14 Passive Income Ideas For Systems Engineers [2024]
Interested in earning passive income as a systems engineer in 2024?
We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a systems 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 systems engineer.
Here's the full list:
1. Make passive income with a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As a systems engineer, starting a lead generation tool could be a natural extension of your technical skills and problem-solving expertise. By developing a software application that identifies and captures potential customer leads, you can help businesses streamline the often tedious process of finding new clients. This allows companies to focus on converting leads into customers, saving them valuable time and resources.
Imagine integrating your tool with websites and social media channels to collect essential data like email addresses and phone numbers. The demand for effective lead generation solutions is high, making this a lucrative area to explore. With your tech acumen and entrepreneurial mindset, creating a lead generation tool could be a rewarding way to supplement your income and help businesses grow.
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)
Starting a mobile app could be a great way for systems engineers to earn passive income. With your technical background, you likely already have some of the skills needed to develop or manage the development of an app. A systems engineer's problem-solving abilities and understanding of complex systems can be particularly valuable in planning the user experience and ensuring the app functions smoothly.
The key tasks would involve brainstorming your app idea, designing user-friendly interfaces, and ensuring the app runs without glitches. If coding isn’t your strength, you could hire a developer to handle the technical parts while you focus on the overall strategy and design. Mobile apps are in high demand, so if you can create something useful or entertaining, you could easily attract users and make money through app sales, advertisements, or in-app purchases.
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 a systems engineer, you could leverage your technical skills to start an AI-based business solution, focusing on optimizing business operations. This initiative could involve using artificial intelligence to enhance customer service, improve inventory management, or analyze data for personalized marketing strategies. AI tools can automate routine tasks, present valuable customer insights, and even predict market trends with remarkable accuracy.
Integrating AI into business processes could significantly increase efficiency and reduce costs, making companies more competitive. The growing demand for AI solutions presents a golden opportunity to tap into a rapidly expanding market. Even if you're new to entrepreneurship, many AI platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces and extensive support, making it easier to launch and scale your solution.
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 email marketing tool ($249K/month)
As a systems engineer, you could utilize your technical skills to develop an email marketing tool, capitalizing on the growing industry, which is projected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028. By leveraging your knowledge in software development and automation, you could create a robust application that helps businesses manage and automate their email campaigns more efficiently. This could not only supplement your income but also open opportunities to build a passive income stream.
Furthermore, with the ease of setting up such a business, like buying a domain and hosting account, you could quickly dive into the market to provide a valuable service to entrepreneurs, startups, and even real estate agents. Your background in systems engineering would enable you to create a reliable and scalable tool, differentiating your product with advanced features or better user experience. This venture could be a practical and profitable use of your expertise, providing long-term financial benefits as your email marketing tool gains traction.
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.
5. Make passive income with an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As a systems engineer, creating an AI writing tool could be a practical and innovative way to earn passive income. Leveraging your technical expertise, you could develop a digital tool powered by Artificial Intelligence that helps businesses, bloggers, and students generate content easily and efficiently. This tool would be an asset for anyone needing to produce regular, high-quality writing, effectively streamlining the content creation process.
With advancements in AI, such a tool could automate the creation of error-free and engaging content, saving users significant time and effort. The demand for quality content is ever-growing, making this a timely and viable business proposition. By embarking on this venture, you could provide a valuable resource to countless writers, transforming their workflow and enhancing their productivity.
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 an online survey tool ($304K/month)
As a systems engineer, you could leverage your technical skills to create an online survey tool that businesses use to gather customer feedback. This can be a great side business, providing a valuable service to companies needing data to improve their products and services. Creating a survey tool means you can develop features like a survey builder, data collection systems, and reporting tools, all of which are in high demand.
Given your expertise, you could design a user-friendly tool that is robust and reliable, making it an attractive option for businesses. With the growing popularity of online surveys, as evidenced by Typeform's significant revenue growth, this could be a lucrative opportunity. Plus, once the tool is up and running, it can generate passive income as businesses continuously use it, while you focus on maintaining and upgrading the system as needed.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
7. Make passive income with a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
As a systems engineer, starting a WordPress plugin business could be a great way to turn your problem-solving skills into passive income. Systems engineers often encounter unique technical challenges, and by developing plugins that address these issues, you create tools that others will find valuable. If you've ever used WordPress, you'll know that plugins are essential for running a successful website, so there's always a market for innovative solutions.
Imagine you develop a plugin that optimizes database performance or enhances security features—both highly relevant issues in your field. Once created, you could sell these plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon or your own website, enabling you to earn money continuously with minimal ongoing effort. Not only could this supplement your income, but it also gives you the flexibility to focus on creating more solutions, expanding your plugin portfolio over time.
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.
8. Make passive income with a social media automation business ($148K/month)
As a systems engineer, you could leverage your technical skills to start a social media automation business that helps clients effortlessly manage multiple accounts. This business would involve creating or integrating tools to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data for small businesses and influencers, who pay for these efficiency-boosting services.
Considering your background, you are well-equipped to develop or implement software solutions that streamline social media management, making it a task in algorithm design and data processing, areas where you already excel. Moreover, staying updated on social media trends and understanding client needs would allow you to offer tailored solutions, making this not only a potentially lucrative side hustle but also a fulfilling entrepreneurial venture.
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.
9. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
As a systems engineer, starting a niche blog could be a smart way to share your specialized knowledge and supplement your income. You could focus on topics such as best practices in systems engineering, real-world problem-solving, or tips for optimizing system performance. By creating unique and informative content like how-to guides, top product lists, and in-depth articles, you'll attract a community of like-minded professionals and enthusiasts.
Monetizing your blog is also within reach through affiliate links, collaborations with relevant brands, and possibly even speaking at industry events. With your technical expertise and passion for your field, you'll be able to provide valuable insights that draw readers in and keep them coming back. Consistent engagement with your followers and regular content updates will be key to your success.
By leveraging your skills and interests in systems engineering, you could turn a niche blog into a rewarding source of passive income.
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.
10. Make passive income with an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
As a systems engineer, starting an affiliate marketing business could be a practical and lucrative way to supplement your income. Since you already possess strong analytical skills and technical expertise, you could leverage these to find and promote products and services that resonate with your audience. By identifying the right brands or products to partner with, such as eCommerce stores or manufacturers related to technology, you could earn commissions on each sale generated through your marketing efforts.
Moreover, your problem-solving abilities could give you an edge in optimizing your affiliate strategies for maximum returns. Crafting compelling content and using data-driven approaches to reach potential buyers could set you apart in the affiliate marketing space. Over time, this side hustle could grow into a steady stream of passive income, complementing your primary career as a systems engineer.
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.
11. Make passive income with a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
As a systems engineer, starting a YouTube channel could be a practical way to supplement your income or even create a new stream of passive income. You might consider sharing tutorials on various systems engineering concepts, offering insights into problem-solving techniques, or even showcasing day-to-day aspects of your profession. Not only could this help others looking to learn about the field, but it could also establish you as an authority, opening up opportunities for ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
Building a successful channel will require you to consistently plan and produce high-quality video content. Engaging with your audience and leveraging SEO and social media marketing can help grow your viewership and channel popularity over time. Though it takes effort, the combination of financial rewards and personal fulfillment could make this a rewarding venture.
If you have a passion for creating compelling video content and a willingness to invest time and effort, a YouTube channel might just be your next big entrepreneurial move. By sharing your expertise and experiences, you could turn your knowledge into a profitable 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.
12. Make passive income with a niche website ($107K/month)
As a systems engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to start a niche website focused on topics like network security, system optimization, or software development best practices. By zeroing in on a specialized area that you are both passionate about and knowledgeable in, you could create valuable content that attracts a dedicated audience of like-minded professionals.
This type of venture requires you to invest some time in researching your chosen niche, creating engaging articles or tutorials, and optimizing your site to draw in viewers through search engines. Once your site gains traction, you could monetize it through ad placements, affiliate marketing, or even by offering your own digital products like e-books or online courses. If you're driven by the idea of sharing your expertise while earning extra income, building a niche website could be a fulfilling project worth exploring.
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.
13. Make passive income with a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
As a systems engineer, you could leverage your technical skills to start a stock photography business and earn passive income. By investing in quality photography gear and learning the basics of taking stock photos, you could begin building an impressive portfolio. Upload your high-quality images to stock photography websites where they could be licensed for specific uses, primarily for marketing and advertising purposes.
With a keen eye for detail and a strategic approach to problem-solving, you could optimize your online presence to attract more buyers. Think about the types of visuals businesses and marketers frequently need and tailor your portfolio to those demands. This way, your technical expertise and analytical skills could drive your stock photography business to profitability.
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.
14. Make passive income with an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a systems engineer, you could leverage your expertise to create online courses that teach others about systems architecture, troubleshooting, or network management. By identifying a specific audience—such as new hires in tech companies or students wanting to enter the field—you could develop informative and structured courses. These courses could help others learn the ropes of your profession while also earning you passive income over time.
Setting up an online course can be straightforward. All you need is to outline your course material, record lessons, and select an online learning platform to host and sell your course. Given the rapid growth of the e-learning market, there's a good chance your course could attract a wide range of learners, making it a smart way to supplement your 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.
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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.
