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Most Profitable Skills in OSRS 2026: Complete Ranking

••11 min read•2,075 wordsguides

Quick Decision Snapshot

Which OSRS skills make the most money in 2026? We rank all 23 skills by GP/hr potential, comparing active vs passive income and highlighting the best earners.

  • Which OSRS skills make the most money in 2026
  • We rank all 23 skills by GP/hr potential, comparing active vs passive income and highlighting the best earners.

Not all skills are created equal when it comes to profit. This definitive ranking breaks down the most profitable skills in OSRS, showing you which skills will make you rich while training and which will drain your bank.

Profit Rating System

  • 💰💰💰💰💰 Extremely Profitable: Make 500K-3M+/hr
  • 💰💰💰💰☆ Very Profitable: Make 300-500K/hr
  • 💰💰💰☆☆ Profitable: Make 100-300K/hr
  • 💰💰☆☆☆ Break-Even: ±50K/hr
  • 💰☆☆☆☆ Loss: Lose 100K-500K/hr
  • 💸💸💸💸💸 Extreme Loss: Lose 500K-5M+/hr

The Rankings

#1: Slayer 💰💰💰💰💰

Profit Rating: 💰💰💰💰💰 GP/Hour: 500K-1M (75+), 1-3M+ (bosses) Why #1: Best combat profit skill in game

Profit by Level:

  • 1-50 Slayer: -50K to break-even (food costs)
  • 50-75 Slayer: +100-300K/hr
  • 75-85 Slayer: +300-600K/hr (Gargoyles!)
  • 85-99 Slayer: +500K-1M/hr (Abyssal demons, Nechs)
  • 95+ Slayer: +3-5M/hr (Hydra boss)

Most Profitable Tasks:

  1. Alchemical Hydra (95 Slayer): 3-5M/hr
  2. Cerberus (91 Slayer): 2-3M/hr
  3. Gargoyles (75 Slayer): 600-800K/hr
  4. Abyssal Demons (85 Slayer): 400-600K/hr
  5. Nechryael (80 Slayer): 300-500K/hr

Why It Wins:

  • Profitable at high levels
  • Best GP/hr for combat training
  • Boss unlocks = huge money
  • Consistent drops
  • Can AFK some tasks (Gargoyles)

Time to 99: 600-800 hours Total Profit (1-99): 100-300M+

Related: Bossing Money Making Guide

#2: Runecrafting 💰💰💰💰☆

Profit Rating: 💰💰💰💰☆ GP/Hour: 400-900K Why #2: Extremely profitable, but slow XP

Profit by Method:

  • Blood Runes (77 RC): 400-500K/hr (AFK)
  • Soul Runes (90 RC): 450-550K/hr
  • Wrath Runes (95 RC): 800-900K/hr (best)
  • Lava Runes (23 RC): Fast XP, break-even
  • Double Nature Runes (91 RC): 600-800K/hr

Why High Ranking:

  • Massive profit at all levels
  • Blood/Soul runes are AFK
  • Wrath runes = best skilling GP/hr
  • Always in demand

Why Not #1:

  • Slower than Slayer bosses
  • Not as engaging
  • Lower XP rates

Time to 99: 400-600 hours Total Profit (1-99): 150-300M

Related: Runecrafting Calculator

#3: Farming 💰💰💰💰☆

Profit Rating: 💰💰💰💰☆ GP/Hour: 800K-1.5M per hour of gameplay Why #3: Best passive income in game

Profit by Method:

  • Herb Runs (32-85): 300-800K per run (10 min)
  • Tree Runs: Usually loss (XP method)
  • Fruit Trees: Break-even to small profit
  • Birdhouse Runs: 100-200K per run (2 min)
  • Hespori (weekly): 100-200K profit

Why High Ranking:

  • 800K profit in 10 minutes (herb runs)
  • Do 2-3x per day
  • Passive income between activities
  • Scales with level (snapdragon > ranarr)

Why Not Higher:

  • Not continuous training
  • Done in bursts (10-15 min/run)
  • Need capital for seeds

Daily Profit Potential: 1-3M (2-3 herb runs) Time to 99: 300-500 hours (spread over months) Total Profit (1-99): 100-200M

Related: Herblore Calculator | Herb Run Calculator | Farming Timers

#4: Hunter 💰💰💰💰☆

Profit Rating: 💰💰💰💰☆ GP/Hour: 600K-1.5M Why #4: Chinchompas = massive profit

Profit by Method:

  • Red Chinchompas (63 Hunter): 600-800K/hr
  • Black Chinchompas (73 Hunter, Wildy): 1-1.5M/hr (PKer risk)
  • Herbiboar (80 Hunter): 400-600K/hr + herbs
  • Dragon Implings (83 Hunter, Puro-Puro): 1-2M/hr (lucky)

Why High Ranking:

  • Chinchompas always in demand
  • Black chins = best skilling profit
  • Engaging gameplay
  • Good AFK (red chins)

Why Not Higher:

  • Black chins = Wilderness (PKers)
  • Repetitive
  • Red chins are crowded

Time to 99: 250-350 hours Total Profit (1-99): 150-300M

Related: Hunter Calculator

#5: Mining 💰💰💰☆☆

Profit Rating: 💰💰💰☆☆ GP/Hour: 150-500K Why #5: Profitable but slow

Profit by Method:

  • Amethyst (92 Mining): 400-500K/hr (max AFK)
  • Rune Ore (85 Mining): 300-400K/hr
  • Volcanic Mine (50 Mining): 150-300K/hr
  • Blast Mine (75 Mining): 300-500K/hr
  • Motherlode Mine (30 Mining): 100-200K/hr (AFK)

Why Ranked Here:

  • Consistent profit
  • Amethyst is max AFK
  • Good for passive income

Why Not Higher:

  • Lower GP/hr than top skills
  • Slow XP rates
  • High requirements for best profit

Time to 99: 300-500 hours Total Profit (1-99): 50-150M

Related: Mining Calculator

#6: Woodcutting 💰💰💰☆☆

Profit Rating: 💰💰💰☆☆ GP/Hour: 150-350K Why #6: AFK profit skills

Profit by Method:

  • Redwood Trees (90 WC): 200-350K/hr (max AFK)
  • Magic Trees (75 WC): 150-250K/hr (AFK)
  • Yew Trees (60 WC): 100-200K/hr (very AFK)
  • Teak Trees (35 WC): Fast XP, low profit

Why Ranked Here:

  • Max AFK (mobile-friendly)
  • Consistent profit
  • No supply costs

Why Not Higher:

  • Low GP/hr compared to combat
  • Boring
  • Crowded (Redwoods)

Time to 99: 200-400 hours Total Profit (1-99): 50-100M

Related: Woodcutting Calculator

#7: Fishing 💰💰💰☆☆

Profit Rating: 💰💰💰☆☆ GP/Hour: 100-550K Why #7: AFK but lower profit

Profit by Method:

  • Anglerfish (82 Fishing): 400-550K/hr (max AFK)
  • Minnows (82 Fishing): 300-500K/hr
  • Sacred Eels (87 Fishing, 72 Cooking): 300-400K/hr
  • Monkfish (62 Fishing): 200-300K/hr (AFK)
  • Sharks (76 Fishing): 150-250K/hr

Why Ranked Here:

  • Max AFK potential
  • Decent profit
  • Mobile-friendly

Why Not Higher:

  • Lower GP/hr than Slayer/RC
  • High requirements for best profit

Time to 99: 300-500 hours Total Profit (1-99): 80-150M

Related: Fishing Calculator

#8: Thieving 💰💰💰☆☆

Profit Rating: 💰💰💰☆☆ GP/Hour: 200-500K Why #8: Decent profit, frustrating gameplay

Profit by Method:

  • Elves (Prifddinas) (85 Thieving): 300-500K/hr
  • Vyrewatch Sentinels (82 Thieving): 300-400K/hr
  • Ardougne Knights (55 Thieving): 200-300K/hr (click-intensive)
  • Pyramid Plunder (21 Thieving): 200-300K/hr

Why Ranked Here:

  • Good profit
  • No supply costs
  • Fast training

Why Not Higher:

  • Click-intensive
  • Not AFK
  • Fail chance is annoying

Time to 99: 150-250 hours Total Profit (1-99): 50-100M

Related: Thieving Calculator

#9: Smithing 💰💰☆☆☆

Profit Rating: 💰💰☆☆☆ GP/Hour: -100K to +200K (method dependent) Why #9: Can profit or lose depending on method

Profit by Method:

  • Blast Furnace (Steel bars): +150-300K/hr
  • Blast Furnace (Adamant bars): +200-400K/hr
  • Blast Furnace (Rune bars): +300-500K/hr (95 Smithing)
  • Smithing Gold (XP method): -1-2M/hr (huge loss)

Why Ranked Here:

  • Blast Furnace can profit
  • Gold smithing is expensive

Why Lower:

  • Best XP methods = huge loss
  • Profit methods = slow XP

Time to 99: 200-400 hours Profit/Loss (1-99): -200M to +50M (method dependent)

Related: Smithing Calculator | Blast Furnace Calculator

#10: Cooking 💰💰☆☆☆

Profit Rating: 💰💰☆☆☆ GP/Hour: -50K to +150K Why #10: Usually break-even or small profit

Profit by Method:

  • Karambwans (30 Cooking): +100-200K/hr (profit)
  • Sharks: Break-even to +50K/hr
  • Dark Crabs (Wilderness): +150-300K/hr (PKer risk)
  • Wine of Zamorak: See cooking methods

Why Ranked Here:

  • Can profit with some foods
  • Usually break-even
  • Fast XP

Why Lower:

  • Low profit overall
  • Many foods = loss to train

Time to 99: 50-100 hours Profit/Loss (1-99): -20M to +10M

Related: Cooking Calculator

#11: Agility 💰☆☆☆☆

Profit Rating: 💰☆☆☆☆ GP/Hour: +10-50K (marks of grace) Why Low: Barely profitable

Profit Sources:

Why Ranked Here:

  • Minimal profit
  • Time spent = opportunity cost

Time to 99: 250-400 hours Total Profit (1-99): 10-50M (mostly from Sepulchre)

Related: Agility Calculator

The Loss Skills

#12: Crafting 💸💸💸💸☆

Profit Rating: 💸💸💸💸☆ GP/Hour: -300K to -2M/hr Why Loss: Buyable skill, expensive

Cost by Method:

  • Gold bracelets: -300K/hr
  • Air battlestaves: -1M/hr
  • Black d'hide bodies: -800K/hr
  • Zenyte jewelry: Break-even to +100K/hr (slow XP)

Total Cost (1-99): 50-150M

Related: Crafting Calculator

#13: Herblore 💸💸💸💸💸

Profit Rating: 💸💸💸💸💸 GP/Hour: -500K to -3M/hr Why Loss: Most expensive skill in game

Cost by Method:

  • Super Combat Potions: -1-2M/hr
  • Prayer Potions: -800K-1.5M/hr
  • Saradomin Brews: -2-3M/hr

Total Cost (1-99): 150-300M

Note: Essential skill (mandatory for PvM)

Related: Herblore Calculator

#14: Prayer 💸💸💸💸💸

Profit Rating: 💸💸💸💸💸 GP/Hour: -1M to -5M/hr Why Loss: Bones are expensive

Cost by Method:

Total Cost (1-99): 80-200M

Note: Essential skill (protection prayers)

Related: Prayer Calculator | Prayer Training Guides

#15: Construction 💸💸💸💸💸

Profit Rating: 💸💸💸💸💸 GP/Hour: -2M to -10M/hr Why Loss: Oak planks/mahogany are expensive

Cost by Method:

  • Oak Larders (33-52): -1-2M/hr
  • Mahogany Tables (52-99): -5-10M/hr
  • Mythical Capes (99+): -3-4M/hr

Total Cost (1-99): 150-500M

Note: Essential for POH (house teleport, pool, fairy ring)

Related: Construction Calculator

#16: Magic (Combat Training) 💸💸💸💸☆

Profit Rating: 💸💸💸💸☆ GP/Hour: -500K to -5M/hr Why Loss: Runes are expensive

Cost by Method:

  • High Alchemy: Break-even to +100K/hr
  • Stun-Alch: -200-400K/hr
  • Ice Burst (MM2 tunnels): -3-5M/hr
  • Ice Barrage (MM2 tunnels): -5-8M/hr

Note: Slayer gives Magic XP for free via combat

Related: Magic Calculator

#17: Firemaking 💰💰💰☆☆ or 💸💸💸☆☆

Profit Rating: Depends on method GP/Hour: +200K (Wintertodt) or -300K to -2M (logs)

Wintertodt (50 FM): +100-300K/hr (PROFIT) Traditional (Burning logs): -300K to -2M/hr (LOSS)

Total (1-99):

  • Wintertodt: +50-150M profit
  • Traditional: -40M to -400M loss

Verdict: Do Wintertodt for profit!

Related: Wintertodt vs Traditional Firemaking

Skill Profitability Summary Table

Rank Skill GP/Hour Total 1-99 Time to 99
1 Slayer 500K-3M +100-300M 600-800h
2 Runecrafting 400-900K +150-300M 400-600h
3 Farming 800K-1.5M (burst) +100-200M 300-500h
4 Hunter 600K-1.5M +150-300M 250-350h
5 Mining 150-500K +50-150M 300-500h
6 Woodcutting 150-350K +50-100M 200-400h
7 Fishing 100-550K +80-150M 300-500h
8 Thieving 200-500K +50-100M 150-250h
9 Smithing -100K to +500K -200M to +50M 200-400h
10 Cooking -50K to +150K -20M to +10M 50-100h
11 Agility +10-50K +10-50M 250-400h
12 Crafting -300K to -2M -50M to -150M 100-200h
13 Herblore -500K to -3M -150M to -300M 50-100h
14 Prayer -1M to -5M -80M to -200M 30-60h
15 Construction -2M to -10M -150M to -500M 20-40h
16 Magic -500K to -5M Varies 200-400h
17 Firemaking +200K or -2M +50M or -400M 30-80h

Most Profitable Skill Combinations

Combo #1: Slayer + Farming

  • Slayer for main income (500K-3M/hr)
  • Herb runs between Slayer tasks (800K per 10 min)
  • Result: 600K-3M+/hr combined

Combo #2: Runecrafting + Farming

  • Blood runes (AFK, 400-500K/hr)
  • Herb runs every 80 minutes
  • Result: 500-700K/hr

Combo #3: Hunter + Farming + Birdhouse Runs

  • Red chinchompas (600-800K/hr)
  • Herb runs (800K per 10 min)
  • Birdhouse runs (100-200K per 2 min)
  • Result: 700K-1M+/hr combined

Skills Worth Training for Money

✅ Always Profitable:

  1. Slayer (500K-3M/hr)
  2. Runecrafting (400-900K/hr)
  3. Farming (herb runs)
  4. Hunter (chinchompas)

⚠️ Sometimes Profitable:

  • Smithing (Blast Furnace only)
  • Cooking (Karambwans only)
  • Fishing (high level only)
  • Woodcutting (high level only)
  • Mining (high level only)

❌ Always Loss:

  • Herblore
  • Prayer
  • Construction
  • Crafting
  • Magic (combat training)

Best Skills for Ironman Profit

Ironman Profit Skills:

  1. Farming (herb runs for potions)
  2. Hunter (chins for bursting)
  3. Thieving (seed income)
  4. Slayer (gear/supplies)
  5. Fishing/Cooking (food for PvM)

Note: Ironmen can't sell items, so "profit" = saving money on supplies.

Investment vs Return

Best ROI (Time + Money):

  1. Farming: 300-500 hours, +100-200M profit
  2. Hunter: 250-350 hours, +150-300M profit
  3. Slayer: 600-800 hours, +100-300M profit

Worst ROI:

  1. Construction: 20-40 hours, -150M to -500M loss
  2. Prayer: 30-60 hours, -80M to -200M loss
  3. Herblore: 50-100 hours, -150M to -300M loss

Note: "Worst ROI" skills are still essential for account progression!

FAQ

What is the most profitable skill in OSRS?

Slayer is the most profitable skill, earning 500K-1M GP/hr at level 75+ and 1-3M+ GP/hr on bosses like Alchemical Hydra and Cerberus. Training it to 99 can generate 100-300M+ GP over 600-800 hours.

How much money do herb runs make?

Herb runs earn 300-800K GP per run, which takes about 10 minutes, and can be done 2-3 times per day. Farming is the best passive income skill, offering 800K-1.5M GP per hour of gameplay.

Which OSRS skill is the most expensive to train?

Herblore is the most expensive skill, costing 150-300M GP from 1 to 99 and losing 500K-3M GP/hr. Construction is also costly at 150-500M GP total, with mahogany tables losing 5-10M GP/hr, though both remain essential for PvM.

How much can you make from Runecrafting?

Runecrafting earns 400-900K GP/hr, with Wrath runes at 95 Runecrafting being the best at 800-900K GP/hr. Blood runes at 77 give 400-500K GP/hr and are AFK, while double nature runes at 91 give 600-800K GP/hr.

Are chinchompas profitable in OSRS?

Yes, red chinchompas at 63 Hunter earn 600-800K GP/hr, while black chinchompas at 73 Hunter in the Wilderness earn 1-1.5M GP/hr with PKer risk. Hunter can profit 150-300M GP on the way to 99.

Is Firemaking profitable?

Firemaking is profitable only through Wintertodt at 50 Firemaking, which earns 100-300K GP/hr and 50-150M GP from 1 to 99. Burning logs traditionally loses 300K-2M GP/hr instead, so Wintertodt is the clear choice.

Conclusion

Most Profitable Skills (Top 5):

  1. Slayer: 500K-3M/hr, +100-300M total
  2. Runecrafting: 400-900K/hr, +150-300M total
  3. Farming: 800K-1.5M/burst, +100-200M total
  4. Hunter: 600K-1.5M/hr, +150-300M total
  5. Mining: 150-500K/hr, +50-150M total

Most Expensive Skills (Bottom 3):

  1. Construction: -2M to -10M/hr, -150M to -500M total
  2. Prayer: -1M to -5M/hr, -80M to -200M total
  3. Herblore: -500K to -3M/hr, -150M to -300M total

Best Strategy:

  • Train profitable skills early (Slayer, Runecrafting, Farming, Hunter)
  • Build 500M-1B bank
  • Use profits to fund expensive skills (Construction, Prayer, Herblore)
  • Result: Efficient account progression without buying bonds

Simple Recommendation:

  1. Train Slayer to 85+ (make 100-200M)
  2. Do herb runs daily (make 50-100M)
  3. Fund Construction/Prayer/Herblore with Slayer profits
  4. Max efficiently!

Good luck skilling for profit! 💰⚔️

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Sources & methodology

XP rates, requirements, and drop data in this guide are cross-checked against the OSRS Wiki and verified against in-game behaviour. Grand Exchange prices move daily, so treat GP/hr figures as estimates and confirm current prices with the OSRS Wiki price tracker before committing to a method.