Trades business ideas where you work out and about

205 ideas

These 208 trades business ideas all take you to the job rather than keeping you in a shop or office. They suit people with a hands-on skill, a reliable vehicle and a willingness to meet customers on their own property or at a job site.

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1k to 5k5k to 20kOver 20kFrom homeOwn premisesOnline
A bricklayer laying bricks with mortar on a wall at a building site.

Brick repair and repointing

Fix cracked brick, crumbling mortar joints and damaged chimneys for homeowners in your area.

  • $3k-12k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
18,258 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.2% in a year

Subcontract bricklayer for builders

Lay brick for new homes, extensions and commercial jobs as a subcontractor to general contractors.

  • $5k-25k
  • Full-time
  • Out and about
18,258 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.2% in a year
Carpenter assembling a timber gazebo in a back garden.

Gazebo and pergola kit installer

Assemble and install gazebo and pergola kits for homeowners who don't want to do it themselves.

  • $800-4k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
6,489 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.4% in a year
A builder working on a home renovation with tools and building materials.

Home remodeling contractor

Manage kitchen, bath and room renovations for local homeowners, hiring trade subcontractors.

  • $6k-25k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
39,072 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.2% in a year

Solo small-jobs contractor

Take on repairs and small building jobs yourself, such as decks, drywall, doors and flooring.

  • $1k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
39,072 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.2% in a year
Workers installing steel structural frames and railings on a building site.

Mobile welding and metal repair

Take a truck-mounted welder to homes and job sites to build, fix and install railings, gates and frames.

  • $8k-35k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
4,005 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.8% in a year
Installer fixing a new window into a home's exterior wall opening.

Replacement window and door installer

Sell and install replacement windows and doors for homeowners and landlords in your area.

  • $4k-18k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
6,945 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.8% in a year

Subcontract window installer

Install windows and doors for dealers and remodelers who need skilled hands, with no selling needed.

  • $2k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
6,945 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.8% in a year
Electrician installing wiring in a fuse box inside a home.

Residential electrician for home installs and upgrades

Install wiring, lighting, outlets and panel upgrades for homeowners as a licensed solo electrician.

  • $5k-25k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
83,342 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.8% in a year

Electrical subcontractor crew for builders and remodelers

Lead a small crew wiring new builds, additions and tenant fit-outs for contractors and property owners.

  • $15k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Out and about
83,342 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.8% in a year
A newly built custom home under construction with builders on site.

Custom home builder (general contractor)

Build one-of-a-kind homes on clients' lots, managing the design team, subcontractors and schedule.

  • $15k-75k
  • Full-time
  • Out and about
60,635 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.8% in a year

Hands-on custom builder, small crew

Build one or two custom homes a year yourself, doing the carpentry with a small crew and a few trusted trades.

  • $10k-50k
  • Full-time
  • Out and about
60,635 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.8% in a year
Coils of rubber hoses and brass fittings are stacked in a supplier's warehouse.

Mobile hose and fittings service van

Drive to farms, shops and job sites with hoses and fittings, cut to length and made up on the spot.

  • $15k-60k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
9,605 US businesses with employees in this field, +6.0% in a year
Arborist working at height in a tree using ropes and a harness.

Tree trimming and pruning service

Climb, prune and remove trees for homeowners and property managers with a small crew.

  • $25k-100k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
117,969 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.7% in a year

Roof and gutter access services

Clear gutters, remove roof debris and inspect roofs safely for property owners.

  • $2k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
117,969 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.7% in a year
Electrician mounting a wall-mounted electric vehicle charging point on a house driveway.

Home EV charger installer

Install Level 2 car chargers in garages and driveways for local EV owners.

  • $3k-15k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
83,342 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.8% in a year

Business and fleet EV charging contractor

Install and maintain charging stations for workplaces, apartment buildings, retailers and delivery fleets.

  • $45k-180k
  • Full-time
  • Out and about
83,342 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.8% in a year
Workers assembling a new play structure in a school playground.

Playground supply and install company

Supply, deliver and build play equipment and safety surfacing for schools, parks and childcare centers.

  • $15k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Out and about
5,355 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.9% in a year
A locksmith cutting a copy of a house key on a machine at a counter.

Mobile key cutting service

Take a key duplicating machine to apartment complexes, offices and rental hosts and cut copies on the spot.

  • $2k-9k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
3,961 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.8% in a year
Installer fitting rows of commercial seating in a public venue.

Commercial seating installation crew

Assemble and install seating on site for dealers, venues and offices as a subcontract installer.

  • $3k-15k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
5,023 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.1% in a year
Carpenter building a wooden garden shed in a back garden.

On-site backyard shed builder

Build custom sheds and small outbuildings in homeowners' yards, from a simple foundation up.

  • $12k-40k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
135,337 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.5% in a year
Locksmith fitting a new lock on a residential front door.

Mobile locksmith for homes and businesses

Drive to customers to open locked doors, change locks and fit security hardware, paid per call-out or job.

  • $3k-12k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
3,961 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.8% in a year
Boxes of LED light bulbs stacked on warehouse shelves.

Local light bulb supplier with delivery

Stock popular bulbs and lamps and deliver them to local electricians, property managers and shops.

  • $2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
13,379 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.6% in a year
Excavator levelling earth on a building site with a worker nearby.

Mini excavator and site prep service

Dig, grade and move dirt for homeowners and small builders with your own mini excavator and trailer.

  • $15k-60k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
41,777 US businesses with employees in this field, +5.3% in a year

About these ideas

You might look at a mobile sharpening van, a parking lot striping service or a ductless mini-split installer. Start by deciding which trade you can already do well, then check what licenses, insurance and permits your state and city expect for that work. Think about your van or truck, tools, fuel and how far you are willing to travel. Also decide whether you want homeowners, landlords or contractors as customers, because that shapes how you find work and get paid.

More ideas

Questions

Do I need a license to start a mobile trades business?

It depends on the trade and the state. Work like HVAC, plumbing, electrical and general contracting often has licensing rules, while others may not. Check with your state licensing board and your city or county about licenses, permits and any bonding requirements.

What insurance should I look into for work at customers' properties?

Ask an insurance agent about general liability, commercial vehicle cover and workers' compensation if you hire help. Some clients and contractors ask for proof of insurance before you start. Also check whether your tools and equipment are covered against theft or damage.

How can I find my first customers as a mobile tradesperson?

Many people start by subcontracting for established companies, contacting landlords or property managers, and asking for local referrals. A simple website, a Google Business Profile and clear vehicle signage can help. Check whether your area has rules about advertising or vehicle lettering.