Passive Income Ideas For Data Center Technicians [2024]

Updated: September 21st, 2024

Interested in earning passive income as a data center technician in 2024?

We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a data center technician 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 data center technician.

Here's the full list:

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

Starting a niche blog could be a practical way to supplement your income as a data center technician. You already have specialized knowledge in IT infrastructure, network management, and server maintenance, which could be the cornerstone of your blog's content. By sharing how-to articles, top product lists, and news from the world of data centers, you could attract fellow technicians and IT enthusiasts who are seeking valuable insights and up-to-date information.

Once you build a following, you could monetize your blog through affiliate links that recommend tools and equipment, collaborating with relevant tech brands, and potentially growing a YouTube channel with video tutorials. Over time, with consistent content creation and community engagement, your blog could become a source of passive income and even open up opportunities to speak at industry events. The key is to find a niche within your expertise that isn't heavily covered and to passionately share your experience and knowledge.

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 78,270 founders

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

As a data center technician, you could leverage your technical expertise and industry insights by starting a niche website focused on topics relevant to data management, server maintenance, or IT infrastructure. You could share tips, tutorials, and reviews of hardware and software solutions, making it a valuable resource for fellow professionals looking to enhance their skills or stay updated with the latest trends.

Creating a niche website allows you to monetize your passion and knowledge through various channels like affiliate marketing, ad placements, or even selling e-books and online courses. By consistently producing high-quality content and optimizing for search engines, you could attract a dedicated audience, turning your website into 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 (?)

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

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

As a data center technician, you could supplement your income by creating and selling online courses about your expertise. There’s a growing demand for courses on specialized technical skills, and with your knowledge, you could teach others about data center management, server maintenance, networking, and other related topics. By sharing your experience through an online course, you could provide valuable insights that help others advance in their careers while generating additional revenue for yourself.

Creating an online course is straightforward: you just need to pick a target audience, produce the content, and select a platform to sell your course. Given the projected growth in the e-learning market, which is expected to be worth over $645 billion in the coming years, there’s a significant opportunity for you to tap into this market. Not only could this become a steady stream of passive income, but it also allows you to leverage your current skills and passion to benefit others.

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

4. Make passive income with an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)

As a data center technician, you could leverage your specialized knowledge and experience to start an AI-based business solution. This would involve using artificial intelligence to optimize business operations, like automating repetitive tasks, managing inventory, or enhancing customer service. By implementing AI tools, you could help businesses make better decisions based on data, reduce operational costs, and improve efficiency.

With the rapid growth in demand for AI solutions, your expertise in handling complex systems could give you a competitive advantage in this market. Many platforms offer easy-to-use interfaces and strong support, so you don’t need to be a software developer to get started. By focusing on high-impact areas and creating a solid plan, you could carve out a successful business niche and generate passive income through AI-driven services.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month

How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)

How We Launched A $120K/Month Audiobook Publishing Course

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.

Read by 21,998 founders

5. Make passive income with a lead generation tool ($108K/month)

As a data center technician, you already have a solid understanding of tech systems, making you well-suited to develop a lead generation tool. You could create a software application or platform that helps businesses identify and capture potential customer leads, simplifying and automating the process for them. This involves integrating your tool with websites, social media channels, and other digital touchpoints to gather valuable data like email addresses and phone numbers.

Businesses are always looking to streamline their marketing efforts and grow their customer base, which means there's a high demand for efficient lead generation tools. By leveraging your technical skills, you could build a product that assists companies in focusing more on converting leads into actual sales. This not only provides a valuable service but also opens up a profitable venture for you.

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 (?)

How I Created A $5M/Year LinkedIn Marketing Automation Tool

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.

Read by 8,923 founders

6. Make passive income with a corporate photographer ($23.4K/month)

As a data center technician, you could explore the possibility of starting a corporate photography business to supplement your income. Companies constantly need high-quality images for marketing materials, websites, and events, and with an eye for detail and technical skills, you might already have an edge. By building a solid portfolio and showcasing your work on social media, you could attract potential clients and establish a side business that aligns with your existing career.

Understanding each client’s specific needs and goals is crucial for success in this field. Your attention to detail and problem-solving skills could help you create images that effectively communicate a company's message. Moreover, strong communication and customer service skills would be essential to ensure client satisfaction and build a positive reputation in the corporate photography space.

Starting out, you might consider networking at local business events or through connections within your industry. Over time, this side venture could grow into a rewarding and lucrative endeavor that provides additional income and professional satisfaction.

How much you can make: $8,300 — $50,001/month

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

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

How I Run A $50K/Month Wedding Photography Studio Like A Startup

This case study follows the journey of an Indian first-generation entrepreneur who built Studio 31, a profitable and award-winning wedding photography and film company capturing over 350 weddings annually, with a unique focus on customer experience and organic marketing, serving more than 90% NRI clients and generating an annual revenue of about a million dollars.

Read by 17,821 founders

7. Make passive income with a mobile app ($70.3K/month)

As a data center technician, you could leverage your technical skills and industry experience to create a mobile app, opening new avenues for passive income. An app targeted toward solving specific problems within your field, such as network monitoring tools or data management systems, can find a receptive audience among fellow IT professionals.

Starting a mobile app business does require some planning and skills, either in coding or managing a developer. However, with a clear vision and dedication, your app could gain traction and become a valuable resource for others in your profession. Not only does this provide an additional income stream, but it also allows you to make a meaningful impact on your industry.

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

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

We Started A $6M/Year Bachelorette Party App

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.

Read by 11,017 founders

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

Starting an affiliate marketing business could be a great way for a data center technician to supplement their income. As a tech professional, you already have valuable knowledge and experience with various IT products and services. You could leverage this understanding to promote relevant tools, software, and hardware to others in your industry or to tech enthusiasts.

You could begin by finding the right products or brands that align with your expertise. For example, partnering with an eCommerce store or a manufacturer to market data center-specific equipment, such as servers, networking tools, or cooling systems, could be a solid choice. Each sale made through your promotion would earn you a commission, adding a stream of passive income to your existing salary.

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 24,636 founders

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

As a data center technician, you could start a print-on-demand business to make extra money and even earn passive income. By creating and selling customized products like T-shirts, phone cases, and home goods through platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you wouldn't need to worry about holding inventory or managing shipping. This setup allows you to focus on designing unique and trendy items that appeal to a broad audience.

Given the minimal startup costs and flexible work environment, you could manage this side hustle from home, fitting it around your existing job. The use of dropshipping production and fulfillment services means you can scale your business at your own pace, all while leveraging your creativity to generate additional income streams.

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 an email marketing tool ($992K/month)

As a data center technician, you already have a strong background in IT, making it easier for you to understand and implement an email marketing tool. You could create a software application that helps businesses write and send bulk emails, generate leads, and increase sales with this type of software. Given that the global email marketing tool market is expected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028, this space offers significant potential for growth and profits.

Additionally, starting an email marketing business is relatively straightforward. You could begin by purchasing a domain and hosting account, then developing the tool tailored to specific user needs. With your technical skills, you could easily automate and manage email campaigns, tapping into a lucrative market that serves various industries, from entrepreneurs to real estate agents.

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 (?)

I Built A SEO Tool That's Completely Free For Users [From Lebanon]

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.

Read by 14,150 founders

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

Starting a YouTube channel could be a great way for data center technicians to supplement their income while sharing their expertise. You could create content about troubleshooting common data center issues, giving virtual tours of equipment, or explaining emerging technologies. This could attract an audience interested in the tech field and establish you as an authority in your area.

By consistently posting quality videos and engaging with your audience, you could start earning through ads, sponsorships, and even merchandise. Although it requires effort in planning, shooting, and editing videos, the potential financial rewards and personal satisfaction could make it a worthwhile venture. If you're willing to dedicate the time and effort, a YouTube channel offers a flexible and creative way to leverage your skills for passive income.

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 12,323 founders

12. Make passive income with a social media automation business ($139K/month)

As a data center technician, you could utilize your technical skills to start a social media automation business. This involves creating or integrating software tools that schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data to help businesses and influencers manage their social media accounts more efficiently. It's a great way to leverage your understanding of technology to fulfill a growing need for streamlined online presence management.

With the increasing demand for consistent and strategic social media engagement, you could find a steady stream of clients willing to pay for your services. This side hustle could allow you to supplement your income by saving clients time and helping them grow their online presence, all while using your existing technical expertise in a new and exciting way. Plus, it taps into the entrepreneurial spirit by offering a scalable business model with potential for growth.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

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.

Read by 15,250 founders

13. Make passive income with a podcast ($97.9K/month)

Starting a podcast could be an intriguing venture for a data center technician looking to supplement their income. Given your expertise in a specialized and growing field, you could share valuable insights, tips, and industry news that would appeal to other professionals in IT and data management. By choosing a niche related to your work, you could attract a dedicated audience who is eager to learn more about data center operations, trends, and best practices.

Equipping yourself with a basic microphone and headphones, as well as using an affordable hosting platform, you could start producing content without needing a large investment. Promoting your podcast through social media and industry communities could further expand your reach. As your audience grows, the potential for attracting sponsors or advertisers could turn your passion project into a passive income stream.

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

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

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.

Read by 19,203 founders

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

Starting a real estate investment firm could be an excellent way for data center technicians to diversify their income streams. Your technical skills in troubleshooting and maintaining systems can be transferred into identifying, acquiring, and managing properties. Just like maintaining a data center, successful property management requires attention to detail, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.

By investing in real estate, you could benefit from property appreciation over time, and rental properties could offer a steady income stream without requiring constant hands-on management. The knowledge you already have regarding structured processes and systems in a data center could make it easier for you to handle the administrative and operational aspects of running an investment firm.

Though starting a real estate firm requires initial capital and a keen understanding of the market, the financial returns can be substantial and long-term. This could ultimately provide you with a reliable source of passive income, enhancing your financial stability and freedom.

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

meet the author
Pat Walls