Passive Income Ideas For Cloud Engineers [2024]
Interested in earning passive income as a cloud engineer in 2024?
We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a cloud engineer 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 cloud engineer.
Here's the full list:
1. Make passive income with an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
As a cloud engineer, starting an email marketing tool could be a great way to supplement your income and leverage your technical skills. With your background in cloud technologies, you could create a robust and scalable email marketing platform that helps businesses automate their email campaigns. Given that the email marketing industry is growing rapidly and expected to reach $2.53B by 2028, there is significant potential for profit.
You could begin by developing a basic platform that allows users to compose and send bulk emails, then gradually add features like analytics, automation, and segmentation. The initial setup might involve investing in a domain and hosting account, but the long-term gains could be substantial as more entrepreneurs, startups, and other professionals turn to your tool.
Additionally, with your expertise, you could ensure your tool is highly reliable and secure, which would be a strong selling point. Over time, as your tool gains popularity, this could become a significant source of passive income.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
2. Make passive income with a social media automation business ($139K/month)
If you're a cloud engineer looking to supplement your income, starting a social media automation business could be a great fit. You could leverage your technical skills to create tools and services that automate managing social media accounts. This includes scheduling posts, automating interactions, and analyzing data, saving your clients—such as small businesses and influencers—valuable time.
Given the high demand for consistent and strategic social media engagement, your services could be quite sought after. The real work would involve developing or integrating software solutions, staying updated on trends, and building good client relationships. For tech-savvy individuals like you, this could be both a profitable and satisfying side project.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
3. Make passive income with an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As a cloud engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to create and manage an AI writing tool, providing a valuable service to a broad audience. This tool could help businesses, bloggers, and students generate accurate and engaging content effortlessly. Since your work already involves cloud infrastructure, you have the upper hand in handling the backend requirements for such a tool, ensuring it's scalable and efficient.
By starting an AI writing tool, you'd be tapping into the growing demand for automated, error-free, and time-efficient content creation. This venture not only supplements your income but also allows you to use your existing skills in a profitable new way. Imagine helping to ease the workload of countless writers globally while securing a steady stream of passive income for yourself.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
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.
4. Make passive income with an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
As a cloud engineer, you could consider starting an AI-based business solution to supplement your income and tap into the growing demand for intelligent technologies. Leveraging your cloud expertise, you could help businesses streamline their operations by integrating AI tools that automate repetitive tasks, provide customer insights, and predict market trends. This can lead to enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, and more informed decision-making for your clients.
You could focus on high-impact areas like customer service, inventory management, and data analysis, all of which are ripe for AI optimization. Even if your clients aren’t tech-savvy, many AI platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support, making implementation relatively straightforward. Given the competitive advantage businesses can gain from AI, this venture could be both a lucrative and strategic move for expanding your professional scope.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
5. Make passive income with a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
As a cloud engineer, creating a mobile app could be a lucrative way to generate passive income by leveraging your technical skills. You already have a background in handling complex systems and infrastructure, so transitioning to app development might be simpler than you think. With a brilliant idea and some basic coding knowledge, you could either develop the app yourself or hire a skilled developer to bring your vision to life.
Your primary tasks would involve planning the app's functionality and user experience, designing an engaging interface, and rigorously testing to ensure it works smoothly. Effective marketing will also be essential to attract users and drive downloads. Given how integral mobile apps have become in everyday life, you have a real opportunity to create something that could solve problems or provide entertainment for millions, while also generating substantial revenue.
By tapping into this venture, you could not only supplement your income but also tap into a massive market with endless possibilities for innovation. So if you have an idea that could make life easier or more enjoyable, starting a mobile app could be the perfect side hustle for you.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
6. Make passive income with a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As a cloud engineer, you could leverage your technical skills to develop a lead generation tool, automating the process of finding new clients for businesses. This tool would integrate with websites, social media channels, and other digital touchpoints to collect valuable data, like email addresses and phone numbers, helping companies streamline their marketing efforts.
The demand for efficient lead generation is high, making this a potentially profitable venture. With your background in cloud technology, you could build a scalable and reliable platform that attracts businesses eager to grow their customer base. Taking this entrepreneurial step could diversify your income while capitalizing on the technical expertise you already possess.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
7. Make passive income with a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
As a cloud engineer, you could leverage your technical skills to develop WordPress plugins that solve specific problems for website owners. Often, plugins help websites run more smoothly and efficiently, filling gaps that standard WordPress installations cannot address. By identifying common pain points and creating solutions, you could develop plugins that others would be willing to purchase.
Selling these plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon or your own website could generate a steady stream of income. Additionally, once the initial development is complete, maintenance and updates could require less ongoing effort, giving you more passive revenue over time. This makes a WordPress plugin business a potentially lucrative side hustle that aligns with your existing skill set.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
8. Make passive income with a niche website ($107K/month)
As a cloud engineer, you already possess specialized knowledge in cloud computing, making you well-suited to create a niche website. You could start a website focused on cloud architecture, offering guides, tutorials, and insights on best practices. This type of targeted content could attract both beginners and seasoned professionals looking to improve their skills or stay updated with industry trends.
Creating content and optimizing your site for search engines will help you drive traffic and build a loyal following. Eventually, you could monetize through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling your digital products like e-books and courses. This kind of site requires upfront effort but could become a reliable source of passive income over time.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
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.
9. Make passive income with an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
If you're a cloud engineer looking to supplement your income, starting an affiliate marketing business could be a viable option. As a cloud engineer, you are already familiar with various tech tools and platforms, which can be a significant asset in promoting products and services online. By identifying and partnering with companies that offer products in your area of expertise, you could earn a commission for every sale made through your referral.
For instance, you might choose to become an affiliate for companies selling cloud computing solutions or related tech products. Your existing knowledge and credibility within the tech community could help you create content that resonates with other professionals, making it easier to drive sales. It’s a flexible way to earn extra money, leveraging skills you already have while potentially generating passive income over time.
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 (?)
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. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog could be a fantastic way for you as a cloud engineer to share your knowledge and experiences, while earning passive income. By focusing on a specific topic within the cloud engineering realm, such as cloud security, cost optimization, or emerging cloud technologies, you could attract a dedicated audience interested in your expert insights.
You might create engaging content like how-to guides, product reviews, and industry commentary, which could help establish your blog as a valuable resource. To monetize, you could include affiliate links to relevant tools and platforms, grow a YouTube channel with tutorials, collaborate with brands, and even speak at industry events. By combining your passion for cloud engineering with consistent content creation and community engagement, you could turn your niche blog into a profitable side hustle.
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 (?)
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.
11. Make passive income with a garage organizer business
As a cloud engineer, starting a garage organizer business could be an excellent way to supplement your income by leveraging your problem-solving skills in a new context. You could use your analytical mind to design efficient, organized spaces for clients who struggle with cluttered garages. Addressing these issues and creating functional spaces could provide a much-needed service for homeowners and businesses alike.
Understanding space utilization is somewhat akin to resource optimization in cloud computing, where you need to maximize efficiency and functionality. By working with clients to assess their needs, you could create customized plans that include shelving, cabinets, and various storage solutions. Good communication and customer service skills gained in your cloud engineering role could be essential when managing multiple projects and ensuring client satisfaction.
Additionally, your experience in marketing and networking within the tech industry could be beneficial in attracting new clients and growing your garage organizer business. Your ability to manage projects and timelines will also be a strong asset, helping you balance this new venture alongside your current role as a cloud engineer.
How much you can make: $10,500/month
Curate Labs is a creative practice focused around ethical and sustainable design, with an annual publication that champions good business and a travel platform that advocates conscious travel, founded in 2016 by co-founders Abb-d Choudhury and Sara, bootstrapped, now turning into one business with 3 departments and aiming for 50-100% increase in revenue.
12. Make passive income with a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
As a cloud engineer, starting a dropshipping business could be a logical and practical way to earn passive income. You could leverage your technical skills to set up and optimize an online store with platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, ensuring your site runs smoothly and efficiently. By choosing a specific niche and finding reliable suppliers from platforms such as AliExpress, you could focus on marketing and customer service to attract and retain customers, all without holding any inventory yourself.
Moreover, your understanding of cloud systems could help you automate parts of the dropshipping process, from order management to customer communication, leaving you more time to monitor profit margins and make strategic decisions. The technical expertise you already have could provide a smoother start and more efficient operations compared to others without tech backgrounds. This business model could not only supplement your income but also diversify your revenue streams while allowing you to scale at your own pace.
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
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.
13. Make passive income with an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
As a cloud engineer, you could use your technical skills to set up an eCommerce reselling business as a side hustle. This allows you to purchase goods or services and resell them for a profit, without the need to invest in production. Your problem-solving abilities from cloud engineering can help you navigate market trends and optimize your reselling strategies.
You do not need to build a website right away; instead, you could begin by leveraging social media platforms to reach potential customers. This approach minimizes upfront costs and allows you to test the market before scaling up. As your business grows, you could eventually create a dedicated website, applying your cloud knowledge to ensure seamless and secure online operations.
Starting an eCommerce reselling business as a cloud engineer offers a practical way to supplement your income, combining your technology background with entrepreneurial ambitions. This venture provides the flexibility to slowly build an additional revenue stream without extensive initial investment.
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 (?)
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.
14. Make passive income with a drinking water business
As a cloud engineer, you could consider starting a drinking water business to supplement your income due to the critical need for clean water. At its core, this business involves sourcing, purifying, and distributing water, which can start on a small scale with home and business deliveries and potentially expand to vending machines or refill stations.
Given the essential nature of clean water, your business could find a steady demand. You could cater to health-conscious consumers and those interested in sustainable living by offering eco-friendly packaging or refill options. Such a venture allows you to tap into a vital market while making a positive impact on community health and environmental sustainability.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
