Trying to earn extra money on the side? You’re not alone. With prices going up on almost everything, more people are picking up side hustles to help stretch their paychecks. It’s about paying for groceries without worry, knocking out debt, or having cash in the bank for surprises. The right side gig can make life less stressful and help you breathe easier at the end of the month. Whether you have an hour or a few each day, some side hustles can fit around your schedule and actually put more money in your pocket. Let’s look at a few options that work.
Top Side Hustles You Can Start Today
Freelancing Online
Freelancing is like having a buffet of skills: pick one, find clients, start earning. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr are full of gigs for writers, designers, and coders. Need help with a résumé? Someone out there is hiring. Want to help a small business clean up its website? There’s demand for that, too.
Quick tips for new freelancers:
- Polish your profile and show off work samples.
- Start with rates that bring in clients, then raise prices as you gain experience.
- Always deliver on time.
This path rewards people who take their reputation seriously. Word gets around fast (good and bad).
Become a Proofreader
Notice every typo in your friends’ group chats? Proofreading fits you. Websites like ProofreadingServices.com or even Craigslist connect sharp-eyed readers to businesses and authors.
Proofreaders review articles, reports, or manuscripts for grammar, punctuation, and spelling. All you need is a good grasp of written English and attention to detail. Payment varies, but rates often start at $15–$25 per hour.
This free proofreading workshop by Caitlin Pyle is a great way to find out if this is something that might work for you. And I was amazed to learn that the majority of Caitlin’s proofreading students make $17/hr at the start!
Become a Transcriber
Transcription is about turning audio into written text. Think podcasts, interviews, or research notes. Companies like Rev and TranscribeMe hire people to transcribe files. This is mostly flexible, so you can log in anytime and claim projects. This free general transcribing mini course is a great way to learn more about it and whether it’s a good fit for you.
You’ll need:
- Strong listening skills
- Fast, accurate typing
- Headphones (to catch every word)
Expect pay to range from $0.30 to $1.10 per audio minute, depending on skill level and turnaround time.
Rideshare and Delivery Services
If you have a car (or even a bike in some cities), rideshare and delivery can put money in your hands fast. Uber and Lyft offer driving gigs. DoorDash, Instacart, and Uber Eats focus on food and grocery delivery.
Tips to maximize your earning:
- Drive during high-demand times (think weekends or lunch hours).
- Stack orders or rides when apps allow.
- Track expenses for tax deductions.
You can turn waiting in your car into active earning time. Some drivers clear over $1,000 a week, though results vary.
Selling Products Online
The internet changed retail forever. Now anyone can be a shop owner. Sites like Etsy for handmade crafts, eBay for secondhand goods, Amazon for almost anything, and Facebook Marketplace for local selling let you start small and grow.
Here are ways to keep it simple:
- Sell unused clothes, electronics, or collectibles from home.
- Make custom t-shirts, mugs, or jewelry.
- Flip thrift store finds for profit.
Start with what you know or love. No need to buy inventory until you see what sells.
Work as a Virtual Assistant
Busy professionals need help managing emails, schedules, or online research. That’s where virtual assistants come in. Platforms like Belay, Fancy Hands, and Upwork list gigs that pay for getting things organized behind the scenes.
Tasks can include booking travel, managing calendars, or posting on social media. Strong communication and reliability matter most.
You can learn more about how to become a VA as well as sign up for the amazing course that Fully Booked VA offers. The average rate for virtual assistants that have gone through this course is $35/hr., with some going as high as $100!
Rent Out a Room or a Whole House, Airbnb Host
Have an extra room, a guest house, or a vacation cabin? List it on Airbnb. Even a spot for campers or RVs can attract travelers looking for something beyond a hotel.
Key things to know:
- Tidy spaces and clear photos draw attention.
- Positive reviews build trust.
- Some hosts cover mortgage or rent entirely this way.
Check local rules before listing, as some cities have short-term rental restrictions.
Teach English as a Second Language
Strong English skills can open new doors—especially for teaching. Sites like VIPKid and Cambly connect native speakers with students worldwide. You’ll often just need a stable internet connection, and many platforms require a bachelor’s degree, but not all. With VIP Kid and Italki, you can teach English from the comfort of your living room.
Sessions usually last 25–50 minutes. Payment sits around $10–$25 per hour. This works well for parents, students, or anyone with an unpredictable schedule.
Start a Blog
A blog can be about anything that interests you—food, travel, parenting, finance, tech. While it takes time to grow, it can become a source of steady income through ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content.
Start-up costs are low (less than $100 for hosting and a domain name). Consistency is key. Some bloggers see real income after just one year, others take longer. Blogging builds not just cash, but community and authority.
If you’re interested in starting a blog, I recommend using Food Blogger Pro to help you get started.
Recipe or Craft Photography
Instagram and Pinterest are packed with recipes and DIY projects. If you enjoy taking sharp, inviting photos, brands and bloggers might pay for your work. Many hire photographers to create images for websites, cookbooks, or ads.
You don’t need a fancy camera—some start with just an iPhone and build a portfolio. Good lighting and smart editing make all the difference.
As someone in that niche, I know from experience how valuable a good, experienced photographer is. And at an average rate of $85-$150 per recipe/craft, it’s not a bad way to side hustle either.
Not sure where to start? The Pretty Focused food photography course is a great investment and will teach you all the skills you need to do recipe and craft photography successfully.
Another less expensive option is this Tasty Food Photography ebook written by a top food blogger. I’ve long admired Lindsay’s recipes and photography and she always does such a great job of making things so easy to understand!
Tutoring and Teaching
Private tutoring is as old as homework itself, but online platforms now connect you with students across the globe. VIPKid, Wyzant, and Chegg Tutors let you teach math, reading, languages, or music.
Payment can be per session or hour, usually $15–$40 for specialized subjects. This works well for teachers or students with a talent for explaining things.
Baby Sit
If you enjoy kids, babysitting is a great way to earn a little extra money! Obviously, you can try to find your own connections, but if you want to simplify things and more easily find opportunities, check out Sittercity.
Once you sign up to be a sitter, you can take on jobs as a full-time nanny, date-night sitter, last minute care and even pet or senior care and housekeeping!
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Animal lovers can get paid for snuggling with furry friends. Rover and Wag! match pet owners with sitters and walkers. Key responsibilities include feeding, exercising, and caring for pets. It’s flexible—pick jobs that fit your calendar. Sign up with Rover to get paid to pet sit, dog walk, board pets and more.
Some sitters turn this into a main job, earning hundreds a week, especially around holidays. Bonus: dogs and cats never complain about your playlist.
Make Money on Your Purchases
Cashback and rewards apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Honey pay you for shopping you’d do anyway. Clip coupons, activate deals, or scan receipts to get a percentage of your spending returned.
It won’t replace a paycheck but adds up over time, especially if you shop for a family or group.
These apps or websites will allow you to get cashback on items that you purchase at places like Target, Walmart, grocery stores, CVS, Costco and more! If you buy groceries or household items, this option is worth checking into too!
- Ibotta
- Fetch Rewards This one is the absolute easiest to use…you just scan your receipt and that’s it.
- Rakuten (sign up and get $10 when you make your first purchase of $25 or more!)
– This one is exclusively for online purchases. It’s so simple to do and I earn an average of 5% cash back on almost all of my online shopping! It’s awesome!
Get Paid to Grocery Shop
Services like Instacart and Shipt pay you to shop for others. Accept orders on your phone, hit the store, drop groceries off at their door. It’s perfect for organized shoppers who enjoy picking the freshest produce.
You’re paid per order, plus tips. Most shoppers report making $15–$25 per hour in busy areas.
How To Choose the Right Side Hustle for You
Assessing Your Skills and Interests
Start by making a list. What do friends always ask you for help with? What does your daily job leave you wanting more of (or less of)? The best side hustle plays to what you’re already good at or want to learn. Passion keeps you going on late nights.
Time Commitment and Flexibility
Some side hustles need daily attention. Others, like Airbnb or freelance writing, can be as busy or slow as you want. Delivery gigs might suit you if you like driving with the radio up and no boss hovering. Tutors and bloggers need regular, scheduled time. Pick what fits your lifestyle, not just your best-guess earning potential.
Start-Up Costs and Earning Potential
Set a budget. Some hustles start with zero dollars (pet sitting or proofreading), others need an upfront investment (blogging, Airbnb hosting). Think about recurring costs, like platform fees or advertising. Track your hours, so you know if your side hustle is worth it. Money per hour matters more than big numbers that never reach your wallet.
