13 Passive Income Ideas For Human Resources [2024]
Interested in earning passive income as a human resources in 2024?
We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a human resources 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 human resources.
Here's the full list:
1. Make passive income with an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a human resources professional, you could leverage your expertise to create and sell online courses, turning your knowledge into a source of passive income. People are always looking for ways to improve their skills in areas like conflict resolution, employee engagement, or talent management, topics you are already well-versed in. By developing an online course focused on these subjects, you not only share your passion but also fill a valuable niche in the e-learning market.
Creating an online course involves selecting a target audience, structuring your content, and choosing a platform to sell your course. This allows you to reach a global audience without the need for physical presence. With the e-learning market expected to be worth over $645 billion in the coming years, starting an online course sales business could be a lucrative way to supplement your HR career income.
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 (?)
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.
2. Make passive income with a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As someone in human resources, you could use your understanding of organizational needs and talent acquisition to develop a lead generation tool specifically designed for the HR sector. This tool could automate the tedious process of finding potential job candidates, collecting valuable information like contact details, resumes, and skill sets.
Think about helping companies streamline their recruitment efforts by offering them an easy way to gather leads through various digital platforms such as websites and social media. With businesses constantly seeking efficient ways to fill open positions, your lead generation tool could provide a high-demand solution.
This venture could not only serve as a profitable side hustle but also align with your existing skills and knowledge in human resources.
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.
3. Make passive income with a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Starting a cold email service business could make sense for someone in human resources because it leverages your understanding of people and communication. At its core, you would help companies reach their prospective clients directly through targeted email campaigns. This involves writing compelling emails, analyzing client needs, researching target audiences, and using email marketing tools to measure success.
Since you already have a strategic mindset and experience engaging with various individuals, this side hustle could be a natural fit. You could start by offering your services to small businesses needing lead generation and expand as you build more success stories. This business idea combines your HR skills with marketing, offering you the chance to earn extra income while providing a valuable service that is always in demand.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
4. Make passive income with an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
As a human resources professional, you could look into starting an AI-based business solution to supplement your income. AI tools can streamline human resources operations by automating repetitive tasks like resume screening, employee onboarding, and performance evaluations. This not only saves time but also allows you to focus on more strategic HR initiatives.
By offering an AI-based HR solution, you could help other companies enhance efficiency and make data-driven decisions, thereby gaining a competitive edge. Moreover, with the rising demand for AI solutions in the business world, you could tap into a growing market and create a consistent revenue stream. Many AI platforms are user-friendly and don't require a tech background, making it accessible for you to launch and manage.
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 an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As a human resources professional, you could tap into the world of AI writing tools to supplement your income and make extra money. By developing a digital tool powered by artificial intelligence, you could create automated, error-free, and engaging content for businesses, bloggers, and students. This innovation not only meets the growing demand for constant, high-quality content but also makes writing more efficient and less time-consuming.
Imagine offering a solution that significantly eases the workload of writers around the globe, transforming their process and boosting their productivity. By embedding AI into content creation, you could pioneer a tool that stands as the future writer's best friend. This could be your opportunity to leave a mark on the digital world while earning passive income on the side.
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.
6. Make passive income with a social media automation business ($148K/month)
If you’re in human resources and have a knack for technology and marketing, starting a social media automation business could be a great way to supplement your income. Essentially, this involves offering tools and services that help clients like small businesses and influencers manage their social media accounts more efficiently by scheduling posts, automating interactions, and analyzing data.
Given your background in human resources, you already possess strong skills in understanding people and building relationships—both crucial for tailoring services to client needs in this business. Furthermore, with the increasing demand for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there’s a significant opportunity to create a steady stream of income through automation services.
By integrating or developing software solutions, you could provide immense value to your clients while enjoying the flexibility and potential profitability of a side business. The setup may require some initial work in terms of learning and software integration, but once established, this business can offer ongoing returns with relatively low maintenance.
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.
7. Make passive income with a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business could be a great way for someone in human resources to supplement their income. In HR, you have likely developed a keen understanding of what kinds of images appeal to businesses, especially given your work with company branding, recruitment materials, and internal communications. By using this insight, you could create and sell high-quality stock photos that meet the needs of other professionals.
All you need is some good photography gear and a bit of practice to take high-quality shots. Uploading your photos to stock photography websites can help them be seen by thousands of potential buyers looking for the perfect images for their marketing and advertising needs. Over time, as your portfolio grows, you could start earning a steady passive income from your photos.
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 (?)
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.
8. Make passive income with a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be a great way for you to supplement your income if you enjoy creating engaging video content. As a human resources professional, you could share your expertise through videos on topics like resume tips, interview techniques, workplace culture, and career development.
Building a successful YouTube channel would require consistent effort in planning, shooting, editing, and engaging with your audience. With time and dedication, you could potentially earn revenue through ads, sponsorships, and even merchandise related to your niche. It's a versatile platform that lets you share your unique HR insights while earning extra money.
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 (?)
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.
9. Make passive income with a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be a practical way to supplement your income as someone in human resources. You could share expert insights on topics like workplace culture, employee engagement, and effective hiring practices, which many businesses and individuals find valuable. By choosing a niche within HR and using basic recording equipment, you could create engaging content that resonates with your audience.
With the right promotion through social media and online communities, your podcast could build a following. As your audience grows, you might attract sponsors or advertisers, allowing you to earn passive income. This not only supplements your regular salary but also positions you as an industry thought leader, adding another layer of credibility to your professional profile.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
10. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog could be an excellent way for someone in human resources to supplement their income by sharing their expert knowledge. Imagine creating content that addresses specific HR challenges, such as best practices for employee engagement, solving workplace conflicts, or tips for effective recruitment. By providing unique and informative articles, how-to guides, or spotlights, you could engage with a dedicated online community looking for reliable HR insights.
To make your blog profitable, you could grow your visibility and followers by sharing your content across social media, collaborating with relevant HR brands, or even offering affiliate links to recommended HR tools and services. Regularly engaging with your followers and creating content that resonates with them will help you maintain a loyal audience. This endeavor not only expands your professional footprint but also creates a potential passive income stream.
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 niche website ($107K/month)
If you're in human resources and looking for a way to supplement your income, starting a niche website could be a rewarding project. Imagine creating a site focused on a specific area you’re passionate about, like employee engagement, workplace diversity, or career development tips. This focused content can attract a dedicated audience, providing you with a platform to share your expertise and insights.
Once your site gains traction, you could monetize it through various methods such as affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products like e-books or online courses. The initial investment in research, content creation, and SEO may take some effort, but over time, your niche website could become a steady source of passive income. If you enjoy diving deep into topics and sharing knowledge, building a niche website might be a great way to turn your passion into profit.
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.
12. Make passive income with a niche investment platform ($126K/month)
If you're in human resources and have an entrepreneurial streak, starting a niche investment platform could open new doors for passive income. You could create an online exchange that caters to specialized investors interested in alternative asset classes like real estate, collectibles, and cryptocurrencies. This approach allows you to utilize modern technology to build a transparent and user-friendly trading environment.
Such a platform can attract a passionate user base by offering flexible portfolio options and premium subscriptions. As your platform grows, you could generate recurring revenue through transaction fees and subscription services. This new venture could provide a stable income stream, especially appealing for those seeking alternatives amid volatile stock markets.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
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.
13. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business could be a great opportunity for someone in human resources to supplement their income. You could design custom products like apparel, home goods, or phone cases that reflect HR-related themes, motivational quotes, or workplace humor. This allows you to tap into a niche market that you are already familiar with and passionate about.
Running a print-on-demand business involves minimal startup costs since you won’t need to buy inventory upfront. By leveraging online platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you could sell your creations to a global audience without worrying about storage and shipping. Working from home and setting your own pace means you could easily manage this business alongside your regular HR duties, turning your creative ideas into a steady stream of passive income.
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
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.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
