Where's the money at?

[amazing_andr3]

Who's making the big money?

Web designers? Web programmers? People managing server security? Webmasters at online shops? Somebody else?

(not just in relative terms, gimme real examples...)

[rhsunderground]

it sure ain't band directors, i'll tell you that! :p

[Charles]

Plumbers, electricians, people who do something useful to society are in short supply and make a heap of money these days.

[gorky]

Real Estate agents in California

[MstrBob]

There isn't a lot of money in programming. Not by NYC standards, anyway. Web-related money is in ownership. Own a good network of websites with a lot of ad hits? Then you're making money. Some shmoe doing coding in a large company? Not a lot.

[amazing_andr3]

Plumbers, electricians, people who do something useful to society are in short supply and make a heap of money these days.
Don't most people do something useful to society?

There isn't a lot of money in programming. Not by NYC standards, anyway. Web-related money is in ownership. Own a good network of websites with a lot of ad hits? Then you're making money. Some shmoe doing coding in a large company? Not a lot.
That's funny... where I live programming and web design can easily bring 4-5 times the average salary.
Then again, I'm talking about an average monthly salary of € 200...

[Compguy Pete]

I've found what works best for me is to deversify... I not only do web design but hosting, onsite service (pc repair-spyware removal-networking), One new thing I'm doing now or at least more of is Graphic design.

Building websites alone could never support me.

[MstrBob]

I've found what works best for me is to deversify... I not only do web design but hosting, onsite service (pc repair-spyware removal-networking), One new thing I'm doing now or at least more of is Graphic design.

Building websites alone could never support me.

That's the trick to it, isn't it? I know a number of freelancers, who rely on websites they run for supplemental income, and one who hosts all his clients so that he always has an income. Me, I just take whatever I can get. Working for a few people, word gets out and I wind up doing all sorts of general computer-related work. Hopefully, though, I'll have a more steady job if I can go through a university.

[psuedocode]

I earn 5 figures.... that clears it up, right?

I can tell you this... I started my ecommerce site in 1997 and I paid for a condo in downtown Seattle and was able to afford a 2000 Jetta (not so bad, could be better... but hey...). I made 75k in those good ol days. the site is still running, but isnt whoopin arse like those days... (see my sig for the site)

now, I work for the man, his name is Bill. thats what the 5 figures is for. I dont write code, I dont make web pages (for him), my mind is dehydrated (uncertain if thats coz the beer or Bill).... but hey... I will smile and take it. if you wouldnt... you are a different man than I and I salute you.

if you want to make money in this industry, you have to be one of a few things...

1. a code god = you are the man, you know the codebase inside and out, you are what we call a expert/guru/god, not some jack of all trades; master of one.

2. sales god = you could sell time to a con. you are what Bill calls an evangelist. you know alot about technology and you believe in it too. You also want to empower others to utilize technology to better their lives, via your product of course.

3. mastermind = you are a megalomaniac and can back it up. coz you can evangelize your product and wrote the code (not some cut/paste job; you know all the alternatives) and are able to turn down clients because your gift of gab and skill make you a target for people who need help or product.

my $0.02 but wth do I know

[buntine]

There is (potentially) alot of money in entrepreneurial thinking, whether your a programmer, a businessman, a plumber, etc..... The profession is of lesser importance.

[Stephen Philbin]

Plumbers, electricians, people who do something useful to society are in short supply and make a heap of money these days.

Man does your house flood with electrified water on a weekly basis or what?

[Jupac]

Rappers

[buntine]

Rappers

Pretty faces that appeal to kids... The ugly, old guys behind the rappers make the real money.

[Stephen Philbin]

Rappers

Well that depends. If you own your own records (which few do), then yeah, you can make some money. Otherwise you're resigned to the record company hiring high value goods from companies for you to adorn, use, or otherwise promote for no thanks and a very modest salary.

[Jupac]

and NBA players wow so much money..

[rhsunderground]

well hell, billionares seem to have a good profession.

[Stephen Philbin]

I wouldn't mind winning national lotteries for a living...