30 Business Ideas For manufacturing engineer [2024]

Updated: September 6th, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a doctor in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a doctor could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Doctors?

We put together 30 of some of the best doctor business ideas you can start in today.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other doctor businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a two sided marketplace ($20.3K/month)

As a manufacturing engineer, you could leverage your industry knowledge and technical expertise to create a two-sided marketplace that addresses specific needs within the manufacturing sector. By connecting suppliers of specialized machinery, tools, and materials with manufacturing companies that require these resources, you could improve efficiency and innovation within the industry. Your role would involve ensuring a seamless user experience, verifying users, and handling transactions, much like how platforms like Airbnb or eBay operate.

Such a marketplace could also serve as a hub for freelance manufacturing engineers and businesses seeking engineering expertise, facilitating a more dynamic exchange of skills and services. The scalability of this business model is particularly appealing, as network effects would drive growth—the more suppliers and clients you acquire, the more invaluable your platform becomes. If you can successfully identify and address pain points for both suppliers and buyers, a two-sided marketplace could be a highly profitable venture and a valuable contribution to the manufacturing industry.

How much you can make: $100 — $100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

How This Uber Driver Created A $270K/Year App For Gig Workers

Muver is a mobile app for gig workers allowing them to multi-app seamlessly between Uber, Uber Eats, Doordash, Grubhub, Lyft, Instacart, and more within a single app with over $270k revenue in the past 12 months.

Read by 4,900 founders

2. Start a micro saas ($82.9K/month)

As a manufacturing engineer, starting a micro-SaaS business could be an excellent opportunity to supplement your income or even launch a new career. Given your technical expertise and in-depth understanding of manufacturing processes, you are well-positioned to identify niche problems within the industry that larger SaaS models might overlook. This could range from optimizing supply chain logistics to automating quality control processes, all tailored to the specific needs of manufacturing firms.

By developing a targeted software solution, you could provide highly customized and effective tools that address these unique challenges, making your product invaluable to your customer base. Additionally, your deep industry knowledge allows you to offer precision and foster strong relationships with your clients, making the business more sustainable and impactful in the long run. Leveraging platforms that can grow alongside your business, and consistently prioritizing customer feedback, will be paramount to refining your product and achieving long-term success.

How much you can make: $117 — $1,766,666/month

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

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

How We Developed A $29K/Month WhatsApp Plugin For Shopify

SuperLemon, a WhatsApp plugin for Shopify eCommerce stores, crossed $29,000 in MRR as of July 2020, with 20,000 users from 50+ countries and 1700+ paying customers, all acquired through organic marketing strategies and a relentless focus on customer service and satisfaction.

Read by 23,515 founders

3. Start a startup instructing business ($28.4K/month)

As a manufacturing engineer, you could leverage your technical background and industry experience to start a startup instructing business. This could involve providing invaluable guidance on business planning, marketing strategies, and operational efficiencies to individuals or small businesses just getting off the ground. By drawing on your expertise in manufacturing processes and systems, you could offer specialized advice that general business consultants might not provide, setting your services apart.

Starting this business on a budget is feasible; begin by identifying your specific expertise and target industry. A basic website or social media profile can serve as your initial marketing platform to attract potential clients. Offering competitive rates and delivering exceptional service will help you build a strong reputation and, through word-of-mouth referrals, expand your client base gradually.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $100,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

How I Launched A $5K/Month Platform To Connect With Growth Mentors

GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.

Read by 45,991 founders

4. Start a b2b lead generation service ($172K/month)

As a manufacturing engineer, you could leverage your industry expertise to start a B2B lead generation service, focusing on connecting suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers within the manufacturing sector. You likely already have a deep understanding of the nuances and needs of manufacturing businesses, which will be invaluable when identifying high-quality leads and fostering meaningful connections.

This entrepreneurial endeavor could supplement your income by allowing you to monetize your network and industry knowledge, providing other businesses with much-needed leads that can drive their growth. By using a combination of research, cold outreach, and technology tools, you can build robust pipelines of prospective clients, ensuring a steady flow of business opportunities.

Furthermore, the demand for effective lead generation services is constant, given that every company needs a consistent influx of new clients. With your skills in sales, data analysis, and relationship-building, a B2B lead generation service could be both a scalable and rewarding venture.

How much you can make: $500 — $1,250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)

How I Started A $12K/Month Digital Marketing Agency While Traveling Around The World

A 20-year-old digital nomad and serial entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a successful digital marketing agency, Nomads with Solutions, which specializes in Facebook lead generation, and offers insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and focusing on self-improvement.

Read by 10,030 founders

5. Start a data mining and analytics tools business ($237K/month)

As a manufacturing engineer, you could leverage your expertise to develop a data mining and analytics tools business, transforming raw data into actionable insights. With the rise of data-driven decision-making, industries like finance, healthcare, and retail are in constant need of sophisticated data analysis. By creating software that extracts, processes, and analyzes vast amounts of data, you could uncover patterns, trends, and insights that empower businesses to make informed strategic decisions.

Your strong background in programming, statistics, and machine learning would be invaluable in developing such tools. This business not only taps into your technical skills but also meets the growing market demand for innovative analytics solutions. By pioneering this venture, you could drive industry transformations and contribute significantly to the success of businesses relying on data insights for their operational and strategic needs.

How much you can make: $450 — $1,500,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 107 days (?)

How We Developed A $40K/Month Email Parser Application

Parseur, the data extraction tool, helps businesses automate their data entry process, catering to multiple industries such as food delivery, real estate and marketing, and has grown to over $40k in revenue per month since its launch in 2017.

Read by 10,413 founders

6. Start an AI-based business ($27.9K/month)

As a manufacturing engineer, starting an AI-based business could open up a world of opportunities to supplement your income or even create a new career path. You could harness artificial intelligence to develop software that optimizes manufacturing processes, reduces downtime, and improves overall operational efficiency. This could include predictive maintenance tools that utilize machine learning to foresee equipment failures before they occur, saving companies substantial time and money.

Moreover, you could create AI-driven quality control systems capable of scanning and detecting defects in products more accurately and faster than traditional methods. Such innovations not only drive efficiency but also ensure higher safety and reliability standards. With your technical background and industry insights, you could be well-positioned to identify niche problems that AI solutions could address, making you a pioneer in improving manufacturing processes through technological advancement.

How much you can make: $100 — $200,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $10K/Month App Building Agency Using No/Low Code Tools

LowCode Agency uses no/low code tools to build custom-made apps at 80% lower cost and 70% faster than traditional app development agencies, growing double digits every month and targeting $150,000 in sales in their first year.

Read by 20,976 founders

7. Start a health and wellness consulting business ($148K/month)

As a manufacturing engineer, you could leverage your analytical skills and attention to detail to excel in a health and wellness consulting business. Imagine applying your problem-solving capabilities to design customized wellness plans, aligning with your clients' specific needs for better nutrition, regular physical activity, and stress management. Your methodical approach could ensure that each plan is practical, sustainable, and data-driven, appealing to a growing market of health-conscious individuals.

Not only does this field offer a financially rewarding side business, but it also provides a sense of personal fulfillment as you help others achieve vibrant, healthier lifestyles. While you don’t need a medical degree, obtaining certification and staying updated with the latest wellness trends will be crucial for your credibility and success. Dive into health and wellness consulting, and you could make a significant impact on people’s lives while supplementing your income.

How much you can make: $100 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)

How This Couple Started A $100K/Month Sea Moss Infused Health Supplements Brand

Bey Moss, an e-commerce platform selling sea moss-infused health and wellness products, made over $800,000 to-date with less than $10,000 overall in ads after validating the product idea through reviews and feedback and leveraging their social media following to build a Bey Moss community.

Read by 30,009 founders

8. Start a customer intelligence analytics business ($107K/month)

As a manufacturing engineer, you could leverage your analytical skills and technical expertise to start a customer intelligence analytics business. This venture involves analyzing customer data to generate valuable insights that help businesses make informed decisions. Your ability to understand complex systems and processes can be directly applied to deciphering customer behavior and trends.

Given your background, you could offer services to businesses looking to enhance their marketing and sales strategies or improve customer retention. The demand for customer intelligence analytics is growing, and you could position yourself as a key player in this field. For instance, companies like Verint have turned customer data into a $1.3B revenue stream, highlighting the potential profitability of this business.

Small businesses, in particular, could benefit from your expertise to optimize their operations and tailor their offerings to meet customer needs more effectively. By providing actionable insights, you could help these businesses thrive in competitive markets, making your new venture not just a source of supplementary income, but potentially a full-fledged, profitable business.

How much you can make: $100 — $840,000/month

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

How We Developed A $30K/Month Open Source CRM

EspoCRM, an open-source CRM application for small and mid-size businesses, has seen an average of over 16,000 downloads per year and makes up to $30k per month, offering efficient tools to systematize customer data, improve sales cycles, and automate routine administrative tasks.

Read by 10,904 founders

9. Start a communications consulting business ($38.9K/month)

Starting a communications consulting business could align well with your skills as a manufacturing engineer. You already possess a unique blend of technical expertise and problem-solving abilities, which are invaluable in advising companies on improving their communication strategies. You could help organizations streamline their internal communication processes, ensuring clear and effective information flow among teams, which is crucial in maintaining efficiency and productivity.

Additionally, your ability to convey complex technical concepts in an understandable manner could position you as an indispensable asset in crafting compelling messages for external communication. This venture could allow you to leverage your strategic thinking and creativity, providing tailored solutions that enhance both internal and external interactions for your clients. Ultimately, this side business offers a pathway to transform how organizations operate and reinforces the importance of effective communication in a competitive business environment.

How much you can make: $4,500 — $150,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

Raising $19,000 Building a Positive Card Game

PEAR Cards is a card-based tool/game that empowers players to open up and initiate positive conversations, and with the help of Ad Magic, their Kickstarter had an all-or-nothing fundraising goal, which they met with so much support the company is now growing through the power of Twitter and Instagram.

Read by 8,209 founders

10. Start a content marketing business ($91.3K/month)

As a manufacturing engineer, starting a content marketing business could be an exciting way to leverage your industry knowledge and analytical skills for entrepreneurial success. By developing and distributing relevant, helpful content tailored to your target audience, you could drive substantial leads and conversions for manufacturing firms. Businesses with a strong content marketing strategy secure 67% more leads, illustrating the high demand and considerable potential for your services.

Your expertise in the technical aspects of manufacturing can give you a unique edge in creating high-quality, authoritative content. You could focus on SEO optimization, social media engagement, and hiring skilled content creators to develop content that resonates with your target market. This can supplement your income, make extra money, or even blossom into a full-fledged business, tapping into the ever-growing need for effective content marketing strategies in the manufacturing sector.

How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

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.

Read by 24,777 founders

11. Start an online learning platform ($33.7K/month)

As a manufacturing engineer, starting an online learning platform could be a highly profitable and fulfilling side business. Given the growing demand for online education, you could leverage your technical skills and industry knowledge to create courses that help aspiring engineers or professionals looking to specialize in manufacturing processes. This could include topics like lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, CAD software, or even emerging technologies such as 3D printing.

Even if you have no coding experience, you can hire a web developer to build an interactive platform or purchase a ready-made solution. Focus on features like user sign-ups, account creation, secure transactions, and efficient course search functionalities to ensure a user-friendly experience. This venture not only supplements your income but also allows you to make a meaningful impact by sharing your expertise with a global audience.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $120,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)

We Built A $180K/Year Learn-To-Code Community

Online learning community Frontend Mentor has over 200,000 members, with over 1,500 paid subscribers generating over $15,000 MRR, offering professionally designed challenges to improve front-end coding skills with a freemium business model and a focus on real-life experience.

Read by 12,651 founders

12. Start a weather app business

As a manufacturing engineer, you could leverage your technical skills and analytical mindset to develop a cutting-edge weather app. Weather data is crucial for many industries, including agriculture, logistics, and event planning, and your expertise in precision and problem-solving could help create a high-quality, reliable product. You might also utilize your experience with software and systems integration to ensure the app is both user-friendly and technically robust, setting it apart from competitors.

Starting a weather app business could provide a lucrative side income and open doors to diverse markets. Additionally, your network of professionals within manufacturing industries could offer a unique customer base, as accurate weather predictions could optimize production schedules and minimize downtime. This venture could allow you to tap into a recurring revenue model through subscription services, making it a sustainable and profitable endeavor.

13. Start a SEO services ($87.4K/month)

As a manufacturing engineer, starting an SEO services business could be a practical and lucrative side venture. You already possess analytical and problem-solving skills that can be effectively applied to optimizing website content and conducting keyword research. Your technical acumen would enable you to understand and implement the intricacies of SEO strategies with precision.

Moreover, the low-cost nature of starting an SEO business—with just a computer, internet connection, and some basic SEO knowledge needed—means you could easily supplement your income without a significant upfront investment. Additionally, offering SEO services to small businesses can build your entrepreneurial skills and provide a steady stream of extra income.

Considering you already understand complex systems and processes, the adaptation to SEO methodologies could be seamless. By improving the online visibility of businesses, you could create a valuable service that aligns well with your technical background.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

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

How I Started A $28K/Month Boutique SEO Company

This case study describes the journey of Russell Michelson who, after leaving his corporate job, turned his WordPress skills into a thriving boutique SEO agency earning $20k/month, thanks to client referrals and Upwork.

Read by 9,583 founders

14. Start a dollhouse products

As a manufacturing engineer, starting a dollhouse products business could be a rewarding endeavor that leverages your precision and attention to detail. You could utilize your skills in design and manufacturing to create high-quality miniature furniture and accessories, ensuring each piece meets the meticulous standards that collectors and hobbyists expect. By applying your expertise to streamline production processes, you could also efficiently manage costs and maintain consistent product quality.

Entrepreneurial minds in manufacturing can appreciate the scalability of this business. You could start small by crafting limited-edition pieces and gradually expand into sourcing and distributing a broader range of dollhouse items. This venture offers the flexibility to sell through various channels such as online stores, craft fairs, and specialty shops, tapping into the growing market of DIY enthusiasts and nostalgic collectors. With your technical background, you could also innovate in material selection and production techniques, setting your products apart in this niche market.

15. Start a sms marketing business ($193K/month)

As a manufacturing engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise and problem-solving skills to start a successful SMS marketing business. Considering that 85% of adults in the US own a smartphone, SMS marketing is a powerful channel to help businesses reach their customers directly with personalized promotions, offers, and remarketing campaigns. The growing trend, with 55% of US retailers planning to increase investments in mobile SMS marketing, indicates a robust market demand.

Your analytical skills and attention to detail could be instrumental in setting up and managing an efficient SMS marketing platform that can handle anything from transactional messages to online surveys. Offering your services on a subscription basis or through one-off purchases, you could establish a consistent revenue stream and supplement your income. This could evolve into a full-fledged business, providing you with a lucrative opportunity while utilizing your engineering background to optimize and innovate within the marketing tech space.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $1,200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Read by 11,998 founders

16. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)

As a manufacturing engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to create and sell specialized products or tools through an ecommerce store. Your in-depth understanding of manufacturing processes and materials can help you identify niche markets and design high-quality products that meet specific needs. Whether it's custom machine parts, innovative tools, or DIY kits for hobbyists, your background could give you a unique advantage in a competitive market.

Starting an ecommerce store also allows you to reach a global audience without the overhead costs associated with a traditional brick-and-mortar business. With the convenience and efficiency of online shopping, more consumers are turning to the internet to find specialized products. This trend can work in your favor, giving you the opportunity to build a profitable side business or even transition to a full-time entrepreneurial venture.

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

How I Started A $20K/Month Southern Inspired Candle Business

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.

Read by 72,210 founders

17. Start a startup consulting business ($102K/month)

Embarking on a startup consulting business could be an excellent supplemental income stream or side business for a manufacturing engineer. Given your expertise in optimizing processes, reducing inefficiencies, and implementing advanced manufacturing techniques, you could provide invaluable guidance to novice entrepreneurs looking to establish their startups.

You could leverage your analytical skills and understanding of manufacturing principles to help new businesses streamline their production processes, minimize waste, and improve overall efficiency. This consulting role would not only benefit the startups but also allow you to broaden your skill set, stay updated with industry trends, and gain fulfillment from mentoring others. As you help aspiring business owners navigate the complexities of launching their ventures, you could also cultivate a rewarding entrepreneurial journey of your own.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $1,399,996/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

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

How I Started A $9M/Year Company Outsourcing Support For Startups

This case study follows the founder of SupportNinja, a company that specializes in providing back-office and customer support outsourcing for tech companies, which generates over $9M ARR, has over 100 clients, and has seen a growth rate of 3,684% in the past 3 years.

Read by 10,831 founders

18. Start a digital services business ($299K/month)

As a manufacturing engineer, starting a digital services business could be an excellent way to leverage your technical expertise and problem-solving skills. Imagine offering services such as CAD design, process optimization consulting, or even creating custom software solutions tailored to manufacturing needs—all deliverable online. This could not only supplement your income but also position you as a go-to expert in your field.

The low overhead costs and flexibility of working from anywhere allow you to manage this venture alongside your current job. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can connect you to a global client base, enabling you to build a robust portfolio. Over time, you could even scale your business by hiring other engineers or freelancers, allowing you to take on larger and more complex projects.

How much you can make: $15,500 — $1,766,666/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

How I Started A $15K/Month Marketing Agency Specialised In Lead Generation

A 25-year-old entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a property marketing agency, with a current monthly income of $18,000/month, and divulges the importance of having a niche and going all-in on client results and experience.

Read by 6,834 founders

19. Start a hr solution business ($284K/month)

Starting an HR solution business could be a natural extension for a manufacturing engineer who is familiar with intricate production processes and workforce management. Given your experience in optimizing manufacturing workflows and ensuring compliance with industry standards, you could develop HR tools that streamline onboarding, training, and performance evaluations. Your technical skills could also be used to create automated systems that handle payroll, benefits administration, and other critical HR functions, offering a comprehensive solution for industries keen on improving efficiency.

By leveraging your existing knowledge of manufacturing environments, you could offer specialized HR solutions tailored to the unique needs of similar businesses. This could range from employee scheduling software that accounts for shift rotations and labor regulations to performance tracking systems specifically designed for manufacturing roles. Not only could this venture provide a significant supplemental income, but it also allows you to solve practical problems you've encountered in your career.

Exploring this entrepreneurial path enables you to blend your technical and operational expertise with entrepreneurial ambitions, providing added value to other businesses while establishing a profitable side or full-time venture.

How much you can make: $3,375 — $1,020,000/month

How long does it take to build: 80 days (?)

This VC Taught Himself How To Code And Is Bootstrapping His Own Startup

VC-turned-entrepreneur Phil Strazzulla, who previously built a successful b2b SaaS business, shares how he bootstrapped an online review site for HR software into a viable business with over $1k monthly revenues in just 3 months through organic search traffic growth and selling high intent leads.

Read by 17,623 founders

20. Start an ecommerce management services ($597K/month)

As a manufacturing engineer, starting an ecommerce management services business could be a practical way to supplement your income or even transition into a full-time entrepreneurial venture. Leveraging your skills in process optimization and operational efficiency, you could help online stores streamline their inventory management, order fulfillment, and overall workflow.

Your experience with supply chain logistics would be invaluable in ensuring products are delivered on time and customer expectations are met, fostering business growth. Furthermore, your analytical mindset would allow you to adeptly handle data-driven marketing strategies, improving sales and customer retention for your clients.

If you're passionate about the ecommerce space and have a strong grasp of digital tools, this venture could be both lucrative and fulfilling. You'd be the backbone of an ecommerce operation, enabling overwhelmed entrepreneurs to focus on expanding their businesses while you take care of the critical day-to-day logistics.

How much you can make: $2,300 — $2,400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

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

How We Started A $30M/Year Warehouse Management Software And Outsourced Ecommerce Fulfillment Business

ShipHero co-founders built their successful e-commerce fulfillment business, offering warehouse management software and outsourced eCommerce fulfillment, growing revenues from zero to $30 million annually, processing over $5 billion of e-commerce gross merchandise volume (GMV) annually while only having received $435,000 in outside capital investment.

Read by 9,344 founders

21. Start a real estate AR/VR app business

As a manufacturing engineer, you could leverage your technical proficiency and problem-solving skills to delve into the burgeoning field of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for real estate. Your understanding of precision, design, and complex systems could be incredibly valuable in developing immersive AR/VR applications that allow potential buyers to virtually tour properties. This sideline could not only supplement your income but also satisfy an entrepreneurial itch by tapping into a growing market.

Moreover, your background in manufacturing could enable you to efficiently manage the production aspects of both software and hardware required for AR/VR technology. Utilizing your analytical skills, you could enhance user experience in these virtual tours, thus setting your product apart in a competitive industry. Combining your engineering expertise with business acumen could help you cultivate a successful venture in the tech-enhanced real estate space.

As a manufacturing engineer, starting a legal consulting business could be an excellent way to leverage your technical expertise and industry knowledge into a highly rewarding side business or entirely new career. Your background makes you uniquely qualified to advise on compliance, intellectual property, and contractual matters related to manufacturing processes, quality standards, and supply chain management.

Given the specialized nature of your skills, you could market your services to corporations, institutions, and startups looking for insights into the legal aspects of product development, safety regulations, and patent applications. Establishing an online presence by writing high-quality, industry-specific content could also bolster your reputation and attract a steady stream of clients eager to benefit from your dual expertise in manufacturing and legal consulting.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $750,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

This Couple Started A $50K/Month Business Helping People Get Married in Denmark

This husband and wife duo started a wedding consultancy agency, 'Getting Married in Denmark', which has gone from doing 5-10 weddings a month to 80-100 weddings a month in just 4 years, massively growing their revenue.

Read by 7,285 founders

23. Start a data consultancy business

As a manufacturing engineer, your expertise in data analysis, process optimization, and operational efficiency positions you perfectly to start a data consultancy business. You could leverage your skills to help other manufacturing companies analyze their data for better decision-making, streamline their processes, and enhance overall productivity. This side business could initially supplement your income while potentially growing into a full-time venture.

In your consultancy, you might offer services such as implementing data-driven solutions, conducting efficiency audits, and creating custom analytics dashboards tailored to your clients' unique needs. Your familiarity with the complexities of manufacturing systems and the importance of precise data analysis could provide a unique edge, differentiating your services from general data consultants. By focusing on actionable insights and tangible results, you could build a reputation for delivering significant value to your clients.

24. Start a custom fireplace mantels business

As a manufacturing engineer, you could leverage your expertise in materials, design, and production processes to create bespoke fireplace mantels. Your technical skills would allow you to efficiently manage the production line, ensuring quality control and optimization of resources. Additionally, your problem-solving abilities could help you address unique customer requirements, offering tailored solutions that stand out in the market.

Starting a side business in custom fireplace mantels could be a lucrative opportunity, especially given the growing demand for personalized home décor. Your engineering background would enable you to streamline operations, reduce costs, and potentially scale the business with advanced manufacturing techniques. By combining your technical skills with creative design, you could establish a niche market presence and build a profitable venture alongside your primary career.

25. Create a web development course ($61.2K/month)

As a manufacturing engineer, you could leverage your technical background to create a web development course. By sharing your expertise in programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as frameworks and databases, you could attract students eager to learn from someone with a practical and analytical perspective.

Creating and selling an educational program allows you to diversify your income while enhancing your own skill set. An online web development course can be delivered through platforms like Udemy or Coursera, providing you with a scalable and passive stream of revenue. Given the demand for web developers, your course could attract a wide range of participants, from beginners to professionals seeking to expand their abilities.

How much you can make: $500 — $236,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 60 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 8,607 founders

26. Start a gold mining business

Starting a gold mining business could be a lucrative opportunity for a manufacturing engineer, leveraging your knowledge in process optimization, resource management, and machinery maintenance. Given the continuous global demand for gold, you could begin small-scale operations by acquiring a claim on a promising gold mine and gradually scaling up your business as needed.

Your ability to streamline production processes and maintain high efficiency in operations could be invaluable in maximizing the output and profitability of the mining activities. Additionally, your expertise in automation and machinery could help you implement advanced technologies to enhance productivity while reducing operational costs.

By registering your gold mining company and complying with all legal and insurance requirements, you lay a strong foundation for a profitable venture. This side business could not only supplement your income but potentially grow into a full-time entrepreneurial pursuit, tapping into the ever-growing market for precious metals.

27. Start a travel agency ($178K/month)

As a manufacturing engineer, you could leverage your analytical and organizational skills to successfully start a travel agency. Your experience in process optimization and project management will come in handy when arranging extensive travel packages, negotiating with service providers, and ensuring smooth operations.

Starting an online travel agency is simpler than you might think—perform thorough market research, acquire necessary certifications (like an IATA number), build a user-friendly website, and implement effective marketing strategies. By negotiating discounts with industry service providers and charging competitive rates, you could maximize your earnings and create a successful side business or even a new career path.

With your systematic approach and problem-solving abilities, the complexities of the travel industry could become manageable and financially rewarding ventures.

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

How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)

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

How I Started A $2K/Month Side Hustle Selling Vacations

Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.

Read by 18,061 founders

28. Start a CRM app business ($135K/month)

As a manufacturing engineer, your expertise in optimizing processes and systems can be invaluable in starting a CRM app business. You could leverage your skills to design a CRM app that streamlines communication, tracks leads, and nurtures customer relationships efficiently—all from one central platform. This would resonate well with businesses looking to enhance their sales and customer satisfaction through personalized customer experiences.

The journey involves defining core features, collaborating with skilled developers, and crafting effective marketing strategies to captivate your target market. Though it requires substantial legwork, the potential payoff is considerable. By diving into the CRM app market, you position yourself at the forefront of technology and customer relationship management, opening unlimited possibilities for growth and innovation.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $375,000/month

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

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Read by 11,998 founders

29. Start a podcast launch service

As a manufacturing engineer, you could leverage your technical knowledge and industry insights to create a podcast launch service that caters specifically to the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Your deep understanding of complex processes and cutting-edge technologies would allow you to help engineers and industry leaders create engaging, informative podcasts. This niche market has ample potential, as professionals continually seek new ways to learn, share knowledge, and stay updated on industry trends.

Additionally, your problem-solving skills and project management experience could be invaluable in managing the logistics of podcast production, from content planning to audio editing. This service requires relatively low startup costs and can be scaled according to demand, making it an excellent opportunity for a side business or even a full-time venture. By facilitating effective communication and knowledge sharing in your field, you could build a rewarding business that compliments your existing expertise.

30. Start a roof repair business

Starting a roof repair business could be a lucrative side project for a manufacturing engineer. Given your expertise in material properties, structural analysis, and problem-solving, you would be well-equipped to diagnose and repair roof issues efficiently. The demand for roof repair services due to storms and aging roofs ensures a steady stream of potential clients, both homeowners and commercial property owners.

You could utilize your analytical skills to optimize repair processes, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective service. Additionally, your background can aid in redesigning and improving roofing structures, an added value that could set your business apart. To get started, you would need to become a registered professional roofer, obtain the necessary licenses, and invest in the right tools.

In summary, leveraging your engineering skills for a roof repair business could supplement your income while providing a valuable service in a high-demand industry. This entrepreneurial venture could offer flexibility and the potential for substantial financial rewards.

How much does it cost to start: $548 (?)

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.