Passive Income Ideas For Carpenters [2024]

Updated: September 21st, 2024

Interested in earning passive income as a carpenter in 2024?

We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a carpenter today. These will help you increase your quality of life by bringing in more income for yourself or your business.

For each income idea, we’ll show you real-world examples, revenue expectations for each idea, plus some things you might need to know before you start your passive income journey as a carpenter.

Here's the full list:

1. Make passive income with a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)

Starting a YouTube channel could be a great way to supplement your income as a carpenter. You could make videos that showcase your hands-on skills, like how-to guides for DIY projects, insights on woodworking techniques, or before-and-after transformations of your work. This not only helps you share your expertise with a larger audience but also opens up opportunities to earn passive income through ads, sponsorships, and even selling your own merchandise.

With regular uploads and high-quality content, your audience and earnings potential could grow over time. It takes work to film, edit, and engage with viewers, but if you’re passionate about carpentry, this could be an enjoyable side hustle. Over time, you might find that your channel brings in a significant supplementary income and helps you build a community around your craft.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)

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

How A Young Entrepreneur From Nigeria Started A Profitable Blog

This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.

Read by 12,324 founders

2. Make passive income with an online course sales business ($85K/month)

If you’re a carpenter, you could turn your skills into a steady stream of passive income by starting an online course sales business. Imagine creating detailed video tutorials or written guides on carpentry techniques, which could range from basic woodworking to more advanced projects like furniture building or home renovations. This allows aspiring carpenters or DIY enthusiasts to learn from your expertise.

To get started, all you need to do is choose a target audience and create a course tailored to their needs. Once your course is ready, you could sell it on various online learning platforms. With the e-learning market projected to grow significantly, there's a big opportunity to earn extra money from what you already know and love doing.

How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month

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

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

I Make $120K/Year With My Print On Demand T-Shirt Side Hustle

A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.

Read by 12,038 founders

3. Make passive income with an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)

Starting an affiliate marketing business could be a great way for you to earn extra money as a carpenter. With your industry knowledge and skills, you could promote tools, materials, and other products that you already use and trust in your day-to-day work. By recommending these products through an affiliate program, you could earn commissions for every sale made through your promotional links.

To get started, you could find the right products and brands that align with your expertise. Whether it's partnering with an eCommerce tool store or a manufacturer of high-quality lumber, you could share your insights and recommendations with fellow carpenters and DIY enthusiasts online. This could be through a blog, social media, or even video tutorials showcasing how you use the products, making it a natural fit for your existing work.

How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)

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

My Affiliate Marketing Business Earns $500K/Year Profit [No Employees]

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.

Read by 24,637 founders

4. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)

As a carpenter, starting a niche blog could be a smart way to share your skills and knowledge with a broader audience, while also earning some extra income. You could write articles and create how-to guides about carpentry techniques, tools, and projects, offering valuable insights that other carpenters or DIY enthusiasts would find useful. By sharing your expertise and real-world experience, you may attract a passionate following that values your unique perspective.

To monetize your blog, you could include affiliate links to carpentry tools and materials, review products, and share top product lists. Over time, as your blog grows, you could collaborate with brands related to your niche, increasing your opportunities for passive income. Creating engaging content and staying connected with your followers can help you build a thriving online community centered around your craft.

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

How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)

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

How I Turned A Crappy Idea Into A $3M/Year Business

Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.

Read by 78,275 founders

5. Make passive income with a niche website ($107K/month)

If you're a carpenter interested in earning extra money, starting a niche website could be a great option. You could create a site focused on your carpentry expertise, offering tips, tutorials, and product reviews. By sharing your knowledge online, you could attract a dedicated audience looking for specialized help.

Once your site gains traffic, you could monetize it with affiliate marketing, ad placements, or even selling your own digital products like eBooks or online courses. With some initial effort in content creation and SEO, your niche website could become a reliable source of passive income. This way, you could supplement your income while doing something you're passionate about.

How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month

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

How I Leveraged My LinkedIn Network To Create A $1.8M/Year Procurement Conference

DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.

Read by 3,620 founders

6. Make passive income with a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)

As a carpenter, you could use your skills and knowledge to start a subscription box business focused on woodworking enthusiasts. Imagine curating monthly boxes with high-quality tools, unique wood samples, design plans for small projects, or even finishing products. This not only taps into your expertise but also offers your customers exclusive items they can eagerly look forward to each month.

Subscription boxes are in high demand as they add value by delivering niche products directly to customers. By perfecting your box design and developing good relationships with suppliers, you could create a unique service that woodworking lovers would find invaluable. Plus, with effective marketing, this venture could be highly profitable, allowing you to supplement your income while sharing your passion for woodworking.

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

How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)

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

How I Started A Gift Box Business For Non Traditional Brides

Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.

Read by 31,455 founders

7. Make passive income with a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)

As a carpenter, you could start a stock photography business by capturing high-quality images of your unique projects, woodworking techniques, and the craftsmanship that goes into each piece you create. Many businesses, website owners, and bloggers need authentic and visually appealing photos for marketing purposes, and your woodworking images could fill that niche perfectly.

With some investment in photography gear and learning the basics of taking good stock photos, you could build an impressive portfolio and upload your work to various stock photography websites. This could allow you to earn a passive income as people buy the rights to use your photos for their own projects. Additionally, establishing a strong online presence could help you sell your stock photos faster and at better prices.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

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

How I Started A Commercial Product Photography Business

Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.

Read by 15,481 founders

8. Make passive income with an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)

Starting an eCommerce reselling business could be a practical and profitable venture for a carpenter. As a carpenter, you likely have a good eye for quality tools, materials, and furniture that others may need. You could purchase these goods, add a small markup, and resell them through online platforms or social media.

You don't need to worry about creating your own products or having a website right away. Focus on using your expertise to choose the right items for resale and use social media platforms to reach potential customers. As your business grows, you can then invest in a dedicated website to expand your reach and profits.

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

How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)

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

My Side Hustle Makes $1.2M/Year Selling Car Accessories

Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.

Read by 7,385 founders

9. Print on demand business ($411K/month)

Starting a print-on-demand business as a carpenter could be a practical way to make extra money and supplement your income. You could create designs that reflect your expertise and passion for woodworking, such as images of custom furniture, tools, or carpentry-themed quotes. These designs could then be applied to various products like T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and phone cases.

With platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy at your disposal, you could sell your custom products without worrying about managing inventory or production. By focusing on creating unique and appealing designs, you could tap into a global market from the comfort of your own home. This type of business requires minimal startup costs, allowing you to explore entrepreneurship at your own pace and on your own terms.

How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Started A $330K/Month Ecommerce Specialized In 3D Printing

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.

Read by 29,966 founders

10. Make passive income with a dropshipping business ($414K/month)

As a carpenter, you could start a dropshipping business to supplement your income by leveraging your knowledge of tools and materials. Through an online store, you could sell carpentry-related products like specialized tools, accessories, or woodworking kits without needing to hold inventory. When a customer makes a purchase, a third-party supplier ships the product directly to them, making the process simple and hassle-free for you.

To begin, you could choose a niche related to carpentry that you are familiar with, and then set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Partner with reliable suppliers on sites like AliExpress to list their products in your store, and focus on marketing to attract customers. By carefully managing your expenses and profit margins, you could build a steady stream of passive income while continuing your carpentry work.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week

How I Started A $100K/Month Business Mentoring Dropshipping Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.

Read by 25,778 founders

11. Make passive income with a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)

Starting a real estate investment firm could be a natural extension of your skills as a carpenter. This business involves buying, managing, and selling real estate assets for profit. With your expertise in renovations and understanding of construction, you could identify properties with potential and handle much of the improvement work yourself, effectively increasing their value.

The real estate market offers significant profit potential. Homes, commercial buildings, and even vacant land can appreciate over time, leading to substantial windfalls upon sale. Moreover, rental properties could provide a steady stream of monthly income, enhancing your financial security and creating passive income.

If you have a passion for real estate and a knack for spotting valuable properties, this venture could be highly rewarding. With diligent market research, strategic planning, and effective management, your efforts could result in impressive financial returns, making real estate investment a lucrative business opportunity.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)

How We Started A $40M Real Estate Investment Fund

Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.

Read by 13,325 founders

12. Make passive income with a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)

As a carpenter, starting a stock investing business could be an interesting way to supplement your income and generate passive earnings. By learning how to buy and sell stocks effectively, you can make money from market investments while continuing to work on your carpentry projects. This means that your savings and extra earnings could grow over time, offering you financial security and greater freedom.

If you have an interest in numbers and financial trends, this side hustle could turn into a profitable venture. There are plenty of resources and trading platforms that can provide you with the necessary tools and knowledge to get started. Remember, success in stock investing requires a good strategy, ongoing learning, and an analytical mindset.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

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

I Launched A $54K/Year Newsletter That Finds Trending Stocks

Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.

Read by 23,806 founders

13. Make passive income with a health and wellness app ($108K/month)

As a carpenter, you could create a health and wellness app that helps users reach their fitness and well-being goals. This app could offer features like personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking—all in one convenient place.

By developing this app, you’d be offering a virtual coach that guides users through activities such as yoga practices and tailored meal plans. Plus, simple reminders like staying hydrated can make a huge difference in daily well-being.

While building the app might require market research, working with health experts, and effective marketing, the impact on users' lives and the potential for passive income is significant. If you have an interest in health and technology, this could be a fulfilling way to diversify your income streams.

How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)

I Created A $2.7M/Year Software That Extends People's Lives By Analyzing Their DNA

Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.

Read by 8,617 founders

14. Make passive income with an AI writing tool ($255K/month)

As a carpenter, you already possess a wealth of knowledge and experience that you could share with others. By developing an AI writing tool, you could create software that helps people write better content about woodworking, such as guides, tips, and project instructions. This tool could generate clear and accurate articles, allowing users to produce high-quality writing without the hassle of perfecting every detail themselves.

Not only could this tool assist bloggers and DIY enthusiasts in creating content, but it could also be utilized by educational platforms that teach carpentry. Imagine helping students and aspiring carpenters learn faster by offering them a resource that simplifies and enhances their learning material. Plus, with the increasing demand for online content, this AI writing tool could be a great passive income stream for you, opening up a new and innovative way to monetize your expertise.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month

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

I Built A Simple AI Writing Tool That Makes $60K/Year

Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.

Read by 6,768 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls