Intro
AI isn’t just hype—it’s already creating new jobs and businesses. McKinsey estimates that generative AI could add up to $4.4 trillion annually to the global economy. That’s not a futuristic number; it’s money on the table right now.
The challenge for most people isn’t believing the opportunity exists—it’s figuring out how to personally make money with AI.
Some experiment with side hustles that fizzle. Others try to build apps that never get traction. The truth is there are plenty of ways to earn with AI, but not all paths are created equal.
In this post, we’ll break down seven realistic ways to make money with AI in 2025. You’ll learn which ones pay fastest, which scale over time, and why AI consulting stands out as the most durable long-term opportunity.
1. Build AI-Powered Automations
Businesses are drowning in repetitive tasks—data entry, reporting, follow-ups, and customer communication. Automation has always promised relief, but until recently it required expensive developers and months of work.
Now, tools like Make, Gumloop, and Zapier AI Actions make automation accessible to anyone who can think logically about workflows.
That creates a huge opportunity: companies are willing to pay freelancers and consultants $1K–$5K (sometimes more) for a single automation that saves their team hours every week.
Example: A marketing agency might spend 20 hours a month manually generating campaign reports. An automation that pulls data from Google Ads, formats it in Notion, and emails a PDF summary could save them $3K+ in staff time. Paying $2K to set that up is a no-brainer.
First steps:
Learn one platform (Make, n8n, Gumloop).
Build 2–3 portfolio automations for yourself.
Pitch small businesses on LinkedIn: “I save teams 10+ hours a week by automating manual tasks.”
2. Offer AI Consulting Services
Tools change fast, but what businesses really want is guidance. Leaders are asking: Where should we apply AI? Which tools are safe? How do we avoid wasting money?
This is where AI consultants shine. Instead of selling a one-off tool, you sell clarity and outcomes:
Identifying where AI can save money or create revenue
Recommending and implementing tools
Training teams to actually use them
Consulting is financially stronger than short projects. Independent AI consultants routinely charge $2K–$10K per client per month, especially when working on retainer.
Case study: Jason Liu, an early AI consultant, grew from solo freelancer to running workshops for Fortune 500 companies by combining AI strategy with hands-on builds. His shift from “automation guy” to “trusted advisor” multiplied his earning potential.
Why it scales: Consulting builds deep client trust. Once you help a company successfully adopt AI, they’re likely to keep you on retainer for ongoing support and training.
3. Create AI-Powered Content
The content world has been reshaped by AI tools like GPT-4o, Claude, and Gemini. Articles, scripts, marketing copy, and social posts can be generated in minutes.
But businesses aren’t paying for raw output—they’re paying for content that works. This is where solo operators can stand out:
Blending AI generation with human editing for accuracy and nuance
Targeting niches where credibility matters (law, finance, healthcare)
Offering a “content studio” model where speed and quality combine
Example: One AI freelancer scaled to $8K/month by specializing in “AI-assisted LinkedIn ghostwriting” for tech founders. His pitch: founders get consistent posts that sound like them, not like ChatGPT.
Caution: The market is saturated with low-quality AI content. Success comes from building a reputation for quality plus speed.
4. Develop AI Training & Workshops
Every company has employees who want to use AI but feel unsure how. That gap is a goldmine.
AI trainers and workshop leaders teach teams how to:
Use AI tools responsibly
Apply them to daily workflows
Avoid common pitfalls like hallucinations or data leaks
The business model here is simple but lucrative. Companies pay anywhere from $5K–$20K for a day-long workshop. Trainers often record sessions to repurpose as courses, multiplying their impact.
Example: Nadia Privalikhina, founder of AI Insiders, has delivered dozens of workshops helping marketing teams automate content creation. Her clients don’t just learn prompts—they leave with systems.
Why it works: Training isn’t a one-off fad. As tools evolve, companies keep coming back for refresher sessions and advanced modules.
5. Build AI Products or SaaS Tools
This is the dream for many: building the next big AI app. And yes, indie founders are still creating profitable products in 2025—everything from Chrome extensions to niche SaaS platforms.
The risk? Competition is brutal. The cost of building is lower, but so is the barrier for everyone else. Apps that don’t solve a real pain point quickly fade.
Example: One-person SaaS apps like Magical (AI meeting notes) or Typedream (AI website builder) scaled quickly by solving specific pains for professionals.
Pro tip: The winners focus on distribution as much as development. If you’re not ready to market, sell, and support a product, you’ll struggle.
6. Sell Digital Products Powered by AI
AI makes it easier than ever to create digital products that sell at scale. Think:
Notion templates infused with AI
Interactive research packs
Playbooks that combine guidance with embedded AI prompts
The appeal here is leverage. You make something once, then sell it endlessly. The challenge is distribution—without an audience, digital products rarely move.
Example: Gumroad and Etsy are full of AI-powered productivity packs selling for $20–$200. Top sellers earn $5K–$15K/month, often with zero employees.
This model works best when paired with content creation. If you build an audience on LinkedIn, TikTok, or YouTube, you can funnel them into products that scale.
7. Freelance as an AI Specialist
Freelancing is the most accessible entry point into AI work. Businesses hire specialists for:
Prompt engineering
Fine-tuning AI tools to industry needs
Building chatbots or copilots
Supporting AI integrations in existing systems
Platforms like Upwork, Contra, and Toptal list thousands of these projects. Freelancers can start small and quickly build case studies.
Reality check: Freelancing is a great foot in the door but less stable long-term. Income depends on pitching and platforms. Many freelancers eventually transition into consulting for steadier retainers.
Choosing the Right Path
With so many options, how do you decide where to start?
If you want quick wins → try freelancing or automations.
If you value recurring income → consulting or training are stronger bets.
If you want leverage → focus on digital products or SaaS.
If you’re audience-driven → combine content creation with products.
The right choice depends on your skills, risk tolerance, and time horizon. But one path consistently stands out when you zoom out: consulting.
Why Consulting Wins Long-Term
Each of these seven paths is valid. But if you’re looking for a sustainable career, consulting wins for three reasons:
Recurring revenue: Unlike one-off projects or digital sales, consulting often runs on monthly retainers.
Flexibility: You’re not tied to a single product or trend—you adapt as AI evolves.
Scalability: Many consultants start solo, then grow into boutique firms or agencies.
Side-by-side comparison:
Digital products can hit big but depend on platform algorithms.
Freelancing pays fast but rarely compounds.
SaaS tools have upside but high failure rates.
Consulting, by contrast, lets you build credibility, income, and optionality—all while getting paid to learn in real businesses.
That’s why consulting isn’t just another path on the list. It’s the foundation many other paths eventually build toward.
FAQs
What is the easiest way to make money with AI?
Freelancing or building small automations are the fastest entry points, since businesses pay quickly for time-saving solutions.
How much can AI consultants earn?
Independent AI consultants often earn $2K–$10K per month per client, with corporate retainers going even higher.
Do you need to code to make money with AI?
Not necessarily. Many automation and consulting projects focus on workflows, processes, and outcomes—not just coding.
Is AI content creation still profitable in 2025?
Yes, but it’s shifting. Businesses pay more for content that blends AI speed with human expertise, especially in regulated industries.
Call to Action
Want a faster path into AI consulting? That’s exactly what we built Stack for—tools, training, and a community to help you land your first clients and grow long-term.
