Everyone wants to be a star on reality television, and it's getting easier with every new show. Millions of people line up at open auditions for high-profile shows like American Idol and America's Next Top Model. But how do you actually make money as a reality TV star? Should you quit your day job? When the season of a reality show is over, your spotlight suddenly goes out. Many people want to stay in the limelight, after they star in a reality show, but don't know how to go about it. There are a lot of things you can do after a reality TV appearance to stay in the entertainment business and make money. We've listed six ways you can keep your momentum as a reality TV star after the cameras stop rolling.

1. Acting Roles: Paris Hilton moved from The Simple Life to major Hollywood films, and now it's common for reality stars to pursue a real acting career. After appearing on a high-profile TV show it's much easier to get an agent to represent you. You've already got a proven track-record and a marketable "star persona." Jennifer Hudson may have lost American Idol but she won an Oscar! Several contestants from America's Next Top Model have enjoyed guest roles on CW shows like Veronica Mars and One Tree Hill.

2. Other Reality Shows: Some reality TV stars decide to develop their careers specifically in the reality circuit. Producers are eager to cast recognizable TV personalities in new shows, especially if they have a proven knack for making reality shows dynamic and entertaining. The Surreal Life for example often casts popular cast members of other reality shows. Trishelle Cannatella of Real World: Las Vegas fame has appeared on Road Rules, Battle of the Network Reality TV Stars, Punk'd, The Surreal Life, Fear Factor, and more!

3. Television Personality/Host: There are plenty of jobs out there for "real people" in the entertainment industry waiting to be filled. Many reality TV stars have used their skills and personas to land jobs as professional TV personalities. The E! network practically runs on the kind of charming "real" people that reality shows cast. You can host shows, act as entertainment correspondents, appear as a talking head on shows like The Best Week Ever, be an MTV VJ, or even a news anchor! Developing a star persona around your real life can get you places.

4. Live Events: Another way to make money as a reality TV cast member is to appear at live events. Promotional companies are always looking for celebrities to attend conventions, product unveilings, fashion shows, and seminars. You can make thousands of dollars in just hours! And if you're prepared to do public speaking, there are lots of people that want to hear about your life, reality TV experience, and more.

5. Self-Promotion: Some reality TV stars have made lasting careers through pure self-promotion. Puck from the first season of Real World has made a living by being his reality TV alter-ego. Using this strategy, you'll be in demand for high-paying appearances at clubs, local events, talk shows, radio shows, and more. Johnny Fairplay, the least popular contestant ever to appear on Survivor, used to work as a wrestling promoter. Since his appearance on reality TV, he has carefully constructed an obnoxious "bad guy" image and appeared on TV consistently ever since. (He's even expecting a child with America's Next Top Model contestant Michelle Deighton!)

6. Producing: Reality stars learn early on that working closely with the producers is necessary to succeed. The people who are better at working the system and learning the tricks of the trade get more air time. It's also a great way to learn the secrets of television production, networking, and how to get a foot in the door behind-the-scenes. It's not uncommon for reality TV stars to use their experiences to start working as producers or casting directors on other TV shows, reality or otherwise.

Those were just six ways to make money as a reality TV star; with talent and imagination there are plenty of ways to stay in the spotlight. Once you've broken through you've got to keep hustling, and with any luck you'll carve out your own special place in the entertainment industry.

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