Many people today are looking for ways to earn extra money outside of their regular jobs. These additional jobs, known as side hustles, can help pay bills, save for the future, or turn hobbies into income.
In the United States, about 39% of working adults have a side hustle, which means nearly 80 million people are taking on extra work. This number is even higher among younger adults, with 50% of millennials and 46% of Gen Z engaging in side hustles.
Side hustles are a practical solution to inflation and rising living costs, providing flexibility to work on your terms. Studies have shown that nearly 45% of Americans now earn additional income through side gigs.
This trend is fueled by people seeking freedom from traditional schedules and a means to develop new skills, while others look for an avenue to transition into full-time entrepreneurship.
If you enjoy writing, freelance writing is a great side gig that pays well and offers flexibility. Beginners can earn between $15 and $50 an hour on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. With more experience, rates increase, especially in specialized fields like tech or finance.
Virtual assistants handle tasks like email management, scheduling, and data entry for businesses. You can work from home, set flexible hours, and earn $10–$30 per hour. Websites like Belay and Time Etc are good places to start.
This side hustle involves managing social media content, engagement, and growth for businesses. If you’re savvy with Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, you could make $12–$25 an hour doing this remotely for small businesses. Social media roles often require creativity and an understanding of audience trends.
Are you skilled at a particular subject, craft, or hobby? Platforms like Skillshare and Teachable let you create and monetize online courses. Classes range from cooking to design, and you can earn passive income as long as people sign up for your course.
If you have a camera and some photography skills, you can start earning by taking event photos or selling stock images on platforms like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock. Photographers can make $100–$300 per shoot and turn their creativity into income.
Etsy is a fantastic platform for people who enjoy creating handmade products like jewelry, art, or custom clothing. Starting an Etsy shop requires minimal upfront investment, and successful shops earn a steady income with the right marketing.
With a good microphone and some practice, you can start voiceover work for videos, ads, or podcasts. Platforms like Voices.com and Upwork connect you with clients looking for fresh voices. Earnings vary but generally start around $20–$50 per hour.
If you have an extra car or don’t drive frequently, renting out your vehicle on platforms like Turo or Getaround can generate up to $400 or more per month. It’s a low-effort option that allows you to earn passively.
From garages to basements, many people have unused storage space. Platforms like Neighbor let you list your space for people needing affordable storage solutions. Earnings vary by location but can reach over $200 a month.
Dropshipping lets you sell products without managing inventory. By setting up an online store on Shopify, you can select items from suppliers who ship directly to customers. The key here is finding a popular niche and marketing your products effectively.
Delivery jobs with apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats are popular because they offer flexibility. Drivers can earn between $12 and $20 per hour based on delivery volume and tipping.
If you love animals, platforms like Rover and Wag! allow you to offer pet care services to local clients. Rates vary by location, with pet sitters often earning between $15 and $30 per session.
People with organizational skills and creativity may enjoy event planning as a side hustle. Event planners typically earn $20–$50 per hour and can specialize in birthdays, weddings, or corporate events.
If you have a knack for graphic design, you can create printables—like planners, meal prep guides, or budgeting sheets—and sell them on Etsy. Once designed, printables offer passive income with very low overhead.
Online courses are an ideal way to monetize expertise in a particular area. Fitness, wellness, finance, and language learning are all popular course categories on platforms like Teachable. Earnings vary but can provide a steady passive income stream.
If you love writing, consider creating an eBook on a topic you’re passionate about. Platforms like Amazon Kindle allow authors to self-publish, and eBooks continue to earn income with each sale.
Many people are willing to pay for holiday decorations to be installed or taken down. During the holiday season, you can earn between $10 and $50 per hour setting up decorations for homes and businesses.
If you live in a snowy area, snow removal is a great side hustle that typically pays $25–$50 per job. This work is seasonal but can be highly lucrative in winter months.
Farmers markets attract people who appreciate fresh, handmade, or organic products. Whether you bake, craft, or garden, you can sell your goods locally and create a customer base.
Mystery shopping involves visiting businesses anonymously to provide feedback on customer service and cleanliness. Companies pay around $10–$25 per assignment, making it a fun way to earn extra cash.
Websites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie pay users to complete online surveys and test products. While not high-paying, surveys are an easy way to earn a few extra dollars in your spare time.
If you have an RV, consider renting it out when not in use. RV rentals on sites like RVshare can bring in significant income, with some owners earning up to $22,000 a year.
Side hustles offer a practical way to earn extra income, develop new skills, and pursue passions. With various options available, from online work to local services, there’s likely a side hustle that fits your interests and lifestyle. By carefully considering your goals and resources, you can choose a side hustle that not only boosts your income but also enriches your personal and professional life.
