10+ Best & Profitable Manual Labor Business Ideas [2023]

With the demand for manual labor increasing, why not start your own business? Check out these 10+ highly profitable manual labor business ideas that will help you make money in 2023! Learn more and take the first step towards financial success today.
Newfoundr

By Nick Cotter
Updated Feb 07, 2024

Image of manual labor business ideas
This page may feature products from our affiliate partners, which could influence the products we discuss due to potential compensation. Despite this, our evaluations are impartial, based solely on our independent analysis. The content here is intended for informational purposes and should not be seen as legal advice. For professional guidance, consulting with a legal expert is recommended.
What are you waiting for?
Quit that job & start your business with ZenBusiness today.

Listen up, folks! Have you ever found yourself daydreaming at your desk job, longing for the freedom and satisfaction of working with your hands? Ever wished you could ditch the suit and tie, roll up your sleeves, and build something tangible from the ground up? Well, you're not alone. It's 2023, and more and more people are turning their backs on the 9-to-5 grind, choosing instead to start their own manual labor businesses. And guess what? They're not just making a living; they're making a killing!

Whether you're a seasoned craftsman or a newbie with a passion for DIY, there's never been a better time to turn your skills into a profitable venture. But where to start, you ask? Don't sweat it, we've got your back. In this article, we're going to take you on a journey through 10+ of the best and most profitable manual labor business ideas for 2023. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's get those creative juices flowing!

Get ready to be inspired, educated, and motivated. We're about to show you that with some hard work, determination, and a little bit of elbow grease, you too can build a successful manual labor business from scratch. So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in? Let's do this!

Landscaping

Landscaping is the process of creating and maintaining outdoor spaces. It includes hardscaping (e.g. walls, patios, water features) and softscaping (e.g. trees, shrubs, flowers). Landscaping is a popular business idea as it can be tailored to a variety of clients and budgets, both modest and large:

  • Commercial businesses can benefit from having an attractive outside area that increases footfall for their customers.
  • Residential clients may want a private space for entertaining or relaxing.
  • Landscapers can market to schools and public parks looking to spruce up their grounds.
  • Landscape design services are popular with people wanting a unique outdoor space with elements they wouldn't find in any store.
image of a Landscaping

Home Repair

Home Repair is a great business idea for those who are handy and like to work with their hands. It involves the repair, maintenance, and installation of appliances, fixtures, and systems in residential buildings. Whether you do the repairs yourself or hire subcontractors, Home Repair offers a great way to start a business while helping homeowners improve their homes. Home Repairs may include:

  • Plumbing repairs
  • Heating & air-conditioning services
  • Electrical wiring repairs
  • Carpentry & drywall installation
  • Painting
  • Roofing & gutter maintenance
  • Landscaping & yard work
Featured Business Formation Partners
image of ZenBusiness logo
ZenBusiness
Turn your business vision into reality with ZenBusiness's streamlined LLC formation and expert support services.
Newfoundrz Rating ★★★★★
image of Northwest Registered Agent logo
Northwest Registered Agent
Secure your business's future with Northwest Registered Agent's personalized LLC formation and privacy-focused expertise.
Newfoundrz Rating ★★★★★
image of Bizee logo
Bizee
Kickstart your business effortlessly with Bizee's comprehensive LLC services and free first-year registered agent support.
Newfoundrz Rating ★★★★★

Examples of successful businesses:

Here is a list of successful companies in the manual labor business industry:

  • McKesson Corporation
  • Lowe's Companies, Inc.
  • Bunzl PLC
  • Tyson Foods, Inc.
  • United Rentals, Inc.
  • Office Depot, Inc.
  • Builders FirstSource, Inc.
  • CTS Corporation
  • Graybar Electric Company, Inc.
  • Fastenal Company

House Cleaning

House Cleaning is a great business idea for those who enjoy working with their hands, want to make a good income, and don’t mind working long hours. With an increasing demand for house cleaning services, there are plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs to get in on the action and start their own business. Here are some reasons why House Cleaning could be a great business idea:

  • House Cleaning services often have high customer demand.
  • It is relatively low cost to start the business.
  • You can work flexible hours and decide your own schedule.
  • You can start small and scale up as you grow your customer base.
  • No special qualifications or certifications are required to offer house cleaning services.
  • You do not need to hire a lot of staff to get started.

More resources:

Furniture Assembly

Furniture Assembly is a great business idea. It involves working with customers to assemble furniture which can be bought in pieces or flat-packed. This type of business offers several benefits:

  • The overhead costs are relatively low, meaning the startup cost for this type of business is usually manageable.
  • You can choose your own hours and work from home or in a store.
  • The customer base is potentially large, as customers may require help with furniture assembly from time to time.
  • You don't need any formal qualifications to start a furniture assembly business and no special tools are required.
  • Good customer service skills are essential for success in this business, as you will be interacting with customers on a regular basis.

Painting

A Painting can make a good business idea because it is a form of art that can be used to show creativity and originality. Here are some advantages to starting a Painting business:

  • Opportunity to develop unique and creative products
  • Can be used to promote your business or as a form of advertising
  • Can be sold to customers or companies
  • Can be used as a form of therapy and stress reduction
  • Low start-up costs
  • Ability to provide custom designs based on customer needs or preferences

Related business ideas:

Moving Services

A Moving Services business involves providing services to people or companies who wish to move from one location to another. This could involve providing packing supplies and assistance with loading and unloading boxes, assembling furniture, setting up utilities, and providing storage or transportation options to the new destination. A Moving Services business is ideal for anyone looking for a flexible and profitable business opportunity.

  • Providing packing supplies.
  • Assisting with loading of items.
  • Assembling furniture.
  • Setting up utilities.
  • Providing storage or transportation options.

Event Setup And Tear Down

Event setup and tear down is a service that provides the labor necessary to prepare an event space for its guests. This includes the setup of decorations, tables, chairs, and equipment needed for the event. Once the event concludes, the service would then provide the necessary labor to tear down and clean up the event space. Event setup and tear down make a good business idea as it provides a service that can be used in many different types of events such as:

  • Weddings
  • Corporate events
  • Parties
  • Trade shows
  • Festivals

Given its versatility and potential for repeat business, event setup and tear down is a great business idea for entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on an in-demand service.

Carpentry

Carpentry is the art of constructing and repairing buildings and other objects made from wood. It is a skilled trade that requires a strong knowledge of different types of construction materials and techniques. Carpentry makes for an excellent business idea because it can be quite profitable, requires relatively little overhead, and offers the flexibility to work on a variety of projects each day.

  • Carpentry can be quite profitable as long as you provide quality work to your clients.
  • It requires relatively little overhead such as tools, supplies, or equipment.
  • You have the flexibility to work on various types of projects including furniture making, cabinet building, decks, fences, and more.

Logging

Logging is the practice of harvesting and collecting timber and other forest products, typically through selective cutting. Logging is an important tool for a variety of industries, such as furniture, construction, and paper manufacturing. Logging can also be used to maintain healthy forest ecosystems by managing growth and improving biodiversity. There are many potential benefits to starting a logging business, such as:

  • Low start-up costs
  • Generating a steady source of income
  • Providing job opportunities in rural communities
  • Potential profits from long-term investments in timber
  • Being on the cutting edge of sustainable forest management practices

Mining

Mining is the process of extracting valuable minerals and other materials from the earth's crust. Mining is a very profitable business, as it involves extracting valuable resources which can be sold for a large profit. There are a number of different areas in which mining can be profitable, including gold, silver and other precious metals, oil and gas, coal, diamonds and other stones, and even gravel. Mining is an excellent business idea because:

  • It can provide a steady source of income for years to come.
  • It can be a great way to diversify your portfolio.
  • Mining operations require a relatively low amount of capital to start up.
  • Mining operations can generate high returns on investment.
  • Mining operations provide job opportunities to local communities.

Newfoundr

Founder and CEO

We're newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.