28 Business Ideas For Systems Administrators [2024]

Updated: September 6th, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a doctor in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a doctor could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Doctors?

We put together 28 of some of the best doctor business ideas you can start in today.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other doctor businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a mobile app development business ($141K/month)

As a systems administrator, starting a mobile app development business could be a natural extension of your existing technical skills and understanding of IT infrastructure. Mobile apps span a variety of purposes, from productivity tools to social networking, which means there's a wide market to tailor your app ideas to different user needs. With businesses increasingly seeking mobile solutions to engage their customers, your expertise could be in high demand.

By leveraging your problem-solving skills and experience with software environments, you could create apps that cater to niche markets or address specific challenges, offering innovative solutions. Additionally, your knowledge of network security and system optimization would be invaluable in ensuring your apps are robust and reliable, setting them apart in a competitive market. This entrepreneurial venture could supplement your income or potentially grow into a full-time business as you build a portfolio of successful, high-quality applications.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $700,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How I Started A $6K/Month SEO And Digital Marketing Agency In Bangladesh

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.

Read by 12,523 founders

2. Start an AI-based business ($27.9K/month)

As a systems administrator with a strong grasp of IT infrastructure and network management, you could leverage your expertise to start an AI-based business that focuses on optimizing and automating complex systems. For instance, you could develop AI-driven tools to automate routine administrative tasks such as patch management, system monitoring, or cybersecurity threat detection. These solutions would not only save businesses time and resources but also significantly enhance the reliability and security of their operations.

Additionally, with your unique insight into the operational needs and pain points of IT environments, you could create specialized AI software that provides predictive analytics. This could proactively identify potential system failures or inefficiencies before they become critical issues. By offering such innovative solutions, you could carve out a niche in the rapidly growing field of AI, opening up new revenue streams and positioning yourself at the cutting edge of technological advancement.

How much you can make: $100 — $200,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)

How I Started A $10K/Month App Building Agency Using No/Low Code Tools

LowCode Agency uses no/low code tools to build custom-made apps at 80% lower cost and 70% faster than traditional app development agencies, growing double digits every month and targeting $150,000 in sales in their first year.

Read by 21,003 founders

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

As a systems administrator, your deep understanding of IT infrastructure, network security, and system optimization puts you in an excellent position to create a micro-SaaS business that addresses specific pain points in these areas. By focusing on niche markets within the IT community, you could develop targeted software solutions that are highly relevant to other system administrators and IT professionals.

For example, you could create a micro-SaaS product that automates routine server maintenance tasks, enhances security monitoring, or simplifies network management. Your ability to relate to the daily challenges faced by systems administrators gives you a unique advantage, allowing you to tailor your solutions precisely to their needs.

This approach not only ensures precision but also builds strong customer relationships through highly customized solutions. Prioritizing customer feedback will be key to refining your product and ensuring its long-term success. Start by identifying a specific problem, develop a targeted software solution, and choose a scalable platform that can grow with your business.

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 23,585 founders

4. Start an email app business ($64.6K/month)

As a systems administrator, you could leverage your technical expertise and experience managing email systems to start an email app business. By developing a platform that offers intelligent filtering, prioritization, and AI-driven responses, you can address the widespread issue of cluttered inboxes and inefficient email management. This venture could be particularly appealing if you are entrepreneurial-minded and looking for ways to supplement your income or create a side business.

With your solid understanding of software development and user interface design, you could create a user-friendly application that stands out from competitors like Gmail and Outlook. You already possess the technical skills needed for market research and feature differentiation, essential components for a successful launch. Moreover, the growing demand for efficient communication tools means that a well-executed email app could capture a significant market share, providing a valuable service to both individuals and businesses.

How much you can make: $21 — $400,000/month

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

We Built Our App From The Back Of A Bus And Grew It To 10,000 Users

Leave Me Alone, a web service that helps users easily unsubscribe from unwanted emails, launched in January 2019 and made $1,186 in revenue in its first month, with a successful Product Hunt launch and a focus on being an open startup contributing to its success.

Read by 13,365 founders

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

As a systems administrator, you could leverage your expertise to create cloud management software, a field at the forefront of digital transformation. This software would help companies efficiently manage their cloud resources, including data storage and security compliance, making your skills highly valuable. Imagine developing user-friendly interfaces and robust backend systems to streamline these operations—this is where your experience comes into play.

The market demand for cloud management tools is vast, encompassing various industries like healthcare and finance. If you're drawn to solving complex problems and have a talent for software development, diving into this growth industry could not only supplement your income but also position you at the cutting edge of technology trends. This entrepreneurial venture holds the promise of both financial and intellectual rewards.

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

6. Become a software developer ($51.7K/month)

As a systems administrator, you already possess strong technical skills and a deep understanding of how software operates, which could make transitioning into a software development business a natural and lucrative next step. The average salary for software developers is around $110,140, with top earners making up to $140K annually. This indicates a high potential for income, which could significantly supplement your current earnings or even become your primary source of income.

By leveraging your experience, you could specialize in creating software that optimizes system performance, enhances security, or simplifies IT management, catering specifically to businesses needing robust IT solutions. Given the recent trends toward mobile apps and cloud-based solutions, there is a growing market for innovative software products that offer clients flexible and efficient ways to manage their data and applications.

Starting a software development company would allow you to tap into this demand and provide custom solutions that meet client-specific needs, paving the way for a successful and fulfilling entrepreneurial venture.

How much you can make: $500 — $350,000/month

How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)

How We Started A $350K/Month Business Developing Software Tools For Ecommerce Brands

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.

Read by 39,451 founders

7. Start a wordpress maintenance services ($24.3K/month)

As a systems administrator, you could leverage your technical expertise to enter the lucrative field of WordPress maintenance services. This business involves managing, updating, and optimizing WordPress websites to ensure they run smoothly for clients who lack the time or know-how to handle these tasks. You'll focus on essential tasks such as security updates, plugin and theme management, speed optimization, backups, and troubleshooting, providing a comprehensive solution for website owners.

The beauty of this business lies in its potential for steady, recurring revenue through monthly service plans, giving you a dependable income stream. Moreover, the scalability of this model works in your favor. As your client base grows, you can hire specialists or use automation tools to manage the increasing workload, all while maintaining a high level of service.

If you're passionate about tech and enjoy helping people, WordPress maintenance services could be a satisfying and profitable endeavor. This business does not require you to develop new platforms but rather to maintain and enhance existing ones, offering peace of mind to your clients and making it an ideal fit for your skill set as a system administrator.

How much you can make: $600 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $550 (?)

How long does it take to build: 22 days (?)

How I Started A $1.4K/Month WordPress Support Service

Work Hero is a WordPress support and maintenance service that went from working with one website in December 2019 to 13 recurring customer sites today, earning ~$1470/month with most customers paying an unlimited fee of $149/month.

Read by 7,842 founders

8. Start a business communications software ($1.48M/month)

As a systems administrator, starting a business in business communications software could leverage your existing expertise in managing and optimizing systems. You could create cutting-edge tools that facilitate seamless communication within, and potentially even between, companies, thereby streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity. Your technical skills are perfectly suited for developing reliable, user-friendly software that meets the modern era's demands for efficient remote work and collaboration.

Picture a world of effortless business communication where your software solutions bridge communication gaps, foster engaging work environments, and ultimately boost profitability for other businesses. By venturing into this largely untapped market, you could pioneer new innovations in business software solutions and establish yourself as an essential player in the sphere of enterprise communication.

Embracing this entrepreneurial path not only provides an exciting opportunity to shape how businesses interact but also opens avenues for substantial supplemental income or even transitioning entirely to owning a successful tech business. Your background in systems administration gives you a significant advantage when it comes to understanding the technical and logistical needs of this type of software.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $10,000,000/month

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

Raising $19,000 Building a Positive Card Game

PEAR Cards is a card-based tool/game that empowers players to open up and initiate positive conversations, and with the help of Ad Magic, their Kickstarter had an all-or-nothing fundraising goal, which they met with so much support the company is now growing through the power of Twitter and Instagram.

Read by 8,232 founders

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

As a systems administrator, you could leverage your technical skills and familiarity with technology tools to start a B2B lead generation service. With a deep understanding of data analysis and systems integration, you could efficiently identify high-quality leads and build a robust pipeline for businesses struggling to find potential clients.

This venture taps into your knack for problem-solving and relationship-building, creating new revenue streams while meeting the high demand for lead generation. By combining research and cold outreach with technological solutions, you could turn your knowledge into a scalable business, helping other companies thrive through enhanced connections and potential deals.

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

10. Become an IT consultant ($482K/month)

Starting an IT consultancy could be an excellent way to leverage your skills as a systems administrator to generate additional income. As an IT consultant, you could evaluate and diagnose companies’ IT infrastructures, providing a valuable external perspective and helping them meet their business objectives. Given your experience, you could understand clients' needs and design tailored solutions to resolve their IT challenges efficiently.

This entrepreneurial opportunity allows you to use your existing expertise in a flexible side business, or potentially grow it into a full-time endeavor. With your background in systems administration, you are already well-equipped to analyze, diagnose, and improve IT systems, making IT consulting a natural extension of your current skills. This move could not only increase your income but also enhance your professional network and keep you abreast of current industry trends.

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 (?)

How I Started A $6K/Month SEO And Digital Marketing Agency In Bangladesh

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.

Read by 12,523 founders

11. Start a startup instructing business ($28.4K/month)

As a systems administrator, you could leverage your technical expertise to start a startup instructing business, offering guidance to new businesses on critical issues such as IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and systems integration. With your detailed understanding of networks, servers, and software, you could provide valuable business planning advice tailored specifically to the tech needs of startups.

By creating a basic website or social media profiles, you could showcase your services and attract potential clients who need help navigating the complexities of setting up their IT environments. Offering your services at an affordable rate initially would help you build a solid reputation through satisfied customers, leading to growth via word-of-mouth referrals.

Focusing on a niche market within the tech industry, such as small IT firms or tech-driven startups, could help you stand out and effectively utilize your specialized skills. This approach would allow you to supplement your income while possibly growing it into a full-time entrepreneurial venture, leveraging your deep industry insights to drive real business results.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $100,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

How I Launched A $5K/Month Platform To Connect With Growth Mentors

GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.

Read by 46,029 founders

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

As a systems administrator, you could leverage your technical skills to start a social media automation business, allowing you to supplement your income by managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth. By creating tools and services for scheduling posts, automating interactions, and analyzing data across various platforms, you could save your clients—ranging from small businesses to influencers—a significant amount of time and enhance their social media presence.

Given the burgeoning demand for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there's a substantial market for such automation services. Your expertise in systems integration and staying updated on the latest trends could enable you to develop or integrate cutting-edge software solutions. This not only presents a lucrative opportunity but also provides a fulfilling endeavor, combining your technical know-how with marketing strategies.

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 15,250 founders

13. Start an ecommerce marketing agency ($463K/month)

As a systems administrator, your technical expertise and problem-solving skills could be a solid foundation for starting an ecommerce marketing agency. With a deep understanding of systems, networks, and online security, you could offer invaluable services to online sellers, helping them optimize their ecommerce platforms, ensure seamless site performance, and protect sensitive customer data.

Given that the ecommerce industry is constantly evolving and requires up-to-date technological and marketing strategies, your ability to stay current with trends and implement new technologies could set your agency apart. You might choose to specialize in specific niches or provide comprehensive end-to-end services, giving you the flexibility to tailor your offerings to the unique needs of each client.

By leveraging your existing skill set and adapting to the dynamic ecommerce landscape, you could create a profitable and fulfilling side business that supplements your income or even evolves into a full-time venture.

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: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $120K/Month Online Course For Social Media Marketing Agencies

Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.

Read by 15,834 founders

14. Start a computer accessory business

As a systems administrator, you could leverage your technical knowledge and industry contacts to start a thriving computer accessory business. With your understanding of the latest hardware trends and user needs, selecting and marketing high-demand products such as mice, keyboards, external hard drives, and other peripherals could be a strategic move. Your expertise would allow you to identify reliable suppliers and manufacturers, ensuring that you offer quality products at competitive prices.

You could easily utilize online platforms and physical retail spaces to reach a wide audience, drawing on your tech-savvy background to create an efficient and user-friendly shopping experience. Additionally, your ability to provide excellent customer service would help build a strong reputation in the market, an essential factor for long-term success. Keeping up-to-date with emerging accessories and technologies could set you apart from your competitors and keep your inventory fresh and appealing.

Starting this side business not only supplements your income but also allows you to capitalize on your existing skills and knowledge. This endeavor could eventually evolve into a full-time business, providing financial independence and personal fulfillment.

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

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

How I Started A $5K/Month Side Hustle Selling Mechanical Keyboard Accessories

TechKeys, an online retail store dedicated to mechanical keyboard parts and accessories, grew from a hobby to a niche business earning $5,000 a month in revenue by leveraging the buying power of the group buy to manufacture additional inventory and offering them to buyers at a standard retail markup.

Read by 40,200 founders

15. Start a data mining and analytics tools business ($237K/month)

As a systems administrator, you could leverage your technical expertise to enter the burgeoning field of data mining and analytics tools. This business revolves around developing software to extract, process, and analyze large datasets, converting raw data into actionable insights that can help companies make better strategic decisions.

By targeting key industries such as finance, healthcare, and retail, you can address the specific needs for sophisticated data analysis in these sectors. Your strong background in programming, statistics, and machine learning allows you to create effective tools that uncover patterns, trends, and insights.

With the skyrocketing demand for data-driven decision-making, your innovative analytics solutions could drive significant industry transformations, offering extensive possibilities for entrepreneurial growth and success. Combining your technical skills with market needs could lead to a rewarding business venture in this dynamic field.

How much you can make: $450 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 107 days (?)

How We Developed A $40K/Month Email Parser Application

Parseur, the data extraction tool, helps businesses automate their data entry process, catering to multiple industries such as food delivery, real estate and marketing, and has grown to over $40k in revenue per month since its launch in 2017.

Read by 10,496 founders

16. Start a customer intelligence analytics business ($107K/month)

As a systems administrator, you could leverage your technical expertise and analytical skills to venture into a customer intelligence analytics business. By analyzing customer data, you could offer insights that help businesses make informed decisions. This could include areas like improving marketing strategies, enhancing customer retention, and optimizing overall business operations.

Given your background in managing and securing IT systems, you would be well-equipped to handle the sensitive data involved in customer intelligence analytics securely. Your familiarity with data processing and interpretation can directly translate into generating valuable insights for businesses.

With the rising demand for data-driven decision-making, your ability to provide actionable intelligence could position you as a highly sought-after consultant. Partnering with platforms like Verint, which generated $1.3 billion in revenue in 2022, could give you a competitive edge in this growing market.

How much you can make: $100 — $840,000/month

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

How We Developed A $30K/Month Open Source CRM

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.

Read by 10,960 founders

17. Build a chrome extension ($72.8K/month)

As a systems administrator, creating a Chrome extension could offer an excellent opportunity to supplement your income or even start a side business. With your expertise in troubleshooting, network management, and security, you could develop an extension that significantly enhances productivity or strengthens data security—two areas in high demand. For example, an extension that streamlines system health monitoring or simplifies IT tasks could attract other professionals looking to optimize their workflows.

Additionally, leveraging your programming skills to build a Chrome extension enables you to explore entrepreneurial avenues. By selling your extension on the Chrome Web Store or offering it for free with in-app advertising, you could generate revenue without substantial upfront costs. This approach not only allows you to exercise your coding abilities but also lets you create a scalable business model tailored to your expertise in systems administration.

How much you can make: $10 — $450,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 21 days (?)

How We Started A $350K/Month Business Developing Software Tools For Ecommerce Brands

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.

Read by 39,451 founders

18. Start a video game parlor

As a systems administrator, starting a video game parlor could be an exciting way to leverage your technical expertise and passion for gaming into a profitable side business. You could utilize your knowledge of network management and system maintenance to ensure that your gaming systems operate smoothly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and maximizing customer satisfaction. Your experience with servers and hardware can also help in setting up robust gaming stations and maintaining a seamless gaming environment.

Additionally, with your skills in troubleshooting and problem-solving, you could quickly address any technical issues that arise, providing a high-quality experience for your customers. Your background in IT support could further enhance the customer service aspect, ensuring that players enjoy a hassle-free gaming experience. Marketing your parlor could also benefit from your familiarity with digital platforms, allowing you to effectively advertise through social media and local digital channels.

Overall, a video game parlor not only provides a potential revenue stream but also offers an avenue to combine your technical acumen with your entrepreneurial ambitions, creating a dynamic and enjoyable business environment.

19. Start a content creation business ($80.3K/month)

As a systems administrator, you possess deep technical knowledge and expertise that can be invaluable in the realm of content creation. You could start a content creation business where you develop and share insightful articles, blogs, and tutorials about system management, cybersecurity, and IT best practices. By providing niche-specific content, you can tailor messages to address the goals and challenges faced by your audience, thereby elevating their marketing campaigns and offering practical solutions to common problems.

Moreover, the flexibility of freelance gigs or starting a full-service agency means you could manage your time effectively while continuing your primary role, or even shift into a full-time content creation business if it becomes successful. Your technical writing could also enhance brand stories and digital experiences for various clients, positioning your venture to drive lead generation and visibility in today’s content-driven market. This personalized approach, grounded in your technical expertise, makes your content creation business uniquely valuable and impactful.

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

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

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

How I Started A $22K/Month One-Stop Shop Marketing Company For E-commerce Businesses

Power Move Marketing is an innovative digital marketing company founded by Hailey Brooke McFadden, which has achieved an impressive monthly income of $22,075 and is projected to make almost $300,000 in its first year, by offering a one-stop-shop for e-commerce businesses looking for a marketing powerhouse with a female positive culture.

Read by 11,652 founders

20. Start a flower delivery business ($6.3K/month)

As a systems administrator, you could leverage your technical skills and entrepreneurial mindset to start a flower delivery business, tapping into the demand for versatile and cherished gift options. Capitalize on your knowledge of building and managing websites to create an easy-to-navigate platform, where customers can customize their bouquets to meet their specific tastes and preferences. This sets you apart from competitors and meets the nuanced needs of your target market.

Your expertise in logistics and system coordination could be instrumental in establishing a streamlined delivery process, ensuring timely and efficient deliveries for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and corporate events. Additionally, by conducting thorough competitor analysis and choosing an appealing brand name, you could create a distinctive presence in the flower delivery market, thereby supplementing your income or even transitioning into a thriving new business.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $9,600/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,625 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

With Just $300, I Started A Dried Flower Arrangement Business And Now Make $10K/Month

Milla Rose, a boutique online flower arrangement business based in Melbourne, Australia, started as a side project in a bedroom and has grown into a nearly $10k a month business, with monthly revenue doubling since last year, selling almost 3000 arrangements to all corners of Australia.

Read by 4,195 founders

21. Start a women's shoe line

As a systems administrator, you could leverage your technical expertise to manage the e-commerce platform and digital infrastructure needed to launch a successful women’s shoe line. Utilizing your skills in system management, network security, and website optimization, you could ensure a seamless online shopping experience for your customers.

Additionally, the analytical skills and problem-solving abilities honed in your current role could be invaluable in market analysis and operational efficiency. With the global footwear industry expected to reach $440 billion by 2026, tapping into this market allows you to blend your passion for technology with a profitable business venture.

By focusing on fashionable, feminine footwear, you could oversee the design, production, and direct-to-consumer sales of heels, boots, flats, and sandals, using quality materials to meet customer demands. With the versatility of e-commerce and wholesale opportunities, your entrepreneurial spirit could shine, allowing you to scale the business and potentially transform this side gig into a full-time endeavor.

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

How long does it take to build: 800 days (?)

How Tanya Heath Invented Stilettos With Removable Heels

TANYA HEATH Paris, a shoe company founded by Tanya Heath, created the world's first multi-height shoe with removable heels; the product development stage took 14 engineers and shoe technicians and they now have boutique locations in Paris, Toronto, Beirut, Beijing, and Hong Kong, relying on word of mouth and excellent customer service to attract and retain customers.

Read by 7,502 founders

22. Start a vending machine business

As a systems administrator, you could leverage your strategic skills and attention to detail by starting a vending machine business. Given the advantages such as low startup costs, simplicity, all cash-based transactions, and flexibility, this could be an easy way to generate extra income. You could strategically place machines in crowded, busy locations within the city to maximize your revenue.

Your knowledge of system processes and problem-solving skills would serve you well for tasks such as finding optimal locations and securing necessary licenses and contracts. Plus, the vending machine business can run autonomously for the most part, allowing you to continue your day job while managing this side hustle efficiently. For an entrepreneurial-minded systems administrator, this venture has the potential to be both lucrative and low-maintenance.

How much you can make: $30,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

I Converted My Side Hustle Into A Full-Blown $10K/Month Vending Machine Business

iKrave Vending founder Lakinya started her vending machine business after observing the lack of consultants who specialize in vending machine operations, and now offers online training courses and mentoring to help others achieve success in the billion-dollar industry.

Read by 4,241 founders

23. Start an ecommerce management software ($536K/month)

As a systems administrator, you could leverage your technical skills and IT expertise to create an ecommerce management software platform. This type of business involves developing a comprehensive solution that helps online retailers streamline critical processes such as inventory tracking, order processing, and customer relationship management. Given the high demand for smart, intuitive ecommerce solutions that save time and reduce errors, your background offers a unique advantage in establishing a reliable and efficient platform.

Developing ecommerce management software is not without its challenges, but your understanding of complex systems and software development positions you well to tackle these hurdles. By addressing the specific needs of small businesses or larger enterprises, you could provide a valuable service that stands out in a competitive market. If you're entrepreneurial-minded and willing to invest the necessary effort, creating such a product could be a lucrative avenue to supplement your income or even pivot to a full-time business.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $2,400,000/month

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

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

How We Started A $30M/Year Warehouse Management Software And Outsourced Ecommerce Fulfillment Business

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.

Read by 9,379 founders

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

As a systems administrator, you could leverage your deep understanding of network configurations, server management, and security protocols to create a robust Team Collaboration App. In an era where remote work is becoming the norm, developing a platform that facilitates seamless communication, file sharing, and real-time project management can address a growing market need.

Your technical expertise would be invaluable in designing secure and scalable solutions that cater to both small startups and large enterprises. Plus, maintaining updates and providing customer support aligns well with your experience in troubleshooting and system maintenance. If you have a knack for identifying and solving workplace inefficiencies, this entrepreneurial venture could not only supplement your income but also position you at the forefront of modern remote work culture.

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 6,989 founders

25. Start an e-commerce order fulfillment business ($4.69M/month)

As a systems administrator, you could leverage your technical expertise to establish an e-commerce order fulfillment business, a venture that involves providing warehousing, packaging, and shipping services for online retailers. With your background in managing complex IT systems, you would be well-positioned to implement and maintain the necessary technological infrastructure for seamless inventory management and integration with popular e-commerce platforms.

This business would capitalize on your problem-solving skills, automation capabilities, and experience with system integration to ensure efficient operations. By creating a reliable and efficient fulfillment system, you could offer online merchants a hassle-free way to manage their stock and logistics, thus allowing them to focus on sales and customer satisfaction. This entrepreneurial opportunity not only helps you supplement your income but also enables you to build a scalable business model centered around your existing skill set.

How much you can make: $18,000 — $25,000,000/month

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

How This Immigrant Entrepreneur Built A $60M/Year Fulfillment Business

ShipMonk, a technology-driven fulfillment center, went from $130K in revenue in 2014 to nearly $30M in 2018 and was named America's Fastest Growing Fulfillment Center, with projected revenue of $60M for 2019.

Read by 18,243 founders

26. Start an online tool ($13.5K/month)

As a systems administrator, starting an online tool could align perfectly with your skill set and entrepreneurial spirit. You could develop a web application designed to simplify everyday tasks, such as project management, scheduling, or financial tracking—areas where your knowledge about system efficiencies would be invaluable. This venture involves identifying common challenges and creating digital solutions to address them.

Leveraging your coding skills, you can build the tool yourself, or assemble a team with complementary skills in design and marketing. Businesses and individuals are increasingly looking for digital solutions to enhance their productivity, creating a large demand for effective tools. Though it involves substantial market research and customer support efforts, the potential returns could be significant.

Launching an online tool is a commitment to continuous improvement based on user feedback and evolving market trends. If you have a knack for innovation and problem-solving, developing an online tool could be a lucrative and rewarding business idea worth exploring.

How much you can make: $500 — $35,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)

How We Built An $8K/Month Niche Online Tool [Business Idea Validated On Reddit]

Stagetimer generates $8,000 in monthly revenue by providing a simple online countdown timer for event producers to keep meetings and presentations on time, built based on a need in the market and validated through word of mouth and search engine optimization.

Read by 14,373 founders

27. Start an etsy shop ($47.5K/month)

As a systems administrator, starting an Etsy shop could be an excellent way to supplement your income by leveraging your technical skills and eye for efficiency. You could create and sell digital products such as network diagrams, system monitoring templates, or beautifully designed IT-themed merchandise like mugs, t-shirts, and posters that resonate with IT professionals. These niche products are likely to attract fellow tech enthusiasts and peers in your industry.

Additionally, running an Etsy shop allows you to diversify your skill set by gaining experience in online marketing, customer service, and product management. You might also find this to be an opportunity to build your personal brand and connect with potential clients who appreciate your expertise and creativity. Setting up accounts on Etsy and PayPal, deciding on a product category, and designing an attractive storefront will get you started on your entrepreneurial journey.

How much you can make: $100 — $750,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $12K/Month Business Selling Productivity Planners Online

Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.

Read by 64,305 founders

28. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)

As a systems administrator, you are already adept at managing complex technical environments and ensuring seamless operations. Transitioning to an AI-based business solution could leverage your existing skills by focusing on automating repetitive tasks, optimizing workflows, and enhancing data analysis capabilities. This could not only reduce operational costs but also provide valuable insights and efficiencies for businesses, making your solution highly marketable.

The integration of AI can help companies make data-driven decisions, predict market trends, and improve customer service, providing them with a significant competitive edge. You don’t need to be an AI expert to start—many AI platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support, making it feasible for you to develop solutions that meet business needs. Given the growing demand for AI-driven innovations, this could be a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture that positions you at the forefront of technology and business optimization.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month

How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)

How We Launched A $120K/Month Audiobook Publishing Course

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.

Read by 21,996 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls