Passive Income Ideas For Social Workers [2024]
Interested in earning passive income as a social worker in 2024?
We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a social worker 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 social worker.
Here's the full list:
1. Make passive income with a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be a rewarding way for you to supplement your income as a social worker. By sharing your insights on topics like mental health, social justice, and community support, you could reach a wider audience and make a real impact. Your expertise and unique perspective could attract listeners who are interested in learning about these important issues.
In addition to providing valuable information, a podcast could also open up opportunities to earn passive income. By attracting listeners and growing your audience, you could eventually gain sponsors or advertisers. With minimal startup costs, like basic recording equipment and a hosting platform, this side hustle could fit easily into your busy schedule.
Promoting your podcast through social media and online communities could help you build a loyal following. This could lead to various monetization opportunities, allowing you to make extra money while doing something you're passionate about.
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.
2. Make passive income with an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a social worker, you could start earning passive income by creating and selling online courses based on your field of expertise. You likely possess valuable knowledge and skills in areas like mental health, crisis intervention, or social skills development that others would be eager to learn. By sharing your insights through structured online courses, you could help train newcomers or those looking to improve their skills in this rewarding field.
Creating an online course is quite simple today thanks to a wide range of learning platforms where you could host and sell your content. The growing e-learning market, expected to be worth over $645 billion in the coming years, presents an excellent opportunity for you to supplement your income. With the proper planning and execution, your expertise could be turned into a consistent stream of passive income, allowing you to focus more on your primary career while still earning extra money on the side.
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.
3. Make passive income with a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Creating a YouTube channel could be a fantastic way to supplement your income as a social worker. You could share your expertise by offering advice on mental health, stress management, and effective communication techniques. Teaching viewers about these topics could not only provide valuable resources but also establish you as an authority in your field.
Additionally, you could create content that highlights the day-to-day experiences and challenges of social work, which might resonate with many people, sparking meaningful conversations and growing your audience. Building a community around these important topics may lead to monetization through ads, sponsorships, and even selling related merchandise.
Although it requires consistent effort in planning, shooting, and editing videos, the potential rewards—both financial and personal—could make it worthwhile. If you enjoy sharing your knowledge and insights, this might be the perfect side hustle for you.
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 blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog could be a practical way for social workers to earn extra money by leveraging their professional knowledge. You could focus on an area of social work you're passionate about, like mental health, family services, or community outreach, and write articles that offer guidance, tips, and resources. This expertise could help you build a loyal audience while providing valuable information to those in need.
Once your blog gains traction, you could monetize your content through affiliate links, brand collaborations, or even speaking engagements. Engaging regularly with your readers by answering their questions or writing about trending topics in your field could help you maintain their interest and grow your following. Over time, your blog could not only supplement your income but also create opportunities to advocate for social causes you care about.
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.
5. Make passive income with a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
As a social worker, you could start a health and wellness app to extend your support beyond face-to-face interactions and help more people achieve their well-being goals. You understand the importance of holistic care, and this app could offer personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises, providing users with a comprehensive guide to healthier living. Imagine being able to help someone stay motivated and track their progress, even when you're not physically there.
You could team up with health experts to ensure the advice and plans offered are top-notch. This venture might involve some initial steps like market research and app development, but it could be worth it. Not only could you potentially earn passive income, but you'd also be contributing to a healthier society, blending your passion for health and social work.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
6. Make passive income with a niche website ($107K/month)
If you're looking for a way to supplement your income as a social worker, starting a niche website could be a great fit. A niche website lets you focus on a specialized topic you're passionate about and knowledgeable in, providing valuable content to a dedicated audience. This can be related to a specific area of social work, like mental health resources, foster care, or community support initiatives.
The initial setup will take some effort, such as doing research, creating content, and optimizing for search engines. But once your site gains traction, you could monetize it through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products, like eBooks or courses. Over time, this can become a reliable source of passive income, making all your hard work worthwhile.
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.
7. Make passive income with a social media automation business ($139K/month)
As a social worker, you could diversify your income by starting a social media automation business. This involves helping clients, such as small businesses and influencers, manage their social media accounts by scheduling posts, automating interactions, and analyzing data. By offering these services, you could save your clients valuable time and enhance their online presence.
Given that social media engagement is crucial for many businesses, there is a growing demand for such automated solutions. If you have an interest in technology and marketing, you could find this to be a rewarding way to supplement your income. Plus, your existing skills in communication and relationship-building could be invaluable in understanding and meeting your clients' needs.
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.
8. Make passive income with a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
For social workers interested in supplementing their income, starting a stock photography business could be an ideal side hustle. By investing in good photography gear and learning the basics, you could build a portfolio of high-quality photos. These photos can be sold on an exclusive basis to businesses for marketing purposes, providing a steady stream of passive income.
Your understanding of human emotions and social settings could help you create stock photos that resonate well with buyers. By uploading your photos to online platforms, you could reach a broader audience and maximize your earnings. With a bit of effort and creativity, stock photography could become a lucrative way to enhance your financial stability.
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.
9. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business could be a great way for you to supplement your income as a social worker. This type of business doesn't require upfront inventory costs, allowing you to sell customized products like apparel, home goods, and phone cases with minimal financial risk. The ability to run this business from home and focus on designing unique and trendy items means you could easily fit it around your current work schedule.
By using online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you could reach a global audience without having to manage a physical store. This business model empowers you to monetize your creativity, offering a fulfilling and scalable side hustle. Plus, with the ability to start small and grow at your own pace, print-on-demand could be an excellent way for you to build extra income while juggling the demands of your social work career.
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.
10. Make passive income with an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Starting an AI-based business solution could be an excellent way for social workers to supplement their income while making a meaningful impact. With the growing demand for technology that enhances efficiency and decision-making, you could offer AI tools that automate administrative tasks, provide data-driven insights into community needs, or streamline case management processes. This not only makes services more efficient but also allows you to focus on what you do best—helping people.
You don’t need a tech background to get started. Many AI platforms are user-friendly and offer robust support to guide you through the setup process. By entering this expanding market, you could offer valuable solutions that meet the needs of various organizations, from non-profits to local government agencies, ultimately enhancing your financial well-being while contributing to the broader community goals.
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.
11. Make passive income with a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
Starting a real estate investment firm could make sense as a social worker because it allows you to build wealth through buying, managing, and selling properties without giving up your day job. The real estate market can provide steady income from rental properties and significant profit from property appreciation, making it a viable way to supplement your income.
You could use your skills in case management and negotiation to scout and secure valuable properties. Additionally, the analytical and organizational skills you've developed as a social worker can help you effectively manage and oversee renovations and rentals. With diligent research and strategic planning, your efforts could result in impressive financial returns and an additional income stream, all while helping build stronger communities through real estate investments.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 210 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.
12. Make passive income with a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Starting a stock investing business could be a practical way for social workers to supplement their income, particularly if they have an interest in financial markets. This venture involves buying and selling stocks to generate profit, and it requires you to be analytical and attentive to market trends. With dedication and continuous learning, you could transform your passion for finance into a steady source of passive income.
Educational resources and trading platforms are readily available, offering the tools and knowledge needed to get started. Though success in stock investing doesn't happen overnight, a well-thought-out strategy and risk management can lead to significant returns over time. If you’re interested in exploring new avenues for supplemental income, diving into the world of stocks could be both exciting and lucrative.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
13. Make passive income with a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
As a social worker, you could leverage your understanding of people’s needs to start a subscription box business that caters to specific communities, like those in need of self-care or educational resources. By focusing on a niche market, you could create boxes filled with items that promote mental well-being, offer stress-relief activities, or provide educational tools for families and children.
You could add value by selecting exclusive, high-quality products that are hard to find elsewhere, making your box something special that people look forward to each month. With the right marketing and a strong relationship with fulfillment companies, you could build a profitable side business that not only supplements your income but also aligns with your passion for helping others.
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.
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.
