScript or jQuery functionalities I use like tokenInput or search and filter using isotope. Needless to say, the hundreds of jQuery Plugins, including jQuery Cookies or image gallery in a popup.

The possibilities are endless if one is willing to dig deeper.

3. Build on the JS Framework

If you think you are too late to contribute anything to jQuery because anything that you can think of already exists, consider developing some functionalities in JavaScript Frameworks like node.js, Angular.js, Ember.js, etc. They are still new frameworks and have many features that one can add to them.

As one works in those frameworks, one can find things that one can build in them. Moreover, one can even consider contributing functionalities to the JS framework itself. It can help you create a name and expertise in the field and grab a lot of client work for the same.

One example I can think off right at this moment is the email sending via AWS or SES as well as handling notifications or SNS in Node.JS

4. Blog about JavaScript (or the JS Frameworks)

JavaScript is a nightmare for many. Here is one such discussion about JavaScript on Reddit.

However, it also means there is an opportunity for someone who can solve those nightmares.

If you are working in JavaScript, I am sure many you can help others. Moreover, if you can help people with something that is a nightmare for them, there is no stopping for the popularity of your blog.

Here is my step by step guide to help you start a programming blog in WordPress.

5. Teach JavaScript Programming (Offline or Online)

What if writing and blogging don’t come to you naturally, or you are too concerned about your English. The other way out is to become a teacher for JavaScript programming.

One can start teaching offline and then make your way to online.

For offline, one can start a local coaching institute. Over time as one teaches offline, one can shoot the course and consider selling it on Udemy.

If you aren’t sure about selling a course as yet, release a few short videos on YouTube to see how they perform. Programming with Mosh YouTube channel can be an excellent inspiration to start.

6. Grab JavaScript (AJAX) Projects Online

Working on online freelancing sites like Upwork can help you make money with JavaScript programming.

I am not too sure if clients will directly request jQuery work because clients are not too technical when it comes to freelancing websites like Upwork. As an example, if something doesn’t work because of some jQuery issues, the client may describe the issue but not the root cause of the problem.

So to get client work in JavaScript or jQuery, one either has to opt for JavaScript Framework like Node.js or Ember.js or create an Upwork profile with AJAX expertise.

Remember, the more niche you choose to freelance, the less competitive it will be. Everyone can be a JavaScript developer, but there are few Node.js or Ember.js experts.

7. Participate in JavaScript Contests

Last but by no means the least is to participate in code contest to win a cash prize.

Yes, it is tough to find contests regularly, but if you win a contest, it can help you in many ways in your job as a freelancer, as a blog.

Look for JavaScript Contests on Google, and I am sure you will find some contest worth participating.

Here are 3 of them I found in Google right now.

1. js1k.com
2. nodeknockout.com
3. codewars.com

Apart from online competition, consider being a member of the local JavaScript developer groups in your locality. Participate in them to build your expertise and ultimately make money programming in JavaScript