How to Make 6 Figures As A Manufacturing Engineer? (11 Best Ways in 2024)
So you want to make six figures as a manufacturing engineer? Good for you! Being a manufacturing engineer is a highly respectable and well-paid profession, and there's no reason why you can't earn a high income if you put your mind to it.
In this blog post, we'll look at some of the best ways to make more money as a manufacturing engineer - business ideas you can start to achieve such income. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Digital products ($242K/month)
Starting a business with digital products could be an excellent avenue for a manufacturing engineer to achieve a six-figure income. You could leverage your expertise to create valuable content like eBooks or online courses, sharing your specialized knowledge in manufacturing processes, quality control, or supply chain management.
Moreover, developing software tools or apps that solve specific engineering problems or improve efficiency in manufacturing operations could attract a broad audience. Digital products are a lucrative option because they are easy to create and distribute, require no physical inventory, and can generate passive income. The possibilities are endless, making it a versatile and scalable way to boost your earnings.
How much you can make: $10,417 — $1,766,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
FilterGrade is an eCommerce platform offering digital assets such as photo filters and video templates; attracting over 450,000 monthly users and generating approximately 30k a month, the founders worked hard to build a valuable marketplace for creators while focusing on digital marketing, partnerships, and content creation.
2. Start a freelance writing business ($62.6K/month)
As a manufacturing engineer, supplementing your income with a freelance writing business could help you reach six-figure earnings. Freelance writing offers the flexibility to define your work schedule and work from home, allowing you to balance it with your engineering job. This side business enables you to write across various niches, including industry-specific topics where your expertise can command higher rates.
With strong writing skills, the ability to meet deadlines, and proper communication skills, you could attract a steady stream of clients looking for knowledgeable professionals in technical fields. Being a self-starter and staying up-to-date with writing trends and tools will help you stand out in the freelance market. Leveraging your engineering background, you could write high-quality content that appeals to technical audiences, making freelance writing a lucrative supplement to your primary income.
How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 56 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
3. Become a social media influencer ($57.4K/month)
Becoming a social media influencer could be a lucrative way to supplement your income and potentially make six figures as a manufacturing engineer. By leveraging platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, you have the opportunity to connect with a broader audience and share your industry expertise. Your content can range from showcasing cutting-edge manufacturing techniques to discussing the latest industry trends and innovations.
As you build your online presence and establish credibility, brands within the manufacturing sector might approach you for partnerships or sponsorships. This could open up additional revenue streams through paid promotions, product collaborations, and affiliate marketing. With the right strategy and consistent effort, your social media efforts could significantly boost your earnings and even evolve into a full-fledged business.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $166,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)
How long does it take to build: 155 days (?)
How one mother built a profitable frugal motherhood, life, and travel blog from scratch, using Instagram, Pinterest, and paid sponsorships to grow from 0 to 18.5K followers and generate $1,500-$3,000 per month in less than two years.
4. Start a youtube channel ($146K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could help you make six figures as a manufacturing engineer by sharing your expertise, problem-solving skills, and insights into the industry. By creating content that covers topics such as advanced manufacturing techniques, innovative engineering solutions, and advice on career development, you could attract a dedicated audience of industry professionals and enthusiasts.
The established monetization system on YouTube allows you to earn revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise once you meet the criteria of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours. Additionally, your channel’s success could open doors to consulting opportunities, speaking engagements, and even the launch of educational products or courses, providing multiple streams of income.
Leveraging specific and actionable tips, promoting your channel effectively, and consistently delivering high-quality content will be key to your success on the platform. While it requires effort and persistence, turning your passion for manufacturing engineering into an entrepreneurial venture via YouTube could significantly boost your income and career prospects.
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
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.
5. Create an online course ($82.8K/month)
Creating an online course could significantly boost your income as a manufacturing engineer by tapping into your specialized knowledge and experience. By identifying educational gaps in your field and developing engaging video lessons and supplementary materials, you could establish yourself as an expert and monetize your instructional talents. This can generate a passive income stream, as students continue to enroll and access your content on a self-paced or cohort-based structure.
For those who enjoy sharing information and helping others grow professionally, starting an online course platform presents a flexible and lucrative business opportunity. With relatively low startup costs, this entrepreneurial venture could provide you with a consistent income while addressing the needs of eager learners looking for convenient access to emerging subjects in manufacturing engineering.
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.
6. Start a social media marketing agency ($386K/month)
Starting a social media marketing agency could provide a lucrative way to supplement your income as a manufacturing engineer, helping you bridge the gap to six figures. This opportunity is highly adaptable, requiring minimal time commitment because you could automate tasks using social media marketing tools. Additionally, creating a well-thought-out marketing strategy and agency portfolio could attract clients effectively, allowing you to serve them efficiently without disrupting your primary career.
This entrepreneurial venture could finance goals such as paying off utility bills, saving for vacations, or even funding further education. By leveraging your analytical skills as an engineer, you could optimize social media campaigns for better performance, thereby adding a valuable skill that complements your engineering expertise.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,166,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 30 hours/week
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
7. Start a career coaching business ($48.5K/month)
Starting a career coaching business could significantly boost your income as a manufacturing engineer by leveraging your industry expertise to help others thrive professionally. You could offer personalized guidance on resume building, interview preparation, and strategies for workplace advancement tailored specifically to your clients' aspirations, positioning yourself as an authority in your field.
Engaging with clients through flexible in-person or virtual sessions allows you to expand your reach and build a diverse clientele. This entrepreneurial venture benefits from your human resources expertise and natural motivational abilities, enabling you to set your own schedule while empowering others to achieve their career goals.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $235,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Wall Street Oasis, the largest online community focused on careers in finance, has over 100 million visitors during its 14-year history and is currently receiving over 2 million visits per month, offering interview courses and mentorship services, in addition to building and investing in a thriving online community.
8. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)
One potential way to reach six figures as a manufacturing engineer is by starting an eCommerce store. Leveraging your expertise in manufacturing, you could design and sell niche products, tools, or equipment that cater to your industry. This endeavor offers the advantage of lower overhead costs compared to brick-and-mortar businesses, while also giving you the flexibility to operate and scale your business from anywhere.
Ecommerce is booming, thanks to the convenience it offers consumers who can shop from the comfort of their homes using computers, tablets, or smartphones. By setting up a website, you could showcase your inventory and manage sales through user-friendly shopping cart and payment processing software. If you effectively market your unique products to a wider audience, you could significantly supplement your income or even create an entirely new revenue stream.
How much you can make: $350 — $13,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
9. Become an affiliate marketer ($55.3K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business could be an excellent way for you to supplement your income as a manufacturing engineer. By leveraging your existing technical knowledge and communication skills, you could promote engineering tools, software, or other industry-related products and earn a commission on each sale made through your referrals.
This venture requires minimal upfront investment, as you don’t need to create or own the products yourself. Instead, you sign up for affiliate programs in your niche, receive unique tracking links, and use your marketing abilities to drive traffic and generate sales. This could be an accessible option for those looking to start a side business and potentially earn a substantial extra income.
How much you can make: $18,000 — $83,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
10. Start a blog ($44.9K/month)
Starting a blog could provide manufacturing engineers with a lucrative side income and even pave the way to a six-figure salary. By sharing your expertise and industry insights, you could attract a loyal audience interested in manufacturing topics. Given that 77% of internet users read blogs and blogs are the 5th most trustworthy information source, your blog has the potential to reach a significant and engaged audience.
With consistent, high-quality content, you could create multiple revenue streams through advertising, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. This business model is location-independent and allows you to work at your convenience, making it an ideal supplement to your engineering career or a full-time venture.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
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.
11. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be a lucrative side venture for a manufacturing engineer, tapping into the growing demand for specialized knowledge in your field. You could produce content that caters to industry trends, technical skills, and professional growth, thereby attracting a loyal audience of peers and industry enthusiasts. With the right topic, such as advancements in manufacturing technology or best practices in process optimization, you could position yourself as an expert and leader in your niche.
This popularity could translate into additional revenue streams, including sponsorships, advertisements, and even premium content offerings. By leveraging your existing network and promoting your podcast through social media and industry-specific online communities, you could steadily build a substantial listener base. The income generated from these activities, combined with your primary salary, could significantly boost your earnings and potentially help you reach six figures.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
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.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
