15 best skills to learn to make money in 2025

When people ask, what’s the best skill to learn to make money?, the answer depends on where your interests and opportunities intersect. Some skills open doors to freelance work or remote jobs. Others make you more valuable in a traditional career. And some, like financial literacy, can set you up for lifelong success no matter your path.

The good news: there’s no single “best” skill. Instead, there are several high-value, future-proof skills that consistently help people grow their income. Let’s dive into them in more detail.

Digital and tech skills

Technology is one of the fastest-growing paths to financial independence. With new tools and platforms emerging daily, people who understand tech are positioned to thrive.

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• Coding and web development: Whether you want to freelance or land a high-paying job, learning to code is one of the most valuable skills. Developers build websites, apps, and software solutions that businesses rely on. Even a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, or JavaScript can open doors to entry-level work, while deeper knowledge of languages like Python, Java, or Swift can lead to six-figure roles.

• AI and data analysis: Artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses operate. Learning how to use AI tools or analyze data can help you make smarter business decisions, optimize marketing campaigns, or even create your own AI-powered projects. Data science and machine learning are among the top-paid fields in tech today.

• Cybersecurity: As companies shift online, keeping data safe is critical. Cybersecurity professionals are needed everywhere, from small businesses to government agencies, and salaries reflect the demand. With certification programs available online, this skill can be accessible even if you’re just starting out.

Creative and content skills

If you’re drawn to storytelling or design, creative skills can generate income while allowing self-expression.

• Graphic design and UX/UI: Every business needs a visual identity. Graphic designers craft logos, social media graphics, and brand materials. UX/UI designers focus on making apps and websites easy and enjoyable to use — a skill that businesses pay a premium for. Learn tools like Figma, Canva, and Adobe Creative Suite to make yourself competitive.

• Video production and editing: Video is the most consumed form of content online. From YouTube tutorials to TikTok ads, skilled editors and creators are in demand. Learning editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut to help you turn this into a side hustle or full-time career.

• Content creation: Writing blog posts, launching podcasts, or building a social media following can all lead to income streams. Many creators monetize through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or their own products. While it takes time to grow an audience, strong content skills are the foundation.

Business and communication skills

Even in a digital world, human connection drives business. These interpersonal skills are timeless.

• Sales and negotiation: Strong salespeople help businesses grow and earn commission-based income along the way. Negotiation skills, meanwhile, can help you land higher salaries, secure better deals, and build stronger relationships.

• Public speaking and communication: Leaders and entrepreneurs who can communicate clearly can inspire confidence in others. Public speaking skills can open doors to teaching, consulting, or leadership roles. It’s also a skill that benefits you in many ways, including job interviews and networking.

• Entrepreneurship: Starting a business isn’t easy, but it can be one of the most rewarding paths. Entrepreneurs combine creativity, risk-taking, and problem-solving to create value, and potentially financial freedom. Courses, mentorship, and experimentation can all help you build entrepreneurial skills.

Money management and investing skills

High income doesn’t guarantee wealth if you don’t manage your money properly. That’s why financial literacy should be a top priority when developing your skill set.

• Budgeting: Building a budget helps you see where your money goes and gives you control over your spending. Tools like spreadsheets or apps can make budgeting simple and effective.

• Investing: Learning about ETFs, stocks, and bonds can help you grow wealth over time. Even starting small can teach you how compounding works and help you build financial confidence as you get more hands-on experience.

• Financial planning: Beyond investing, understanding how to plan for taxes, retirement, and emergencies is critical. These skills help you keep more of what you earn and prepare for the future.

Parents can even pass these skills to their kids. Tools like Greenlight’s investing app for kids© give children hands-on learning with parental oversight, so they gain experience in a safe, guided way.

Skills for the future of work

The future of work is flexible, digital, and constantly changing. To stay ahead, you’ll need to develop adaptable skills.

• Digital marketing: Businesses rely on SEO, social media, and email marketing to reach customers. Digital marketers with the ability to analyze data and create compelling campaigns can build lucrative careers or freelance businesses.

• No-code development: Not a coder? No problem. No-code tools like Webflow, Bubble, and Airtable allow anyone to build websites and apps. As businesses increasingly adopt these platforms, demand for no-code specialists is rising.

• Adaptability and lifelong learning: Technology changes quickly, and the best way to stay competitive is to keep learning. Building resilience and adaptability can help ensure that you can pivot into new opportunities as they arise.

Teaching kids money-making skills early

Many of these skills take years to develop, but you can start passing on basic money skills in early childhood. Parents can encourage kids to practice responsibility and independence by:

• Assigning chores and linking them to allowance to show the value of earning.

• Encouraging saving toward goals, like a new toy or gadget, to introduce delayed gratification.

• Exploring investing with supervision so kids understand how money can grow over time.

Building skills that pay off

The best skills to learn to make money are a blend of modern digital skills, creative abilities, people-centered strengths, and money management know-how. Whether you’re launching a side hustle, growing your career, or preparing your kids for the future, learning and applying these skills can set you on the path to financial freedom.

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.

©2025 Greenlight Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor provides investment advisory services to its clients. Investing involves risk and may include the loss of principal. Investments are not FDIC-insured, are not a deposit, and may lose value.