v.
  - obtain (money) in return for labour or services. ▸(of capital invested) gain (money) as interest or profit. ▸
(earn something out)
 (of an author, book, recording artist, etc.) generate sufficient income through sales to equal the amount paid in an advance or royalty. 
- gain (something) as the reward for hard work or merit.
Etymology
  OE earnian, of W. Gmc origin.