20 Best Side Hustles for Engineers to Make Money

Engineering is a valuable profession, but you can still earn extra cash with a side hustle. Despite a $92,000 average salary, engineers often pursue side gigs to:

Pay off debt
Save for emergencies
Increase financial flexibility
Gain more control over income

Your engineering skills open up various side hustle opportunities. In this article, I’ll share top ideas based on interviews with 500+ entrepreneurs. Let’s get started!

1. AutoCAD Services

Remember all the time you spent learning how to use AutoCAD? Well, now you can put that knowledge to work and make some money by offering your expertise on a freelance or part-time basis.

Earning potential: $25–$150+ per hour

Lots of businesses need help with creating 2D and 3D models, drawings, and plans. But they might not want to hire a full-time AutoCAD designer; they just need someone to help out on a project basis. And guess what? You’re ready for it!

You can do this side gig from anywhere since it can be done remotely. Being a freelancer gives you the freedom to manage your own schedule and work from wherever you please. Just make sure to showcase your past AutoCAD work in a portfolio and set your rates based on your experience before diving in.

2. Website and App Testing

Several companies specialize in website and app testing services, such as UserTesting, Testbirds, and Userfeel. They’re always on the lookout for new testers, regardless of whether you have technical experience or not.

Earning potential: $12–$20 per hour

You can either directly apply to these companies or offer your testing services on popular freelancing platforms like Upwork or Freelancer.

The best part? You can do this work remotely, whenever you have some free time, right from the comfort of your own home. It’s a fantastic option if you want to maintain flexibility and control over your schedule.

3. Consulting Services

Similar to the ideas mentioned earlier, you could provide consulting services on various engineering topics, like quality assurance. You can either do this on your own or work part-time for a consulting company.

Earning potential: $14–$130 per hour

If you opt to join a firm, you won’t need to hunt for clients yourself. However, keep in mind that you’ll have less flexibility compared to working independently.

4. AI Development

AI is all around us, and it’s here to stay. Perhaps it’s worth considering how you can leverage your skills and make a contribution to this growing field.

Earning potential: Varies

Depending on the projects you’re interested in, you might need to pursue additional qualifications and learn new skills. But if you’re willing to invest in the long term, the potential returns could be significant.

5. Freelance Technical Writing

Even if you’re more comfortable with numbers and models, writing can still be a profitable option—especially if you’re willing to focus on your engineering expertise (like mechanical engineering, biochemical engineering, etc.).

Earning potential: $34–$40 per hour, or $0.10–$0.75 per word

Many companies really need someone who can write confidently from a technical perspective. Some of the things you could end up working on include:

Research papers
Engineering guides
Technical specifications
Project proposals
Training materials
Product documentation
Technical blog posts
Industry reports

6. Freelance engineering work

Looking for a straightforward side hustle? Consider freelance engineering work.

Earning potential: $14–$130+ per hour

Companies sometimes need engineering help but don’t want to hire full-time staff. That’s where you step in.

As an engineer, you can offer a range of services. You might review engineering drawings for compliance or create product prototypes and software.

To begin, tap into your network or sign up on a freelancing platform. Start offering your services right away.

7. Ethical Hacking / Penetration Testing

This one’s for the software engineers out there. With more businesses going online and cybercrime on the rise, companies are desperate for secure websites.

Earning potential: $50–$65 per hour

Ethical hackers, also known as penetration testers, check if websites or networks have any vulnerabilities. For example, they might simulate a cyberattack to see if they can breach a system’s defenses. If they find any weaknesses, they provide detailed reports and recommendations on how to fix them.

You can work as a freelancer, offering services such as website security audits or network vulnerability assessments. Alternatively, you can join a cybersecurity firm or even work in-house for a company’s IT department.

While it takes time to learn, your engineering background gives you a head start. Plus, if you enjoy it, you can turn it into a full-fledged career—it’s flexible and can be done remotely from anywhere.

8. Freelance web design and development

Think about it: almost every business needs a website these days, but not everyone knows how to create one. Despite the abundance of DIY tools, many business owners prefer to leave their online presence in the hands of experts. That’s where you come in!

Let’s say you have a knack for design and know your way around coding. You could be the solution they’re looking for.

Earning potential: $15–$62 per hour

Start by demonstrating your skills with a portfolio featuring examples of websites you’ve built. For instance, imagine you’ve created a sleek, user-friendly website for a local bakery that not only showcases their products but also allows customers to place orders online.

Next, spread the word about your services. You could join freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, or leverage your personal network by reaching out to local businesses directly.

Once you’ve built a website for a client, consider offering them ongoing website management services. For instance, let’s say you’ve designed a website for a small law firm. You could offer them a monthly maintenance package that includes updating their blog with fresh legal insights, optimizing their site for search engines, and regularly checking for any security vulnerabilities.

By offering these additional services, not only can you secure a steady stream of income, but you also build long-term relationships with your clients, becoming their go-to person for all their digital needs.

9. Start a blog or YouTube channel about enginnering

Educational blogs and channels can be not only fulfilling but also quite profitable. And as an engineer, you’ve got a treasure trove of knowledge to share with the world. Whether it’s through step-by-step tutorial videos, fascinating experiments, or insightful how-to articles, there’s a vast audience eager to learn from you.

Earning potential: Varies

Think back to your own time as a student. What were the burning questions you Googled? What aspects of engineering left you awestruck? Odds are, there are countless others out there craving content on the same subjects.

Take a peek at your favorite engineering blogs and YouTube channels for inspiration. Consider what sets them apart and how you can bring your unique perspective to the table.

And remember, you’re not confined to just one format. Perhaps you could create a podcast where you discuss cutting-edge developments in your field or interview industry experts.

For instance, imagine you’re passionate about robotics. You could start a YouTube channel where you showcase your latest robotic creations, explain the principles behind them, and offer tips for aspiring roboticists. As your channel grows, you might partner with companies for sponsored content, promote affiliate products related to engineering tools or software, or even run ads on your platform.

With dedication and ingenuity, your blog or channel could become not only a valuable resource for aspiring engineers but also a lucrative side hustle.

10. Teaching or selling online courses

If you like sharing your engineering knowledge, consider a side hustle in education.

Potential earnings: $15–$30 per hour

Here are some ideas:

Tutoring: Many people, especially college students, need personalized help with engineering. Check out platforms like Tutor.com to start tutoring online. For example, you could help a student understand calculus concepts or guide them through a challenging engineering project.
Selling online courses: You can design and teach your own courses on platforms like Udemy. This can be a good way to earn passive income – once your course is online, you can earn money without ongoing effort. For instance, you could create a course on programming languages for engineers or a series of tutorials on using CAD software effectively.

11. 3D Printing

If you’re up for a creative side gig where you can bring ideas to life, why not leverage your engineering skills for 3D printing?

Earning potential: Varies

You can craft and sell a wide range of items. Consider your own passions and what you’d enjoy creating. For example, if you’re a fan of Dungeons & Dragons, you could design and print custom miniatures or terrain pieces. Or perhaps you’re into puzzles – you could create intricate 3D puzzles that challenge and entertain. The possibilities are endless.

You could also blend this hustle with other ideas mentioned earlier, like vlogging. Document your exciting projects and turn them into YouTube tutorials or ASMR-style 3D printing videos. It’s all up to you!

12. Cell phone repair

If you enjoy tinkering with gadgets, consider offering your skills in cell phone repair.

Earning potential: $13–$23 per hour

Here’s how:

Find a local repair shop: Many shops often have more repair requests than they can handle. Reach out to them and offer your assistance on an as-needed basis. You can make an agreement with them to call you when they need extra help or when there’s a more complex repair job that requires your expertise. For example, you might specialize in fixing cracked screens or resolving software issues.
Utilize Facebook Marketplace: Another option is to advertise your services on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Be prepared to meet clients at a designated time and place to pick up their phones for repair. You could showcase your expertise by highlighting successful repairs you’ve done in the past, such as restoring water-damaged phones or replacing malfunctioning batteries.

If you’re interested, you could also expand your services to repair other types of electronics, such as computers or game consoles.

13. App design and development

Looking to boost your income? How about diving into app design and development?

These days, it seems like there’s an app for everything—but what if there isn’t? If you’ve ever wished for an app that doesn’t exist yet, why not create it yourself?

Earning potential: $60–$80 per hour

Starting this side hustle won’t break the bank. Sure, you’ll need some upfront cash, but it’s not too much. For iOS app development, you can join the Apple Developer Program for $99 per year. And for Android, the Google Play Console only costs a one-time fee of $25.

But wait, there’s more to it than just paying fees. You’ll need to have some programming and software development skills. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert yet—there are plenty of resources out there to help you learn.

If you’d rather not go it alone, consider teaming up with someone who’s already knee-deep in the app world. You could also join an existing project or offer your services as a freelance app developer on platforms like Upwork. Trust me, there’s always someone out there looking for talented app creators!

For instance, let’s say you’re passionate about fitness and you’ve noticed a gap in the market for an app that helps people track their workouts and nutrition. You could create a sleek, user-friendly app that allows users to log their exercises, monitor their progress, and plan their meals—all in one place.

The possibilities are endless! With a bit of creativity and technical know-how, you could develop the next big app that revolutionizes the way people live, work, and play.

14. Flipping Products

Do you like finding good stuff and making it even better? Flipping products might be your thing. It’s all about buying things, fixing them up, and selling them for a profit.

Earning potential: Varies

Flipping has become a big deal lately. For instance, you could scout thrift stores for vintage furniture pieces, give them a fresh coat of paint, and sell them online for a higher price. Whether you’re into giving old furniture a new life or you’re a whiz at fixing up broken electronics, this could be a cool side hustle for you.

You can flip all sorts of stuff, like electronics, appliances, or even big pieces of furniture. Just find something that needs a little love, spruce it up, and watch the cash roll in.

15. Hands-on electrical work

Are you good with electrical stuff? You can make some decent cash doing hands-on electrical work.

Earning potential: $12–$40 per hour

If you’re into electrical engineering, this could be right up your alley. For example, you could help homeowners install new lighting fixtures or troubleshoot electrical issues.

You could do it part-time through a company or as a freelancer.

Just a heads up, depending on where you live, you might need a license or have to work under a licensed electrician.

If you’re ambitious and want to expand, you could even build it into a full-blown business. Get yourself a website and hire others to work for you.

16. Drone Photography/Videography

If you’re someone who loves gadgets and enjoys photography, this side hustle could be perfect for you. It’s a fun way to take a break from your regular job.

Earning potential: Varies

Getting started will mean investing in a drone if you don’t already have one. But once you do, you can start right away.

Your potential customers could include:

Couples (for weddings)
Musicians (for music videos)
Real estate companies
Hotels and resorts
Stock photography sites
YouTubers

For example, let’s say a real estate company wants aerial shots of properties they’re selling. You could offer your services to capture stunning images and videos from unique perspectives, helping them attract more potential buyers.

But remember, photography isn’t the only way to make money with a drone. There are other options like structural inspections, parcel delivery, search and rescue training, precision agriculture, and aerial mapping. These might be more specialized and require some effort to get into, though.

17. Doing odd jobs

If you’re good with your hands and want something flexible, doing odd jobs could be right up your alley. It’s all about tackling different tasks without being tied down to one thing.

Earning potential: Varies

For example, you could offer services like assembling furniture, fixing leaky faucets, or even helping someone move heavy items.

You can sign up on apps like TaskRabbit and offer your services for various jobs in your area.

The tasks can be anything from fixing stuff around the house to simpler tasks that give your brain a break.

You’re not obligated to take on every job that comes your way, so it’s perfect if you want to make some extra cash without sacrificing your free time.

18. Data Entry

It might sound boring, and yes, you’ll be staring at a screen, but you can do it from home while listening to your favorite podcast.

Earning potential: $10–$20 per hour

For example, you might be entering customer information into a database for a company, or transcribing handwritten documents into digital files.

You won’t need to stress about tough decisions or complex math. Just pay attention to detail and type quickly. Easy!

19. Food or Parcel Delivery

If you enjoy cruising around town while listening to music or podcasts, this could be the job for you!

Earning potential: $10–$30 per hour

For example, you could deliver delicious meals with Uber Eats or bring packages to people’s doors with DoorDash.

Signing up for both is pretty similar, including the background check. You can even work for both and choose whichever pays better each day.

20. Rent Out Your Property

If you have stuff lying around that you don’t use often, you can earn extra cash by renting it out. There are apps for this!

Earning potential: Varies

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