If you’re an electrical engineer looking to earn more, you’re not alone. Whether you’re in a highly competitive market, dealing with underwhelming pay, or simply want extra income for more financial freedom, exploring side hustles is one of the smartest moves you can make.
I know this from experience. I live in Mexico, where sometimes the pavement isn’t that big—meaning, the opportunities in my field can feel pretty limited.
That’s why I had to get creative. Over the years, I’ve tried several side hustles that helped boost my income significantly, all while staying connected to what I studied and loved.
Why Electrical Engineers Make Great Side Hustlers
Electrical engineers have an incredible skill set—problem-solving, logical thinking, software familiarity, and technical communication—that’s in high demand beyond the standard 9-to-5 job. You can easily translate those skills into services people will pay for.
Best Side Hustles for Electrical Engineers
One of the first things I did was start teaching. I used to teach at a university, covering subjects like math and electrical engineering—especially circuits. Teaching not only allowed me to reinforce my knowledge, but it also gave me a reliable source of extra income.
Tutoring and Teaching: Leveraging What You Know
Whether it’s one-on-one tutoring for engineering students, online teaching, or even test prep for subjects like calculus and physics, your technical background is pure gold.
I didn’t just teach locally either. Creating online courses became a natural next step. That move helped me tap into global audiences.
People are looking to learn from someone with real-world experience. Creating these courses is also a great source of passive income once they’re up and running.
Freelance CAD Design and Computer Repair
Another hustle that worked for me was CAD design. I used to design computers and work on various CAD projects.
If you have CAD experience, platforms like Upwork or Freelancer can be great places to find short-term gigs that pay surprisingly well.
I also did computer repair. It started as helping friends and family fix things, but word spread, and I began charging for it.
It’s the kind of work that doesn’t require constant attention but brings in consistent money when people know you’re reliable.
Solar Energy Consulting
With the world shifting toward renewable energy, solar consulting is a rapidly growing opportunity—especially for engineers.
At one point, I worked as a solar energy consultant. It allowed me to combine my engineering background with sustainability knowledge.
This role involved helping people and small businesses design efficient solar systems, estimate costs, and understand their returns. It was both fulfilling and profitable.
Blogging and YouTube: Building an Online Presence
Creating content is an excellent way to diversify income, especially when you have a niche perspective like electrical engineering.
I started a blog to share technical tips, career advice, and tutorials. At first, it was just a way to express myself and organize my thoughts—but over time, it grew.
I also launched a YouTube channel, where I explained engineering concepts and provided tutorials. With enough consistency, both became small but steady income streams.
Freelance Writing: Turning Knowledge into Words
If you enjoy writing, there’s real money in freelance technical content.
I’ve written articles as a freelancer—mostly focused on engineering, education, or tech reviews. It’s not just about making money, either. Writing helps you become a better communicator, which is crucial in almost any side hustle.
Rideshare Driving: A Flexible Cash Option
Not all side hustles need to be technical. Sometimes, you just need something that fits your schedule and pays quickly.
One hustle I don’t often share is driving for Uber. It may not sound glamorous, but it worked. You can make ten to fifteen dollars per ride, and it adds up. Especially when your engineering gigs are slow or seasonal, rideshare can fill the gaps.
Online Course Creation: Teach Once, Earn for Years
Among all my hustles, creating online courses has given me the most long-term return. Whether you’re teaching engineering tools, math skills, or even software like MATLAB or AutoCAD, there’s a huge audience out there.
The best part? Once a course is up, it can continue generating revenue with minimal maintenance—true passive income.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Just One Side Hustle
The key is to test and combine different ideas. Some of my income comes from teaching, some from design work, some from content creation, and yes, even from Uber. Every little stream adds up.
All these side hustles helped me improve my income and build financial stability, even in a market that doesn’t always reward technical professionals like it should.
So whether you’re looking to turn your engineering knowledge into extra cash or build something that could one day replace your full-time job, there are real, doable options out there.
And trust me—I’ve tried them.
FAQs: Best Side Hustles for Electrical Engineers
What is the most profitable side hustle for electrical engineers?
Creating and selling online courses can be highly profitable. Once the course is made, it generates passive income. Consulting—especially in niches like solar energy—is also lucrative.
Can I start a side hustle without quitting my job?
Absolutely. Most side hustles—like tutoring, freelancing, or driving for Uber—are flexible enough to fit around a full-time job.
Do I need a special certification for any of these side hustles?
Not usually. Teaching, freelance CAD, and content creation often don’t require new certifications—just proof of experience or portfolio samples.
How much can I realistically earn from these side hustles?
It varies. Tutoring might earn you twenty to fifty dollars an hour. Freelance CAD or writing can fetch fifty to a few hundred dollars per project. Rideshare gigs like Uber could earn you ten to fifteen dollars per ride.
What if I live in a country with limited local opportunities?
That was my case in Mexico. But online work—like teaching, content creation, or freelancing—lets you reach a global market, which means more chances to succeed.
Is blogging or YouTube worth it for engineers?
Yes, but it takes time. I started both and slowly built an audience. These platforms are great for personal branding, and over time, they can turn into strong revenue sources through ads, sponsorships, or digital product sales.
How do I get started with freelance CAD or consulting?
Start with platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Build a simple portfolio with any past projects, even academic ones, and gradually build your profile through small jobs.
Key Takeaways: Best Side Hustles for Electrical Engineers
Being an electrical engineer means you already have the tools to succeed—you just need to know where to apply them.
I didn’t wait for the perfect opportunity to land in my lap. I taught university courses, designed CAD projects, fixed computers, offered solar consulting, blogged, made videos, wrote freelance articles, created online courses, and yes, even drove for Uber.
Each of these side hustles gave me more than just extra income—they gave me options, confidence, and freedom.
Whether you’re looking for something flexible, scalable, or passion-driven, the possibilities are out there. You’ve just got to start.