Introduction

My journey as a self-taught developer to a multi-figure AI empire in under two years. I have no degree, no formal experience in a development role, but I’ve figured out the best ways to monetize my skills in the AI age.

The AI Boom

The AI market is expected to grow to 20 times its current size by 2030, hitting nearly $2 trillion in total value. There are developers getting into AI and riding this wave to higher paying jobs, exciting projects at work, and new business ventures.

Three Paths to Monetize AI Skills

1. 9 to 5

• Get a higher paying and more exciting role in the AI space.
• Entry-level AI engineers are starting at around $224,000 with olds going up to more than $1 million in comp + stocks and bonuses.
• AI development skill set makes you a much more desirable hire.

2. Freelancer

• Control your own projects, your own schedule, and ultimately your own lifestyle.
• Demand for AI developers is through the roof.
• Freelancing isn’t just about taking on project work, you can also sell your own rates and build multiple sources of income like doing consulting or coaching.

3. Founder

• Partner with an entrepreneur or marketer who has a validated idea but lacks the technical expertise to bring it to life.
• There are literally hundreds of people joining my free community every single day who are actively looking for development partners to pair up with and co-found startups.
• An AI automation agency model exposes you to the best use cases for AI in the world right now.

Step 1: Choose Your Path

Step 2: The Learn Phase

• Mastering prompts is the foundation of AI technology.
• Learn no code and low code tools to save time and effort.
• Build with advanced libraries like Lang chain or llama index and learn to build with vector databases.
• Surround yourself with other AI focused developers.

Step 3: The Apply Phase

• Help people who actually need AI solutions right now.
• Set up your profile in the community to make it clear that you’re an AI developer and you’re ready to help.
• Start taking on some real projects.

Step 4: Monetizing Your Skills

For 9 to 5:

• Set up a personal brand website.
• Pitch your skills internally at your company.
• Apply to external roles.

For Freelancer:

• Set up a personal brand site.
• Get clients from online communities.
• Create content.

For Founder:

• Create a personal brand site and portfolio.
• Join top online AI communities.
• Stay active and share value in the community.
• Vet the partnerships carefully.

Conclusion

Take action and follow the roadmap to monetize your development skill set and build the career and life of your dreams through AI.