Engineering Side Hustles That Actually Pay Well
Engineering pays pretty well – most engineers pull in anywhere from $60K to well into six figures annually. But here's the thing: even with a solid engineering salary, many of us still feel stretched financially. Between student loan payments, wanting to take decent vacations, and trying to build up retirement savings, that paycheck doesn't always go as far as we'd like.
If you're thinking about bringing in some extra income, you might feel stuck. Maybe you're juggling grad school classes on top of your full-time job, or you just don't have the bandwidth for another traditional job. Bagging groceries for minimum wage isn't going to move the needle much anyway. What you really need is a side hustle – something that can generate meaningful income while actually building your skills and strengthening your professional profile.
Side Hustles That Play to Your Engineering Strengths
Sure, anyone can drive for Uber or resell event tickets, but as an engineer, you've got specialized skills that open up much better opportunities. Here are three proven ways to monetize your engineering background:
Teaching and Tutoring
Engineering students are constantly looking for experienced professionals who can help them understand complex concepts. Your expertise doesn't just apply to college-level students either – you can help high school students with advanced science and math courses, depending on your specific background.
The beauty of tutoring today is that you don't need to meet students in person. Online tutoring platforms let you work with students from anywhere, which means you can fit sessions around your existing schedule. If you're currently working on your master's degree, tutoring becomes an especially smart side hustle since you're already in "teaching mode" while pursuing your advanced degree.
Technical Writing
If you can explain complex ideas clearly, technical writing offers excellent earning potential. Companies across industries need skilled writers who can create blog posts, whitepapers, and instruction manuals that actually make sense to their audiences.
The pay for technical writing can be substantial. A well-researched whitepaper for an engineering company might net you up to $10,000, while individual blog posts typically pay several hundred dollars each. You can find these opportunities on freelance job boards or through professional networking.
Don't overlook book writing either. One engineer I know turned his professional experience into a series of children's books about engineering concepts, then sold them online. With today's self-publishing options – or traditional publishers if you prefer that route – writing books can create a ongoing income stream.
Engineering Consulting
Consulting represents one of the most lucrative side hustle options for experienced engineers. When you have the right knowledge and track record, companies will pay handsomely for your insights. You might get brought in during project planning phases, or even serve as an expert witness in legal proceedings.
The key with consulting is avoiding conflicts of interest. You can't work with companies your employer considers competitors, and you need to steer clear of projects your current company might be pursuing. But within those boundaries, consulting lets you leverage your expertise for significant additional income.
Finding Your Perfect Side Hustle
Take some time to think about what other opportunities might work for your specific situation. The ideal side hustle shouldn't feel like more work – it should be something you can actually enjoy while generating meaningful income.
The most important thing is not to overcommit yourself. Start with one opportunity and see how it fits into your life before adding more. With the right approach, you can build financial breathing room without burning yourself out in the process.
