35 AutoCAD Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]
Interested in starting a autocad business in 2024?
We put together 35 of the best autocad businesses you can start in today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of other autocad businesses to help you see what it really takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a recruiting agency
The global online recruitment market size was $29B in 2019 and is projected to reach $43B by 2027.
The best way to assess the success of a Recruiting Agency is to review what their clients say about them and the results achieved for those clients.
As a recruiter, you dream of landing your first client, but once you do, you realize it’s only the start of what you hope will be a successful business. Have you ever wondered how to start a recruiting agency business? There’s so much you can learn from books, but nothing beats getting real-world experience.
How much you can make: $100 — $320,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
DistantJob is a unique recruitment agency that specializes in finding full-time remote employees, and with $3 million in annual revenue, they offer small to medium-sized tech companies an edge over big competitors who are not willing to hire remotely.
2. Start a 3D Printing Business
3D printing is a process that assembles objects layer by layer and starting a business in this industry can be a very creative venture.
You will need investment in the right equipment and materials, and the acquisition of 3D modeling and design skills. You will also need to regularly calibrate and maintain your 3D printers to deliver consistent results.
Plan how you'll handle shipping and logistics, and leverage technology to find new applications of 3D printing in all industries.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $330,000/month
How long does it take to build: 270 days (?)
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
3. Create an online course
An online course business involves creating and selling digital classes teaching specialized skills or knowledge to subscribed students.
As an entrepreneurial course creator, you identify educational gaps around topics you have expertise in and develop engaging video lessons and supplementary materials.
With flexibility around self-paced or cohort-based structures, building a student base provides passive income potential.
For founders who enjoy information-sharing, launching an online course platform presents a lucrative way to monetize your instructional talents with small startup costs by serving eager lifelong learners seeking convenient access to emerging subjects.
How much you can make: $275 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
4. Start a freelancer platform
Freelancer platform is a place where people come with skills and services to offer and people come who need those skills and services. So we can say freelancer platforms are a marketplace for sellers and buyers of services and skills.
The freelancing industry is growing rapidly and it's becoming a popular career option for people who are "non-traditional" employees. The global Freelance Platforms market size is expected to reach $6.7B by the year 2025. While working on a full-time job, freelancers simultaneously work on a freelance career. The platforms available online help them to increase their business by attracting new clients.
With all of the businesses looking for help on their websites, it would be a good idea to start a freelancer platform. Freelance platforms do well because people have jobs that need to be done and businesses have the resources to pay for the job at hand.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $5,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
CloudDevs, a tech talent platform that sources and vets freelance tech talent and matches them with companies, has achieved $1 million in GMV in its first year, plans to achieve 100% growth year on year, and focuses on customer loyalty through its Net Promoter Score metric.
5. Start an AutoCAD toolset generator business
6. Start a mechanical drafter business
7. Start an Electrical drafting business
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
8. Start an AutoCAD blogging business
9. Start a surveying and mapping technician business
10. Start an office furniture business
Furniture is the centerpiece of any corporate establishment. In a broad sense, office furniture adds an attractive appearance and provides a comfortable working environment for employees.
According to statistics, the market for office furniture is anticipated to witness increased demand over the next few years. Therefore, starting an office furniture business can be a lucrative idea.
How much you can make: $50,000 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Branch Office Furniture offers a new approach to the office furniture industry, selling high-quality furniture directly to businesses with space design, delivery, and installation included at one-third to one-half of the price of comparable quality products, resulting in over $1M in sales since launching in Q1 of 2019.
11. Start an industrial designer business
Have a knack for blending form and function? Starting an industrial design business might be the path for you. Industrial design focuses on creating products that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.
By launching this business, you'll work with manufacturers and clients to design everything from consumer electronics to furniture, tools, and vehicles. It's about making everyday objects better, improving user experience through thoughtful design.
You'll need strong design skills, proficiency in CAD software, and a keen understanding of materials and manufacturing processes. It's not just about sketching ideas; it's about bringing them to life, iterating, and collaborating with engineers and marketers.
Starting an industrial design business offers a rewarding challenge. If you find joy in solving design problems and creating objects people love to use, this field offers not just a career, but a creative journey.
How much you can make: $20,000 — $40,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 195 days (?)
SolutionBuggy is an AI-based manufacturing consulting platform, providing end-to-end solutions for entrepreneurs looking to start the manufacturing industry, having completed over 2000 projects with 50,000 industries and 10,000+ experts registered on their platform, and planning to expand with 20 million registered MSMEs and 300,000 consultants in the next few years.
12. Start an AutoCAD permitting websites
13. Start a CAD drafting business
Need a business idea where technical expertise meets creative satisfaction? Consider starting a CAD drafting business. In simplest terms, this involves creating precise technical drawings and plans using computer-aided design software, often for architects, engineers, and product designers.
There’s real demand for high-quality CAD drafting services, spanning industries from construction to manufacturing. With a mixture of technical skill and artistic flair, you’ll be at the heart of bringing concepts to life, turning sketches into detailed, workable plans.
To get started, you’ll need proficiency in CAD software and a diligent marketing effort to attract clients. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme—expect to invest time in acquiring skills, and initially, you may work on a project-by-project basis. However, the effort can be rewarding, offering a mix of steady work and the opportunity to leave a tangible mark on future projects.
How much you can make: $6,500/month
How much does it cost to start: $30 (?)
This case study is about a freelancer turned founder who started an online business selling unique 2D digital designs for CNC machines, with only basic design knowledge and part-time work, and now has a standalone running business with revenues of up to $7K per month.
14. Start an online AutoCAD tutorial business
15. Start an AutoCAD blocks sales business
Want to leverage your CAD skills for a steady income? Consider starting an AutoCAD blocks sales business.
In simple terms, AutoCAD blocks are reusable drawings or symbols that can be inserted into other drawings. By creating a library of high-quality blocks, you can sell them to architects, engineers, and designers who need standardized components for their projects.
There's a constant demand for well-designed blocks that save time and improve accuracy. Setting up an online store and marketing your creations could see consistent sales from professionals in various fields.
Though it requires initial effort to build a solid repository of blocks, once established, this business offers passive income opportunities. With the growing popularity of online marketplaces, now is an excellent time to turn your design expertise into a profitable venture.
How much you can make: $260,000/month
Bookblock co-founder shares how they grew their corporate gifting platform to a £2m annual turnover, and their plans to expand to the consumer market through their new gifting platform.
16. Start a process drafter business
17. Start a landscape AutoCad specialist business
How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
18. Start an AutoCAD specialist business
Manipulate the world’s infrastructure from your computer with an AutoCAD specialist business.
This venture involves using AutoCAD software to design detailed 2D and 3D models that are crucial for architecture, engineering, and construction projects. By mastering AutoCAD, you can offer your services to firms needing precise technical drawings and plans.
The demand for skilled AutoCAD specialists is on the rise, offering lucrative opportunities for those proficient in this software. This business does require a solid understanding of drafting principles, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous learning due to evolving software capabilities.
The ability to streamline complex projects with precision makes this an appealing field for those with the right skillset. If you enjoy technical design and have a knack for detailed work, starting an AutoCAD specialist business could be your path to a rewarding and sustainable career.
How much you can make: $1,000,000 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Canadian fragrance retailer, Fragrancebuy, shares how they became one of the fastest-growing companies in Canada and the USA, by focusing on adding value at every stage of the customer's purchasing experience and using platforms such as Shopify, Google Adwords, and Facebook Ads.
19. Start an AutoCAD tutoring business
Have a knack for AutoCAD and a desire to share your skills? An AutoCAD tutoring business could be your next venture.
This business involves teaching individuals or groups how to use AutoCAD software effectively, catering to everyone from students to professionals needing a skills boost.
Given the software's widespread use in industries like architecture, engineering, and design, there's a constant demand for knowledgeable tutors. You can offer one-on-one sessions, group workshops, and even virtual classes, making your business flexible and scalable.
Starting an AutoCAD tutoring business involves creating a curriculum, marketing your services, and staying updated on the latest software versions. If you’re already proficient in AutoCAD, this is a practical way to monetize your knowledge.
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
A case study about Growthink, a business planning and capital raising company that has helped over 1 million entrepreneurs, discusses the founder's journey from side hustle to expanding product offerings, attracting customers through content creation and search engine marketing, and using AI to streamline operations and develop an AI business plan generator.
20. Start an AutoCAD floor plan designing business
21. Start a CAD designing business
A CAD designer is a professional who specializes in Computer-Aided Design. They use CAD software to create designs for clients and projects.
The CAD design industry has been growing at a rapid pace over the last few years. As a result, the need for 3D modeling and rendering services has risen dramatically in recent years, with many industries looking to CAD designers for their expertise and creativity.
A good CAD designer should have a wide range of skills that will allow them to work on projects from start to finish, from initial concept through final production.
How much you can make: $6,500 — $20,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
A 3D CAD designer and product inventor who started as a side hustle and averaged $9,000 a month in revenue, shares his insights on the ups and downs of owning a service-based business alongside an eCommerce store, as well as lessons learned in customer acquisition and in generating multiple streams of passive income.
22. Start an architectural drafter business
23. Start a blueprint machine business
Blueprint machines may sound old-school, but they are essential for architects, engineers, and construction firms. Picture a business where you lease and maintain high-quality blueprint machines for these professionals.
The essence of this business is straightforward: provide reliable, state-of-the-art blueprinting equipment to clients who need precise and large-scale printing capabilities. Your job involves sourcing the machines, setting up leasing agreements, and offering regular maintenance and troubleshooting services.
What makes this idea appealing is the niche aspect—your target market is specific but offers high demand with less competition. Companies often prefer leasing over purchasing to avoid large upfront costs and maintenance headaches, making your service indispensable.
If you’ve got a knack for technical equipment and enjoy fostering long-term business relationships, starting a blueprint machine business could be a rewarding venture. The stability of the construction and design industries ensures consistent demand, providing a steady income stream.
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
A case study about Growthink, a business planning and capital raising company that has helped over 1 million entrepreneurs, discusses the founder's journey from side hustle to expanding product offerings, attracting customers through content creation and search engine marketing, and using AI to streamline operations and develop an AI business plan generator.
24. Start a digital art & design business
Digital art and design is often used to create visual content for websites, apps, and other digital platforms.
Digital art and design businesses can be either freelance or full-time.
They can work in-house for larger companies or as independent contractors for other businesses or individuals.
How much you can make: $876 — $169,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
UX Studio, a user experience design agency based in Budapest, Hungary, founded by Dávid Pásztor, has grown to generate almost $2 million USD in revenue per year with a profit rate of 20.5%, while supporting dozens of clients across various industries and running two successful independent product teams.
25. Start an AutoCAD plans sales business
Turning an eye for design and technical skills into profit, an AutoCAD plans sales business could be the venture for you.
This business involves creating and selling detailed AutoCAD plans to architects, builders, and interior designers. Your task is to transform client concepts into meticulous digital blueprints that guide construction and design projects.
This idea captures attention because it leverages technology skills to fulfill an ongoing market need, offering the potential to work on diverse and interesting projects. With the growth of construction and renovation projects, high-quality, precise AutoCAD plans are in demand.
AutoCAD plan sales can be a satisfying and lucrative enterprise for those willing to master technical drawing software and connect with industry professionals. If you appreciate precise design work and enjoy the challenge of producing accurate plans, this could be a business worth exploring.
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
A case study about Growthink, a business planning and capital raising company that has helped over 1 million entrepreneurs, discusses the founder's journey from side hustle to expanding product offerings, attracting customers through content creation and search engine marketing, and using AI to streamline operations and develop an AI business plan generator.
26. Start an AutoCAD laser cutting business
27. Start an electronics drafter business
28. Start an AutoCAD software business
29. Start an aeronautical drafter business
30. Start a drafting table business
31. Start an AutoCAD estimator business
Interested in leveraging your technical skills in a profitable venture? Consider starting an AutoCAD estimator business. This business involves creating detailed cost estimations for construction and engineering projects using AutoCAD software.
By providing precise, professional-grade estimates, you can help contractors and architects streamline their project planning and budgeting processes. If you have a knack for detail and a background in engineering or architecture, this could be a lucrative niche to explore.
It’s a service in demand, as accurate cost estimation is critical for any construction project’s success. With the right expertise and tools, you can set up your own consultancy and offer your services to a wide range of clients. This business offers a mix of technical challenge and rewarding client relationships, perfect for those who enjoy problem-solving and working closely with industry professionals.
32. Start a civil drafter business
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
33. Start an art and drawing tools business
34. Start a filling cabinets business
35. Start an AutoCAD designer business
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
