How to Make 6 Figures As A Artificial Intelligence Researcher? (11 Best Ways in 2024)

Updated: September 9th, 2024

So you want to make six figures as a artificial intelligence researcher? Good for you! Being a artificial intelligence researcher is a highly respectable and well-paid profession, and there's no reason why you can't earn a high income if you put your mind to it.

In this blog post, we'll look at some of the best ways to make more money as a artificial intelligence researcher - business ideas you can start to achieve such income. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Become an affiliate marketer ($55.3K/month)

As an artificial intelligence researcher, you could significantly bolster your income by diving into affiliate marketing. This venture allows you to leverage your analytical skills and marketing acumen to promote other companies' products or services, earning a commission for every sale made through your referral.

It's a low-cost business model, requiring minimal upfront investment since you need not create or own the products yourself. By signing up for affiliate programs in niches that interest you, you'll receive unique tracking links to drive traffic and sales, thereby generating extra income. With meticulous effort and strategic marketing, this side hustle could help you attain a six-figure income.

How much you can make: $18,000 — $83,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

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2. Create an online course ($91.9K/month)

As an artificial intelligence researcher, you could significantly supplement your income by starting an online course business. By identifying educational gaps within AI topics and developing engaging video lessons and supplementary materials, you could address the increasing demand for specialized AI knowledge.

Offering self-paced or cohort-based courses could allow you to build a student base and generate passive income. For those who enjoy sharing information, this entrepreneurial venture presents a lucrative way to monetize your expertise with minimal startup costs while serving lifelong learners eager to dive into emerging AI subjects.

How much you can make: $350 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)

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3. Start a career coaching business ($48.5K/month)

Starting a career coaching business could help you make six figures as an artificial intelligence researcher by leveraging your industry knowledge to guide other professionals. You could offer personalized coaching sessions to assist clients with resume building, interview preparation, and professional growth, whether they aim to break into AI or advance within the field. With demand for AI expertise increasing, your specialized advice could become indispensable to those eager to succeed.

By providing both in-person and virtual coaching services, you could reach a broader audience while maintaining a flexible schedule. This side business allows you to monetize your experience and motivational skills, all while empowering others to achieve their career aspirations. Additionally, helping others navigate their professional transitions could further establish your reputation and expand your professional network, opening up even more lucrative opportunities.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $235,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

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4. Start a youtube channel ($146K/month)

Creating a YouTube channel could supplement your income as an artificial intelligence researcher by sharing your expertise on AI topics, tutorials, and the latest advancements. With YouTube’s established monetization system, you could earn revenue through ads once you join the YouTube Partner Program, requiring a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours within the last 12 months.

Establishing a strong online presence could open doors to additional opportunities, such as sponsored content, online courses, and speaking engagements. By leveraging the popularity of YouTube, you could build a significant following and create a YouTube Channel success story, turning your passion for content creation into a substantial source of extra income.

How much you can make: $800 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

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5. Digital products ($261K/month)

As an artificial intelligence researcher, you could leverage your expertise to create highly valuable digital products, such as specialized software tools, educational courses, or comprehensive ebooks on cutting-edge AI techniques. These products are in high demand and are relatively easy to distribute, allowing you to generate a significant supplemental income or even start a successful side business.

Given your advanced knowledge and skills, you could design an AI-based app or machine learning toolkit that addresses specific industry needs, making it a sought-after resource. Alternatively, creating a subscription-based membership site or an exclusive AI research community could provide ongoing revenue and establish you as a thought leader in the field.

Digital products allow you to capitalize on your existing expertise without the overhead costs associated with physical goods, such as storage and shipping. This efficient business model can lead to significant financial rewards, potentially enabling you to achieve a six-figure income.

How much you can make: $10,417 — $1,766,666/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

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6. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)

Starting an eCommerce store could be a lucrative way to supplement your income as an Artificial Intelligence researcher. The low overhead costs and increased flexibility of eCommerce compared to traditional brick-and-mortar businesses mean you could run this venture alongside your main career. Furthermore, the booming eCommerce market offers a wide audience, allowing you to reach customers globally without ever leaving your home.

You could leverage your tech skills to optimize your online store, using AI-driven tools for inventory management, customer segmentation, and personalized marketing. The added efficiency and convenience of online shopping for consumers mean you have the potential to grow your eCommerce store into a significant revenue stream. With the right strategy, this could be a viable path to achieving six-figure earnings.

How much you can make: $350 — $13,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

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7. Become a social media influencer ($57.4K/month)

Supplementing your income as an artificial intelligence researcher by becoming a social media influencer could open up lucrative opportunities. By leveraging platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, you could establish credibility in the field of AI and attract a vast audience interested in your insights and expertise. Brands are keen to engage with influencers in niche areas, and your specialized knowledge could make you a sought-after personality for partnerships and sponsorships.

Additionally, you could generate extra revenue through ads, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing. Your unique perspective on artificial intelligence could resonate with a wide demographic, enhancing your earning potential and helping you reach six figures. Building a robust online presence not only supplements your primary income but also positions you as a thought leader in the AI community.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $166,666/month

How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)

How long does it take to build: 155 days (?)

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8. Start a social media marketing agency ($116K/month)

Starting a social media marketing agency could be a lucrative side business for an artificial intelligence researcher looking to make six figures. Leveraging your analytical skills and expertise in AI, you could develop data-driven strategies that outperform traditional marketing techniques, providing substantial value to businesses and increasing your income potential.

By utilizing social media marketing tools to automate tasks, you could efficiently manage your time and focus on high-impact activities, such as strategizing and client acquisition. Developing a strong agency portfolio showcasing your unique approach and effective campaigns could attract clients, thus supplementing your primary income and helping you achieve your financial goals.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 30 hours/week

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9. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)

Starting a podcast could be a lucrative side venture or even a full-time business that supplements your income as an AI researcher. By creating a podcast focused on artificial intelligence, you could leverage your expertise to offer valuable insights, discuss recent advancements, and interview other experts in the field. This not only positions you as a thought leader but also attracts a dedicated audience eager for your specialized knowledge.

As your audience grows, you could potentially attract sponsors or advertisers, providing a steady revenue stream. Additionally, a successful podcast could open up opportunities for speaking engagements, consultancy work, or even selling premium content and courses. With minimal initial investment, starting a podcast could be an effective way to diversify your income and work towards making six figures.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

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10. Start a blog ($44.9K/month)

Starting a blog could be a pivotal way to supplement your income and make six figures as an artificial intelligence researcher. By sharing your expertise, insights, and cutting-edge developments in AI, you could attract a wide audience, given that 77% of internet users read blogs. Your blog could quickly become a trustworthy source of information, as blogs are rated highly for their credibility.

Moreover, with approximately 409 million people viewing over 20 billion pages monthly, you could leverage this traffic to monetize your blog through advertisements, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. A well-crafted content strategy and an engaged mailing list could enhance your reach, making it possible to earn significant income either as a side hustle or a full-time business. The flexibility of this location-independent business allows you to work at any time and from anywhere, complementing your primary role as a researcher.

How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

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11. Start a freelance writing business ($65.5K/month)

Starting a freelance writing business could be an excellent way to supplement your income and help you reach six figures as an artificial intelligence researcher. With the flexibility to define your work schedule and work from home, you could seamlessly integrate freelance writing into your existing career. Writing about cutting-edge AI topics can both deepen your expertise and establish your thought leadership in the field.

As an AI researcher, your strong writing skills and ability to stay on the cutting edge would allow you to produce high-quality content that meets client needs. Focusing on AI and tech-related niches could attract a premium clientele willing to pay for your specialized knowledge. Leveraging your background and personal qualities such as proper communication skills and a self-starter attitude could make your freelance writing business a lucrative side venture or even a full-time endeavor.

How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 56 days (?)

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meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.