37 Side Hustles For Electrical Engineers [2024]
Ever think about leveraging your expertise as an electrical engineer to earn some extra income on the side? The landscape of side hustles is evolving rapidly, with numerous opportunities tailored to your specialized skills. As 2024 unfolds, there’s no better time to explore beyond the boundaries of your primary job and embark on an exciting side venture.
Navigating the world of side hustles can be daunting, especially when you have a demanding career. But being an electrical engineer equips you with a unique set of technical and analytical skills that are in high demand. So, how do you capitalize on your proficiency while maintaining balance?
In this article, we’ll delve into a curated list of side hustles specifically designed for electrical engineers. Each option offers the flexibility to work around your full-time job and the potential to diversify your income streams. Let’s unlock the possibilities and ignite your entrepreneurial spirit this year.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a consulting business ($147K/month)
Starting a consulting business could make perfect sense if you're an electrical engineer looking to supplement your income or make extra money on the side. By leveraging your existing expertise, you could offer specialized advice on areas like circuit design, power systems, or renewable energy solutions to various clients. The consulting industry is booming, with a global market value of about $250 billion, indicating a substantial demand for expert advice.
This side hustle is particularly appealing because it requires minimal initial investment and can fit into your existing work schedule. You could take on projects during evenings or weekends, allowing you to test the waters without the need for a complete career overhaul. Reading insights from industry experts could also guide you in setting up your business, helping you avoid common pitfalls and focus on delivering high-quality services.
How much you can make: $100 — $1,666,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Cybersecurity consulting firm Eden Data, launched in March 2020, scaled to four team members and generated over $45k MRR without large startup costs through their unique Virtual CISO offering, which outsources cybersecurity and compliance needs for a flat monthly price, rather than charging by the hour or for long-term commitments.
2. Start a product development consulting business ($119K/month)
If you're looking to supplement your income or make extra money, starting a product development consulting business could be an ideal side hustle for you as an electrical engineer. With your knack for innovation and problem-solving, you could help companies transform their concepts into tangible, market-ready products, guiding them through stages like market research, prototype creation, and product launch strategies.
What makes this hustle particularly enticing is that it's relatively easy to get started and doesn't require a whole lot of work to begin with. Your specialized expertise can save businesses both time and resources, while you build a rewarding network of industry connections. Plus, interacting with a variety of industries keeps your work dynamic and engaging, making each project a fresh challenge.
How much you can make: $21,000 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study is about a founder who launched a paywall platform for content creators in 2019, bootstrapping it from $0 and eventually selling it for $3.5M on Flippa, with the platform generating between $125,000 - $142,000 in Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) on 95% margins.
3. Start a cloud management software ($129K/month)
As an electrical engineer, venturing into cloud management software could be a natural extension of your technical expertise. Given the growing reliance on digital solutions, developing software that enables companies to manage their cloud resources efficiently—from data storage to security compliance—positions you in a lucrative, high-demand market.
One of the advantages is that starting a cloud management software side hustle is relatively easy to get going and doesn't require a full-time commitment. With your background in engineering and familiarity with complex systems, you could leverage your problem-solving skills to create user-friendly interfaces and robust backend systems. This way, you would be providing essential tools for businesses across various industries, all while supplementing your income and broadening your skill set.
How much you can make: $25,000 — $330,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Third Wave Analytics developed the world's first cloud-based and customizable LIMS platform on Salesforce, generating $330k monthly revenue from clients such as Ohio State University and Boston University School of Medicine while partnering with the University of California-Berkeley for a COVID-19 study; founder Savitra Sharma advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on clear objectives to meet their goals.
4. Start a micro saas ($83.3K/month)
As an electrical engineer, delving into a micro-SaaS side hustle aligns perfectly with your problem-solving skills and analytical mindset. You could start by identifying niche pain points in your industry, such as inefficiencies in project management or specific technical calculations, and develop a targeted software solution tailored to address these issues.
The beauty of a micro-SaaS business is that it doesn't require extensive resources or effort to get off the ground, making it ideal for a side hustle. With a few hours a week dedicated to market research, development, and customer feedback, you could create a product that caters to a unique need, all while supplementing your income and expanding your professional expertise.
How much you can make: $117 — $1,766,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
SuperLemon, a WhatsApp plugin for Shopify eCommerce stores, crossed $29,000 in MRR as of July 2020, with 20,000 users from 50+ countries and 1700+ paying customers, all acquired through organic marketing strategies and a relentless focus on customer service and satisfaction.
5. Start a tech talent platform ($852K/month)
For entrepreneurial electrical engineers seeking a side hustle, launching a tech talent platform could be an ideal fit. This venture involves connecting skilled tech professionals with companies in need, satisfying the growing demand for specialized tech skills. With your technical background, you could leverage your industry knowledge to create a user-friendly online service that empowers both employers and tech experts.
Starting a tech talent platform is manageable on the side, requiring an initial focus on building the platform, marketing it effectively, and providing excellent customer service. It's easy to get started with manageable steps, making it suitable for busy professionals. This side hustle not only provides a lucrative stream of additional income but also helps you create a network that fosters professional growth and opportunities for all involved.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $5,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 133 days (?)
CloudDevs, a tech talent platform that sources and vets freelance tech talent and matches them with companies, has achieved $1 million in GMV in its first year, plans to achieve 100% growth year on year, and focuses on customer loyalty through its Net Promoter Score metric.
6. Start a no code platform ($308K/month)
As an electrical engineer, you could leverage your technical background and problem-solving skills to build applications using no-code platforms, making it a perfect side hustle. No-code platforms empower you to create software solutions without the need for extensive programming knowledge, allowing you to design, customize, and deploy apps through intuitive drag-and-drop features. This means you can develop useful tools like project management apps, data analysis dashboards, or IoT interfaces during your spare time without intense commitment.
Given your analytical mindset and familiarity with tech, diving into the no-code world would be relatively straightforward and less time-consuming. The growing demand for digital solutions makes this a pragmatic and financially rewarding venture. Additionally, since no-code platforms are easy to learn and use, you could quickly bring your innovative ideas to life and potentially turn them into viable products.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $749 (?)
How long does it take to build: 85 days (?)
Codemap.io is a freelance & agency marketplace for no-code, low-code, and automation, enabling anyone to hire no-code experts to build their products, MVPs, and apps up to 10x cheaper and faster than with traditional development, with 900+ clients, close to $2,000,000 in created projects, and 110+ hires made, all achieved in less than 6 months.
7. Become a software developer ($51.7K/month)
As an electrical engineer, your robust technical background and experience with problem-solving make transitioning to software development a practical and lucrative side hustle. Thanks to your familiarity with complex systems and analytical thinking, you could quickly adapt to the principles of software creation, design, and testing. The growing demand for mobile apps and cloud-based solutions presents a wide array of opportunities to leverage your existing skills and dive into exciting, in-demand projects.
Getting started in software development does not require a massive investment of time or resources. With access to numerous online courses and platforms, you could enhance your knowledge of various programming languages and software tools in a flexible manner that fits your schedule. This allows you to smoothly integrate this side hustle into your current career, offering a seamless way to supplement your income while exploring new technological frontiers.
How much you can make: $500 — $350,000/month
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
SkyVerge, a software company, has grown rapidly with revenue of $350,000 per month, over 100,000 eCommerce customers, and a globally distributed team of 30 people, all through starting with consulting projects and building focused and solutions-based products, acquiring small products from other developers, and focusing largely on content marketing and providing excellent customer support.
8. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
As an electrical engineer, starting a dropshipping business could be a practical way to supplement your income with minimal commitment. Given that dropshipping requires no inventory management and low upfront costs, it easily fits alongside a demanding career. Leveraging your technical expertise, you could focus on selling specialized electronics or tech gadgets, carving out a niche market that you already understand well.
Setting up a dropshipping business is relatively straightforward. You could use platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce to create an online store and source products from reliable suppliers on AliExpress. Since the model allows suppliers to handle shipping, you could primarily concentrate on marketing and customer service, making it manageable outside of your regular working hours.
With careful expense management and by keeping an eye on profit margins, you could slowly but steadily grow your side hustle into a profitable venture. This approach provides the flexibility needed to balance your current job while exploring entrepreneurial opportunities.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
9. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business could be an excellent side hustle for an electrical engineer. Given your analytical mindset and technical skills, you could easily navigate the initial stages, such as selecting the right products and managing inventory. The reselling business model is advantageous because it avoids the complexities of production, allowing you to focus on resale rather than creation.
Because you do not need a website immediately, you could kickstart your business through social media platforms, significantly reducing the upfront costs and time commitment. With the flexibility to manage your side hustle around your engineering job, you could scale the business as your schedule permits, turning downtime into potential profits. This business model offers a low-barrier entry, making it feasible to juggle both your primary career and entrepreneurial venture simultaneously.
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.
10. Start an ecommerce management services ($597K/month)
As an electrical engineer, your strong analytical and problem-solving skills make you an ideal candidate for offering ecommerce management services. By leveraging your technical expertise, you could efficiently handle tasks such as inventory management, customer service, and order fulfillment for online stores on the side. This venture capitalizes on your organizational abilities, allowing you to create streamlined processes that help ecommerce businesses grow.
Getting started with an ecommerce management side hustle is relatively easy and doesn't require a massive time commitment. With many digital tools available, you could begin managing a few small ecommerce operations and gradually expand as you become more comfortable. This allows you to supplement your income while continuing your primary engineering career, making it both a practical and entrepreneurial opportunity.
How much you can make: $2,300 — $2,400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
ShipHero co-founders built their successful e-commerce fulfillment business, offering warehouse management software and outsourced eCommerce fulfillment, growing revenues from zero to $30 million annually, processing over $5 billion of e-commerce gross merchandise volume (GMV) annually while only having received $435,000 in outside capital investment.
11. Start a lead generation service ($287K/month)
As an electrical engineer, you could easily supplement your income by starting a lead generation service. Your analytical skills and attention to detail align perfectly with the needs of effective lead generation, which involves identifying and attracting potential customers for businesses. This side hustle is relatively simple to start and doesn't demand significant time commitments, making it ideal for someone with a full-time job.
Moreover, your understanding of technical products and services can give you an edge in generating high-quality leads for technology and engineering firms. Creating strategies and running digital campaigns can be done in your spare time, and the results could offer a steady stream of extra income. In today’s digital age, businesses are always on the lookout for effective lead generation to stay competitive, meaning your service could be in high demand.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Stackmatix achieved $20k MRR in under two years by providing integrated digital marketing solutions for businesses, from start-ups to Enterprises, with a holistic, consultative approach, and currently they're pacing towards their goal of $50k MRR in another six to twelve months.
12. Develop a facebook app ($2.99K/month)
As an electrical engineer, you could leverage your analytical and problem-solving skills to develop a Facebook app that simplifies and enhances the user experience. By identifying gaps within Facebook's ecosystem, you could create tools for better event management, advanced social analytics, or innovative ways for communities to engage. These targeted improvements could make your app indispensable to millions of users.
This side hustle aligns well with your existing technical expertise and can be initiated with minimal effort. Conducting market research, designing a responsive interface, and iterative testing can be managed during your free hours, making it feasible alongside your full-time job. Given Facebook’s massive user base, your app’s potential for growth is substantial, promising a lucrative source of supplemental income with the right execution.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $4,487/month
Page Flows is a library of inspiration videos for digital product designers and makes about $4,500 per month in revenue from a small, one-off price, with slow and steady growth and long-tail keyword SEO as key drivers of success.
13. Start a tech company ($654K/month)
Starting a tech company could be a highly rewarding side hustle for an electrical engineer, given the expansive growth of the global tech market, which is projected to reach $9,326 billion in 2022. Your expertise in electrical systems and circuitry provides a solid foundation for developing innovative tech solutions, such as IoT devices, embedded systems, or power management tools. With many tech advancements relying heavily on electrical engineering principles, you could easily identify niche markets where your skills can shine.
Launching a tech company is more manageable than ever; many aspects such as market research, prototyping, and marketing can be started on a shoestring budget and adapted to your available time. Online platforms and tools have significantly reduced entry barriers, allowing you to work on your startup in your spare time without a significant initial capital outlay. By methodically planning and gradually scaling your startup, you could potentially turn your innovative technological ideas into a lucrative business venture while still keeping your day job.
How much you can make: $110 — $8,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 95 days (?)
Co-founder of Madwire JB Kellogg grew his business from just the two of them in a tiny office to over 500 employees and $100 million in annual revenue in under 10 years, by focusing on exceptional customer service and a multi-channel inbound strategy.
14. Start a customer intelligence analytics business ($107K/month)
As an electrical engineer, you could leverage your analytical and data-driven mindset to start a customer intelligence analytics business. Utilizing your expertise in data interpretation, you could help businesses understand their customers better and make informed decisions. Given the ever-growing reliance on data-driven strategies in business, there is a growing demand for these skills.
This side hustle could be seamlessly integrated into your current schedule because it often involves remote work and flexible hours. With the availability of tools like Verint's customer intelligence analytics platform, getting started is straightforward and doesn't require significant upfront investment or effort. By effectively managing your time and leveraging your analytical prowess, you could create a lucrative and impactful side business.
How much you can make: $100 — $840,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
EspoCRM, an open-source CRM application for small and mid-size businesses, has seen an average of over 16,000 downloads per year and makes up to $30k per month, offering efficient tools to systematize customer data, improve sales cycles, and automate routine administrative tasks.
15. Start a data analytics software business ($454K/month)
Starting a data analytics software business could be a logical and rewarding side hustle for electrical engineers. Given your strong analytical skills and understanding of complex systems, developing software to analyze and interpret data aligns well with your expertise. The process is relatively straightforward and doesn't require an immense amount of initial effort, especially if you focus on a specific niche where you already possess industry knowledge.
You could begin by identifying a market or sector with unmet data analysis needs, and then create user-friendly tools and dashboards to help organizations make informed decisions. This side hustle can be managed alongside your main job, as you can build and refine your software in your free time and scale up gradually. The benefits of entering this field include additional income, leveraging your existing skills, and the flexibility to grow your business at your own pace.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Diesel Laptops, a B2B company that sells diesel diagnostic hardware, software, and services, successfully doubled revenue each year to make $20 million annually within three years, grew from its founder's garage and dining room table to a 21,000 square foot facility with over 90 employees by listening to customer pain points and offering the bundled products, technical support and repair information to attract and retain diesel technicians and repair shop owners.
16. Start an investment training business ($113K/month)
As an electrical engineer, you could leverage your analytical skills and methodical approach to start an investment training business. This side hustle involves educating individuals on investment strategies, financial markets, and how to make informed decisions for wealth growth. Given your technical background, you can make complex financial concepts accessible and easy to understand.
Starting an investment training business is quite feasible on the side. You could create online courses, webinars, and one-on-one coaching sessions, which can fit around your full-time job. With the growing demand for financial literacy, there’s a substantial market eager for your insights, and it doesn't require a huge investment of time to get started. Plus, utilizing platforms like YouTube, podcasts, and specialized membership sites can help you reach a wide audience efficiently.
How much you can make: $5,200 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 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.
17. Start a religious candles business
As an electrical engineer, starting a religious candles business could be a practical and profitable side hustle. Leveraging your technical skills, you could experiment with creating innovative candle designs, incorporating energy-efficient materials or enhancing the production process to maximize profitability. This business is easy to get started with minimal upfront costs, focusing on popular votive candles used by Anglican, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic Christians.
Given the nature of the work, managing this business on the side would be feasible as it doesn't require a significant time investment. You could easily handle the production and sale of these candles during evenings or weekends, aligning the business responsibilities with your primary engineering job. Furthermore, with a little entrepreneurial spirit, you could tap into the niche market of beeswax-based votive candles, offering a product that resonates deeply with the spiritual practices of many believers.
How much you can make: $500,000/month
Wax & Wick is a 100% soy candle company with wood wicks, that creates environmentally-friendly products; starting off making $1,000 a month in 2015, they brought in about $20,000 per month during Q3 2017 and plan to add ten new scents and a premium sized jar for 2018's $50,000 per month goal.
18. Start a video game parlor
As an electrical engineer, starting a video game parlor could be a compelling side hustle that leverages your technical background. Given your expertise in maintaining and troubleshooting electronic systems, setting up and keeping gaming consoles and computers in prime condition would come naturally. Your engineering skill set can ensure that all equipment runs smoothly, minimizing downtime and enhancing the customer experience.
This side hustle is relatively easy to get started with minimal hassle and could be set up on weekends or evenings, allowing you to maintain your primary job. Since it doesn't require an overwhelming time commitment, you can focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere with comfortable seating, good lighting, and a selection of games, including both popular new releases and beloved classics.
Effective marketing can be managed through social media campaigns and local advertising, ideal for attracting a steady stream of customers. If you're entrepreneurial-minded and passionate about gaming, a video game parlor could provide both supplemental income and an enjoyable project that makes great use of your electrical engineering skills.
19. Start a shopify ecommerce agency ($105K/month)
Starting a Shopify eCommerce agency could be an excellent side hustle for an electrical engineer, leveraging your analytical and problem-solving skills in a new and lucrative field. With the growing demand for online retail, helping businesses list their products and target potential customers can create a substantial supplementary income without requiring a significant time commitment. As an electrical engineer, you are likely adept at complex systems, making it easier for you to grasp SEO services, web development, and eCommerce marketing.
Getting started with a Shopify eCommerce agency is relatively straightforward and doesn't require prior extensive knowledge. Improving skills in SEO, web design, or marketing is manageable through online courses or working with an experienced agency. Once you've honed your expertise, you could define a niche that aligns with your interests and start growing your clientele, primarily during evenings and weekends, providing a flexible yet profitable side income.
How much you can make: $20,000 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 95 days (?)
Velstar, a UK-based Shopify Plus partner agency, has seen impressive year-on-year revenue growth of at least 100% every year, due to their focus on building engaging and conversion-focused eCommerce websites, and highly effective growth marketing for direct-to-consumer brands on Shopify, with big ambitions for 2020 including launching a local Shopify Plus meetup, an eCommerce podcast, investing in content marketing and hiring their first business development personnel.
20. Become an IT consultant ($482K/month)
As an electrical engineer, leveraging your technical expertise to start a side hustle as an IT consultant could be a seamless transition that capitalizes on your existing skill set. You could utilize your proficiency in understanding complex systems and troubleshooting to evaluate company IT infrastructures, diagnose issues, and propose effective solutions. This part-time role fits well into your schedule, giving you the flexibility to manage consultations around your primary job commitments.
Starting as an IT consultant is relatively straightforward and requires minimal initial investment, making it an ideal venture for those looking to supplement their income. Your analytical skills and experience with technical systems will enable you to swiftly identify and address IT challenges, ultimately helping businesses meet their objectives. Plus, with the rising demand for IT expertise across various industries, there is ample opportunity to grow this side gig while still holding down your main role as an electrical engineer.
How much you can make: $2,100 — $4,166,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.
21. Start an educational blog ($63K/month)
Starting an educational blog could be a practical and rewarding side hustle for an entrepreneurial-minded electrical engineer. By leveraging your technical expertise and passion for the field, you could create quality content that provides valuable insights and practical advice to students, aspiring engineers, and even current professionals looking to expand their knowledge. With accessible tools like WordPress and social media, you could get your blog up and running with minimal costs and technical effort.
Balancing the blog with your full-time job is entirely manageable, as it requires only a few hours a week to develop and post content. Additionally, as your blog gains traffic, you could monetize it through affiliate marketing or selling digital products, providing a steady stream of extra income. The key to success is consistency and delivering genuine value, making it a viable and relatively low-maintenance way to supplement your income and share your expertise.
How much you can make: $50 — $830,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $170 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
A one-man business teaching people how to use Microsoft Excel effectively has gone from getting ~15k pageviews a month in 2014, to more than one million pageviews every month as of today, generating an average monthly revenue of ~$10,000, with the majority of the money coming from online course sales and a newsletter, which has 40k+ active subscribers.
22. Start an eyelash business
As an electrical engineer with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting an eyelash business could be a highly flexible side hustle that complements your technical career. The beauty industry is booming, and entering the eyelash market could be relatively simple and require minimal initial investment. You could manage this business during evenings and weekends, allowing you to maintain your full-time engineering job while generating extra income.
The skills you've developed as an electrical engineer, such as attention to detail, precision, and problem-solving, could be advantageous in offering high-quality eyelash services or products. The business is scalable, meaning you could start small with online sales or local appointments and grow as demand increases. Since setting up an eyelash business doesn't require extensive resources or time, it offers a practical and low-risk way to dip your toes into entrepreneurship.
23. Start a French fry stand
As an electrical engineer with an entrepreneurial mindset, starting a French fry stand could be an excellent way to supplement your income while tapping into the booming fast-food market. The demand for convenient, on-the-go snacks like French fries is continually growing, making this a potentially profitable venture. The beauty of a French fry stand lies in its low initial capital investment and high-profit margins, aligning perfectly with an engineer’s logical approach to business efficiency.
This side hustle is easy to get started with and doesn't require a whole lot of work, making it a feasible option alongside your regular job. You could utilize your engineering skills to design an efficient, automated setup for your stand, ensuring that it runs smoothly with minimal manual intervention. Plus, your problem-solving abilities could optimize processes and enhance customer experience, setting your stand apart in a competitive market.
24. Start a treehouse kits business
As an electrical engineer, starting a treehouse kits business could be a lucrative side hustle that leverages your technical expertise. With your background, you could easily design innovative, safe, and easy-to-assemble treehouse kits that include optional electrical features and wiring systems. This niche market not only attracts parents looking for exciting projects for their children but also DIY enthusiasts who appreciate well-designed, functional structures.
The business is relatively easy to get started and doesn't require a massive time commitment. You could work on developing a few prototypes during weekends and evenings, gradually scaling up based on demand. With the ability to bring an engineer's precision and reliability to your products, you could differentiate your kits from generic ones, making this a flexible and potentially highly rewarding sideline to your main career.
25. Start a product photography business ($27.2K/month)
As an electrical engineer, starting a product photography business could be an excellent side hustle that leverages your technical skills and eye for detail. This venture allows you to supplement your income without requiring a significant amount of work, as you can work on it during weekends or evenings. The initial setup is straightforward; all you need is a decent camera, some basic lighting equipment, and photo editing software.
Your analytical skills and precision as an engineer will be valuable assets in capturing high-quality, detailed images that online traders are willing to pay for. You could take advantage of your existing network within the tech industry to find clients who need professional product shots. Given the rise in eCommerce, the demand for high-end product photography is only increasing, making this a viable and lucrative side gig.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $84,239/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 52 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.
26. Start a nutrition supplements business ($248K/month)
As an electrical engineer, you could seamlessly transition into starting a nutrition supplements business on the side. The nutrition supplements industry, being a multi-billion dollar market that focuses on health and well-being, promises lucrative opportunities. Your analytical skills can aid in identifying market gaps and conducting competition analysis, while your project management experience could streamline customer acquisition strategies.
Given your engineering background, you could collaborate with existing manufacturers to offer your expertise as a supply chain consultant. The initial setup is relatively simple and doesn’t require excessive time commitment, allowing you to maintain your full-time job. This side hustle could provide substantial supplemental income with minimal disruption to your primary career.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
SuperGreen TONIK's founder developed a greens powder supplement with 38 superfood nutrients, adaptogenic herbs, vitamins, and minerals that achieved $250k in sales in its first year and is looking to hit 7-figures in its second year, thanks to transparency, repeat customers, and focusing on fewer, properly dosed ingredients.
27. Start a recreational boat rental service
As an electrical engineer, you could leverage your problem-solving skills and technical know-how to start a recreational boat rental service. This side hustle taps into the booming experience economy, where consumers prioritize experiences like boating over material items. With your analytical mindset, you could easily navigate the straightforward startup process, which includes registering your business name, obtaining necessary permits and licenses, and securing the right equipment.
One appealing aspect of this side hustle is that it doesn't require a significant time investment. Once the initial setup is complete, the day-to-day operations can often be managed with minimal hands-on involvement, especially if you hire the right staff. This makes it easy to run on the side while maintaining your primary career, all while potentially earning a significant return on investment.
28. Start a fishing accessories business
Starting a fishing accessories business could be a natural fit for you as an electrical engineer, leveraging your problem-solving skills and technical background. You could use your expertise to design innovative, high-tech fishing gadgets and accessories, such as electronic bite alarms, LED lures, or specialized fish finders, tapping into a niche market of tech-savvy anglers.
This side hustle is easy to get started with, requiring a relatively low initial investment and allowing you to scale operations as your business grows. Given your analytical mindset and project management skills, you could efficiently manage this venture alongside your full-time job, dedicating evenings or weekends to product development, marketing, and sales. With e-commerce platforms and social media, you could quickly reach a global audience, making it a viable and potentially lucrative opportunity to supplement your income.
29. Start a personal finance newsletter ($3.04M/month)
As an electrical engineer, starting a personal finance newsletter could be a strategic side hustle that leverages your analytical and problem-solving skills. You could provide valuable insights, practical strategies on budgeting, investing, and saving that resonate with your analytical mindset. Moreover, with the growing interest in financial education, there's a booming demand for accessible and reliable financial content, making this side hustle a lucrative opportunity.
Balancing this venture with your primary engineering job is feasible, given that it requires relatively low maintenance once established. The initial effort involves setting up the newsletter platform, curating engaging content, and growing your subscriber base. Over time, the process becomes more streamlined, allowing you to manage it with consistency without a heavy time investment. This makes it an ideal side hustle for engineers looking to diversify income streams with minimal disruption to their main career.
How much you can make: $160 — $25,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Financial media company MarketBeat, founded by Matt Paulson, provides objective financial information and real-time market data to empower individual stock investors to make better trading decisions, generating approximately $8 million in revenue in 2019 and ending the year with over 1.3 million unique email subscribers due to a freemium model with 75% of revenue from advertising and 25% from subscriptions.
30. Start a walking tour business
For electrical engineers passionate about meeting new people and sharing knowledge, starting a walking tour business could serve as an enjoyable and lucrative side hustle. Given the limited startup capital required, it's an ideal venture that can be initiated with minimal financial risk. With proper market research, you could design uniquely enjoyable tours that attract numerous bookings through word-of-mouth and a website.
This side business could be easily managed alongside your engineering career, involving primarily weekend commitments or scheduled tours during your free time. The simplicity of setting up a website and leveraging social media for marketing makes it feasible even with a busy work schedule. By offering well-planned tours and targeting potential customers effectively, you could supplement your income effortlessly.
How much you can make: $9,806/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
From zero to a network of free walking tours in 24 cities across Italy in just 2 years, these three friends built a €10,000/month business by offering quality tours and fostering word-of-mouth advertising, even while weathering the COVID lockdown.
31. Start an ai platform ($402K/month)
As an electrical engineer, you could leverage your technical skills and problem-solving abilities to develop an AI platform that provides tools and frameworks for seamless AI integration. By creating ready-made solutions for data analysis, machine learning models, and automation, you could help businesses optimize processes and boost productivity without the need for specialized teams.
Starting an AI platform as a side hustle is relatively accessible and doesn't require an immense time commitment. The growing demand for AI technologies means that your expertise can fill a crucial gap in the market, offering companies a plug-and-play solution. This venture aligns perfectly with your technical background and has the potential to be both financially rewarding and impactful.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
A founder shares how he built AudioPen.ai, a tool that transcribes voice notes, generating $15,000 monthly with minimal costs and no paid marketing, highlighting the importance of focusing on the product, word of mouth, and personal communication with users for sustainable growth.
32. Email marketing agency ($1.32M/month)
As an electrical engineer, starting an email marketing agency could be an excellent side hustle that leverages your analytical skills and precision. The strategic nature of email marketing aligns well with your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail, making it a feasible venture without requiring extensive time or capital investment. Plus, working with email marketing platforms like Mailchimp or Constant Contact is easy to learn and doesn't demand significant upfront costs or resources.
Given the increasing demand for digital marketing, you could help businesses optimize their email campaigns, ensuring higher open rates, click-through rates, and conversions. This could easily be done on the side, as it requires minimal physical presence and allows you the flexibility to work at your own pace. With your existing technical expertise and a bit of learning in the digital marketing realm, an email marketing agency could become a profitable and manageable supplement to your primary career.
How much you can make: $7,500 — $8,300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week
Boundless Labs is an email marketing agency for eCommerce brands that has generated over $25 million in email attributable revenue for their clients since launching 18 months ago and currently makes around $90K per month, with plans to reach $100K per month by the end of January 2020 through client referrals, strong relationships, and hard work.
33. Start a dry sweets making business
As an electrical engineer, starting a dry sweets making business could be an efficient and satisfying side hustle. Leveraging your analytical skills, you could easily navigate the necessary steps to set up this business, from sourcing ingredients to managing production. This type of venture doesn't demand extensive time commitments, making it ideal for balancing with your primary career responsibilities.
Moreover, dry sweets are relatively easy to produce, store, and distribute, allowing you to utilize your organizational prowess effectively. With a well-planned approach, you could even implement automated processes to streamline production, reducing manual effort and maximizing efficiency. This entrepreneurial endeavor could not only supplement your income but also offer a rewarding creative outlet beyond your engineering projects.
34. Start a 3D paper wall letters business
If you're an electrical engineer looking to supplement your income, starting a 3D paper wall letters business is a fantastic and practical side hustle. Given your technical background, you'll find it relatively easy to use tools like the Glowforge to create intricate and professional-looking designs. The initial setup is simple, and you could start this venture from the comfort of your own home.
Because this business doesn't require a significant time investment, you could manage it alongside your full-time job with minimal effort. With the growing demand for personalized décor at events like children-themed parties, there's a lucrative market waiting to be tapped. By leveraging your engineering skills, you could efficiently produce high-quality 3D letters and other decorative items, earning a decent profit on the side.
35. Start a personal care products ($337K/month)
As an electrical engineer, you could venture into the personal care products market, leveraging your problem-solving skills and precision in creating high-quality, effective items. The process is straightforward to start on the side, involving sourcing the best ingredients, developing unique formulas, and crafting a compelling brand. Given the market's skyrocketing demand for organic, vegan, and cruelty-free products, your analytical abilities could help you pinpoint niche opportunities for immense growth.
Running this side hustle doesn't require a massive time commitment, making it feasible alongside your main job. Begin with a few flagship products and use customer feedback to iteratively develop your line. Utilizing social media marketing and influencer partnerships can significantly boost your brand recognition with minimal effort, allowing you to generate supplementary income without compromising your primary career.
How much you can make: $18,000 — $2,800,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Bey Moss, an e-commerce platform selling sea moss-infused health and wellness products, made over $800,000 to-date with less than $10,000 overall in ads after validating the product idea through reviews and feedback and leveraging their social media following to build a Bey Moss community.
36. Start a scientific research business
Starting a scientific research business could be an excellent side hustle for an electrical engineer, leveraging your analytical skills and problem-solving expertise. You could provide specialized research services to a range of clients, including academic institutions, corporate entities, and government agencies, addressing real-world problems and contributing valuable insights. Given your technical background, you would be well-prepared to manage the meticulous planning and project management that such a venture entails.
This side business is relatively easy to get started, requiring minimal upfront investment and allowing you to work on a flexible schedule. Your existing network and professional connections could help secure initial contracts and funding, enabling you to scale the business gradually. The best part is, it doesn't demand a full-time commitment, making it a practical option to explore alongside your regular job.
How much you can make: $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 435 days (?)
TapResearch generates roughly $1.5M in revenue per month through their Sample and Insights platforms, which allow market researchers to access survey respondents they need and make fast and easy decisions through a highly scalable respondent network that delivers surveys to hundreds of millions of people.
37. Start a party games business
As an electrical engineer, starting a party games business could be an exciting and lucrative side hustle that leverages your technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills. Developing interactive games that incorporate electronics, such as LED-lit games, augmented reality experiences, or intricate puzzle setups, would set you apart in the market and attract tech-savvy clientele.
This side hustle is relatively easy to get started with minimal upfront investment, and it doesn’t require a significant time commitment. You could operate it on weekends or evenings, making it a flexible option that fits around your primary engineering job. As your business grows, you could even automate parts of the game setup using your engineering know-how, further reducing the workload.
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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.
