Side hustles are a great way to make extra money. They can help you save up, pay off student loans faster, or just give you more money to spend, especially with prices going up.
When I was paying off my debt, I took on lots of side jobs to boost my income. You can find side hustle ideas from the Side Hustle Ideas Database, where you’ll discover more than a hundred side hustle options.
Some ways to earn extra money are quick, while others require more time and learning. The key is to use your skills to reach your money goals faster.
Below, I’ve listed the 20 best side hustle ideas for you to consider trying out.
1. Freelance Writing
Freelance writing involves creating content for various clients across different industries. This can include writing articles, blog posts, scripts, and more. Freelancers can find work on platforms like Upwork or Freelancer.com. This side hustle is flexible and can be done from anywhere, making it ideal for those with a strong command of language and a passion for writing.
2. Online Surveys
Participating in online surveys is a simple way to make extra money. Companies like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars pay users to complete surveys, providing feedback on products or services. This side hustle requires minimal effort and can be done in your spare time, although it typically offers lower compensation compared to other hustles.
3. Virtual Assistance
Virtual assistants provide administrative support to businesses or entrepreneurs from a remote location. Tasks may include managing emails, scheduling appointments, or handling customer inquiries. This role requires good organizational skills and proficiency in communication tools. Virtual assistance can be a steady source of income with the potential for long-term client relationships.
4. Blogging
Starting a blog allows you to monetize your expertise or hobbies through advertising, affiliate marketing, or sponsored content. Successful blogging requires consistent content creation and audience engagement. Over time, it can generate significant passive income, but initial growth can be slow.
5. E-commerce Store
Launching an e-commerce store means selling products online. You can create your own products or use a dropshipping model where you sell products from other suppliers without keeping inventory. This hustle needs an upfront investment in website setup and marketing, but it can be very profitable with the right strategy.
6. Crafting and Selling
If you’re good at crafts like jewelry making, pottery, or other handmade items, you can sell them online on platforms like Etsy or at local craft fairs. This side hustle lets you turn your hobby into a money-making venture. However, standing out in the market and building a brand are important for success.
7. Tutoring
Offering tutoring in subjects you know well can be a good side hustle. You can tutor students online or in person. Focusing on areas like SAT preparation or college-level courses can attract clients who are willing to pay more. This side hustle needs patience, expertise in the subject, and good communication skills.
8. Pet Sitting
Pet sitting is a good choice for people who love animals. You can look after pets at their homes or have them stay at your place. Your duties might include feeding, walking, and playing with the pets. This side hustle offers flexibility and can be busy, especially during holidays.
9. Photography
If you’re good at photography, you can earn money by taking portraits, covering events, or selling your photos to stock photography websites. This hustle requires an initial investment in quality photography equipment and skills in photo editing software.
10. Ride-Sharing Driver
Working as a driver for ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft can offer flexible income. You need a reliable vehicle and must meet the company’s driver requirements. This side hustle is a good option for those who enjoy driving and prefer a flexible schedule.
11. Gardening and Lawn Care Services
Engaging in gardening and lawn care as a side hustle involves offering services such as lawn mowing, leaf raking, and general garden maintenance. This is particularly lucrative during the warmer months when homeowners seek help to maintain their outdoor spaces. You can charge by the hour and often use the homeowner’s equipment, reducing initial costs. This side hustle is great for those who enjoy outdoor work and physical activity.
12. Affiliate Marketing
In affiliate marketing, you promote other people’s products or services and earn a commission for each sale or action completed through your referral. It’s suitable for those who have a blog, social media presence, or website. Success depends on your ability to drive traffic and convert visitors into customers. Popular niches include technology, beauty, and travel.
13. Graphic Design
If you have a knack for design, offering freelance graphic design services can be a profitable side hustle. Graphic designers create visual content for businesses, such as logos, marketing materials, and web graphics. You can find clients through freelance websites or by marketing your services directly to businesses. This role requires creativity and proficiency in design software.
14. Babysitting
Babysitting involves taking care of children on behalf of their parents for a few hours or a full day. It’s a traditional and reliable way to earn extra money, especially during evenings and weekends. Building trust and a positive reputation is crucial. Certifications in childcare or first aid can enhance your profile and allow you to charge higher rates.
15. Selling Print-On-Demand Products
This involves designing custom graphics and selling them on items like t-shirts, mugs, and bags. You create the designs, and a third-party supplier handles inventory and shipping. This side hustle requires creativity and some marketing skills to promote your products, but it has low startup costs since you don’t need to hold any inventory.
16. Food Delivery
Working as a food delivery driver involves picking up food from restaurants and delivering it to customers. This side hustle requires a reliable vehicle and good knowledge of the local area. It’s flexible, allowing you to work around your schedule, and you can sign up with various delivery apps like UberEats or DoorDash to receive assignments.
17. Online Course Creation
Creating and selling online courses can be a profitable side hustle that lets you use your expertise in a specific subject. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare make it easy to reach people worldwide. Start by choosing a topic you know well, then make a detailed curriculum and create engaging content like video lectures and quizzes. The big pluses are scalability—you can sell to lots of students—and flexibility, since you set your own schedule and can update the course anytime. Effective marketing is key to getting students and making money.
18. Car Washing and Detailing
Car washing and detailing is a hands-on side hustle that can bring in steady cash without needing much to start. You’ll clean and polish cars to make them look like new. Offering mobile services means you go to your clients, making it super convenient for them. To begin, get basic supplies like good-quality car wash soap, cloths, and towels. Give great service to build a loyal customer base who’ll come back again and again. Reach out to local car dealerships, repair shops, and use online platforms to get more clients. With hard work and good service, you could earn a nice part-time income.
19. Starting a YouTube Channel
Starting a YouTube channel lets you share what you love with people all over the world. You can make videos on anything from teaching to fun stuff. To start, sign in with a Google account, make your channel, and start uploading videos. Doing well on YouTube means posting regularly, interacting with your viewers, and being patient as your channel grows. As you get more popular, you can make money from ads, sponsorships, and selling merchandise, which could become a big income source.
20. Lifeguarding
Being a lifeguard is a serious job where you watch over swimmers in pools or at beaches to keep them safe. Lifeguards need to stay alert, be good swimmers, and know life-saving skills like CPR and first aid. Pay can vary, but it can be a rewarding job, especially during the summer. Some jobs even come with perks like free gym access or childcare. Whether it’s seasonal or year-round depends on if there are indoor pools or water parks nearby.
If these 20 side hustle ideas aren’t for you, don’t worry! Visit the Side Hustle Database to find more options. You can also take a side hustle quiz to discover which type of side hustle suits your personality or goals.
