It might be challenging for software engineers to pursue a side gig with a full-time software engineering job. There are various side hustles for software engineers, but it is difficult to determine which options best match your skills and expertise as a developer.
The best and quickest ways to make money for engineers involve creating SaaS products, mobile app development, tech blogging, tutoring coding skills, starting an online business, selling templates, and building games.
We are going to give you 15 hand-picked side gig ideas for engineers to generate passive income.
15 Side Hustles for Software Engineers Online
Here are the most relevant side hustle ideas related to software engineers.
Hopefully! You will start a side hustle soon.
- Web development
- Software consultant
- Tech support
- Programming
- App development
- Blogging
- Web design
1. Web Development
Web development is a useful side hustle for software engineers. Engineers can find freelance side gigs on different sites. Offer website projects to your friends and family to build a portfolio. Make an account and sell web development services. You can earn $60 to $100 per project and submit it by the given deadline.
Responsibilities
- Security implementation
- Documentation and training
- Testing and debugging
- Knowledge of Content Management Software
Backend languages used for development
- C#
- Java
- PHP
- Rust
- Python
Platforms to Seek Web Development Jobs
- Fiverr
- Toptal
- 99designs
- Codeable
- freelancer.com
- PeoplePerHour
- Stack Overflow Careers
2. App Development
Developing Android apps is also an excellent side gig for engineers looking to make money. These mobile apps are designed for mobile, iOS, and web stores. List your app on the Play Store and Apple App Store so that users can use it.
Responsibilities of App Developers
- Analyzing the requirements
- Deployment and maintenance
- Start working on design and development
- Testing and debugging the apps for proper use
Tools for App Development
- Software Development Kits
- Version control systems such as Git
- Designing tools like Figma and Adobe XD
- Integrated Environment Development (IDE)
- Programming languages like Kotlin or Java
3. Tech Support
Tech support is a computer-side gig. If you have tech support experience, explore your abilities by offering tech support services. Engineers can make money by offering tech support services on freelancing platforms or physically.
Responsibilities
- Providing customer support
- Configure and resolve the hardware or software.Â
- Troubleshooting technical problems in software
- Update your technical knowledge according to innovations in technology.
Offer Tech Support Services
- Setup network
- IT consultation
- Emergency support
- Mobile devices support
- Offer data backup and recovery services.
- Detecting and removing viruses from the system
- Software and hardware troubleshooting, installation, and configuration
Benefits Of Tech Support
- Flexibility in working hours
- An additional source of income
- It grows the engineer’s network with professionals.
- Skill development, like enhancements in problem-solving and technical skills
Platforms For Online Tech Support Jobs
- Dice
- Upwork
- FlexJobs
- IT Job Pro
- TechCareers
4. Blogging
Software engineers can make money by turning their technical expertise into blogging. They can choose their niche of expertise and make blogs by following different techniques. There are few monetization methods for software engineers to boost their income. Ways to monetize your blog are
- Affiliate marketing
- Ads and sponsors
- Ebooks
- Selling online courses
Steps to start blogging
- Choose a niche
- Choose the best content management software
- Create quality content
- Build and grow your audience by promoting your blog
- Use monetization methods to generate revenue
4. Online Tutoring
Software engineers can teach online subjects in which they are experts. This side hustle is best for those engineers who have the passion of teaching the students. Many engineering subjects are too tough for students they can search for online tutors and pay them for tuition.
Different Platforms Offering Tutor Services
- Udmey
- Coursera
- Skillshare
- Codecademy
Platforms Used For Classes
- ZoomÂ
- Skype
- Google meet
- Google Classroom
5. SEO Consultant
Many companies are hiring SEO experts for their websites. Software engineers can make extra money by providing SEO consulting services. SEO is an amazing side gig for generating extra money. Software engineers can make money by offering online SEO services for any company or person.
Many platforms connect clients with SEO experts, allowing them to select their budget and hire SEO consultants. You can set your time and charges according to your expertise and make money easily.
SEO Services
- Technical SEO
- Link building
- Do website audits
- On-page optimizationÂ
- Analytics and Reporting
- Offering keyword research services
6. Develop Games
Software engineers can freelance for game studios or independently develop games and sell them. You can also work with clients who are seeking experts for custom game development for their businesses. By following several strategies, software engineers can earn extra cash by developing games.
Popular Indie Platforms For GamesÂ
- Itch.io
- Steam
- App store
- Google Play
7. Create Software Tools and SaaS products
You can generate passive income by creating software tools and SaaS products and selling them to the market. Let’s build your
- Plugins
- Templates
- Software tools
- SaaS products
Sell these tools, products, and templates as one-time purchases or charge a monthly subscription. It is also an excellent side hustle for software engineers.
More examples of software tools and SaaS products
- Data analytic tools
- Educational software
- Cyber security software
- Project management software
- Accounting and invoicing software
- Customer relationship management software
- Human resource management software
Platforms to market software tools and SaaS products
- Facebook market place
- Developer communities like Git
- Use WordPress and Amazon Marketplaces to sell products
6. Teach Coding Bootcamps
Coding boot camps have surged in popularity, creating a need for instructors. Leverage your software engineering skills to teach full or part-time at a local coding boot camp.
Top instructors can make over $100k/year teaching eager students the fundamentals of web development, programming, data science, and more.
11. Join a Development Marketplace
Join freelance marketplaces like Dribbble, Crew, Fiverr, or Upwork to be matched with companies needing software development work done.
It gives you instant access to clients for projects and allows you to quickly monetize your skills.
12. Sell Code Snippets & Templates
Sell code snippets, templates, and assets through marketplaces like CodeCanyon. As a software engineer, you can easily create things like PHP scripts, Javascript code, CSS themes, app templates, and more. Then, sell each for ~$10-$100 for passive earnings.
13. Start an Online Dropshipping Business
Use your software skills to start a simple e-commerce business through dropshipping. Build a Shopify store and have products shipped directly from the manufacturer to customers. Automate the business as much as possible. Even a small side business can bring in thousands per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
For software engineers, side hustles represent a chance to earn substantial money while also expanding technical abilities. Contracting, consulting, building SaaS products, and selling online courses allow engineers to prosper outside standard tech jobs.
Marketplaces like Toptal and Skillshare make monetizing skills easy. With so many options available today in the digital economy, engineers have the flexibility to find side gigs matching their interests, whether that be game development, tutoring, or drop shipping.
