14 Passive Income Ideas For It Managers [2024]
Interested in earning passive income as a it manager in 2024?
We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a it manager 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 it manager.
Here's the full list:
1. Make passive income with a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As an IT manager, you could leverage your technical skills to create a lead generation tool, efficiently capturing and organizing potential customer leads for businesses. This tool could automate the time-consuming task of finding new clients, allowing companies to focus more on converting leads into sales.
By integrating with websites, social media channels, and other digital platforms, your lead generation tool could collect valuable data like email addresses, phone numbers, and customer interests. Given the high demand for efficient lead generation, businesses are keen to streamline their marketing efforts. Developing this tool could be your next profitable venture, combining your tech savviness with a knack for marketing to meet a critical business need.
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.
2. Make passive income with a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
As an IT manager, you could leverage your technical background and organizational skills to create a mobile app that addresses a niche market or solves a specific problem. Developing a mobile app involves conceptualizing a unique idea, understanding user needs, and overseeing the development process, which aligns well with your existing expertise in managing projects and teams.
You could either code the app yourself, if you have programming knowledge, or hire a skilled developer to bring your vision to life. Moreover, your experience in the IT field would be invaluable when testing for functionality and debugging. With effective marketing strategies, your app could attract a broad user base, paving the way for steady passive income through downloads, in-app purchases, or ads.
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.
3. Make passive income with an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
As an IT manager, you could supplement your income by starting an AI-based business solution. This involves using artificial intelligence to streamline various business operations such as customer service, inventory management, data analysis, and personalized marketing. By integrating AI, you could help companies enhance their efficiency, reduce costs, and make more informed decisions.
You might focus on automating repetitive tasks, offering valuable customer insights, or predicting market trends. The demand for AI solutions is growing as more businesses see the competitive edge they provide. Many platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and strong support, making it accessible even if you don't have a deep tech background.
By identifying high-impact areas within a business, you could create a solid implementation plan to offer tailored AI solutions. This venture could be a strategic way to innovate within your field, all while tapping into an expanding market and creating a new stream of passive income.
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.
4. Make passive income with an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As an IT manager, tapping into the potential of an AI writing tool could be a compelling way to supplement your income. By investing your technical expertise into developing an AI-powered content creation tool, you could cater to the growing need for efficient, error-free, and time-saving writing solutions. This tool could be invaluable for businesses, bloggers, and students alike, who are constantly seeking ways to generate quality content quickly.
Moreover, the burgeoning demand for innovative solutions in the content creation sphere presents a great opportunity for you to establish a successful side business. Imagine providing a tool that not only eases the workload of writers worldwide but also transforms their productivity levels. This venture allows you to make a significant impact in the digital world, leveraging your IT skills to create a product that addresses a real and pressing need.
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.
5. Make passive income with a social media automation business ($148K/month)
As an IT manager, you could leverage your technical skills to start a social media automation business, effortlessly managing multiple social media accounts while driving engagement and growth for clients. This involves creating tools and services that schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data, allowing businesses and influencers to save time and enhance their social media presence.
There’s a growing need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, and many small businesses and influencers are willing to pay for solutions that can streamline their tasks. By staying updated with social media trends and integrating or developing software solutions, you could build a profitable side business that capitalizes on your expertise in technology and marketing.
The real opportunity lies in tailoring your services to meet the specific needs of your clients, building strong relationships, and continually improving your tools. This way, you could establish a passive income stream while making a significant impact on your clients' social media success.
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.
6. Make passive income with an email marketing tool ($249K/month)
As an IT manager, starting an email marketing tool could be a great way to utilize your tech skills to earn passive income. With your experience in managing IT systems and understanding software, you could create a reliable and efficient email tool. This tool would automate and manage email campaigns for businesses, helping them generate leads, increase sales, and engage with their customers.
Given the booming email marketing industry, which is projected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028, there’s significant potential for growth. By offering a tool that simplifies the process of creating and sending bulk emails, you could attract a wide range of users, from entrepreneurs to real estate agents. Starting with a simple domain and hosting account, you could soon see your tool becoming an essential part of many businesses' marketing strategies.
How much you can make: $120 — $2,083,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 170 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.
7. Make passive income with a volleyball accessories business
As an IT manager, you could supplement your income by starting a volleyball accessories business that taps into your passion for the sport. This business involves creating and selling products like knee pads, wristbands, custom jerseys, nets, and portable ball pumps. Since recreational sports are becoming increasingly popular, you'll find a growing market of athletes looking for high-quality, reliable accessories.
Running a volleyball accessories business as an IT manager allows you to leverage your organizational and technical skills. You could handle market research, develop supplier relationships, and create an online store efficiently. This side venture offers a creative outlet and a way to practically engage with a sport you love while generating passive income.
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
CROSSNET, the world's first four-way volleyball game, went from $74,000 in revenue in 2018 to $2,250,000 in sales in just one year by attracting customers through social media, email marketing, and exclusive distribution agreements with retailers like Target.
8. Make passive income with a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
As an IT manager, you already have a deep understanding of systems and software, which puts you in a great position to start a WordPress plugin business. You could identify issues that website owners commonly face and develop plugins that provide effective solutions. For instance, you might create a plugin that optimizes website performance or enhances security, drawing on your technical expertise to offer a valuable tool.
You could sell your plugins through platforms like CodeCanyon or even on your own blog, giving you the flexibility to reach a wide audience. This approach allows you to earn passive income as people purchase and download your plugins. Over time, with positive reviews and continuous updates, your plugins could become reliable sources of supplementary income.
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.
9. Make passive income with a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
As an IT manager, your expertise in technology can be incredibly valuable to a wide audience on YouTube. You could create a channel focused on technical tutorials, software reviews, or even share insights on project management within the tech industry. This can attract viewers who are interested in learning from your experience and may lead to additional income through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
One of the best parts about starting a YouTube channel is its flexibility. You can film content during your free time and schedule posts according to your availability. While it does require consistent effort and quality content, the long-term potential for passive income makes it a promising side hustle.
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.
10. Make passive income with an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
As an IT manager, starting an ecommerce reselling business could be a smart way to boost your income without needing to create new products. By purchasing goods or services for resale, you avoid the costs and complexities of production, making it easier to focus on selling. Your understanding of technology and online platforms can help you quickly set up and manage an efficient ecommerce operation.
You could begin by leveraging social media to create a reseller business, gradually expanding to a full-fledged website as your business grows. This approach allows you to start small and scale up, making it a practical side hustle. Use your tech skills to streamline processes, and soon you may find yourself with a steady stream of passive income while still excelling in your IT management role.
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.
11. Make passive income with an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
As an IT manager, you could start an affiliate marketing business to earn extra money by promoting products and services related to your field. This side hustle is simple; you would earn a commission for each sale generated through your promotion efforts. Given your expertise, you could focus on tech-related products, like software tools or tech gadgets, that you already know well.
To begin, you would need to find the right products and brands to partner with. For instance, you might prefer teaming up with an eCommerce store or a tech manufacturer, marketing their offerings in a way that aligns with your knowledge and experience. Over time, this endeavor could grow into a significant source of passive income, supplementing your IT manager 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 (?)
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.
12. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business could be a great way to supplement your income as an IT manager. With this business model, you could design custom products like apparel, home goods, and phone cases without needing to keep any inventory. The production and fulfillment are handled by third-party services, so you could focus on creating unique designs and marketing them.
You could leverage online platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy to reach global audiences, turning your creative ideas into a source of passive income. The initial costs are low, and you could manage the entire operation from the comfort of your home. This setup would allow you to gradually build a scalable business while still managing your primary IT responsibilities.
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.
13. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
As an IT manager, you could start a niche blog to share your expertise and experiences in the tech world. You could focus on topics like emerging technologies, software development tips, or best practices in IT management. By offering unique and insightful content, you may attract a dedicated audience who values your knowledge.
Over time, your blog could grow in popularity, leading to opportunities for monetization. This might include affiliate marketing, collaborating with tech brands, or even speaking at industry events. Additionally, you could create supplementary content such as video tutorials or top product lists to further engage your readers and increase your income potential.
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.
14. Make passive income with a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be a great way for you, as an IT manager, to share your knowledge and experiences in the tech industry while supplementing your income. With your expertise, you could choose a niche that addresses common challenges or trends in IT management, which would likely attract an audience interested in those topics. Discussing real-world problems, offering solutions, and interviewing experts could make your podcast both engaging and beneficial.
You could begin the process with some basic equipment like a microphone and headphones, keeping initial costs low. Publishing your episodes on affordable or free hosting platforms could make this side hustle accessible and manageable. Over time, by promoting your podcast through social media and word of mouth, you could grow your listener base and attract sponsors or advertisers, turning your expertise into a steady source of passive income.
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.
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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.
