How to Make Money in the Metaverse

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Explore the ways to make money in the metaverse and the job opportunities virtual reality offers now and in the future.

[Featured Image] A metaverse game designer in a blue shirt works at a laptop in an office with a white bookshelf and plants.

Key takeaways

The metaverse presents new opportunities to make money in a virtual world with interactive experiences.

  • In the metaverse, you can game, develop, invest, socialize, and even own your own digital real estate.

  • The metaverse uses cryptocurrency as its main form of currency.

  • You can learn to make money in the metaverse with knowledge of technology like blockchain and NFTs.

Explore the various ways you can make money in the metaverse. If you’re ready to start, you can learn about the neural network and computer vision foundations needed to create intelligent, adaptive virtual environments with the Deep Learning Specialization. In as little as three months, you can train test sets, analyze variance for DL applications, use standard techniques and optimization algorithms, and build neural networks in TensorFlow. At the end, you’ll have a shareable Professional Certificate to add to your professional profile. 

What is the metaverse?

The metaverse is a virtual place with collections of three-dimensional worlds. In the virtual world, it offers various activities such as:

  • Shopping

  • Gaming

  • Buying and selling art and collectibles

  • Attending conferences and events

  • Employment opportunities

The metaverse is intended to mirror the physical world. It’s a place where users can socialize and do many day-to-day things. This 3D version of the internet provides more virtual interaction than social media interactions and gaming.

The metaverse typically uses digital assets such as cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to make transactions. You can buy, sell, trade, and invest in the metaverse.

How to enter the metaverse? 

The best way to experience the metaverse is with a virtual reality (VR) headset that comes equipped with everything you need to enter the virtual world. The headset includes a display screen, stereo sound, and controllers to navigate the world you visit.

How do NFTs work?

Non-fungible tokens are used like cash in the metaverse, with some distinct differences. NFTs are used for buying, selling, and trading in the NFT marketplace, but unlike physical currency, they don’t have a specific value. Their value is attached to a digital asset held on a blockchain.

The metaverse provides an outlet for visitors to attend concerts, travel, purchase art, play games, and try on clothing. When someone makes a purchase on an NFT marketplace, the token is proof of ownership that lives on a blockchain. A blockchain records and stores NFT information.

Why work in the metaverse? 

The metaverse provides opportunities for working remotely, and if you enjoy working from home, you can find both entry-level and experienced positions. You’ll also find that the metaverse offers diverse job opportunities. 

However, not all opportunities are remote, and the metaverse is expected to bring together those working from home with those in a dedicated workspace. Working remotely may only be for some; however, the future of the metaverse is expected to have both virtual and physical workplaces.

How to make real money from the metaverse

The metaverse offers opportunities for investors, gamers, and real-world job opportunities. Investors can sell NFTs for a profit, and gamers can play to earn. You might want to hold an event and sell tickets or rent metaverse real estate. 

For long-term earnings, consider a job in the metaverse industry. You’ll find technical positions and other jobs that don’t require a lot of experience or education. Take a look at some of the available positions the metaverse offers.

All Glassdoor salaries include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Graphic designer

Medial total annual US salary (Glassdoor): $64,000 [1]

The metaverse will add new opportunities for graphic designers since 3D objects will be needed to make virtual reality more realistic. More animated designs will be needed for users to have a more interactive experience.

Blockchain developer

Medial total annual US salary (Glassdoor): $136,000 [2]

Blockchain developers develop and implement digital blockchains. Blockchain technology is used to record and store transactions made in the metaverse. The position may require testing and troubleshooting, and requires a solid background in software development.

Hardware engineer

Medial total annual US salary (Glassdoor): $149,000 [3]

Hardware engineers develop new devices for exploring the metaverse, such as headsets and motion controllers. The position requires an understanding of virtual technology and programming languages.

Metaverse senior software engineer

Medial total annual US salary (Glassdoor): $195,000 [4]

A metaverse senior software engineer builds interactive applications and games and develops new virtual environments. A metaverse software engineer should have programming skills and an understanding of software development.

Digital marketing specialist

Medial total annual US salary (Glassdoor): $73,000 [5]

Marketing specialists are needed to promote the different worlds of the metaverse. Some job titles include marketing manager, gaming marketing manager, and campaign manager. Along with in-house positions, marketing management jobs can be done remotely or on a freelance basis.

Artist

Medial total annual US salary (Glassdoor): $69,000 [6]

For artists seeking to expand beyond the physical world, you can sell NFT digital art on an NFT marketplace. You can list digital art that others can buy or trade for with non-fungible tokens. Artists who create digital art, music, and photography list their work and sell it at their asking price.

Game designer

Medial total annual US salary (Glassdoor): $99,000 [7]

If you have experience with programming languages and software, you may qualify for a position as a metaverse game designer. Game designers create stories, characters, and rules for play. Opportunities exist for entertainment and educational games.

Community moderator 

Medial total annual US salary (Glassdoor): $65,000 [8]

For those who enjoy working with different people, the metaverse offers opportunities for community managers to moderate and keep communities running smoothly. You’ll need good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to resolve conflicts.

How to work and make both income and passive income in the metaverse

Build skills.

Working in the metaverse requires an understanding of virtual reality and how the metaverse functions. You should have the following knowledge and skills:

  • Non-fungible tokens

  • Blockchains

  • Metaverse architecture

  • Networking with others 

  • Written and verbal communication 

Most metaverse technical jobs require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. However, there will also be jobs available for those with little or no experience, such as retail and tour guides. You can find entry-level positions in the metaverse just as you can in the non-virtual world.

Read more: An Introductory Guide to Metaverse Projects

Review job postings.

If you want to work in the metaverse with little or no experience, or if you have the education and experience necessary for a technical position, you can find new job openings by following metaverse communities and by checking metaverse job boards. You can also join metaverse meetups for possible metaverse job opportunities.

Explore free resources to learn how to make money in the metaverse

Interested in exploring careers in the metaverse? Stay up to date with the latest developments with resources like our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat. Then, explore our free digital resources to keep learning:

If you want to develop a new skill or get comfortable with an in-demand technology, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses. 

Article sources

1. 

Glassdoor. “How Much Does a Graphic Designer Make?, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/graphic-designer-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm.” Accessed October 31, 2025.

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