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Many people labor under the illusion that all software developers are raking in $200,000 a year and living it large in the plushest postcodes of the Bay Area. While this is certainly the image that the media tends to portray about our profession, it is hardly an accurate one. While many software devs do enjoy higher average earnings than those in other sectors, the average figures mask wide disparities.

It is not uncommon for some devs to be earning close to minimum wage, or for developers living in very expensive cities to struggle to make the rent. That's why it pays to know exactly how to hack your earnings potential and leverage your in-demand skills for as much as they are worth. With that in mind, here are five simple ways to earn more as a software developer. 

Hit That Side Hustle

It's no secret that talented devs of all languages are needed across virtually every sector of the economy. Therefore, it makes sense to boost your income with one or two lucrative side hustles, should you feel like it. You can easily use platforms such as Fiverr or Upwork to find freelance work from employers of all stripes and build up a colorful portfolio. You could also reach out to companies that pique your interest and values to see if they take on part-time, piecemeal work from devs such as yourself. Another advantage of this approach is the fact that you can potentially build an extensive network with other professionals.

Up Your Math Skills

Yes, it is possible to have a rewarding software development career with limited math skills. However, having a strong knowledge of the fundamentals will take you far in various fields. For example, anyone wishing to branch out into game development needs a strong grasp of calculus and algebra at a minimum, while data analysts need college-level statistical skills.

For this, consider investing in a little extra help to teach you the exact skills you need to level up your career. Helpfully in this day and age, you can tailor your learning experience to your convenience and select a tutor based on factors such as rapport. These invaluable skills may help, in particular, with invoicing (as any freelancer knows, a basic understanding of invoicing is pivotal).

Forget Loyalty

As we said, people need devs. For this reason alone, you should not stick with a company that is not paying you enough out of some misguided sense of loyalty. If you are a talented developer with a portfolio to boot, it's time to look elsewhere for a job that will pay you what you deserve. Of course, always make sure to tell your current employer that you are looking further afield, as you might be pleasantly surprised at the counteroffer you receive from them. Remember, your skills are your leverage. 

Location, Location, Location

Speaking of loyalty, why not consider a new city or a new country entirely? If you're looking for a little bit of adventure, you can most definitely use your skills to nab a visa for any number of exciting countries that are looking to import tech talent. The most famous of these are European countries such as Estonia and the UK, which have their own dedicated visa categories for much-needed software developers. In addition, you may also find that these destinations are willing to pay a premium for your skills, giving you more money to play with in your new home. 

Impart Your Wisdom

Finally, don't forget the value of what you know. Aspiring devs will benefit from your experience and knowledge, so it's definitely viable for you to easily make plenty of spare cash by teaching novice coders how to master your language of choice and the fundamentals of good development. For instance, you can apply to tutor on Amazon repricing software via an official boot camp or online learning course, or you can simply set up your own YouTube channel or vlog to teach people that way, potentially earning cash from ad revenue over time. This is definitely a highly rewarding way to make some extra cash. 

There are many ways to boost your earnings as a software developer, chief among these being the ability to know your own worth and a willingness to leverage it. When you know your worth, anything is possible.