How much do digital nomads earn? Anywhere from under $25,000 to well over $250,000 a year, but the typical full-time nomad earns around $75,000–$100,000. Nomad List’s 2025 data puts the median nomad income at about $85,000, and MBO Partners found that 46% of American digital nomads earn $75,000 or more. What you can earn depends far more on your skill and how you work (employee, freelancer or business owner) than on being a nomad.
In this guide
What the data says about digital nomad income
- 18.1 million Americans described themselves as digital nomads in 2025, according to MBO Partners.
- 46% of American nomads earn $75,000 or more a year, while 17% earn under $25,000 (MBO Partners).
- Nomad List’s 2025 member data shows an average income of about $124,000 and a median of $85,000 — the average is pulled up by a small group of high earners.
- 56% of American nomads hold traditional full-time jobs (MBO Partners, 2025). The rest freelance, consult or run businesses.
Figures compiled by Pumble from MBO Partners’ State of Independence research and Nomad List (2025). Nomad List data comes from its own members, who tend to be higher earners.
How much do digital nomads earn by job?
The table below uses US Bureau of Labor Statistics median pay (May 2025) for jobs that nomads commonly do. Remote freelancers can earn more or less than these figures depending on their clients and rates.
| Job | US median pay | Remote-friendliness |
|---|---|---|
| Software developer / QA | $134,040 | Very high |
| Information security analyst | $129,180 | High |
| Database administrator / architect | $126,760 | High |
| Financial analyst | $103,570 | Medium–high |
| Project management specialist | $102,320 | High |
| Management analyst / consultant | $101,860 | High |
| Web developer & digital designer | $99,520 | Very high |
| Technical writer | $90,390 | Very high |
| Accountant / auditor | $83,680 | Medium–high |
| Market research analyst | $78,760 | High |
| Graphic designer | $62,960 | Very high |
| Computer support specialist | $62,890 | High |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (median annual pay, May 2025).
Looking for ideas? See 8 internet nomad jobs worth trying, or check whether highly paid specialists like radiologists can work from home.
Employee, freelancer or business owner?
Remote employee
Typical income: close to the market salary for your role. Pros: steady pay, benefits, easiest to prove income for visas. Cons: your employer must allow work from abroad (tax and payroll rules often limit this), and time zones are fixed.
Freelancer or contractor
Typical income: varies widely — new freelancers often start below salary levels, while experienced specialists with good clients can earn more. Pros: full flexibility, multiple clients. Cons: irregular income, no benefits, you handle your own taxes. Use an account that makes getting paid by foreign clients cheap.
Online business owner
Typical income: the widest range of all — from nothing in year one to the top earners in every survey. Content sites, apps, e-commerce and agencies can scale beyond your own hours, but take time to build.
How to earn more as a digital nomad
- Find better clients. Use the best websites to find remote work to reach companies that pay well.
- Specialise. “WordPress developer for law firms” earns more than “web developer”.
- Charge in strong currencies. Work for clients in the US, UK, EU or Australia and live where costs are lower.
- Raise rates every year, and move from hourly pricing to project or retainer pricing.
- Cut money leaks. Conversion fees of 2–4% add up — compare options in our guide to alternative bank solutions.
- Add a second income stream such as a content site, digital product or app once your main income is stable.
- Protect your working hours. Reliable internet and the right tools matter — see our comparison of the best video conferencing apps.
How much do you need to earn?
Earning is only half of the equation. Most nomads need $2,000–$3,500 a month to live comfortably, and many digital nomad visas require more. Work out your own number with our guide: Becoming a digital nomad: how much money do you need?
Taxes: being a nomad does not mean tax-free. US citizens must file US taxes wherever they live, and other countries may tax you if you become resident. Get advice from a tax professional who works with expats.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the average digital nomad make?
Nomad List’s 2025 data shows an average income of about $124,000 and a median of about $85,000. MBO Partners found that 46% of American digital nomads earn $75,000 or more a year.
What is the highest paying digital nomad job?
Software development is one of the highest-paying remote-friendly jobs, with a US median pay of $134,040 in May 2025. Information security and database roles also pay well over $120,000.
Can you make money as a digital nomad with no experience?
Yes, but entry-level remote work usually pays less. Customer support, virtual assistance, content writing and tutoring are common starting points while you build skills.
Do digital nomads earn more as freelancers or employees?
Employees get steadier income, while experienced freelancers and business owners can earn more but with less predictability. Many nomads start employed and move to freelancing later.
Do digital nomads pay taxes?
Yes. US citizens must file US taxes wherever they live, and other countries may tax you if you become a resident. Get advice from an expat tax professional.
Sources
- Pumble — Digital nomad statistics (MBO Partners and Nomad List data)
- BLS — Computer and information technology occupations
- BLS — Business and financial occupations
Last updated . Fees, rules and prices change often — confirm current details with the official source before you act. This article is for information only and is not financial advice. See our disclaimer.
