Ever wondered why some people in tech seem to print money while others keep hitting refresh on job boards?
They’ve got the same 24 hours, same access to resources, maybe even started around the same time. Yet, one’s negotiating remote contracts in dollars, and the other is stuck underpaid, overworked, and questioning everything.
It’s not just about how hard you work, it’s about what you focus on and how you show up.
In this article, we’re pulling back the curtain on five things top tech earners do differently.
There’s a lot of perks that come with earning big in tech. You want to start the next Moniepoint or Chowdeck, you need the right access and enough leverage in terms of capital to keep going. Aside building your own side project, you also want to live comfortably. What’s the essence of being a tech bro without the cash flow. Here are important things you need to know on what top tech earners do differently:
Top earners don’t try to be everything, everywhere, all at once. They specialize. Whether it’s cloud architecture, machine learning, DevOps, or mobile security, they choose a lane and go deep.
Take Malik, for example. He started out like most self-taught, grinding late into the night, building projects no one saw. But instead of trying to master everything at once, he zeroed in on one niche: cybersecurity. Within a year, he became the go-to guy in that space. Recruiters came knocking. His rates doubled. Then tripled. Not because he was the smartest, but because he got strategic.
Meanwhile, Ada, just as smart and passionate, kept hopping from one skill to another, Python today, web3 tomorrow, maybe mobile apps next week. She knew a bit of everything, but never enough to stand out. She worked hard, but her DMs stayed dry, job interviews few and far between
The highest-paid tech professionals think like founders. They don’t just “do the job”, they build a personal brand, market their expertise, and constantly seek leverage.
They’re intentional about where they spend time. They don’t mind saying “no” to average opportunities. They track their growth, test new ideas (like productizing a service, launching a side project, or creating content), and invest in tools, communities, and people that move them forward.
Visibility is leverage. And the top earners in tech know this.
They don’t wait to be perfect. They share their progress as they go:
This practice, known as building in public creates trust, relatability, and credibility. It’s a magnet for people who say things like, “Hey, I’ve been following your journey on product management , are you open to contract work?” or “I saw your post on building a CI/CD pipeline, mind jumping on a quick call with my team?”
Even when they’re not looking for work, opportunities find them.
Because while others stay invisible, top earners are out there learning in the open, showing progress, and letting the internet work for them.
One of the biggest mindset shifts in tech is realizing you’re not being paid for your hours, you’re being paid for your impact.
Top earners don’t ask, “How much can I charge per hour?”
They ask, “What is the value of this result to the business?”
If building a backend automation saves a company 200 hours a month or unlocks $50k in new revenue, they understand that’s not a $30/hour task, it’s a high-leverage solution. And they price themselves accordingly.
This mindset opens the door to:
More importantly, they’re not afraid to ask for more. Because they’ve positioned themselves as problem-solvers, not just “tech people.”
And guess what? Businesses will always pay more for solutions than for services.
Top tech earners understand that the learning never stops, but they don’t just binge every new course or jump on every new trend. They’re not stuck in tutorial loops or buying courses out of FOMO. They’re intentional.
Their learning is goal-driven. Before they dive into a new language, tool, or concept, they ask:
Instead of chasing every hot trend, they focus on what moves the needle. They might master one cloud platform, build deeper data skills, or get certified in a system that directly increases their value in the market.
While others jump at every gig or opportunity, top earners are selective. They understand that every ‘yes’ is a ‘no’ to something else, their peace, their growth, or better opportunities.
They’ve learned to say no to:
This discipline protects their energy and keeps their trajectory upward.
Top earners don’t just code in the dark and hope someone notices. They build strategic relationships.
They understand that in tech, opportunities rarely come from job boards, they come from people. So they stay plugged into communities, even when they’re not actively looking.
They:
They show up with value, not just requests. So when someone in their network hears about a project, a contract, or a new role, they remember them.
The tech space isn’t a level playing field, but it’s a game you can learn to win. Those who earn big aren’t necessarily smarter or luckier. They just play the game differently. They move with intention, they focus where it matters, and they know how to make themselves visible and valuable.
At TechCrush, we’re here to help you bridge the skills gap and level up your career. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your expertise, we have the resources, courses, and community to support your journey to becoming a high-earning tech professional.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our masterclasses, Montessori or bootcamp training to unlock your potential in tech.
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