17 Best Side Hustles for Engineers To Make Extra Money On The Side

I’m an engineer and I have several side hustles. This website is one of them, and here I write a lot about side hustles.

It was about time to put together the best side hustle ideas for engineers like myself.

1. Consulting

As an engineer, you’ve got a skill set that’s in high demand. Turn that expertise into a side hustle by consulting.

Help businesses solve their technical issues or streamline their processes. It’s flexible, pays well, you can often do it on your own time and it keeps your own skills sharp.

2. Online Coaching

If you’re good at something and enjoy teaching, put together a course and sell it on Skillshare to make some extra cash.

3. Technical Support

You can provide help to individuals or small businesses with their tech problems. It could be anything from software installation, troubleshooting hardware issues, to optimizing system performance.

You can set this up as a remote service or do in-person visits if local.

4. Podcasting

If you’re an engineer with a knack for conversation, consider starting a podcast. It’s a straightforward way to share knowledge, connect with listeners, and potentially earn some cash if it gains a following.

Just record your insights, upload them online, and you could turn talk into profit.

5. Technical Writing

Technical writing is all about breaking down complex information into easy-to-understand content. You could write how-to guides, manuals, or articles on the latest engineering trends.

Good technical writers are in demand, so if you’ve got the knack for explaining things clearly, you could make a solid income from it. And you can usually do this from anywhere, fitting it around your main job.

6. Photography

If you love traveling and have an eye for capturing moments, photography could be a wonderful side hustle.

You can monetize your photos by selling them as stock images, working freelance for events, or even setting up photo shoots while you’re on the road. It’s a great way to combine passion and profit, and with digital platforms, sharing and selling your work is easier than ever.

7. Blogging

I’m an engineer and I run a blog. You’re reading it now. While this isn’t an engineering blog, you could certainly start one in that niche. Blogging is a fantastic way to share your expertise on your own schedule. Just like how nurses can create blogs focused on health, you can channel your engineering knowledge into posts about the areas you’re passionate about.

You could also lend your technical skills to companies as a freelance writer. Many organizations value having engineers like you create content that’s both accurate and easy to understand for their websites and technical documentation.

If you’re considering starting your own blog, think about the unique perspectives you can offer in an area of engineering that’s not already saturated.

8. Designing and Selling Digital Products

You could design anything from templates and tools to ebooks and online courses. The beauty of digital products is that you create them once and sell them repeatedly, with no inventory to worry about.

You might develop a niche software tool that solves a specific problem in your field, or craft detailed guides and how-to manuals for up-and-coming engineers. Platforms like Etsy for creative digital goods, or Gumroad for software and informational products, make it easy to reach customers.

9. Sell On Amazon

Design and create your own products to sell using Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). It’s a hands-off way to run a business—once your product is designed and manufactured, Amazon handles the storage, shipping, and even customer service.

If you’re ready to get your feet wet, I’ve covered everything from product creation to sourcing and selling in a series of blog posts. They’re packed with tips to help you kickstart your Amazon FBA journey, so be sure to check them out for all the details.

10. YouTube

Whether you’re demonstrating complex engineering concepts or reviewing the latest tech gadgets, you can turn your expertise and interests into engaging video content.

If your channel grows in popularity, there’s the potential to make money through ad revenue, sponsored content, and even your own merchandise.

11. DIY Workshops

It’s a chance to teach others practical skills and problem-solving techniques that you, as an engineer, likely have in spades.

Whether it’s woodworking, electronics, or robotics, workshops can be held in person or online through video tutorials and live classes.

12. Tutoring

If you’ve got a handle on math, physics, or engineering principles, you can tutor students looking to improve in these subjects. It’s flexible, rewarding, and you can do it online or in person.

13. App Development

Got an idea for an app? With your engineering background, you can develop it yourself or with a team.

Apps can be a source of passive income once they’re up and running on platforms like Google Play or the App Store.

14. 3D Printing Services

If you have access to a 3D printer, you can offer custom printing services. There’s a demand for this in prototyping, custom parts, and even in the hobbyist market for things like miniatures or bespoke creations.

15. Online Courses

For engineers looking to share their know-how, creating online courses can be a brilliant side hustle. Just like your designs and projects, these courses can be your brainchild, offering passive income.

There are plenty of ways to shape these courses. Live teaching might be your jam, letting you interact with students in real-time, be it through a digital platform or face-to-face. Answering questions on the spot and guiding students through complex equations or CAD software — it can all be part of the experience.

Craft your course and let platforms like Udemy do the heavy lifting. Here, you decide the level of support you’re up for providing. Some course creators offer additional help via email or even live calls, sometimes for an extra fee. Your course, your rules.

16. Patent Consulting

Think of patent consulting as your chance to be a part of someone’s Eureka moment. You won’t just be dealing with paperwork; you’re the guide helping innovators protect their brainchildren. If the thought of turning sketches into secured patents excites you, this could be your calling.

17. Technical Support

Help people fix and figure out tech-related issues. Work from home or anywhere, really. Be the go-to problem solver and make some cash on the side. Easy.