In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), some players seem to amass endless GP while leveling to 99 in multiple skills. The truth is, many players approach skilling backwards: they chase the fastest experience rates, burn through their cash reserves, and wonder why they can’t afford high-level gear. Meanwhile, a more strategic approach allows you to earn substantial wealth while progressing efficiently-a balance many overlook. By learning profitable methods or supplementing your efforts through options to buy OSRS gold, you can ensure your account grows both in skill levels and bank value. This guide will break down profitable methods across multiple skills so you can train effectively and fill your coffers at the same time.

Fishing has always been a steady moneymaker, but the introduction of Sailing has completely transformed the skill. Early levels, from 1 to 65, are slow and low-profit, taking around 20 hours to reach a decent level. However, Kuraman fishing from 65 to 91 is AFK-friendly and nets over 50 million GP in roughly 155 hours. The real game-changer comes at level 91, where deep-sea trolling unlocks high-value marlins. Training from 91 to 99 marlin trolling takes around 350 hours in total and can generate approximately 750 million GP. This method combines consistent XP with exceptional profit-a rarity in OSRS.

Smithing also saw a major shift with Sailing’s release. Traditionally, the Blast Furnace offered modest profits. Now, crafting Myithil bars can earn up to a million GP per hour alongside over 100k smithing XP. Once you reach level 70, Adamant bars provide around 1.3 million GP per hour, while Copper-Nickel bars, introduced with Sailing, offer slower XP but excellent early profit, taking about 25 hours to reach level 85 and netting 50–60 million GP. At level 85, Runite bars take over, providing 3 million GP per hour and over 100k XP per hour, making 85–99 smithing highly profitable at roughly 218 million GP total.

Thieving remains one of OSRS’s most lucrative skills when approached correctly. Early thieving is modest in both XP and profit, but at level 85, pickpocketing elves in Prifddinas opens up. With Song of the Elves completed, these seeds fetch over 2 million GP each, and efficient pickpocketing can earn 3 million GP per hour with 180k XP per hour. For variety, Viy watch sentinels offer rare drops worth 6–7 million GP, though elves remain more consistent. From 85 to 99, this method generates roughly 135 million GP.

Rune Crafting has long been profitable, but newer methods have boosted its efficiency. Early combination runes provide over a million GP per hour with 75k XP. From 82 to 91, double astral runes with teleport-to-house can net 82 million GP. Finally, 91–99 double nature runes, with achievement diary teleports, deliver over 200 million GP. Total 1–99 rune crafting using profitable methods takes around 187 hours and yields 337 million GP. Sunfire runes further boost late-game profitability, exceeding 2 million GP per hour for high-level accounts.

Mining benefits greatly from recent updates. At level 70, the Zelcano volcano offers both profit and XP. By focusing on experience in mass worlds, you can still earn rare crystal tool seeds while making 1.5 million GP per hour and 70k XP per hour. From 1–99, this route generates around 270 million GP in 188 hours. Infernal Shell mining, introduced in the Yama update, pushes profit to new heights, with up to 4 million GP per hour at 60k XP per hour.

Magic is unique in that it combines utility with profit. Spells like Plank Make, revamped in 2025, allow for 2 million GP per hour while delivering 160k XP. From 86–99, this method earns around 150 million GP in 59 hours.

Agility is typically not profitable, but the Hallowed Top course offers over 1 million GP per hour at level 92+. Training from 1–99 via this course requires skill and attention, but rewards players with 163 million GP and exceptional agility XP, all while improving movement mechanics that benefit other areas of OSRS.

The key takeaway across all these skills is that profitable training requires commitment. Some methods demand high-level quests, expensive gear, or click-intensive work. Others are risky or time-consuming. But the payoff is dual: you gain both experience and wealth simultaneously. The ideal path depends on your account, goals, and personal playstyle. Prioritize methods that you find enjoyable and rewarding-progress is meaningless if you burn out along the way.

By strategically choosing profitable methods, players can max their skills while building immense wealth, turning OSRS from a grind into a rewarding, lucrative journey. For those looking to supplement their progress or accelerate key milestones, acquiring cheap RS gold can provide a helpful boost, allowing you to invest in gear, supplies, or high-value resources without slowing down your training.