The Amish are a unique and fascinating people. They live a simple lifestyle with traditional values and without many of the conveniences that we take for granted.
There are also a lot of misconceptions about the Amish. One of the most popular is that they are all poor and don’t have any money. But the truth is, the Amish know how to make money. And better still, how to save it. Surprisingly, (or perhaps not so surprisingly) they have been very successful in business throughout their history.
So, how do Amish make money?
In this article, we will explore some of the most common ways the Amish make money and how their unique culture and work ethic has helped them succeed financially and care for their families and community.
Maybe there is something we can learn from their example.
How do Amish make money?
The Amish are known for their hard work and thriftiness. They are very skilled in many different trades and crafts. And they are also very resourceful, making use of whatever is available to them.
All of these things contribute to the Amish ability to make money.
Here are the 7 common ways in which the Amish make money:
- Farming
- Stores and Shops
- Factory Work
- Handy Work
- Sewing, Quilting, Crafts
- Tourism
- Construction
1. Farming
The Amish are very good at farming. They have been doing it for centuries and continue to do so following the same traditional and time-tested methods of their ancestors.
They are known for their large families and strong work ethic. As is the case with family-owned farms it is customary for all members of the family to work on the farm as they grow up and learn the trade.
The Amish are very self-sufficient when it comes to food. They grow their own fruit and vegetables and raise chickens, cows, and pigs for meat, milk, and eggs.
If they have surplus crops and livestock, they will often sell them at farmers’ markets, on roadside stands, or to local businesses. It customary for Amish farmers to grow and sell organic food.
All of this contributes to their ability to make money from farming.
2. Stores and Shops
Being self-sufficient means that the Amish are also very entrepreneurial. They are known for their ingenuity and resourcefulness. Many Amish families have businesses including stores, shops, and restaurants.
As they are usually very skilled in carpentry and construction, they often build things to sell such as furniture, sheds, and barns.
Amish furniture is especially popular and common amongst non-Amish people who appreciate the quality and craftsmanship.
The Amish are also known for their delicious food. They often operate bakeries, cafes, and diners that serve traditional meals.
3. Factory Work
Some Amish choose to work in non-Amish factories where their skills in carpentry, construction, and other trades are highly valued.
The Amish have a strong work ethic that is instilled in them from a young age. This makes them valuable employees in any workplace. They are usually very good workers and are known for being punctual, reliable, and hard-working.
4. Handy Work
Handy work like carpentry, plumbing, masonry and roofing is always in demand. And the Amish are very good at it. Many Amish men learn these trades from their fathers and grandfathers and pass them down to their sons.
Amish carpentry for instance is done with great attention to detail and often does not use nails or screws. The production processes are environmentally-friendly and the products they make can last for generations.
5. Sewing, Quilting, and Crafts
The Amish are also known for their sewing, quilting, and crafting skills. Handmade Amish products like quilts, dolls, and wooden toys are very popular.
The Amish women often sew clothes for their families as well as for sale. The quality of the work as well as the simplicities of the styles are often appreciated by non-Amish people.
6. Tourism
Over the years interest in the Amish lifestyle has grown. Many people are fascinated by their simple way of life and their commitment to family, community, and faith.
The Amish have responded to this interest by opening up their communities to tourism. Visitors can take tours of Amish farms, stores, and homes. They can also participate in activities like horse-and-buggy rides, hayrides, and bonfires.
While the Amish prefer to stay cut-off from the rest of the world, or the “English” as they refer to everyone else, they have benefited financially from tourism.
7. Construction
As Amish communities have grown, so has the demand for houses, barns, and other structures. The Amish, known for their high-quality construction work, often build these structures using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations.
The Amish also construct many of the buildings that are used by businesses in their communities including stores and restaurants.
As mentioned earlier, the Amish are very skilled in carpentry and construction. This makes them well-suited for work not just within the Amish community but also with non-Amish builders and contractors.
Summary
Many people often wonder – How do the modern Amish make money? After all, they lead such simple lives and tend to produce a lot of what they need by themselves.
As we’ve seen in this article, the Amish are very resourceful and entrepreneurial. And they are highly skilled in many different trades like carpentry, furniture building, construction and artisanal work. This opens up many opportunities to earn their livings.
But most of all the Amish are farmers. They use sustainable farming techniques that have been passed down through the generations. The Amish grow fruit and vegetables and also rear animals. They will commonly sell the surplus to local businesses or through their stores.
The Amish run stores, shops, bakeries, cafes and restaurants. Their work ethic and workmanship mean that they are usually welcomed as workers in factories and also in non-factory jobs like plumbing, carpentry, roofing, etc.
Finally, while increased tourism and interest in how they live their lives has not always been welcomed by the Amish, there is no doubt that it has been a source of income for their community as tourists buy Amish-built products to take back home with them.