13 Passive Income Ideas For Mechanical Engineers [2024]
Interested in earning passive income as a mechanical engineer in 2024?
We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a mechanical 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 mechanical engineer.
Here's the full list:
1. Make passive income with an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a mechanical engineer, you could leverage your specialized knowledge to create and sell online courses, turning your expertise into a steady stream of passive income. Whether it's teaching advanced CAD/CAM software, principles of thermodynamics, or practical applications of mechanics in industry, there is a broad and eager audience ready to learn from your experience.
The e-learning market is rapidly growing and is expected to be worth over $645 billion in the next few years, making now a great time to enter this booming industry. By choosing a target audience, crafting engaging course material, and utilizing an online learning platform for sales, you could supplement your income and share your passion for mechanical engineering with learners worldwide.
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 mobile app ($70.3K/month)
If you're a mechanical engineer with a penchant for innovation, creating a mobile app could be a fantastic way to supplement your income. You could turn your industry insights into a valuable software application that caters to specific needs within the engineering community or beyond. For example, you might develop a productivity tool that aids in project management, a simulation app for educational purposes, or even a game that encapsulates engineering principles.
Starting a mobile app business requires a clear vision and either a basic knowledge of coding or the resources to hire a skilled developer. You would need to focus on planning the user experience, designing engaging interfaces, and thoroughly testing for functionality and bugs. To succeed, effective marketing is crucial to attract users and drive downloads, making your app a financial success.
Mobile apps are integral to modern life, offering vast opportunities for innovative solutions. With dedication and a strategic approach, your app could not only solve a problem but also generate substantial revenue, making it a rewarding venture for the entrepreneurial-minded mechanical engineer.
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 a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be an excellent way for you to supplement your income as a mechanical engineer. By leveraging your expertise, you could create educational content, how-to guides, or in-depth analyses on engineering topics. This not only positions you as an authority in your field but also opens up revenue streams through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
With consistent, high-quality videos, you'll be better positioned to engage viewers and grow your subscriber base. Additionally, a good grasp of SEO and social media marketing could further amplify your reach. Though this venture requires dedication and effort, the potential financial rewards and personal fulfillment make it an attractive option for entrepreneurial-minded engineers looking to capitalize on their knowledge and creativity.
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.
4. Make passive income with a niche website ($107K/month)
As a mechanical engineer, starting a niche website could complement your expertise and open up new revenue streams. You could create a site centered on your specialized knowledge, such as CAD design tips, innovations in manufacturing, or reviews of mechanical tools and software. By providing valuable content that caters to a dedicated audience, you would attract regular visitors who trust your professional insights.
Once you've built a following, you could monetize your site in various ways. For example, through affiliate marketing, you could earn commissions by recommending products and services you already use and trust. Additionally, ad placements and selling digital products, like detailed design blueprints or eBooks, could further supplement your income. Investing time in research, content creation, and SEO initially might be challenging, but once established, your niche website could become a reliable source of passive income.
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.
5. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
As a mechanical engineer, starting a niche blog offers an excellent opportunity to share your specialized knowledge and insights with a broader audience, potentially leading to a steady stream of passive income. You could focus on underserved niches such as innovative mechanical design, sustainable engineering practices, or cutting-edge technologies in the field. By providing unique and informative content like how-to guides, top product lists, or video interviews with industry experts, you establish credibility and attract a dedicated readership.
To monetize your blog, you could incorporate affiliate links for tools, software, and products relevant to mechanical engineering, collaborate with brands for sponsored content, or even grow an associated YouTube channel for additional revenue streams. Speaking at engineering conferences or events can further enhance your visibility and credibility, drawing more attention to your blog. Engaging consistently with your audience and offering valuable insights will help you build a loyal following, ensuring that your blog remains a profitable venture.
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.
6. Make passive income with an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Exploring AI-Based Business Solutions for Mechanical Engineers
As a mechanical engineer, you could leverage your technical problem-solving skills to start an AI-based business solution. This venture could involve using artificial intelligence to optimize business processes like inventory management, data analysis, and predictive maintenance. AI tools could help automate repetitive tasks, provide valuable customer insights, and forecast market trends, making businesses more efficient and cost-effective.
You don’t need a background in tech to get started. Many AI platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support systems, so you could focus more on the high-impact areas where your engineering skills shine. With businesses increasingly seeking competitive advantages via AI, launching an AI-based business solution could be a strategic move to supplement your income and open up new revenue streams in the rapidly growing market.
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.
7. Make passive income with an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As a mechanical engineer, venturing into the creation of an AI writing tool could leverage your analytical and problem-solving skills in a novel way. By harnessing advancements in artificial intelligence to develop a digital tool that aids in content creation, you could tap into the burgeoning demand for automated, error-free, and time-efficient writing.
Imagine developing a system that generates accurate and engaging content for businesses, bloggers, and students, effectively transforming the writing landscape. This entrepreneurial opportunity not only aligns with the current technological trajectory but also allows you to contribute to a field that is ever-growing in importance. Providing a solution that increases productivity and eases the workload for writers worldwide could position you as a pioneer in the digital content industry.
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.
8. Make passive income with a digital assets business
Starting a digital assets business could be an attractive option for a mechanical engineer looking to supplement their income. Digital assets include things like cryptocurrencies, NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), and digital real estate. These assets can be bought, traded, or created and then sold for a profit.
Given your technical background, you might find it easier to grasp the underlying technology, such as blockchain, and understand market trends. While the digital assets market is volatile and demands you stay updated with the latest news, the potential financial and intellectual rewards can be substantial. Investing time in learning about this growing field could lead to significant returns and open new avenues for passive income.
How much you can make: $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
FilterGrade is an eCommerce platform offering digital assets such as photo filters and video templates; attracting over 450,000 monthly users and generating approximately 30k a month, the founders worked hard to build a valuable marketplace for creators while focusing on digital marketing, partnerships, and content creation.
9. Make passive income with an outdoor shooting range business
Starting an outdoor shooting range business could be a great way for a mechanical engineer to supplement their income. Your expertise in engineering could help in designing and maintaining a safe and efficient range, which is crucial for the success of the business. Understanding the mechanics behind firearms and archery equipment could also give you an edge in serving and attracting customers who are keen on improving their accuracy.
Given that the shooting ranges market is projected to grow significantly and reach $38.6 billion in the next decade, there's ample opportunity for profitability in this field. As a mechanical engineer, you likely have strong problem-solving skills, which could assist in navigating the often-complex legal and zoning requirements. Additionally, joining organizations like the National Shooting Sports Foundation could help you learn industry best practices and attract more customers.
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
10. Make passive income with a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
As a mechanical engineer, starting a subscription box business could be an exciting way to supplement your income. You could tap into niche markets related to engineering, such as offering monthly boxes that feature unique tools, DIY project kits, or educational materials for aspiring engineers. Your expertise in mechanical design could help you curate high-quality, practical products that truly resonate with your audience.
Understanding the importance of precision and quality, you could ensure that your subscription boxes stand out by offering exclusive or hard-to-find items that add value. Additionally, your problem-solving skills would be beneficial in perfecting the box design and managing logistics smoothly. Combining your engineering background with entrepreneurial flair could make this side business both enjoyable and profitable.
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 (?)
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.
11. Make passive income with a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Starting a cold email service business could be an exciting opportunity for a mechanical engineer looking to supplement their income. In this business, you'd help companies reach new clients directly by crafting and sending targeted email campaigns. If you have a knack for writing compelling emails and are comfortable using email marketing tools, this could be a good fit for you.
You would analyze client needs, research target audiences, and monitor metrics like open rates and conversions. This kind of work requires a strategic mindset, something mechanical engineers often excel at. Over time, you could scale your business from helping small enterprises with lead generation to working with larger companies as your reputation grows. This venture combines marketing skills with technical know-how, making it both challenging and rewarding.
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.
12. Make passive income with a religious tutor
As a mechanical engineer, you could leverage your strong organizational skills and analytical thinking to start a side hustle as a religious tutor. If you are a practicing member of your faith, teaching religious students about their religion's customs, doctrines, and rites could be a fulfilling way to add extra income.
Working as a tutor through a private school affiliated with a religious organization or a church program, you would guide learners through their religious education, helping them prepare for significant sacraments. By completing the necessary certifications and training required to become a religious tutor, this could not only be a way to make extra money but also a chance to share your faith with others and stay connected to your community.
13. Make passive income with an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
As a mechanical engineer, starting an affiliate marketing business could be a great way to supplement your income and diversify your revenue streams. With your technical background, you could partner with engineering software companies, tool manufacturers, or eCommerce stores that sell mechanical parts. By promoting these products to your peers and online communities, you could earn commission on each sale.
Imagine leveraging your network of fellow engineers and your industry knowledge to recommend useful products and services. You could write reviews, create how-to guides, or start a blog focused on the best tools and software for mechanical engineers. This would not only build your credibility but also earn you 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.
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.
