40 Profitable Business Opportunities For Mechanical Engineers (2021)
Starter Story

Looking to start a mechanical engineering business but not quite sure what to start?
The good news is, there are so many opportunities to become an entrepreneur and build an innovative product/service in this line of work.
If you're looking to start your own mechanical engineering business, there are several low-capital options you can choose from.
We put a list together below of the most profitable mechanical engineering business ideas you can start today!
Here they are:
1. Start a shipping company ($240K/year)
Dvir Edri from Denver, CO, USA started Car Shipping Calculator over 10 years ago, a shipping company.
- Revenue: $20,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 7
- Location: Denver, CO, USA
In 2008, I started working as a freelancer for a locksmith company and I learned the job quickly. One day, I decided that I would like to open my own business, so I started my locksmith business. Through that, I gained valuable experience and learned how to advertise and get leads.
I decided one day after I received an offer to sell the business that I would look into advertising for something similar to emergency service advertising. That's how I came up with the idea to open a towing company.
Never stop investing in your business - both in your processes, tools, and in your people. It’s important to keep your reputation in good standing too. And never stop investing in yourself.
2. Start a waste management business ($492K/year)
Dustin from Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA started SOCO Waste over 4 years ago, a waste management business.
- Revenue: $41,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 3
- Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
I came to the realization that I had a problem with staying at a job for more than 6 months. I would come in to work every day, learn the job, and about 6 months later I would be sitting there bored and wondering why they didn’t do things a certain way to make the business more efficient.
I tried working everywhere from door to door sales, fast food, shipping companies and at one point I was even an O.T.R. truck driver!
Eventually, I would find another job and move on because being inefficient wasn’t me!
3. Start a small machine shop
Examples of a successful small machine shop:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a small machine shop:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a small machine shop ➜
4. Start a nuts and bolts manufacturer
Examples of a successful nuts and bolts manufacturer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a nuts and bolts manufacturer:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a nuts and bolts manufacturer ➜
5. Start a home equipment business ($780K/year)
Zachary Brown from Newington, New Hampshire, USA started Moki Doorstep over 3 years ago, a home equipment business.
- Revenue: $65,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 1
- Location: Newington, New Hampshire, USA
My wife and I have always been travelers and the adventurous type. One thing always held my wife up from getting after the powder on a bluebird day on her own. Because of her height, she struggles to use car top racks. Come to find out, she wasn't alone.
Knowing when to launch and other key factors will help you not only reach your goal faster, you'll end up on the front pages of Kickstarter as well as crowdfunding tracker sites.
Depending on the vehicle and type of rack, I often struggle as well. Using my background as a firefighter I knew the anatomy of vehicles. This helped me formulate the design and placement of the Moki Doorstep.
6. Start a tutoring business ($1.2M/year)
Adam Shlomi from Miami, FL, USA started SoFlo SAT Tutoring about 2 years ago, a tutoring business.
- Revenue: $100,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 2
- Location: Miami, FL, USA
I come from an entrepreneurial family. My father works for himself and my maternal grandfather started a clothing factory. Working for myself has always been encouraged by my family, but before I could get started, I needed to learn a skill. At Georgetown, I study international politics and business. Most students with these backgrounds go on to work at prestigious firms like J.P. Morgan. I really didn’t know what kind of business I could start, and frankly, planned to work as a (boring) data analyst after graduation.
If you have an idea but don’t have the knowledge to execute, use that idea as motivation and go learn how to turn your vision into reality.
Tutoring first came to mind because I had spent significant time working for other tutoring companies and cutting my teeth/learning how the industry works during my teen years. I first started tutoring when I was 15. I was hired by College Experts, a local test prep center in Davie, Florida. My first student was three years older than me, and I spent our first session teaching him how to use his calculator rather than trying to explain any complicated formulas. Being a student myself, I was able to bring a student’s perspective to tutoring. I worked for College Experts until my senior year of high school when I began tutoring on my own and finding clients on Craigslist.
7. Start a motorcycle parts business ($7.2M/year)
Justin Pflanz from Lincoln, Nebraska, USA started TAB Performance over 17 years ago, a motorcycle parts business.
- Revenue: $600,000/ month
- Founders: 2
- Employees: 9
- Location: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
My Brother and I grew up in a very entrepreneurial family. Our parents had started, grown and sold several companies growing up and it’s something we both had a passion for.
We’ve also always felt that our personalities and experiences complimented each other well. Generally speaking, I tend to be more detail oriented and risk averse whereas my brother is better at looking at the big picture and is more comfortable taking risks. I went to college and got a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in business and he got his degrees in both Business Administration and Marketing.
8. Start an auto repair business
Examples of a successful auto repair business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a auto repair business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Secrets Of America's Greatest Body Shops: The Book That Will Challenge Everything You Know About The Collision Repair Business
- How To Start A Home-Based Car Detailing Business
Learn more about starting an auto repair business ➜
9. Start a smart home camera business ($12M/year)
Yun Zhang from Kirkland, Washington, USA started Wyze Cam almost 4 years ago, a smart home camera business.
- Revenue: $1,000,000/ month
- Founders: 4
- Employees: 30
- Location: Kirkland, Washington, USA
Wyze has four co-founders and we all met while working at Amazon. As a team, we have a very deep understanding of retail operations, including both e-commerce and big box chains. Team members have worked at Microsoft, Best Buy, REI, Groupon, etc. At each of these companies, as well as Amazon, roles varied between team members. Some of our team members have expertise in operations, some in marketing, some in sales, and so on. We complement each other very well when we bring it all together. This is absolutely at the core of our success since we are able to see problems from many angles and perspectives.
We discovered that in the smart home market, customers only have two options:
- Expensive premium brands
- Cheap, low quality me-too brands with little-to-no customer service.
10. Start a 3d printing business ($3.96M/year)
Roy Kirchner from Odesa, Odesa Oblast, Ukraine started Ultimate 3D Printing Store over 5 years ago, a 3d printing business.
- Revenue: $330,000/ month
- Founders: 2
- Employees: 4
- Location: Odesa, Odesa Oblast, Ukraine
In 2014, I was one-half of a partnership working primarily in advertising and marketing. At that time, my partner and I were successful and wanted to explore other verticals. We began working with a client who had a product that we believed was singular and unique throughout the world, and we put forward a significant amount of capital out of our own pockets to try and develop that product, only to reach a point where the deal went south and litigation ensued.
Make plans to do things as a family, and do your best not to let work interfere with those moments, but know that there are going to be times when you will have to sacrifice an outing, a dinner date, a holiday weekend.
In trying to think outside the box and figure out a way to create a similar product, I found myself for the first time in an innovation lab in Tampa, Florida, where I saw a 3D printer in operation for the first time. I couldn’t look away. I realized immediately that 3D printing had the potential to change the world as it became more integrated into daily business activities such as manufacturing. That’s when I decided to leap of faith.
11. Become an author ($168K/year)
Nick Thacker from Colorado, USA started Nick Thacker over 4 years ago, a author.
- Revenue: $14,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 1
- Location: Colorado, USA
I’ve always been a fanatic reader, specifically in the thriller genre. I discovered Dan Brown as a kid, then James Rollins, and I’ve always love action movies that combine adrenaline and history (think National Treasure, Indiana Jones, etc.).
I decided to write a book (my first was called The Golden Crystal, and it has been re-launched as The Atlantis Stone) when my grandfather passed away. He had always been a strong positive influence in my life, and he, my dad, and I often swapped paperbacks we liked. That first book was intended as a gift for my dad for Christmas, and it was going to be the only one I ever wrote -- just to see if I could do it.
I had no idea what I was doing (arguably, I still don’t…). I just thought it would be fun to combine technology with the discovery of Atlantis… in some way. When I got started, I was naive enough to think that books simply happen, but the book very quickly got the best of me. I took a six-month break and consumed as much as I could on the subject of the craft of writing fiction. I’d never really written anything before, so it was an eye-opening experience to learn about structure, plot tropes, character development, and everything else that goes into a good, cohesive story.
12. Start a skills training business ($9.07K/year)
Andrew Kamphey from Remote started Better Sheets about 1 year ago, a skills training business.
- Revenue: $756/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 0
- Location: Remote
It began as a side project while building a web app. I had wanted to launch something helpful to a broad set of people. And I wanted to launch something that could run without my interference.
In the company that I co-founded, to do ad sales we were constantly building biz models and outreach in Google Sheets. My co-founder earlier this year mentioned that all my Google Sheets look great. And are way above anything else he had seen.
I didn’t have to validate it, necessarily, before creating it. I just launched the damn thing on a Friday. Landing page, 4 free videos, and 4 paid videos. I set a price and moved on with my life. Come Monday I had a sale, and everything blasted off from there.
13. Start a recruiting agency ($3.48M/year)
Sharon Koifman from Montreal, Quebec, Canada started DistantJob about 13 years ago, a recruiting agency.
- Revenue: $290,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 26
- Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
I started off by running and owning a hosting company called Empire Host. We had about 3K clients at the time support was run from two offices in India with nearly 30 employees.
We were also providing an outsourcing package. Our business solutions were really cheap and to be frank, our results were mediocre at best. Although the service was fine for any mom and pop shop or even an “any results will do” kind of company, we noticed that too often, people who run tech companies actually outsourced to companies such as ourselves even work that went into their core offering - because it was cheap.
At the time, what outsourcing really was, was an arbitrage business. But the concept that people would outsource big chunks of their business to a company that does not provide the same level of communication, process, quality control, and culture just because they’ll save a lot of money, that idea really stuck with me.
14. Start a window manufacturer
Examples of a successful window manufacturer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a window manufacturer:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start Your Own Wholesale Distribution Business: Your Step-By-Step Guide To Success
- Start Your Own Cannabis Business: Your Step-By-Step Guide To The Marijuana Industry
Learn more about starting a window manufacturer ➜
15. Start a scrap metal business
Examples of a successful scrap metal business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a scrap metal business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a scrap metal business ➜
16. Start a solar energy business ($7.2M/year)
David Gomez from California, USA started Clean Energy Solutions over 7 years ago, a solar energy business.
- Revenue: $600,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 20
- Location: California, USA
As far back as I can remember I’ve always wanted to have my own business. I didn’t go to college (besides a few junior college classes). Instead, I started working in sales, first selling car insurance for a few years, and then making the jump into mortgage loans. After a few years of gaining experience, I opened up my own mortgage company and rode the wave of the mid-2000’s real estate boom. It was an incredibly lucrative time and it seemed like it would go on forever. However, by the end of the decade, the good times were over and the recession hit. Although I hung in there and we did extremely well for several years in a down economy, I still ended up having to shut down my company. During this time I experienced some of the most challenging times of my life and career.
After rolling with the punches, I started looking for the next business opportunity to get involved with. A friend of mine had been telling me for several years about solar power and how renewable energy was the future. After doing some research, I realized what a great opportunity it was.
- There’s an unlimited amount of solar energy.
- Solar is clean energy compared to fossil fuels that damage the environment.
- Solar energy is a cheaper source of energy than fossil fuels, in the majority of markets.
- Power purchase agreement (PPA) allows a homeowner to get a solar system without having to actually purchase the system. There is not a purchase loan or lien required on a client’s home.
17. Start a metal sign business
Examples of a successful metal sign business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a metal sign business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Starting From Scrap: An Entrepreneurial Success Story
- Secrets Of A Successful Gold Buyer: How To Buy & Sell Gold
Learn more about starting a metal sign business ➜
18. Start a welding business
Examples of a successful welding business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a welding business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Welding Business Owner's Hand Book: How To Start, Establish And Grow A Welding Or Manufacturing Business
- How To Start & Manage A Welding Business: Renn, Leslie D
Learn more about starting a welding business ➜
19. Start a product assembly service
Examples of a successful product assembly service:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a product assembly service:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Jeep Cj Rebuilder's Manual, 1972-1986: Mechanical
- How To Open Your Own In Home Bookkeeping Service 3rd Edition
Learn more about starting a product assembly service ➜
20. Start a drain repair service
Examples of a successful drain repair service:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a drain repair service:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Manual of Repairing & Reconditioning Starter Motors and Alternators
- Automotive Repair Service: Start And Run A Money-Making Business
Learn more about starting a drain repair service ➜
21. Start a mobile mechanic service
Examples of a successful mobile mechanic service:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a mobile mechanic service:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a mobile mechanic service ➜
22. Start a machine building and design agency
Examples of a successful machine building and design agency:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a machine building and design agency:
- Starting Your Own Machine Shop — The Rewards And Challenges
- Custom Automated Machines Design-Build - Packard Automation
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Cnc Machining Handbook: Building, Programming, And Implementation
- How To Build Gm Pro-Touring Street Machines
Learn more about starting a machine building and design agency ➜
23. Start a supply chain management business
Examples of a successful supply chain management business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a supply chain management business:
- Module 1: What Is Supply Chain Management? (Asu-Wpc-Scm) - Asu's W. P. Carey School
- Starting A Career In Supply Chain And Operations
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a supply chain management business ➜
24. Become a camera manufacturer
Examples of a successful camera manufacturer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a camera manufacturer:
- Porsche: High-Level Car Manufacturer
- How Hara Foam Defied All Odds To Become A Leading Local Manufacturer
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a camera manufacturer ➜
25. Become a bicycle manufacturer
Examples of a successful bicycle manufacturer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a bicycle manufacturer:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a bicycle manufacturer ➜
26. Start an auto electrical repair business
Examples of a successful auto electrical repair business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a auto electrical repair business:
- 5 Tips Of Starting An Automotive Repair Shop
- Mobile Automotive Diagnostics And Repair. Is It A Good Business? My Setup. J2534 Programming
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting an auto electrical repair business ➜
27. Start a drain repair service
Examples of a successful drain repair service:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a drain repair service:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Manual of Repairing & Reconditioning Starter Motors and Alternators
- Automotive Repair Service: Start And Run A Money-Making Business
Learn more about starting a drain repair service ➜
28. Start a generator repair service
Examples of a successful generator repair service:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a generator repair service:
- How-To Quickly Start A Generator That Won't Start!
- How To: Repair A Generator That Won't Start Or Stalls
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Small Ac Generator Service Manual, Volume 2: Covers
- Automotive Repair Service: Start And Run A Money-Making Business
Learn more about starting a generator repair service ➜
29. Become a packing supply distributor
Examples of a successful packing supply distributor:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a packing supply distributor:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a packing supply distributor ➜
30. Start a security installment business
Examples of a successful security installment business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a security installment business:
- New Profitable Business Ideas - Cctv Installation Business With Low Investment
- Start Cctv Camera Installation Business In Low Investment
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a security installment business ➜
31. Start a fitness equipment manufacturing business
Examples of a successful fitness equipment manufacturing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a fitness equipment manufacturing business:
- Jerai Fitness - India's Largest Fitness Equipment Manufacturer !
- Fitness Equipment Manufacturing Factory
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a fitness equipment manufacturing business ➜
32. Become an e-bay seller
Examples of a successful e-bay seller:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a e-bay seller:
- Beginner's Guide To Starting An Ebay Business 2019 / 2020
- Ebay Beginners Guide: Selling Tips For Starting Ebay In 2020
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting an e-bay seller ➜
33. Start a private jet repair business
Examples of a successful private jet repair business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a private jet repair business:
- Dealing With Challenges In The Aircraft Maintenance Business – Ain
- Private Jet Engine Change - Install
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start Your Own Private Jet Charter Brokerage Business: Your Step By Step Guide To Success
- Msr Whisperlite Universal Canister And Liquid
Learn more about starting a private jet repair business ➜
34. Start a maintenance and repair blog
Examples of a successful maintenance and repair blog:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a maintenance and repair blog:
- Intro To Video Log Blog- Repair, Maintenance And Restoration
- Rec 3202 Ashley C. Maintenance And Repair Blog #3
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Troubleshooting And Repairing Major Appliances: Kleinert
- Alfred's Teach Yourself Guitar Repair & Maintenance: Everything You Need To Know To Start Working On Your Guitar! (Book & Dvd (Hard Case))
Learn more about starting a maintenance and repair blog ➜
35. Start a security vehicle sales business
Examples of a successful security vehicle sales business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a security vehicle sales business:
- Patrol Trucks For Sale - Financing For New And Used Security Patrol Cars And Trucks
- Vehicle Cyber Security & Car Company For Sale
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Succeseful Used Car Dealership: The Business Model And Finances
- How To Start A Security Guard Company: Creative Strategies For Getting Your Private Security Agency Up And Running
Learn more about starting a security vehicle sales business ➜
36. Start an auto paint shop
Examples of a successful auto paint shop:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a auto paint shop:
- How I Started My Mobile Auto Paint & Body Repair Business!
- Auto Body And Paint Tools You Need When Starting Auto Body & Paint
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting an auto paint shop ➜
37. Start an ac repair business
Examples of a successful ac repair business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a ac repair business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Starting a Business All-In-One For Dummies
- How To Start And Run A Successful Guitar Repair Business: Practical Tips For The New Entrepreneur
Learn more about starting an ac repair business ➜
38. Start a solar panel installation business
Examples of a successful solar panel installation business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a solar panel installation business:
- Do It Yourself Solar Power? - Easy Diy Solar Panel Installation!
- Build Your First Solar Power System! Beginner Tutorial Easily Explained, Budget Friendly
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Photovoltaics: Design And Installation Manual
- Mobile Solar Power Made Easy!: Mobile 12 Volt Off Grid Solar System Design And Installation. Rv's, Vans, Cars And Boats! Do-It-Yourself Step By Step Instructions
Learn more about starting a solar panel installation business ➜
39. Start an aviation maintenance and repair business
Examples of a successful aviation maintenance and repair business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a aviation maintenance and repair business:
- Dealing With Challenges In The Aircraft Maintenance Business – Ain
- Watch This Before Becoming An Aircraft Mechanic
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting an aviation maintenance and repair business ➜
40. Become a lecturer
Examples of a successful lecturer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a lecturer:
- How To Become A Lecturer? - Careers Advice, Eligibility, Institutes, Salaries, Scope
- What It's Like To Become A University Lecturer
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Teaching College: The Ultimate Guide To Lecturing, Presenting, And Engaging Students
- Fruitful Business: How To Start A Business Now!
Learn more about starting a lecturer ➜
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