29 Side Hustles For Full Stack Developers [2024]

Updated: September 9th, 2024

Have you ever wondered how to maximize your skills as a full stack developer beyond your 9-to-5 job?

With the tech landscape evolving at breakneck speed, 2024 is poised to be a year overflowing with opportunities for developers eager to dive into the world of side hustles. Whether it’s through freelancing, launching your own tech startup, or exploring innovative projects, there’s a side hustle for every full stack developer looking to supplement their income and expand their horizons.

Imagine transforming your coding prowess not just into extra cash but also into exciting new ventures, fresh learning experiences, and perhaps even the foundation for a future full-time business. In this guide, we’ll delve into some of the most promising side hustle ideas tailored for full stack developers, each backed by real-life examples to spark your inspiration and show you exactly what’s possible.

Ready to unlock new potential and take control of your financial and professional destiny? Let’s dive in.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a lead generation service ($287K/month)

As a full-stack developer, embarking on a lead generation service side hustle could be an excellent means to supplement your income. With your existing skill set in digital marketing, data analysis, and web development, you could build and optimize strategies, campaigns, and tools that effectively capture and convert leads for businesses. The beauty of this venture lies in its low barrier to entry and flexibility, making it feasible to manage alongside your full-time job.

Starting a lead generation service doesn't require a significant upfront investment or a large time commitment, allowing you to scale your efforts as you see fit. You could harness your expertise to create automated systems, gather and analyze data, and provide businesses with a steady stream of high-quality leads, which is essential in today’s competitive digital marketplace. The demand for effective lead generation is ever-growing, opening up endless opportunities for entrepreneurs like you to make a meaningful impact and enjoy financial rewards.

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 (?)

How We Started A $20K/Month Digital Marketing Services Company

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.

Read by 5,540 founders

2. Start a micro saas ($83.3K/month)

As a full-stack developer, starting a micro-SaaS could be a lucrative side hustle, leveraging your existing skills to create targeted software solutions for niche markets. With your ability to handle both front-end and back-end development, you could easily design and implement a micro-SaaS product that addresses specific pain points for a specialized audience, differentiating it from broader SaaS offerings.

Since micro-SaaS ventures are highly focused, they are typically less complex to develop and maintain, making it feasible to work on them during your free time. By prioritizing customer feedback and continuously refining your product, you could build a profitable micro-SaaS business that not only supplements your income but also provides invaluable entrepreneurial experience.

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 (?)

How We Developed A $29K/Month WhatsApp Plugin For Shopify

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.

Read by 23,583 founders

3. Start a cloud management software ($129K/month)

As a full-stack developer, diving into cloud management software could be an excellent side hustle due to its growing demand and relatively straightforward entry. This field involves designing intuitive user interfaces and robust backend systems that help businesses manage their cloud resources efficiently, from data storage to security compliance. Since you already possess the necessary development skills, you could start small, working on this in your spare time without significantly disrupting your daily job.

The potential market for cloud management tools is vast and varied, spanning industries like healthcare and finance, ensuring a high demand for your product. With businesses increasingly migrating to the cloud, there’s a relentless need for effective cloud management solutions. Plus, with cloud platforms offering various APIs and services, you could easily integrate these into your software, making development more manageable and less time-consuming. This side hustle not only supplements your income but also allows you to grow your expertise in a highly sought-after area of tech.

How much you can make: $25,000 — $330,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Partnered With Salesforce To Develop A $330K/Month Laboratory Information Management SaaS

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.

Read by 8,125 founders

4. Start a tech talent platform ($852K/month)

As a full-stack developer, starting a tech talent platform could be a strategic side hustle that leverages your existing skills in web development and user experience. You could design and build a robust, user-friendly marketplace where tech professionals showcase their talents and connect with companies seeking specialized skills. The increasing demand for tech expertise makes this an attractive venture, with plenty of growth potential.

This side hustle is particularly viable because it doesn't require significant upfront investment or exhaustive time commitment. You could start small by focusing on niche areas of tech employment, iterating based on user feedback, and gradually scaling. Not only would you be creating valuable connections, but you'd also be fostering opportunities for professional growth, aligning well with an entrepreneurial mindset.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $5,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 133 days (?)

We Bootstrapped A Tech Talent Platform To $1.2M Sales In Our First Year

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.

Read by 17,343 founders

5. Start a sales automation platform ($160K/month)

As a full-stack developer, starting a sales automation platform could be an ideal side hustle. This venture aligns perfectly with your technical expertise, enabling you to create software solutions that streamline tedious sales tasks such as lead generation and follow-ups. The best part is, it doesn't require a massive upfront investment or a lot of ongoing maintenance, making it easy to run alongside your primary job.

The increasing demand for efficient sales processes and digital transformation presents a golden opportunity. By developing a sales automation platform, you could help businesses enhance their efficiency, minimize errors, and focus more on closing deals. This could be an excellent way to monetize your skills and supplement your income without overwhelming your schedule.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,666,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

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.

Read by 12,019 founders

6. Start a no code platform ($308K/month)

Starting a no-code platform side hustle could make perfect sense for a full-stack developer. Given your familiarity with both front-end and back-end development, you already understand the mechanics of building software applications, which gives you a significant advantage. The beauty of a no-code platform lies in its simplicity—using graphical interfaces for designing and deploying apps quickly without writing code.

You could easily fit this side hustle into your schedule, as getting started is straightforward and doesn't require significant effort. The increasing demand for digital solutions from entrepreneurs and small businesses means there is a vast market ready to be tapped. By leveraging your expertise and the ease of no-code platforms, you could transform innovative ideas into viable products efficiently, making extra money on the side with minimal time investment.

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 (?)

How I Started A $7K/Month Marketplace To Connect Companies With No-Code Talent

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.

Read by 10,783 founders

7. Start a hospice service business

As a full-stack developer with an entrepreneurial mindset, starting a hospice service business could be an innovative way to leverage your technical skills to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector. You could utilize your knowledge of web development to create a user-friendly platform for patients and families to access information and support, set up scheduling systems, and manage patient care efficiently. With your expertise, you could build custom software solutions that streamline communication between healthcare professionals and families, ensuring a smooth operational flow.

Running this business on the side is feasible as the initial setup, particularly on the technical front, can be done in phases and doesn’t require a full-time commitment. Additionally, hiring and managing trained healthcare professionals to handle the day-to-day care allows you to focus on maintaining and improving the tech infrastructure. Given the demand for high-quality end-of-life care and the potential to create a scalable system, getting started with a hospice service business could be relatively straightforward and rewarding both financially and emotionally.

8. Start a SEO business ($105K/month)

As a full-stack developer, starting an SEO business could be a seamless fit with your skill set, enabling you to craft optimized web experiences that elevate businesses' search engine rankings. Given your already-advanced understanding of web structure and coding, you could easily dive into analyzing and optimizing sites to enhance their visibility on Google. The demand for SEO expertise is ever-growing, and with businesses continuously striving for a notable online presence, your services could be highly sought after.

The beauty of this side hustle lies in its flexibility and ease of entry; you could set your own hours and take on as many clients as your schedule allows. With a strategic mindset and a knack for research, you could build long-term relationships by providing valuable insights that drive organic traffic and improve site rankings. Combining creativity with analytics, you'll offer a mix of technical precision and strategic vision, unlocking significant online success for your clients with relatively little ongoing effort.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Quitting My Full Time Agency Job To Build My Own Software Product

OneSEO.io is an SEO marketing business that helps digital agencies and business owners increase website relevancy, generating over $50,000 in revenue with an average MRR of $15,000 through Facebook ads and email marketing, with a focus on providing value to leads and building trust.

Read by 14,659 founders

9. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)

Starting a niche blog could be an ideal side hustle for a full-stack developer. With your technical skills, setting up and maintaining a blog is straightforward and doesn't require a lot of work. You could easily design a blog platform that stands out and provides a smooth user experience, while concentrating on a niche that you're passionate about, be it video games, tech reviews, or coding tutorials.

Given your background, you could leverage your expertise to create unique and informative content, like how-to guides, product reviews, or developer spotlights. This makes it easier to gain followers and build a community interested in what you have to say. The flexible nature of blogging allows you to manage it on your own schedule, making it a practical way to supplement your income without interfering much with your full-time job. By incorporating affiliate links, collaborating with brands, and even growing a YouTube channel, you could monetize your blog effectively.

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 (?)

How I Turned A Crappy Idea Into A $3M/Year Business

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.

Read by 78,224 founders

10. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)

As a full-stack developer, you could leverage your technical skills to start a social media automation business, supplementing your income with minimal effort. By creating tools and services to automate tasks like post scheduling, interactions, and data analysis, you can help clients—from small businesses to influencers—save time and enhance their social media presence. With a growing demand for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there's a significant opportunity here.

This side hustle aligns perfectly with your existing skill set and is relatively easy to get started. Developing or integrating software solutions won't require an extensive time commitment, making it feasible to manage alongside your current job. Plus, staying updated on social media trends would ensure your business remains relevant and valuable to clients.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

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.

Read by 15,249 founders

11. Develop a marketing technology

As a full-stack developer, starting a side hustle in marketing technology could be an excellent way to leverage your technical skills and knowledge. MarTech solutions often involve developing or reselling platforms that handle email marketing, social media management, and customer data analytics. This makes it particularly suitable for your skills because you can build these tools from scratch or customize existing solutions to meet specific client needs.

Getting started with a MarTech side hustle is relatively easy and doesn't require a massive time investment. You could begin by identifying specific pain points in marketing processes and developing straightforward solutions to address them. Given the rising demand for effective marketing technology, you could quickly attract clients who are eager to optimize their campaigns and boost their ROI. This venture offers not only a supplementary income stream but also the satisfaction of driving business growth through innovative tech solutions.

How much you can make: $8,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

How I Disrupted The Ad Industry And Grew My Business To $20M/Year

MonetizeMore founder and CEO shares his success story of growing his ad optimization business to over $20M in annual revenues by focusing on the offering that delivered the best results, using content marketing for lead generation, and establishing strategic partnerships with complimentary businesses.

Read by 21,886 founders

12. Start an ecommerce plugin ($23.4K/month)

Starting an e-commerce plugin as a full-stack developer is a practical and lucrative side hustle that leverages your existing skills. You could easily dive into this venture by creating plugins that enhance a business’s shopping cart, integrate a new payment gateway, or expand a product catalog. Your strong coding skills and familiarity with e-commerce platforms make this a natural fit, allowing you to meet the growing demand for innovative solutions in online stores.

One of the biggest advantages is that e-commerce plugins typically don't require a lot of ongoing maintenance, making this a manageable side project. With the ever-increasing need for automation and efficiency in online business, your plugin could save companies time and money, making it highly marketable. Given the relatively low barrier to entry and your existing expertise, this is a side hustle you could realistically start without needing to invest a significant amount of extra time.

How much you can make: $117 — $54,999/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Developed A $29K/Month WhatsApp Plugin For Shopify

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.

Read by 23,583 founders

13. Design a terminal app

As a full-stack developer, creating a terminal app can be an effective and efficient side hustle that leverages your existing skill set. Terminal apps are lightweight and can fulfill a variety of niche tasks, from automating repetitive workflows to offering unique functionalities that enhance developer productivity. Since these apps do not require complex graphical interfaces, you could quickly develop and deploy them, making this side hustle highly manageable alongside your existing commitments.

Moreover, terminal apps can easily be shared and sold through platforms like GitHub, providing you with a potential revenue stream with minimal upfront costs. You could also package and distribute them through various package managers, allowing for wider reach within the developer community. Given the growing demand for tools that simplify coding tasks, a well-designed terminal app could become a valuable asset and a steady source of supplemental income.

14. Start a team collaboration app ($489K/month)

As a full-stack developer, you could create a Team Collaboration App to supplement your income by leveraging your coding expertise in a field that is increasingly essential due to the rise of remote work. This app could serve as a comprehensive solution for file sharing, project management, and real-time communication, meeting the needs of both small startups and large corporations alike.

The project is relatively easy to start as it taps directly into your existing skills, making it highly suitable as a side hustle. You could pace yourself by dedicating evenings or weekends to develop user-friendly interfaces and integrate security features, allowing you to test and iterate quickly without disrupting your primary job. With the increasing trend towards remote work, the demand for effective team collaboration apps will likely continue to grow, making this a venture with immense potential for scalability and success.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $1,833,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How Our Team Collaboration Apps Generate $600K/Month

Meister Labs, creators of MindMeister and MeisterTask, have close to $10 million ARR with their Freemium subscription business model, providing software tools for small to medium-sized businesses from all verticals and private users as well, which include 11 million MindMeister and 3 million MeisterTask users.

Read by 6,988 founders

15. Start a local store

As a full-stack developer, starting a local store as a side hustle could perfectly complement your skill set. With your technical expertise, you could easily set up an online presence for your store, automating many aspects of the business, such as inventory management and customer engagement. This allows you to keep your primary job while managing the store efficiently in your spare time.

Getting started is relatively straightforward; initially, you need to handle rent, utilities, and setting up appealing displays. By utilizing your tech-savvy background, you could develop a robust marketing strategy to differentiate your lipgloss store from the competition. Digital tools can help you craft compelling promotional campaigns, while community engagement and collaborations with other local businesses can bolster your presence.

Considering your flexibility and problem-solving skills, running a local store does not require a substantial time commitment. A thoughtful integration of your full-stack expertise can minimize manual work and ensure a streamlined, profitable side venture. Thus, turning a local lipgloss store into a successful supplemental income source is both viable and promising.

16. Start a b2b lead generation service ($172K/month)

As a full-stack developer, you could start a B2B lead generation service to supplement your income and make extra money on the side. Given your technical expertise, you could easily set up automated systems to identify and contact potential business clients using technology tools and data analysis. This venture not only takes advantage of your problem-solving skills but also involves relatively low effort once the framework is in place.

With businesses constantly in need of high-quality leads to grow, the demand for such services is high, ensuring a steady stream of clients. The beauty of this side hustle is its scalability and the flexibility it offers, allowing you to manage it alongside your full-time job. By leveraging your ability to build robust, data-driven systems, you could efficiently create a valuable resource for other businesses, all while gaining new entrepreneurial skills.

How much you can make: $500 — $1,250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)

How I Started A $12K/Month Digital Marketing Agency While Traveling Around The World

A 20-year-old digital nomad and serial entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a successful digital marketing agency, Nomads with Solutions, which specializes in Facebook lead generation, and offers insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and focusing on self-improvement.

Read by 10,061 founders

17. Start a barge hotel business

Starting a barge hotel business could be an exciting and unique side hustle for a full-stack developer. The tech skills you already possess could be applied to develop a sleek, user-friendly website and booking system, making it easy for potential guests to discover and reserve their stay on your floating hotel. You'd be leveraging your ability to create automated management tools, reducing the workload and giving you more flexibility to maintain your primary job while still growing your side hustle.

Additionally, the initial startup could be relatively straightforward; you might find that acquiring a used barge and refurbishing it into a cozy living space is a lot less complex and time-consuming than it sounds. With demand for unique travel experiences on the rise, your modernized barge paired with an intuitive online presence could attract a niche market of travelers, allowing you to generate a steady stream of extra income. This venture lets you combine your technical capabilities with entrepreneurial ambition, opening up new revenue opportunities without overwhelming your current career commitments.

18. Start a goat rearing business

As a full-stack developer looking to diversify your income streams, starting a goat rearing business could be a surprisingly viable side hustle. Goat rearing is one of the most profitable animal farming ventures, with high return potential and relatively low startup costs. Feeding goats is also straightforward since they will eat almost anything, reducing time and financial investments in their upkeep.

Given the flexibility of remote work in your primary career, you could easily manage your goat farming activities in your free hours. The business itself doesn't require much intensive labor; once you identify and select a profitable breed, provide proper shelter, and ensure adequate feeding and watering, your primary tasks are relatively low-effort. This makes it a suitable option for someone with a busy schedule who still wants to engage in a lucrative side hustle.

19. Start a special guests business

As a full-stack developer, starting a special guests business could be an ideal side hustle that leverages your existing skills without requiring a massive time commitment. You could easily develop a platform where event organizers can connect with and book special guests, such as speakers, performers, or influencers, for their events. Given your technical expertise, you would find it straightforward to create and manage the booking system, user interfaces, and backend functionalities.

This endeavor could work well on the side because once you set up the basic framework, the day-to-day operations could be largely automated, requiring minimal hands-on management. Additionally, the initial setup is relatively simple and doesn’t demand a significant upfront investment, making it an accessible starting point. With the growing trend of virtual and hybrid events, there's a great potential for success, allowing you to supplement your income without disrupting your full-time job.

20. Start a testimonial business

Starting a testimonial business as a full-stack developer could offer you a lucrative side hustle that leverages your existing skill set. You could easily tap into your familiarity with web design, data collection, and content management while working flexible hours around your primary job. This business is particularly easy to start because it requires minimal initial investment and can be run entirely online.

Given the high value companies place on customer testimonials to boost credibility, your service could attract a steady stream of clients who are eager to improve their reputation. You would gather genuine customer feedback, craft compelling narratives, and design polished testimonials—skills that align well with your technical background. Since this side hustle doesn't demand a massive time commitment, you could efficiently manage it alongside your full-time role, making it an excellent way to supplement your income.

How much you can make: $83,000/month

How long does it take to build: 14 days (?)

How Damon Chen Built Testimonial.to to $83K ARR

Testimonial.to, developed by Damon Chen, simplifies the collection of text and video testimonials, achieving nearly $1M in annual revenue with minimal coding and launching on platforms like Product Hunt, offering a compelling roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Read by 390 founders

21. Start a wine distribution business

As a full-stack developer, venturing into a wine distribution business could combine your existing technical skills with a passion for wine, offering an easy and profitable side hustle. Leveraging your ability to create efficient systems, you could streamline the sales and logistics process, making it a manageable endeavor without consuming too much of your time.

You could get started by establishing relationships with wineries and taking a sommelier's certification course to improve your palate and credibility. Given your proficiency in communication and technology, you could efficiently handle customer interactions with restaurants and liquor stores, ensuring a steady flow of sales. This side hustle allows you to enjoy the excitement of the wine industry while making extra money without requiring significant upfront work.

22. Start a drone delivery service

As a full-stack developer, starting a drone delivery service could offer a lucrative side hustle that aligns with your technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. Leveraging your skills in coding and problem-solving, you could develop custom software solutions to optimize drone navigation, manage deliveries, and ensure regulatory compliance, making this side gig both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

This venture is relatively easy to start and run on the side, as it doesn't require an overwhelming amount of daily management. By applying your existing knowledge in APIs and cloud services, you could integrate the necessary logistics and tracking functionalities, allowing you to efficiently monitor and manage drone operations. Moreover, considering delivery drones can bypass traffic congestion and reach challenging locations, there is a significant market for services such as medicine, food, and hyperlocal deliveries.

Before diving in, ensure you understand the relevant laws and analyze how competitors operate. Once you're equipped with this knowledge, launching and marketing your drone delivery business could be a seamless process, utilizing your developer skills to stand out in a burgeoning industry.

23. Start a fashion shows business

Starting a fashion show business could be an exciting and rewarding side hustle for a full-stack developer, offering a unique way to leverage both your technical skills and entrepreneurial spirit. You could create a sleek, user-friendly website to promote your fashion shows, facilitate ticket sales, and provide an engaging experience for attendees. Your coding skills would allow you to easily integrate advanced features like online booking systems, live streaming, and interactive event pages, making your shows accessible to a wider audience.

Given that fashion shows are typically planned and executed in stages—concept development, marketing, the event itself, and post-event follow-up—this side hustle could easily be managed alongside your main job. The initial investment is relatively low, especially if you start with smaller, local events. Plus, the time commitment can be adjusted based on your availability, allowing you to scale up as your side business grows.

24. Start an ecommerce solution platform ($94K/month)

As a full-stack developer, leveraging your skills to create an ecommerce solution platform could be a lucrative side hustle. This endeavor allows you to build a user-friendly software suite that includes essential tools for businesses, such as website building, inventory management, payment processing, and customer relationship management. The demand is robust, given the ongoing boom in the ecommerce sector, which constantly seeks seamless, integrated solutions to enhance operational efficiency and sales.

Getting started is relatively straightforward and doesn't require a whole lot of initial work. With your technical background, you'll find it manageable to develop a minimal viable product (MVP) in your spare time. By focusing on solving common ecommerce pain points, you could attract businesses in need of streamlined online store management while providing you a steady side income.

How much you can make: $50,000 — $138,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 48 days (?)

How We Built A MillIon Dollar Ecommerce Platform [India]

Open-source e-commerce platform Bagisto has generated over $1 million in revenue in the past four years, with $350,000 annual recurring revenue for the past two years, has over 70,000 downloads, 5,000 Github stars, 5,000 community members globally, and over 150 contributors enhancing its features.

Read by 5,999 founders

25. Start an embroidery business ($8.25K/month)

Starting an embroidery business as a full-stack developer could be a seamless and profitable side hustle that matches your entrepreneurial spirit. With the global demand for embroidery supplies on the rise, the timing couldn't be better to tap into this booming industry. Given your problem-solving skills and technical mindset, managing the nuances of different fabrics and stitching techniques should be straightforward.

This side hustle is particularly appealing because it doesn't require a significant upfront investment or a large time commitment. You could start small by focusing on popular embroidery items like caps, t-shirts, and polo shirts, catering to niche customer bases. By leveraging your ability to create an online presence, you could effectively market your business and manage sales, helping you generate an additional income stream with minimal efforts on the side.

How much you can make: $6,500 — $10,000/month

How long does it take to build: 207 days (?)

How I'm Turning My Patch Embroidery Side Project Into A Full Time Business

A patch embroidery business based in New York City has grown to earn $6,500 per month on average within 18 months of starting, thanks to no custom embroidered minimum patches and a strong Instagram presence, with a future focus on B2B customers.

Read by 14,825 founders

26. Start a fashion blogging business ($34.2K/month)

If you’re a full-stack developer with a passion for fashion trends and news, starting a fashion blogging business could be an exciting way to supplement your income. Given your technical expertise, setting up a fashion blog is straightforward—you could easily buy a domain, create a website, and start posting engaging content. This side hustle would allow you to leverage your web development skills while exploring your interest in fashion.

Moreover, promoting your blog through social media channels like Instagram and YouTube could attract a wide audience, generating passive income. The initial setup requires minimal investment and effort, making it an excellent side project without demanding too much from your already busy schedule. Your knowledge in SEO and site optimization could also give you an advantage in growing your audience more quickly than the average blogger.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $134,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)

How I Make $10K/Month Selling Printable Sewing Patterns From My Fashion Blog

Learn how this DIY blogger turned sewing pattern maker generates over $10k per month in passive income, and discover her tips for building an authentic brand on a budget.

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27. Start a bricklaying services business

As a full-stack developer, leveraging your technical skills and entrepreneurial mindset to start a bricklaying services business could be a unique and profitable side hustle. The project management and problem-solving skills you use daily in your development role can be seamlessly transferred to managing construction projects. This business can be relatively easy to get started—adequate training and some initial capital for hiring skilled labor can allow you to focus on sourcing contracts and supervising projects.

Since bricklaying services do not demand full-time commitment, you could easily manage this side hustle alongside your primary job. The work can be delegated, enabling you to oversee operations and ensure quality, all while still meeting your development deadlines. This balance makes it an attainable and potentially lucrative venture, perfect for those looking to diversify their income streams without overwhelming their schedules.

28. Start a breeding and selling baits business

As a full-stack developer, you could easily venture into breeding and selling baits as a lucrative side hustle. Given the flexibility and remote nature of your primary job, you have the freedom to manage a low-maintenance business like bait breeding, which doesn’t require significant daily attention or extensive physical effort.

This side hustle is relatively easy to get started — you need minimal setup and resources, such as a few breeding tanks and the right conditions for breeding popular baits like worms or crickets. The best part is, your technical skills could help you create an online platform or e-commerce site to attract local fishermen or hobbyists, automate orders, and even manage customer inquiries, making the process even smoother and more efficient.

29. Start a tour guide service business ($174K/month)

As a full-stack developer, starting a tour guide service could be a fantastic side hustle, capitalizing on your tech skills and local knowledge. You could easily create an engaging website or mobile app to promote your tour offerings, streamline bookings, and manage customer inquiries, making the entire process smooth and professional. This endeavor requires minimal initial investment and can be scheduled around your current full-time job, giving you flexibility and the opportunity to earn extra income without a massive time commitment.

Leveraging your programming expertise, you could incorporate features like virtual tours or even augmented reality experiences to enhance the value of your guided tours, setting you apart from traditional services. Since tour guiding is a more relaxed, part-time gig focused on weekends or holidays, it’s perfect for supplementing your income without overwhelming your schedule. Plus, a deep dive into your local area's attractions and history could turn into a fun and profitable way to share your passion with others while building a unique entrepreneurial venture.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 85 days (?)

How We Started The $35M/Year Dubai's Leading Tour Operator

Rayna Tours and Travels, founded by Kamlesh Ramchandani and Manoj Tulsani, began its journey as a small travel counter inside a Dubai hotel, and has now grown into one of the UAE’s leading destination management companies with earnings exceeding $40 million per year.

Read by 7,333 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls