How To Make Money Living In A Van [50+ Ways To Earn Cash While On The Road]
Do you want to know how to make money living in a van?
The prospect of saving a huge amount of money while being able to travel is undoubtedly very appealing, but how do vanlifers make money?
Well, you’ve asked the right questions and come to the right place, because I’ve come up with a list of jobs that can help you make money while living in a van.
You don’t necessarily need experience for a lot of these jobs, but you do need to work hard and be willing to step out of your comfort zone.
Read on to start your money-making van life journey!
How To Make Money Living In A Van
- Virtual Assistant
- Freelance Writer
- Online Teacher
- Transcriptionist
- Proofreader
- Blogging
- Online Coaching
- Selling Digital Products
- Virtual Bookkeeper
- Graphic Design
- Translator
- Pinterest Manager
- Software Developer
- Food/Grocery Delivery
- Photographer
- Virtual Yoga Instructor
- Virtual Fitness Instructor
- Dropshipping
- Digital Marketing
- YouTuber
- Podcaster
- Voice Actor
- Audiobook Narrator
- Write Book Reviews
- Sell Handmade Crafts on Etsy
- Sell Stickers Online
- Be A Virtual Friend
- Babysitter
- Read Emails
- Answer Surveys
- Click Ads
- Online Moderator
- Freelance Makeup Artist
- Customer Service
- Freelance Consultant
- Freelance Project Manager
- Social Media Manager
- Chatting Online
- Travel Agent
- Rent Out Your House
- Pet Sitter
- Work In Ski Resorts
- Park Ranger
- Harvesting and Farm Work
- Amazon Camperforce
- Personal Shopper
- Camp Host
- Seasonal Retail Work
- Cruise Ship Crew
- Seasonal Tour Guide
- Marijuana Trimmer
- Seasonal Instructor
Affiliate Link Disclosure: The links on this page may be affiliate links, from which I earn a small commission if you click on them, at no extra cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful. Thanks!
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How To Make Money Living In A Van?
There are countless ways to tackle the question of how to make money living in a van.
The key is to know where to look and to be creative with the skills that you already have!
If you’re worried about being unqualified, there are many courses that you can take up as you’ll see when reading through this article.
Jobs that allow you to work remotely and seasonal jobs that are accessible through driving are some of the ways how van life makes money.
Before we go through the list, let’s cover some fundamental questions before you start making money living in a van.
What Do You Need To Make Money Living In A Van?
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1. Good Internet Connection
Having a good WiFi reach is essential when you live in a van.
A few ways to go about this is to make full use of public WiFi, sign up for a portable WiFi such as Skyroam, Netgear, Verizon, and use a WiFi range extender such as WeBoost to boost your WiFi connection.
2. Invest In A Well-Maintained Van
Now that you have decided to go on a road trip of a lifetime, choosing the right van according to your preference is crucial. It’s similar to choosing a house but with a lot less initial investment.
Some of the factors you need to consider include the size of the van, safety features, overall condition and pricing match.
Make sure it has a table you can work at and wifi and you are good to go!
50+ Ways To Make Money Living In A Van
One of the best suggestions on how to make money in a van life is through remote working. There are tonnes of job opportunities online in various niches and industries.
Figuring out the right job that suits your skills and interest
1. Virtual Assistant
Becoming a virtual assistant is a great way of making money while living in your van.
The role of a virtual assistant is similar to a secretary or admin assistant, except for the flexibility of working remotely.
You can offer services such as email management, data entry and photo editing (among others) as a virtual assistant.
Recommended Courses to Skyrocket Your Income:
Alternatively, here is an in-depth free guide to help you become a VA when you have no experience.
Here is a FREE virtual assistant workshop that teaches you all the skills you need to start!
2. Freelance Writer
How to live in a van and make money? Consider freelance writing. You can write about almost any topic, such as travelling and experimenting with recipes.
Head over to Upwork and Fiverr and you’ll find that there is always a demand for freelance writers.
If you’ve always wanted to do freelance writing but don’t know where to get clients and how to start, my freelance writing ebook prepares you for exactly that and more.
Want to improve your skills as a freelance writer? This course is a complete guide to making your first $1,000 as a freelance writer.
Keen to learn but not ready to buy the ebook or course? No problem! This free guide has an easy-to-follow 8-step plan to help kickstart your freelance writing.
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3. Online Teacher
Teaching English online is an ideal mix of living a van life and how to make money. You are free to set your own teaching time and choose what to teach, making it very convenient for you.
The best part is, you don’t need experience or a teaching degree. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities, even for non-native English teachers.
If you have no experience teaching or want to know how to double your rates and provide excellent teaching material, my masterclass helps you prepare for all of these and more.
If you want to learn more of this location-independent opportunity, here’s a free, comprehensive guide on becoming an online teacher.
4. Transcriptionist
A transcriptionist converts audio files into text, which can be from podcasts, YouTube videos (for subtitles and closed captions), conference calls and lectures.
Taking up either a free course or a paid course will better your chances of securing high paying jobs as they equip you with relevant skills needed to succeed as a transcriptionist.
Check out this free guide if you want to learn how to start earning money from transcribing, including where to find the best online transcription jobs.
5. Proofreader
If you have spent a huge chunk of your life getting annoyed at spelling and grammar errors, then providing proofreading or editing services is the perfect way for you to make money while living in a van.
The World Economic Forum lists digital content skills as one of the in-demand jobs, making proofreading a desirable remote working option.
With that said, there is always room for improvement (rate increase).
Attending proofreading courses can enhance your credibility and increase your profit as an editor.
If you’re interested in proofreading but have been clueless about where to learn, you can start with this amazing proofreading course, where you can sign up for a FREE introductory course.
You can also check out this free guide on proofreading on the ‘what’ and ‘how’ on becoming a proofreader.
Also, here is a FREE workshop that will teach you how to become an online proofreader!
6. Blogging
If you haven’t heard, blogging comes under the ‘very profitable’ category of how to make money while living a van life.
It’s easy to set up, you can get paid, and you can write about almost anything — things you are passionate about like your hobbies, experience and even your van life adventure!
One of the best ways that you could make money blogging is SEO, which doesn’t require you to be glued on your phone, constantly curating your Instagram feed.
In my ebook, I teach you the exact steps you can take so you can blog full-time and live your dream life on the road.
Alternatively, here’s a quick (and free) guide on how to get paid for blogging.
7. Online Coaching
Online coaching is one of the countless opportunities that will enable you to work remotely and stop worrying about how to make money while living in a van.
You can offer services in various niches, such as:
All you need is a laptop, a stable internet connection, and a medium to market your services, such as a website or a social media account.
This popular online course teaches you how to build your online coaching business from scratch, with thorough guidance from someone with over 20 years of experience in the industry.
8. Sell Digital Products
If you find yourself stuck thinking about how to make money doing a van life, selling digital products is one of the easiest ways to help you make money living in a van.
Products you can sell online:
Where to sell them:
If you want to learn how to create and sell digital products, this comprehensive course teaches you the ins and outs of digital products.
Also, here is a FREE Etsy Ebook that will share a list of best-selling products by month and teach you how to capitalize on seasonal trends to make sales.
9. Virtual Bookkeeper
As a virtual bookkeeper, you have the opportunity to make money while living in a van, increase your earning potential and travelling, all without requiring experience or certification. (If you do want to upskill, there’s a free course that you can check out!)
Contrary to accountants, bookkeepers focus on recording daily transactions, overseeing the cash flow, managing invoices as well as organising the financial records.
Where to look for jobs:
Want to learn more about this remote opportunity? This free guide covers everything to know about becoming a virtual bookkeeper, including how to improve your skills and double your income.
10. Graphic Design
Businesses and brands are constantly on the lookout for graphic designers to help design their websites and logos.
Working remotely gives you the flexibility to set your working hours and the liberty of choosing projects you want to work on.
It’s also one of the best ways to earn an income if you’re looking to make money without having to talk to another human.
According to Ziprecruiter, freelance graphic designers earn an average of $27 per hour, so having previous experience in graphic design makes for a lucrative way on how to make money while traveling in a van.
Where to Find Jobs:
11. Translator
If you can speak and understand more than one language, you can consider becoming a translator to make money while living in a van.
Although you can immediately find work and secure clients as a freelance translator at Upwork, having a relevant education background and getting certified does give you an edge in the translating market.
Where to Find Work?
12. Pinterest Manager
Are you wondering how to make money living in a van but the long list of skills and requirements put you off?
I’m glad to let you know that as a Pinterest manager, you only need to be creative and hungry to learn to succeed!
Courses to Help Skyrocket Your Traffic and Income:
- Become A Pinterest VA Today (FREE Course)
- Pinterest Marketing: Using Pinterest for Business Growth
- Pinterest Ninja
I’ve also created a free, step-by-step guide that you can follow to become a Pinterest manager, including tips on securing clients and creating your very own Pinterest website!
13. Software Developer
Software developers are in charge of designing, developing and testing new programmes such as mobile and web applications. According to a survey, there is an increase in productivity of software developers as a result of remote working.
So, provided you have a good WiFi connection and a laptop to support the programmes that you are working on, working on the road as a software developer is a great option on how to make money from a van.
With that said, you must have previous experience in the industry to work as a freelance developer.
Where to Look For Jobs:
14. Food/Grocery Delivery
Since you’re scrolling through this article, wondering how do people doing van life make money, one of the ways to make extra cash is by signing up as a delivery driver.
Picking up delivery orders while living on the road is one of the best ways to make money while travelling, averaging at $18.13 per hour, depending on your location.
As long as you have a driver’s licence and valid ID, you’re good to go.
Companies Hiring:
15. Photographer
Similar to other freelance ventures, working as a freelance photographer while living in a van can help you earn extra income.
Setting up your business website is an excellent way to market your services. Having a website enables you to display your portfolio and secure clients. Plus, you can even make extra money by selling your prized photos online.
This masterclass is perfect for both beginner and experienced photographers looking to upskill or gain extra knowledge.
16. Virtual Yoga Instructor
Are you passionate about mind-body wellness and want to spread the good word about practising yoga and its benefits?
Then being a virtual yoga instructor is the perfect fit for you to make money while living in a van. This accredited diploma course teaches you everything you need to know about yoga, including correct yoga postures and useful teaching techniques.
By the end of the course, you are ready to establish your yoga practice.
17. Virtual Fitness Instructor
On the other hand, coaching fitness online is entirely different from yoga. Getting certified is essential before you take in any clients for training, regardless of whether you plan to venture into personal training or group coaching.
How Do I Get Certified?
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) – International Partner Programmes Available!
- National Federation of Personal Trainers (NFPT)
However, if you want to get a glimpse into the life of a fitness instructor, this one-hour course will teach you the building blocks to becoming a full-fledged fitness professional.
18. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a great option to make money remotely because you don’t have to worry about keeping physical stocks. With higher demands and a continuous rise in profit, dropshipping remains a profitable business venture.
All you have to do is receive and process the order, ensure that your supplier fulfills the order, which will be shipped straight to your customer.
Popular Dropshipping Companies:
19. Digital Marketing
If you were to ask every other nomad how they fund their travels, you’ll find that most of them are working in digital marketing.
Digital marketing refers to the promotion of products or services for a business or company via online (or digital) channels such as social media, mobile applications, email and SEO.
This comprehensive course covers everything you need to know from getting hired to building your business in online marketing.
20. Youtuber
One of the ways that you can make money while living on the road is by starting your own YouTube channel.
You can document your daily life and travels on YouTube, as vlogs (video blogs) is one of the best content to grow your YouTube channel.
Additionally, you can set up a blog and establish your brand on social media to accelerate your channel’s growth.
21. Podcaster
Podcasts are growing rapidly in popularity over the past decade, thanks to it being highly accessible through the advanced technology of mobile phones.
Did you know that you can monetize your podcast? Aside from getting sponsors and advertising, there are numerous ways to make money from podcasting.
One of them is by getting your audience to subscribe to your Patreon as a way of supporting your valuable work.
22. Voice Actor
As a voice actor, you have the choice of working in your preferable niches with an added flexibility of your hours and the work on the projects you’re interested in.
Voice Actor Ventures:
- E-learning Materials
- Video Games
- Dubbing for TV and Movies
You don’t have to be specially certified to be a voice actor, however, it is highly recommended that you attend training and work with a coach to boost your prospects and income.
Recommended Courses:
- Intro to Voice Over by Julie Eickhoff (FREE course)
- Be A Voice Actor: Making A Living With Your Voice (Popular Course)
- The Complete Voice Acting And Voice Overs Course (Comprehensive Course)
Here’s a free guide on numerous ways to make money with your voice.
23. Audiobook Narrator
We often see (or hear, in this case) celebrities and public figures narrating audiobooks and think of it as an exclusive role.
Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s not the case because anyone can be an audiobook narrator, including you. With continuous practice and proper training, you can easily secure clients online, make extra money and enhance your prospects.
Here’s a quick guide to start making money as an audiobook narrator.
Where To Look for Jobs:
24. Write Book Reviews
If you enjoy reading and couldn’t stop thinking about the last book you finished reading, you could make extra income by reviewing books.
Where to Apply to Become A Book Reviewer:
25. Sell Handmade Crafts On Etsy
Over 4 million sellers are steadily growing their homegrown businesses on Etsy to nearly 40 million buyers, so there’s a huge pocket in the market for you, too.
One of the easiest products you can sell on Etsy is printables such as planners, calendars and budget trackers.
Thanks to the popularity of Etsy, you can count on the abundance of resources to increase your sales and profit, whether it’s for printables or other crafts.
26. Sell Stickers Online
Sticker selling is one of the creative and fun ways of making money while living in a van. You can focus on designing the stickers and outsource the printing to sites such as StickerGiant and All Sticker Printing for more convenience.
Best Sites to Sell Stickers:
FREE Guides on Selling Stickers:
- How to Make Money From Digital Stickers
- Make Extra Money by Selling Stickers On Etsy
- Make Your Own Stickers to Sell Online
27. Be A Virtual Friend
We all have friends whom we’ve met online, but did you know that you can be paid to be an online friend? It’s one of the ways you can earn money by chatting online.
Sign Up As An Online Friend:
Here’s a quick guide on how you can make money online by being a virtual friend.
28. Baby Sitter
Babysitting is possibly one of the most popular side hustles, which you can pick up while you think about how to live in a van and make money. It’s considered a remote job as you’re not confined to the four walls of an office cubicle.
On average, you can earn from $17.73 per hour for babysitting, which varies depending on where you’re based.
29. Read Emails
This is an odd one, I know. But on several sites, you can make money while living in a van by reading emails.
There are no signup fees or any hidden fees, it’s easy to do and all you need is a laptop and a stable WiFi connection.
Sites to Help You Earn:
30. Answer Surveys
There are loads of ways to make money online, and answering surveys is one of them. These are the best sites that you can look into:
31. Click Ads
Clicking ads to make money does sound too good to be true, but if you have time to spare, it’s a good option to earn extra money remotely.
Where to Start:
- YSense
- FamilyClix
- OptimalBux
32. Online Moderator
Ever wondered who reviews online discussions and chat groups to ensure the safety of a site and its users? Well, that’s what an online moderator does, and it’s one of the best ways to make money while living in a van.
Depending on the company, some online moderators can earn up to $60,000 annually.
Companies Looking to Hire:
Here’s a guide on the best remote moderator jobs you can find online.
33. Freelance Makeup Artist
If you love makeup and see your friends’ faces as canvases to experiment your ideas on, you can offer your services as a freelance makeup artist (MUA).
One of the benefits of working as a freelance MUA is that you have the flexibility of deciding how many clients to take on and setting your rates.
But how do you make money living in a van as a freelance makeup artist?
- Establish your brand on social media
- Get sponsorships
- Market your services by setting up a freelance business website to widen your reach
- Read this no-frills guide on becoming a freelance MUA
Fun Fact: Huda Kattan of Huda Beauty began her inspiring journey by starting a beauty blog.
34. Customer Service
Do you like helping people solve their problems but don’t want to work in an office?
I have good news for you because you can work in customer service from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a laptop and a stable internet connection.
Job Opportunities:
Job Boards:
35. Freelance Consultant
If you have been thinking of quitting your 9 to 5 to travel the world in a mobile home, but can’t stop thinking about how to make money living in a van, consider starting a side hustle as a freelance consultant.
Working as a freelance consultant allows you to work remotely, adjust your working hours so you can work effectively and gain a steady income.
Starting your own freelance business can be overwhelming because you have to figure everything out on your own. Fortunately, this popular consulting course teaches you all you need to know on successfully building your business from the ground up.
36. Freelance Project Manager
A freelance project manager (PM) plans, oversees the execution of a project, ensures its timely delivery and performs similar responsibilities of a project manager.
The one thing that sets them apart is the freelance PM can supervise the entire process in a location-independent environment.
To succeed as a freelance project manager, you will need:
- Preferably previous experience in the field
- A portfolio showcasing your work as a project manager
- To market your services as a freelancer
Here are two main ways to market yourself and start securing clients:
- Offer freelance services through Upwork
- Set up a freelance business website
37. Social Media Manager
If you are passionate about social media and helping businesses grow, consider working remotely as a social media manager.
In the age of remote working, you can efficiently monitor, analyse clients’ social media performance and boost its engagement from the comfort of your mobile home.
If you’re not sure where to start, this course is a good foundation to build on. You’ll learn the tips, tricks and tools you can use to find, manage and retain clients in your freelance career.
In addition, you can start building your brand and growing your social media accounts to display your portfolio and experience on social media.
Alternatively, here’s a complete, free guide on starting out as a freelance social media manager.
38. Chatting Online
Have you ever wished that you could make money from talking or chatting?
Good news because you totally can!
Many websites will pay you to spend your day chatting online.
Check them out:
39. Travel Agent
A remote travel agent helps to organise trips, plan itineraries and take you to locally famous places that typical group tours do not cover.
Being an independent travel agency, you get to provide these services remotely and you no longer have to worry about how to make money living in a van.
Simply set up your workspace, create a website for your business and establish a social media presence to establish your brand and build an engaging audience and promote your services.
Additionally, check out this brilliant guide on becoming a home-based travel agent.
40.Rent Out Your House
You have a mortgage on a good property, solid emergency savings and earned enough from your side hustles to become a nomad.
But you also don’t want to do so by selling your home. What can you do?
Consider renting out your home while you go on an adventure of a lifetime! You get to keep your beautiful home, travel and stop thinking about how to make money on the road when living a vanlife!
41. Pet Sit
If you love animals but have your reasons for not owning one while living on the road, pet sitting is a wonderful option to look into.
Pet sitting sites:
- PetBacker
- Trusted Housesitters (offers pet sitting and house sitting opportunities)
Here’s an ultimate guide on house sitting, including useful tips and making the best out of your house sitting experience.
Seasonal Jobs
Looking into seasonal jobs gives you the option to exchange life on the road with creating incredible experiences during summer or winter.
42. Work in Ski Resorts
It is estimated that over 50 million skiers paid a visit to skiing areas all over the U.S. in the 2019/2020 ski season. This is possibly one of the exciting ways to approach the question of how to make money living in a van.
There is a high demand and plenty of opportunities for those looking to earn extra income during the season. On top of that, you get to ski for free!
Many ski resorts start hiring as early as April and May for the winter season of that year, so the earlier you apply, the better your chances are of getting hired.
Job sites:
43. Park Ranger
Park rangers work to ensure the safety of visitors and wildlife of the State Park where they work. This includes providing information to visitors and making sure rules and regulations are followed.
Specialized qualification is not required, however, having a strong education background would tip the scales in your favour.
Jobs are advertised by the National Park Service on the USAJOBS job board.
44. Harvesting And Farm Work
Working on a farm during harvest season is a great way to make extra money while travelling. You get to meet new people and expand your network and have the opportunity to travel while working!
Popular Countries For Seasonal Work Opportunities:
- New Zealand
- Australia
- USA
- Chile
- United Kingdom
Where to Find Jobs:
- 4XtraHands – UK
- SeasonalJobs.dol.gov – USA
- Backpackerboard – New Zealand
- Backpacker Job Board – Australia
- Workaway.info – Global*
Note: Before you pack your bags and get on the next available flight, please make sure you plan carefully and fulfill the travel requirements (e.g. visa and work requirements)
*Workaway.info connects hosts with travellers looking to gain work experience in exchange for food and accommodation. Please note that this is an UNPAID opportunity. Check their FAQ page for more details.
45. Amazon Camperforce
One of the best seasonal opportunities for RV-ers and van lifers is working with Amazon under Amazon Camperforce.
You can choose to work either part-time or full-time in 15 states (for 2021) in their fulfilment centre while taking a break from life on the road by reserving a campground spot.
46. Personal Shopper
Although technically not a seasonal work opportunity, the demand for personal shoppers would increase during the holiday season, so think Christmas, Valentine’s, and Mother’s and Father’s Days.
Apart from making extra income while travelling, you also get to build a business network. Plus, you can choose whether to work in person or remotely.
Work Opportunities:
47. Camp Host
As a camp host, you get to do workamping (work and camping), get up close and personal with nature, soaking in the summer sun and ensure campers have a fulfilling and enjoyable summer camp experience.
Where to Find Jobs:
48. Seasonal Retail Work
It’s the most wonderful (and busiest) time of the year for retail, with millions of households hoarding shops every two days in preparation for the holidays. So it’s no surprise that over 500,000 such vacancies were available in 2020.
There’s always an opportunity for you to make extra cash. You can take a look at Indeed or keep an eye out for companies typically hiring for the holiday season.
Companies Looking to Hire:
49. Cruise Ship Crew
Trading the wheels for a few months on a cruise ship can be a rewarding experience because you can make money while travelling. Plus, you get free boarding!
Jobs you can do on a cruise ship:
- Host Fun Activities
- Manage Retail Shop
- Bartending
- Youth Activities Counselor
Job Opportunities
- CruiseJobFinder – Paid service
- Season Workers
50. Seasonal Tourist Guide
If you’re an experienced traveller, have seen plenty of the world and want to share the beauty and experiences with others, I’m telling you that it’s possible!
How do vandwellers make money? They become seasonal tour guides. Wherever you are travelling, there are plenty of opportunities that you can look into.
Where to Find Jobs:
- Indeed
- CruiseJobFinder – Paid service
- Season Workers
- CoolWorks
51. Marijuana Trimmer
(Opportunities available in the US)
Following the legalization of marijuana for medical and recreational use in several US states, there is an increasing demand for seasonal workers in the industry.
There are no special qualifications required, however you have to be over 21 years old and pass the criminal background check to be eligible.
Marijuana trimmers are responsible for harvesting and preparing the flowers for sale.
Where to Apply:
52. Seasonal Instructor
By becoming a seasonal instructor, you get to offer your services for the benefit of enthusiastic learners during winter in exchange for extra income as well as free lodging and travelling.
Some of the countries where you can become a seasonal instructor:
- Switzerland
- Canada
- USA
- New Zealand
Where Do I Apply?
How To Make Money Living In A Van FAQs
How To Make Money Living In A Bus
Besides a van, you can also make money when living in a bus.
Here are some ideas:
Does Living In A Van Save Money?
The short answer is yes. You do save money when living in a van but to a certain extent. This depends on several factors, such as your spending pattern and how you budget; so it could go both ways.
The short answer is yes. You do save money when living in a van but to a certain extent. This depends on several factors, such as your spending pattern and how you budget; so it could go both ways.
Yes
- You’re not tied to a rental contract or mortgage
- Focused on minding expenses and planning your budget
No
- Unless you’re living in an RV or a bus, you might have to pay to shower (gym or family and friends’ home) and for food
- Depending on the condition of your van, you may need to fork out expenses for maintenance.
Final Thoughts On Making Money Living In A Van
I’ve covered many ways on how to make money living in a van, and now it’s up to you to tread your path for your van life adventure.
If you’re willing to take that leap of faith and step out of your comfort zone, anything is possible!
With the right skills, budgeting and the drive to continuously upskill yourself, you can succeed at building your freelance business while travelling the world.