As a mechanical engineer, you may be looking for ways to earn extra money on the side. There are a variety of side jobs that can utilize your skills and expertise as a mechanical engineer, allowing you to earn additional income while still working your full-time job.

Whether you are looking to offer consulting services, use your 3D printing skills to create prototypes, or use your technical writing skills to create content, there are many opportunities for mechanical engineers to earn extra money on the side.

In this article, we will explore some of the best side jobs that mechanical engineers can do for extra money, highlighting the skills and experience required for each job and the potential earnings that can be expected.

With a little creativity and some hard work, you can find a side job that fits your interests and schedule and start earning extra money as a mechanical engineer.

Freelance mechanical engineering consulting

Mechanical engineers with specialized knowledge and experience in a particular field or industry may be able to offer their expertise as a freelance consultant to companies or organizations in need of mechanical engineering services. This type of side job can be a great way for mechanical engineers to utilize their skills and earn extra money on the side.

As a freelance mechanical engineering consultant, you may be called upon to provide your expertise on a wide range of projects, such as designing or improving mechanical systems, conducting failure analysis, or providing technical support.

To be successful in this role, you will need to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to communicate your ideas effectively. In addition, you will need to be able to work independently and manage your own workload, as you will be working on a freelance basis.

With the right skills and experience, freelance mechanical engineering consulting can be a lucrative and rewarding side job for mechanical engineers.

Teaching or tutoring

Mechanical engineers with strong communication skills and a passion for teaching may be able to turn their expertise into a lucrative side job by offering their services as a tutor or teacher.

With the increasing demand for online education, there are many opportunities for mechanical engineers to share their knowledge with students looking to learn more about mechanical engineering concepts.

As a tutor or teacher, you can set your own schedule and work from home, making it a flexible and convenient way to earn extra money. Whether you choose to work with students in person or through an online platform, you can help students develop their understanding of mechanical engineering principles and improve their skills.

By sharing your knowledge and expertise, you can make a positive impact on the next generation of engineers and help students achieve their goals.

3D printing or prototyping services

Offering 3D printing or prototyping services can be a lucrative weekend side job for mechanical engineers who have expertise in these technologies.

By providing these services to individuals or businesses, you can help them create physical prototypes of their products, which can be used for a variety of purposes, such as testing and refining designs, showcasing prototypes to potential investors or clients, or even creating small batches of products for sale.

This type of side job allows you to put your skills and knowledge to work in a flexible and rewarding way while also potentially generating significant income. To be successful in this field, it is important to have a strong understanding of 3D printing and prototyping technologies, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with clients and deliver high-quality products on time.

Home repair and maintenance services

Mechanical engineers with a passion for fixing things and a talent for home repair and maintenance may be able to use their skills to provide valuable services to their community.

By offering their services to neighbors, friends, or even local businesses, mechanical engineers can earn extra money while putting their skills and knowledge to good use. Many people are always in need of minor repairs or maintenance work around the house, from fixing a leaky faucet to replacing a faulty light switch.

By offering to tackle these tasks, mechanical engineers can help others save time and money while also earning some extra income. In addition, mechanical engineers who are skilled in home repair and maintenance may be able to find work with local contractors or service companies, providing their expertise to a wider range of clients.

Whether you are looking to earn some extra money on the side or just want to put your skills to good use, offering home repair and maintenance services can be a rewarding and fulfilling way to do so.

Technical writing or content creation

Mechanical engineers with excellent writing skills may be able to offer their services as technical writers or content creators to businesses or organizations in need of technical content for their website or marketing materials.

This type of side job can be a great way for mechanical engineers to utilize their skills and earn extra money on the side. As a technical writer or content creator, you will be responsible for creating clear, concise, and accurate technical content that is tailored to the needs of your clients.

This may include writing technical articles, creating user manuals, or developing marketing materials. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of mechanical engineering concepts and the ability to communicate complex ideas in a way that is easy for non-technical readers to understand.

In addition, you will need to be able to work independently and manage your own workload, as you will be working on a freelance basis. With the right skills and experience, technical writing or content creation can be a lucrative and rewarding side job for mechanical engineers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many side jobs that mechanical engineers can do for extra money, ranging from consulting and teaching to 3D printing and prototyping services. By leveraging your skills and expertise as a mechanical engineer, you can find a side job that allows you to earn additional income while still working your full-time job.

It is important to have a well-written resume when looking for a side job, as it will help you stand out from other candidates and showcase your relevant skills and experience. A well-written resume will also help you to effectively communicate your value to potential clients or employers, making it more likely that you will be offered a job or contract. 

If you need help with having a well-written resume, consider having our team of expert resume writers help you out!