10 Boring Business Ideas That Are Minting Millionaires in 2025
Making money isn’t always about going viral or inventing the next big tech gadget. Some of the most profitable businesses out there are seriously low-key, steady, and often behind the scenes; in one word: BORING. But boring doesn’t mean broke—these companies bring in millions, even billions, year after year.
Parking Lot Owners Make Bank
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Owning a parking lot sounds dull, but it’s big business. With minimal overhead and steady demand in crowded cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, some private lots rake in over $100,000 a year per location. According to IBISWorld, the parking industry in the U.S. hit $11.3 billion in revenue in 2024.
Portable Toilets Mean Serious Revenue
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Those ugly blue plastic porta-potties are making serious money. A standard rental costs around $150 per day, and major events like Coachella or construction sites need hundreds. Companies like United Site Services generate over $1 billion a year.
Vending Machines Just Keep Earning
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One vending machine can bring in $75 to $300 a month. Multiply that by thousands of machines and you’ve got a million-dollar business. Snack and drink machines placed in schools, offices, and gyms require little maintenance and never ask for a raise.
Self-Storage Is Basically Money In A Box
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Self-storage companies benefit from consumer habits—people don’t like getting rid of stuff. With nearly 1 in 11 Americans renting a unit, demand is constant. Public Storage and Extra Space Storage are worth over $60 billion combined.
Junk Hauling Is Surprisingly Profitable
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Hauling junk might seem like grunt work, but it pays well. The average franchise for 1-800-GOT-JUNK pulls in $1.5 million in yearly revenue. Americans toss over 292 million tons of waste annually, according to the EPA, and someone’s got to clean it up—for a high fee.
ATM Owners Cash In On Every Withdrawal
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Independent ATM operators make money on each transaction fee, usually $2.50 or more. One ATM in a high-traffic area can earn over $500 a month in passive income. With more than 400,000 ATMs operating across the U.S., this low-maintenance business continues to spit out profit.
Laundromats Spin Out Serious Cash
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Laundromats are dependable money-makers. A well-run laundromat can make $300,000 a year with minimal staff and a 24/7 operation. According to the Coin Laundry Association, the industry is worth $5 billion annually. Many owners automate everything and just check in once a week.
Owning Car Washes Pays Off Fast
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People love clean cars but don’t want to wash them. A single automated car wash can generate $150,000 to $200,000 in yearly profit. The car wash industry in the U.S. is valued at over $15 billion in 2025. It’s nearly hands-free income with decent margins.
Trash Collection Rakes In Billions
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Garbage pickup doesn’t grab attention, but the big companies in waste management are absolute money machines. Waste Management, Inc. cleared over $20 billion in revenue last year. The trash keeps coming, and contracts keep renewing. Residential, commercial, and industrial sectors all rely on this never-ending service.
Owning Billboards Is An Old School Win
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Static billboards might seem outdated, but they’re still a top-tier advertising tool. Clear Channel and Lamar Advertising report consistent multi-billion-dollar revenues. Prime billboard space on a highway can cost $14,000 a month. Once a billboard is up, maintenance costs are low, and rental checks keep coming.
Industrial Cleaning Services Stay Busy
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Sure, industrial cleaning isn’t glamorous, what with the grease traps and hazardous spills—but the demand is constant. Facilities need regular deep cleaning to stay compliant. Companies like Cintas make over $8 billion yearly, in part by offering these services. It’s dirty work with steady clients and recurring revenue.
Pet Waste Removal Is Steady Cash
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Pet poop scooping businesses sound like a joke—until you see the profit. Services like DoodyCalls charge $15–$20 per visit and operate weekly. In cities with lots of dog owners, a solo operator can clear $100,000 a year. Minimal tools, repeat clients, and zero marketing once word spreads.
Owning Funeral Homes Is Quietly Lucrative
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Death doesn’t take a break. Funeral homes charge thousands per service, with average costs reaching $7,800 per funeral. Service Corporation International owns over 1,500 funeral homes and made $4.5 billion last year. It’s a recession-proof business, though admittedly a tough one emotionally.
Pest Control Services Are In Constant Demand
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Rats, termites, and cockroaches aren’t going anywhere. Pest control services like Terminix and Orkin dominate a $24 billion industry. Customers need regular treatment, especially in humid states like Florida and Texas. Technicians can make house calls in under 30 minutes and still bill over $100 per visit.
Owning Coin-Operated Machines Pays Steadily
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Coin-operated machines, like laundromat washers/dryers, arcade games, and mechanical rides are money makers. Place enough of them and the revenue adds up. Maintenance is minimal, and fees per use can be as high as $2. Owners often collect hundreds a month with no employees.
Medical Waste Disposal Is Quietly Essential
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Every hospital, clinic, and lab generates medical waste that specialized companies must handle. This includes sharps and biohazard materials, as well as contaminated supplies. Stericycle leads this industry with over $2.6 billion in annual revenue. Regulations make entry hard, but the need is permanent.
Owning Ice Vending Machines Works Year-Round
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Ice vending machines work 24/7 and don’t need staff. Each machine can generate over $40,000 a year. They’re especially popular in the South and in RV-heavy areas. Machines cost around $35K but often pay for themselves within 12 to 18 months. The ice is cheap to produce, and demand never melts.