How Much Do TpT Sellers Really Make? (Real Numbers + What to Expect)
One of the most common questions I hear from teachers thinking about starting a TpT store is:
“How much money do TpT sellers actually make?”
Let’s talk about that—real numbers, real expectations, and real potential.
What TpT Sellers Actually Earn
The short answer is…it depends. Sorry, there’s no one-size-fits-all explanation, no magic key to success, and no single reason why results vary from seller to seller.
There are sellers who make a few hundred dollars a year. Others bring in thousands every month. Some treat their store like a hobby, and others run it like a business. And honestly, both paths are valid.
I’ve been a seller on this platform since 2017, and here’s what my earnings journey has looked like:
April 12, 2017, and super excited about my first sale…$1.50
I wasn’t a Premium TpT Seller when I first started, but changed that in my very first month.
I sold 14 resources in my first month and made a whopping $25.67! I was in it. The big time!
I quickly realized the value of creating high-quality resources that could be priced at $3.00 or more, and the long-term benefits of developing cohesive product lines and bundling.
After that first month, I had a clear vision. I knew who I wanted to serve and what types of products I would create—and I got to work.
I watched every video I could find, bought the courses, pinned all the TpT tips on Pinterest, and embraced the trial-and-error process. Full transparency—I made A LOT of mistakes along the way.
But all those stumbles, missteps, complete and total fails brought me to this moment—my TpT reality.
I consistently earn $1,000 or more each month (even when I’m not actively creating new products)
My best month ever brought in over $7,000—during back-to-school season
Even in the years I didn’t nurture or build my store, it still generated income
I am no bigwig on TpT by any means, but this income means a whole heck of a lot for my family.
This is a great victory and hallelujah moment, but it’s also important to understand what influences results like these.
Look what I did! From first sale, to my TpT Yearbook of 2024, and some other victories along the way.
Four key things shape your TpT earnings:
Your niche—and how well you serve it
The quality of your content
The consistency of your product creation, SEO, and marketing—your reach
And your personal effort and strategy
Do not underestimate the power of consistency, hard work, and determination. Those old-fashioned values are what make this dream a reality.
If you’re still in the growth phase, sales might not be pouring in yet. And that’s okay. Growth is a phase—not a failure.
Too often, sellers panic and pull the plug too early. But those early months are when you’re laying the groundwork for long-term success.
You’re not failing. You’re just growing into the TpT store you’re meant to become.
And if you want a helping hand from someone who’s been there, download the free TpT Playbook.
What Would an Extra $1,000 a Month Mean to You?
For me, it’s meant more than just extra spending money.
Guilt-free vacations and memories created with my husband and children
The ability to say “yes!” to spontaneous getaways or family fun
Hosting family Thanksgiving and Christmas for everyone, every year!
Breathing room in a budget that used to feel too tight
And no, I didn’t have to become a full-time entrepreneur to get here. I built my store as a full-time teacher, with a family and a very real lack of time. I just built it in a way that made sense for my life. Sometimes chaotic and frenzied, and at other times thoughtful and intentional—the latter method works best, lol.
The Truth: It’s Possible, But It’s Not Passive on Day One
You won’t make thousands overnight. But you don’t need to.
Most successful sellers start with a few strong products that speak directly to a specific audience. Then they build from there.
The key? Consistency and a plan.
Another TpT seller, a few steps ahead of me, told me early on, “This is a marathon, not a sprint”. It takes time, and it takes a commitment to quality. The sellers who grow are the ones who focus on serving their audience well—not chasing quick wins.
Always put yourself in your audience’s shoes!
But here’s the good news: if you stick with it, you will start to see growth. Small steps each week can lead to big momentum faster than you think.
That’s exactly why I created the TpT Playbook—a free guide designed for full-time teachers who want to start their TpT store with clarity and purpose. If you're in the early stages, it walks you through the foundational steps that matter most (and skips the extra stuff you don't need yet).
Want to Go a Step Further?
If you're ready to start building products, planning a launch, and finally getting your store off the ground—the TpT Store Kits might be your next step.
The kits are built specifically for full-time teachers with limited time. Inside, you'll find:
Templates that take the guesswork out of branding, thumbnails, and product listings
A clear pricing strategy and message templates for connecting with buyers
Tools to help you start strong—without wasting time or overthinking every step
The best part? You don’t have to figure it all out yourself. Just pick the kit that’s right for you.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering whether it’s too late to start—it's not.
If you're wondering whether your store can still grow even if you're not working on it every day—it can.
And if you're wondering whether you have to be a business expert to build something meaningful on TpT—you don’t.
You already have what you need: experience, creativity, and a desire to help other educators.
Start small. Stay consistent. Keep your audience in mind. You’re closer than you think.
