The skilled trades sector is booming. With 72% of construction firms reporting labor shortages and baby boomers retiring at a rate of 10,000 per day, demand for electricians, plumbers, and technicians has never been higher 1. For tradespeople, this gap is a chance to turn expertise into extra income. Take John, an Austin-based electrician who adds $3,500/month installing EV chargers through Thumbtack while maintaining his full-time role. In this guide, we’ll break down how you can leverage your trade jobs salary and side hustle opportunities without burning out.
The most profitable side gigs combine high demand with flexible scheduling. Here’s where to focus:
Electricians: High-Voltage Earnings
With 49,000 new roles projected by 2035, electricians lead in side work potential. Residential projects like smart home installations pay $75–$150/hour, while commercial upgrades (e.g., EV charging stations) can net $5,000+ per job. Specializing in solar panel retrofits boosts earnings further, aligning with the 30% federal tax credit for renewable energy installations 2.
HVAC Techs: Seasonal Cash Flow
Heating and cooling experts capitalize on emergencies, think broken ACs during heatwaves. Side income often spikes 40% in summer months, with after-hours service calls averaging $200–$500.
Construction Trades: Project-Based Paydays
Carpenters and ironworkers secure side gigs through platforms like TaskRabbit, where custom deck builds pay $1,200–$3,500 each. Jake, a Chicago carpenter, balances his union job with weekend furniture commissions, adding $2k/month.
Healthcare/Automotive Gigs
Side income varies by skill and hustle, but strategic gigs can rival full-time pay:
| Trade | Hourly Rate | Monthly Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $75–$150 | $1,800–$4,000 |
| HVAC Technician | $90–$130 | $1,500–$3,200 |
| Carpenter | $45–$80 | $800–$2,400 |
Source: BLS 2025 Wage Data, Angi Earnings Reports
Key takeaway: Tradespeople earning the median $67k base salary can add $20k–$48k annually through side work 3.
1. Platform Hacks
Thumbtack: Charge premium rates for niche services like vintage lighting restoration
Handy: Optimize profiles with HVAC or electrical certifications to win $120+/hr jobs
2. Off-Platform Strategies
Energy Audits: Partner with realtors to identify homes needing efficiency upgrades
Smart Home Bundles: Offer IoT thermostat + security camera installations for $499+
3. Teaching & Consulting
Create $197 Udemy courses like “Home Wiring Basics” or consult on commercial build-outs.
Contract Clauses
42% of employers prohibit competing side work 4. Always review non-compete agreements as one Denver plumber lost his main job after installing water heaters for a local competitor.
Tax Tactics
Set aside 30% of side income for taxes. Track deductible miles (67¢/mile in 2025) and tool purchases 5.
Burnout Barriers
Limit gigs to 10 hours/week. Use Asana to block personal time. Tradespeople who schedule downtime earn 23% more long-term 6.
AI-Assisted Diagnostics
Learn to troubleshoot HVAC systems using tools like BrainBox AI. Early adopters charge 35% more 1.
EV Infrastructure Certs
GM and Tesla offer free training for charger installations. A $12k+/year opportunity as 60% of gas stations add EV ports by 2026 2.
Disaster Prep Services
FEMA reports a 140% increase in floodproofing demand. Offer sump pump + backup generator bundles.
The trades golden age is here, but only those who balance hustle with health will thrive. As San Diego welder Maria proves: “Working 12 side gig hours weekly let me pay off my tools in 8 months. Now I’m debt-free and picking projects I love.”
