25 Firefighter Side Hustle Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]

Updated: July 15th, 2024

Interested in starting a firefighter side hustle business in 2024?

We put together 25 of the best firefighter side hustle businesses you can start in today.

For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of other firefighter side hustle businesses to help you see what it really takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a fire safety business

The fire safety industry specializes in providing essential safety measures to both residential and commercial property owners.

This industry offers comprehensive solutions to protect homes, businesses, and public spaces from the devastating impact of fires.

From installing state-of-the-art fire detection systems to conducting safety audits and implementing preventive measures, the fire safety industry plays a crucial role in safeguarding lives and property.

As a prospective business owner, choosing to invest in this sector will enable you to address a critical societal need while also offering the gratification of contributing to community well-being.

How much you can make: $304,000/month

How This Firefighter Invented A $3.6M Product That Prevents Kitchen Fires

Firefighter turned entrepreneur Peter Thorpe invented FireAvert, a product that plugs into an oven and automatically cuts power to the stove and range if a synced smoke detector goes off, resulting in over $2 million in revenue in 2018 alone, with projections for double that in 2019 and the creation of a FireAvert outlet and smart home integration in the upcoming future.

Read by 14,348 founders

2. Start a dog walking business

Are you a dog lover? If so, you can turn your passion for animals into a profitable side hustle that allows you to earn extra income for your mortgage, a vacation, or paying off student loans.

As a dog walker, sitter, or boarder, you can earn an average annual income of between $10,000 and $30,000 by offering your services to dog owners in need of a caregiver for their furry friends.

To get started, register on a credible dog-walking app and create a compelling profile that showcases your experience, skills, and love for dogs.

With your dedication and expertise, you can help dog owners ensure their pets receive the care and attention they need while building a thriving business that fulfills your passion for animals.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $54,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

How I Started A $54K/Month Pet Sitting And Dog Walking Business

Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC is a successful pet sitting and dog walking business that brings in over half a million dollars in sales per year, boasts 3,500-4,000 social media followers, employs 42 individuals and has been voted in the top 3 pet sitting/dog walking companies in the RI/MA area for eight years in a row.

Read by 20,746 founders

3. Start a youtube channel

For anyone looking to start a successful YouTube channel, there are plenty of YouTube channel success stories that can be used as inspiration and encouragement. In addition, YouTube has an established monetization system and boasts incredible popularity, making it a potential platform for revenue generation.

In this article, we'll look at different approaches you can use to help promote your channel and grow your viewers. While there's no quick and easy way to success, you can take these tips to build your own YouTube Channel Success story. If you love content creation, you can capitalize on YouTube's popularity to earn extra income.

If you want to join the Youtube partner program to monetize your channel, you will need to reach a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the previous 12 months.

How much you can make: $800 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How This Couple Makes $5K/Month Generating Content About Ways To Make Money Online

Learn how this entrepreneurial couple made $5-7k a month by helping others find legitimate work from home jobs and creative ways to make money online through their blog and YouTube channel, as well as offering two flagship products designed to help beginner freelancers and new bloggers accelerate growth.

Read by 14,508 founders

4. Start a landscaping business

A landscaping business is engaged in maintaining lawns and gardens, trimming trees and shrubs, and providing landscape maintenance and beautification services. Landscaping costs vary depending on the size and location.

For small jobs such as taking care of the lawn and trees, the cost can vary from $50 to $100 per hour. The average wage of a landscape designer is $70,000 to $90,000, and a landscape architect makes around $50,000 to $100,000 per year. For basic maintenance and mowing services, a single person who runs a landscaping business can get started with as little as $5,000 or less. However, a proper landscaping business will require a large investment. The average start-up cost is between $15,000 to $20,000.

Once the type of service is decided, the list of tools and equipment can be purchased. The best way to succeed in a landscaping business is to provide quality service. This will not only retain existing clients but also promote and attract new customers.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $375,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Uber For Lawn Care: How I Built A $30M Software

GreenPal has bootstrapped their business to over $30 million a year in revenue, after securing an unsecured line of credit for $85,000, and have built the operating system and platform for small lawncare companies to run their entire business through, becoming live in all 50 US states and having 1.2 million homeowners using the platform.

Read by 5,247 founders

5. Start a real estate business

Are you a qualified architect with a broad range of knowledge in the real estate field? Starting a real estate business can be a profitable venture.

Real estate involves purchasing, selling, managing, or investing in land and buildings.

To become a successful real estate business owner, you must have finely honed visual awareness and a strong understanding of various building materials and structures.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A $500K/Month Real Estate Investment Business

This case study is about T. C. Lewis & Co, a real estate investment and management firm that successfully diversified their approach to include sales, development, remodeling, and construction, with property management being the key to investor doors and organic growth.

Read by 12,046 founders

6. Become a mobile personal trainer

Do you love helping people through their fitness journey? If you want a great side hustle to earn extra income, consider becoming a personal trainer.

The fitness trainer side hustle can be an adamant industry to earn good money. However, once you develop a reputation as a good trainer, you can get more clients through referrals. You need to register for the certification course to start offering personal trainer services .

To attract your first clients, consider online advertising, and seek referrals from every customer.

How much you can make: $600 — $60,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 4 hours/week

How We Launched A $25K/Month Interactive Live Streaming Group Fitness Workout Platfrom During The Pandemic

Sweat from Home is a two-way, interactive, and live-streaming group fitness workout startup that has held over 800 classes since March 2020, generates $25k in monthly recurring revenue, and has donated over $7k to 6 different charities; they aim to become the world's best live-streamed fitness class.

Read by 9,166 founders

7. Become a carpenter

Carpentry is the art of working with timber to construct and maintain buildings, furniture, and other wooden products.

To date, carpentry remains one of the oldest skilled trades and a craft with plenty of options for a career. You can start repairing or constructing new carpentry products and selling them to customers online or locally at your workshop.

To become a carpenter, you may obtain basic education and take up an apprenticeship program through commercial and industrial employers or construction unions. An apprenticeship program equips you with essential knowledge and experience so you are better prepared to start your own business.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $18,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

How I Designed And Patented A $18K/Month Woodworking Accessory

This case study follows Brett Burdick, founder of Brex International, LLC, and the creation of his patented spiral featherboard designed to improve safety and quality in woodworking, which has now generated $18k per month, with 87% of sales coming from Amazon.

Read by 13,408 founders

8. Start a technical specialist business

Technical specialist businesses cater to the increasing demand for specialized tech services without the need for full-time IT staff.

In simple terms, this business involves offering on-demand technical support and services, such as software troubleshooting, network setup, and cybersecurity assessments. Companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), often lack the in-house expertise to tackle complex tech issues, making this a valuable service.

The allure lies in the flexibility and scalability of this model. You can operate independently or build a small team of experts, addressing a range of tech challenges for different clients. This is a versatile business idea with the potential to expand into various niches like cloud computing, data recovery, or even tech consultancy.

If you've got strong technical skills and enjoy problem-solving, starting a technical specialist business could be a fulfilling and profitable endeavor. It’s a practical way to leverage your expertise while helping other businesses run smoothly.

How much you can make: $2,800 — $720,000/month

How long does it take to build: 67 days (?)

Making $15K/Month Connecting Interns With Companies Looking For Talent

Techintern.io connects startups and tech companies with the best software developer students at colleges across North America and has achieved #1 Product of the Day and #2 Product of the Week on Product Hunt, making $15,000 per month.

Read by 7,609 founders

9. Start a fixed asset documentation business

10. Start a fitness center

Are you interested in starting a business that revolves around health and body fitness? How about setting up a fitness center?

A fitness center business is a health, recreational, and social facility geared towards exercise and other physical activities. These centers serve people who may want to do workouts to get into shape and improve their overall health.

The health and fitness industry is one of the fastest-growing industries today. Some factors behind the sector’s popularity include a health-conscious population who want to avoid lifestyle-related illnesses, social media influence, and a shift towards better healthcare.

Starting a fitness center business can be a fun and profitable venture. If you plan to start the business, secure a good location, and equip your fitness center adequately. You may choose to operate entirely online or a hybrid model where you have the physical fitness center and the online one.

How much you can make: $20,000 — $59,000/month

How long does it take to build: 145 days (?)

I Built A $240K/Year Business While Deployed In Kuwait

BioFit is a fitness studio that offers safe and effective exercise through high-intensity training (HIT) methodology, using adaptive resistance exercise (ARX) machines that can achieve results in as little as 20 minutes a week, with an 80% closing ratio, over 70% client retention, 125 clients, and an average monthly revenue of $20k.

Read by 3,464 founders

11. Start a courier business

Courier service is a premium, all-inclusive service that collects and delivers shipments within the shortest possible time frame. Courier services serve individuals, e-commerce stores, law offices, banks, hospitals, etc.

If you dream of owning a courier service, you can start as a delivery driver and rely on self-employed delivery drivers to get the goods to customers. As the business grows, you can invest in delivery vans to handle bulky deliveries.

To run a convenient courier service, ensure you have a reliable delivery car and proper time management skills.

How much you can make: $5,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

My Local Delivery Startup In Bangladesh Reached $30K/Month [In 6 Months]

Bangladesh-based logistics company Parcelmagic has onboarded over 100 merchants and delivers 10,000 parcels each month within just six months of operation, offering technology-based end-to-end services for small to medium business parcel delivery, individual document and parcel couriers, and corporate logistics service solutions.

Read by 3,974 founders

12. Start a safety consulting business

13. Start a bartending service

Bartending service involves providing drinks and mixers to customers at events, bars, restaurants, and other venues. To start a bartending service, you must obtain a liquor license and hire trained bartenders.

It is essential to have a strong understanding of different types of alcohol, mixers, and popular drink recipes. Successfully operating a bartending service requires excellent customer service skills and the ability to handle high-stress environments.

Employment for bartenders is expected to grow by 9% from 2019 to 2029. To stand out in the competitive bartending industry, continuously educate yourself on new drink trends and techniques.

A bartending service can be a lucrative and rewarding business idea for those passionate about mixology and customer service. You can operate a successful bartending service by providing high-quality service and continuously learning and adapting.

14. Start a fireproofing business

15. Start a delivery service

Delivery service refers to a collection of services that deliver goods and products through the land, air, or waterways across locations. The delivery services serve B2B, B2C, and C2C customers.

The growing e-commerce sect and increased cross-border trade are some factors driving the growth of delivery services. Furthermore, consumer preference for online shopping has greatly contributed to the increased demand for delivery services.

To start a delivery service, make sure you have a cargo van, a fully functional website, and meet all the legalities for operating a business in your state.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $150,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A $100K/Month Logistics And Delivery Service Company

How a logistics company grew its revenue over 300% in 2 years, starting with just 2 vans and 25k+ square feet of warehouse space, and focused on relationships, efficiency, and building trust with its customers.

Read by 12,888 founders

16. Start a leakage detection business

Got a knack for pinpointing issues before they become disasters? A leakage detection business might be your calling. This venture focuses on identifying and diagnosing leaks in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

In simple terms, you'll use high-tech equipment like thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to find leaks that aren't visible to the naked eye. Your service helps clients avoid costly repairs and save on water bills, making their lives easier in the process.

This field is ripe with opportunity due to increasing concerns over water conservation and infrastructure aging. Building strong relationships with property managers, homeowners, and businesses can give you a steady client base.

Starting a leakage detection business demands investment in advanced detection tools and some training, but the payoff can be substantial. For those keen on offering a necessary service with tangible benefits, this venture offers a meaningful and profitable path.

How much you can make: $40,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

I Run A Family Plumbing Business That Makes $40K/Month

A second-generation family-owned plumbing and leak detection business shares their success in obtaining repeat business through word of mouth referrals, staying true to their core principles, and using cutting-edge technology to provide top-notch service to clients.

Read by 3,893 founders

17. Start an uber driver business

Uber is the top ridesharing and delivery platform that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

As an uber driver, you have the chance to set your schedule. You can drive with the Uber app anytime, day or night. Uber app gives you driving directions and suggestions, enabling you to maximize your profitability and make money on your terms.

To get started, check the driving requirements for your area, sign up online, and choose the cities you would like to drive in. Ensure the car types meet Uber’s specifications.

How much you can make: $250,000/month

How I Built A $3.5M/Year Taxi Company Competing With Uber & Lyft

Albert Williams grew a $3.5 million transportation company, The Best Deal, from a niche transportation sector; he attributes the company's success to providing excellent service and committing to continuous learning.

Read by 10,523 founders

18. Start a firearms training business

Starting a firearms training business is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about gun safety who want to help others learn how to handle firearms properly. The demand for firearms training has increased significantly recently as more people purchase guns for personal protection and sport shooting.

To start a firearms training business, you’ll need to understand firearms and their proper handling techniques thoroughly. Understanding firearms includes knowledge of gun laws and regulations and teaching others how to handle firearms safely. You’ll also need to have strong attention to detail and be able to communicate instructions to your students.

In addition to your knowledge and expertise, you’ll need to invest in crucial equipment to start your business. Necessary equipment includes firearms, ammunition, targets, and protective gear for you and your students. You’ll also need to secure a location to hold your training sessions, which could be an indoor or outdoor range or a classroom setting.

Marketing your firearms training business will be vital in attracting new students and building a successful business. You can use social media, local advertising, and word-of-mouth referrals to do marketing. It’s essential to continuously educate yourself and stay up-to-date on the latest gun laws and safety techniques to provide the best training possible to your students.

Starting a firearms training business is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about gun safety who want to help others learn how to handle firearms properly. You can build a successful business in this growing industry with the proper knowledge, equipment, and marketing efforts.

How much you can make: $15,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How A Firearms Blog Side Project Became A $180K/Year Business

Gun Made, a media business founded by Brady Kirkpatrick, started as a COVID side project and now generates about $15k per month in recurring revenue from affiliate marketing, with plans to help retailers generate over $2.5M in sales in 2022 through their new e-commerce platform that aggregates pricing from hundreds of retailers.

Read by 3,613 founders

19. Start a CPR instructor business

20. Start a security guard business

A security guard business provides security solutions including assessments, measures, and personnel to ensure the safety and security of its clients’ properties and events.

Starting a security business requires certain prerequisites such as obtaining the necessary licenses, insurance, and providing adequate training to employees.

Success in the security guard business depends on building a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and excellent customer service.

It’s important to have a clear understanding of the client’s needs and to develop a customized security plan to meet those needs.

A strong marketing strategy and networking with potential clients can also help grow the business.

21. Become a painter/decorator business

A painter/decorator business is a company that provides painting and decorating services to residential and commercial properties. This business involves preparing surfaces for painting, mixing and applying paint, and completing various decorating tasks such as hanging wallpaper or installing crown molding.

To run a successful painter/decorator business, it is essential to have a strong work ethic and attention to detail. You should also have a good understanding of color theory and be able to recommend appropriate paint colors for different spaces. Having excellent customer service skills is also essential, as building good relationships with clients is crucial for generating repeat business.

To attract clients, creating a website and social media presence is advisable to showcase your work and provide contact information. You should also consider offering competitive pricing and ensuring that your work is completed on time and to a high standard. It is also a good idea to have insurance coverage in case of any accidents or damages during the course of your work.

Starting a painter/decorator business can be a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity for entrepreneurs with an eye for detail and a passion for creating beautiful spaces.

How much you can make: $27,500/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,562 (?)

How long does it take to build: 212 days (?)

From Zero To $100K Net Profit/Year: How This Husband & Wife Built A Home Painting Company

Hometown Painting LLC, an exterior residential painting company founded by a husband-wife duo, went from no sales in their first year to over $100,000 net profit the next year, and is projected to reach half a million in annual sales with a 30-35% net margin with continued growth and adding more crew in the next year.

Read by 3,010 founders

22. Start a towing service

Towing service refers to a licensed and insured business offering for-hire motor carrier service for stalled vehicles or other vehicles requiring a towing service.

The automobile towing industry opens up multiple opportunities to make money. To start the towing service, you need special licensing, towing equipment, and insurance to operate the tow truck business.

People need help when their cars break down, and they need someone who can get them out of the ditch, or off the side of the road and back on the road as quickly as possible. You can offer this service to people in your area who are having trouble getting their vehicle repaired, or if they're looking for a reliable place to get their car towed when they're not sure who can do it right away.

  1. It’s a great way to get into the business world without spending a lot of money. You can start out small and build your company over time as you see fit, which gives you more control over how your business develops.

  2. It’s an easy way to make money if you already have a truck and some basic equipment—all you need are customers!

  3. You can choose whether or not you want a full-time job or something part-time on nights or weekends only when necessary; this allows for flexibility in terms of hours worked each week without sacrificing any income whatsoever.

How much you can make: $415,000/month

How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)

I Quit My Full-Time Job & Launched A $5M/Year Towing & Auto Repair Business

Finish Line Towing & Auto Repair is Wisconsin's largest roadside assistance provider, bringing in $5 million in annual sales through its dedication to customer service, effective dispatching, and clean service, with a goal of expanding to other markets in Wisconsin and Illinois.

Read by 4,750 founders

23. Start an online tutors business

Online tutoring is a growing business idea that provides academic assistance and support to students through the internet. This can be done through one-on-one sessions, group classes, or pre-recorded video lessons. Online tutors can specialize in a specific subject or offer tutoring services for various subjects.

To start an online tutoring business, you must have a strong background in the subject or subjects you want to tutor. You will also need good communication skills and be comfortable using technology, as you will interact with students through video conferencing platforms or messaging apps.

To succeed in this business, you will need to be able to provide high-quality tutoring services that help students understand and retain the material. This may involve creating personalized lesson plans and materials, providing feedback and support, and being available to answer questions and provide guidance. You will also need to be able to market your services effectively to attract potential clients.

There are a few key steps to starting an online tutoring business:

  • Determine your areas of expertise and the subjects you are comfortable tutoring.
  • Develop a website or online platform to showcase your services and allow students to schedule sessions or access materials.
  • Set up a payment system and establish your rates.
  • Promote your services through social media, online classifieds, or networking with schools and educational institutions.
  • Provide high-quality tutoring services that meet the needs of your students and help them succeed academically.

To succeed in this business, you will need to be organized, reliable, and able to adapt to the needs of your students. You will also need to be able to communicate effectively and use technology to your advantage. With hard work and dedication, an online tutoring business can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $120,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $70 (?)

How long does it take to build: 6 days (?)

The $6K/Month Website That Teaches How To Launch Businesses And Build Apps With No-Code Tools

No Code MBA founder, Seth Kramer, has built a training platform for entrepreneurs who want to learn how to launch their very own businesses and build apps using no-code tools, recording over 150 real-world video lessons which have resulted in over 400 paid members in just 6-months and a focus on growing the No Code MBA community.

Read by 8,635 founders

24. Start a customer service rep business

Tired of poor customer service experiences? Starting a customer service rep business could be your answer.

This venture involves setting up a team that provides customer support for other companies, handling inquiries, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring a smooth customer experience. It’s a robust field with consistent demand, especially as businesses increasingly prioritize customer satisfaction.

Your role would combine recruiting skilled representatives, training them on your clients’ products or services, and implementing efficient systems for seamless operations. This business model is scalable and offers flexibility in terms of remote work, allowing you to build a diverse team.

Starting might require an investment in software tools and initial training, but the payoff – steady clients and recurring revenue – is compelling. If you’re organized, enjoy problem-solving, and can manage a team, this could be a rewarding endeavor to pursue.

How much you can make: $25,000 — $50,000/month

How long does it take to build: 189 days (?)

I Built A $300K/Year AI Business For Less $50 Bucks

Case study of a co-founder's journey from finance to tech entrepreneur, successfully launching a revolutionary AI chatbot for customer support that earns $25k/mo, with impressive margins and a 3% conversion rate drawing customers away from bigger competitors.

Read by 9,437 founders

25. Start a fire safety products selling business

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.