Side Hustle Ideas (55 Jobs to Start Earning Money)

Whether you’re tired of living paycheck to paycheck, want to build up your retirement account, or are saving for something special, finding a way to bring in extra income is likely on your mind. If you’ve tried everything you can to better manage your income but you’re still not where you want to be, it might be time to start a side hustle.

You know you need to figure out how to make more money, but doing so is easier said than done if you don’t have a clear plan laid out. While it might seem like quite the predicament, it’s actually easier than ever to leverage your skills and knowledge to make money on the side. 

What Is a Side Hustle? 

How to Start Side Hustling 

55 Ideas for Side Hustles You Can Start Today

Things to Keep in Mind When Starting a Side Hustle

Make Your Side Hustle Happen

What Is a Side Hustle?

A side hustle—also known as a side job or side gig—is a secondary job you work in addition to your full-time job. Typically, a side hustle is a way to earn extra money to supplement your current income. A side hustle can be performing tasks or services for other individuals, independent contracting for clients, or even selling your own products. Now more than ever before, there are side hustle job opportunities for virtually everyone—whether you have a specially trained skill set or not.

How to Start Side Hustling

So, how do you get started? There’s no secret recipe for how to side hustle successfully, but there are some things you can do to make sure you get things off on the right foot—especially if you don’t already have a side gig idea in mind. 

1. Which valuable traits or assets do you have that you can make money off of? This can be anything from owning a truck that you can haul things with, to marketing skills you’ve gained from your career. There are virtually endless options when it comes to making extra money—from side hustles for teachers to side gig opportunities for retirees.
2. What tools will you need to start offering your services? Do you need to invest in moving equipment, supplies, products, etc.? Start by investing in the items you absolutely need to create the good or perform the service. Once you start making a profit, you can get other items to enhance your offering, like more efficient tools or special packaging.
3. How will you find work? There are a variety of side hustle apps and sites nowadays that make it easy to market your services and find work. You can also use your personal network to spread the word about your side hustle.

55 Ideas for Side Hustles You Can Start Today

Need some ideas to help you find the right side hustle for you? Check out these 55 ideas for side hustles that you can start today:

1. Rideshare Driving

With apps like Uber and Lyft, you can earn money by driving people around when you have free time. To make the most from this side gig, try to drive in busy areas, during peak surge pricing, and for long-distance trips.

2. Food Delivery 

There are many apps (Grubhub, Postmates, etc.), that need drivers to deliver food from restaurants all around your city. As long as you’re over 18 and have a valid license and insurance, you should be able to start delivering right away.

3. Freelance Writing

Do you have a knack for grammar and storytelling? Freelance writing could be an easy side gig for you. There are plenty of people and companies looking for help writing ads, blog posts, articles, books, and more.

4. Online Store

Whether it’s making t-shirts, keychains, or monogrammed housewares, you can easily sell your products online by starting an online store. The key to running a successful online shop is marketing yourself (Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are all good places to start) and providing good customer service. You can also take your goods to local farmer’s markets to sell in person.

5. Graphic Design

If you have graphic design experience, you can find a lot of opportunities to create logos, marketing materials, and more for businesses. Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Dribbble are good places to start looking for freelance opportunities.

6. Dog Walking/ Pet Sitting

Do animals love you? Pet sitting or dog walking are great side hustle jobs for animal lovers—especially if you don’t have your own pets at home. Create a profile on Rover or Host a Pet to get started. 

7. Photography

If you have an eye for photography and your own equipment, you can easily turn your hobby into a lucrative opportunity. You could offer blanket services or find a niche (weddings, promotional, headshots, etc.). Show off your skills with a strong social profile or website to help drum up business.

8. Handywork

If you’re good with hanging things, putting furniture together, fixing plumbing, or other things around the home, you can probably find demand in your area for these types of services. Use a task-based app or advertise your services on Facebook Marketplace to find people in need of assistance.

9. Building Websites

Another service that’s in high demand is web development. Many business owners don’t have the time or know-how to create their own websites and that’s where you come in. Jump on freelance sites or apps to find customers.

10. Affiliate Marketing

Do you have a blog? Affiliate marketing could be an excellent opportunity to capitalize on this asset. Companies might pay you to link to their products or services throughout your blog—just reach out to them.

11. Running Errands/Completing Tasks

With increasingly demanding schedules, many people simply don’t have the time or energy to run their errands. You can sign up for apps like TaskRabbit, where people will hire you to run errands or complete tasks for them.

12. Sell Your Clothes

If you’re a fashionista with an overflowing closet, you might have hundreds of dollars of untapped income just sitting around. Apps like Poshmark make it easy to list and sell your clothes, shoes, and accessories online.

13. Editing Services 

Teachers, writers, and others with a knack for proofreading can easily bring in extra cash with freelance editing services. Respond to listings on sites like Upwork to find editing gigs you can complete in your spare time.

14. Tutoring

Know a certain subject like the back of your hand? Tutoring is an excellent side hustle, whether it’s for kids, college students, or even people just looking to learn another language before their vacation.

15. Consulting

This idea is perfect for retirees who are looking for a side hustle that puts your decades of career knowledge to good use. Big companies and small businesses alike will pay a pretty penny for consulting services whether it be for marketing, business management, or some other area of expertise.

16. Writing an eBook/Audiobook

Whether you’re a creative writer or simply know a lot about a topic, you can create your own eBook or audiobook and sell on different platforms for money.

17. Selling Unwanted Items Online

Most people have perfectly good stuff lying around their home that they just don’t use enough. Clear out some space and make some cash by selling unwanted items or collectibles online. Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and similar apps are a good place to start.

18. Influencer Marketing

If you have a decent social following, or even just have a very engaged niche audience, you may be able to get paid by businesses to promote their products. Millions of companies have influencer opportunities, but you can start by checking with your favorite brands.

19. Refurbishing Furniture

People will pay a lot for high-quality furniture, so if you have a designer’s eye and are good at bringing new life to furnishings, this could be the side hustle for you. You can start small by fixing up pieces you get for free or a great deal and re-listing them online for a much higher price.

20. Nannying/Babysitting

This is a great side hustle job for college students who need some extra income but have limited time. Keep in mind that most people will want background checks, CPR certification, and take other precautions, so be prepared.

21. Social Media Management 

If you’re an expert in social media trends and advertising, social media management is a smart way to leverage those skills and build your resume. Reach out to companies who seem to be struggling or search listings that are looking for social media managers on LinkedIn and other sites.

22. Renting Your Car Out

You can rent your car out for a few hours, the entire day, or even longer using apps like Turo. This is ideal if you rarely use your car. Just note that you’ll need to have proper insurance and keep it clean.

23. Blogging

If you run a successful blog, you could charge companies to advertise on your site. This could include sponsored posts about their products or services, as well as advertising space on your homepage. 

24. Selling Products on eBay/Amazon

Many sellers on these sites actually buy products in bulk and resell them at a higher price to turn a profit, and you can do the same. All you have to do is invest in the product and create a profile. This is also a great side hustle for collectors who are ready to clear out some space at home.

25. Grocery Shopping

Grocery delivery is in high demand for seniors and people without cars. You can deliver groceries for companies like Amazon or through apps like InstaCart. In addition to tips, some companies pay delivery drivers by the hour. 

26. Virtual Assistant

Complete administrative tasks remotely for busy professionals in your free time. If you’re organized, helpful, and good at multitasking, a virtual assistant side gig might be the right fit for you. 

27. Cleaning Houses

If you’re one of those people that enjoys cleaning, then tidying up other people’s homes might be a good side hustle to consider. You can set your own schedule and all you need is cleaning supplies that you can tote from job to job.

28. Renting out a Spare Room/Your Apartment

People living in busy cities and tourist destinations all over the world are renting out rooms or their entire apartment to visitors. If you’re going to rent out your space, make sure you keep close track of dates when you’ll have guests, keep the place clean, and have somewhere to stay while they’re in town.

29. Create an Online Course

Take your expertise and turn it into a side hustle by creating a course you can upload and charge people to take. You can simply put together course materials, pre-record some videos, and provide the necessary resources—no face-to-face time needed.

30. Stylist/Personal Shopping

Have an eye for the latest trends and styling different figures? You can sell your services as a personal shopper and stylist. Depending on your preferences, you can charge by the hour or a fee plus the cost of clothing.

31. Operating a Food Truck/Stand

Purchasing a food truck takes a little more of an investment, but if you can cook and have a great idea, it can pay off big time. From breweries to sporting events, you can get paid to bring your food truck places and make money off sales. A lower budget option would be to set up a stand at the local farmers’ market or community events.

32. Playing Music

Musical talent is a skill that shouldn’t be overlooked. You might be able to get hired to play at restaurants, festivals, or even private events. Or, you could always go the street musician route and play for tips in high-foot-traffic areas in your town.

33. Resume Writing

Resumes are essential for pretty much everyone and people will pay to wow at interviews. Put together some samples of resumes you’ve created and list your services online.

34. Landscaping/Yard Work

If you have a green thumb, yard work tools, and no problem doing manual labor, try landscaping as a side hustle. From property management companies to your elderly neighbors, it could be easy to drum up business in your community.

35. Event Planning

For many people, the thought of planning parties, weddings, or community events sends them straight into a frenzy. But if that’s not the case for you and you enjoy being creative, consider starting up your own event planning business on the side. 

36. Interior Decorating

If you enjoy designing and decorating spaces, pairing colors with textures, and shopping for decor and furnishings, you might be cut out for interior design. Interior decorating might seem like a tough gig to get into, but with some networking, examples of past projects, and a little persistence, you could make decorating other people’s homes a steady source of income.

37. Selling Custom Art

While you can buy art virtually anywhere these days, many people prefer a personal touch in their home. If you can paint, draw, sculpt, etc. show off your talents and see how many people commission you for their own pieces. 

38. Personal Training

If you’re physically fit, good with people, and disciplined, personal training may be a rewarding side hustle. Just keep in mind that there are requirements that must be met depending on your state.

39. Running a Local Tour

Live in a touristy city that you know the ins and outs of? Working part-time as a tour guide can be a fun and well-paying gig. In addition to hourly pay or admission fees, you could also earn tips from pleased attendees.

40. Baking

For many people, baking is far too messy and complicated. You can capitalize on other people’s sweet tooth and laziness or lack of baking skills if you are good in the kitchen. Start by taking orders from friends and drop off deliveries to earn some extra money.

41. Lifeguarding

If you live in a beach city, lifeguarding is usually a highly sought after side hustle. You’ll have to pass a test, but if you’re a strong swimmer and in shape, you stand a good chance of making the cut. Just keep in mind that there’s a lot of personal responsibility for this particular side gig.

42. Meal Prepping

Many people know they should meal prep but don’t because of the time it takes. Compete with pricy meal prep apps by offering your own services in your city. You just need to be well-versed in nutrition, good in the kitchen, and willing to put in the time to cook.

43. Coaching Sports

Many local programs and schools need coaches for their teams. If you’re patient, good at motivating people, and have a lot of experience with a specific sport—whether it be water polo or football—you should consider applying. Not only is it fairly easy money, but practices and games usually fall outside normal work hours. 

44. Tailoring and Alterations

Handy with a sewing machine? You could provide tailoring services to people looking for a convenient and affordable way to get their clothes altered. The best way to make a decent side income is to do large batches of clothing for select clients.

45. Hosting Trivia

If you’re outgoing and good at public speaking, hosting trivia could be an easy and fun side hustle to try out. Local trivia companies are always looking for new hosts to read off the questions and answers and otherwise moderate the game, usually at a bar or brewery.

46. Moving Services/Junk Removal

If you have a pickup truck, put it to good use by offering moving or junk removal services. You can place local ads on apps like Offerup or on Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure that you charge an hourly rate that will compensate you for your labor and gas.

47. Flipping Cars or Houses

This one takes a more substantial investment to get started, but it can also pay off in a big way. If you have the extra capital to do so, flipping houses or cars might offer a great way to build your wealth in your free time.

48. Catering 

With a talent for cooking and a little business finesse, you could start your own catering side business. Start with smaller events like friends’ parties, then once you get the kinks worked out, you could expand. When setting your menu and pricing, try to keep it as simple as possible and make sure you factor in extra costs if you’ll need to pay others for their help.

49. Modeling

Comfortable in front of the camera? Local companies, small businesses, and even friends might be looking for affordable models for their projects so take a look online for listings—just be safe when going to meet with photographers and make sure it’s legitimate. 

50. User Testing

In order to make sure their websites, apps, and products work as intended, many companies pay everyday users to test them out. User testing can pay anywhere from $5 to $10 to over $100. To make a decent side hustle out of user testing, you’ll have to complete quite a few of them, but it usually only requires a short time commitment.

51. Call Center Representative

If you’re patient and good at solving problems, working remotely for a call center part-time might be a good side hustle to consider. Usually, call centers need people for all hours, so you can work around your main job’s schedule.

52. Participating in Focus Groups

Companies often run focus groups when launching new products to make marketing decisions. By participating in a focus group for an hour or two, you can easily make up to $200 and it doesn’t take any hard work on your part.

53. Mystery Shopping

Mystery shoppers are used to check in on stores and their employees’ level of service by collecting data. As a mystery shopper, you’ll not only get reimbursed for the product or service you purchase, but also for your time. This isn’t necessarily the most lucrative side hustle, but you can make some extra money and try new things at the same time.

54. Picking up Trash

Some businesses will pay you to help keep their properties and the community clean. If you don’t mind spending time outside and dealing with trash pick-up, it’s a fairly simple side gig that virtually anyone can do in their free time.

55. Completing Surveys

It might sound like a scam, but you can actually get paid to complete surveys. There are plenty of sites like Inbox Dollars and Survey Junkie that have a variety of paid surveys you can take, but there are also more extensive surveys conducted by businesses that pay pretty well. Like user testing, quantity is key to make this a worthwhile side hustle.

Things to Keep in Mind When Starting a Side Hustle

Now that you have the wheels turning on which types of side hustle ideas would best suit your interests, skills, and lifestyle, you probably have a pretty good idea of how you’re going to move forward. However, before you start side hustling, there a few things you should keep in mind:

• • Budgeting: One of the biggest challenges people face when starting a side hustle is balancing expenses and profit. Use these budgeting basics to figure out how to keep yourself from overspending.
  • Scams: Unfortunately, there are a lot of scams out there disguised as side hustle job opportunities. Carefully review all information about the job and do your best to verify it’s validity.
  • Work-life balance: The desire to make as much money as possible can often cloud our judgment when it comes to practicing self-care. Don’t get so caught up in your side hustle that you neglect your health and work-life balance.
  • Taxes: It’s important to note that you have to pay taxes on self-employed income if you make more than $400 in a given year, otherwise you may be in for a shock when you receive a bill from the IRS. Learn more about managing your taxes by visiting IRS.gov.

Make Your Side Hustle Happen

Stop thinking about how much you want to earn extra money and go make it happen. There are plenty of side hustle opportunities out there, you just have to take the initiative and get started. Before you know it, you’ll be in a much better place financially and on your way to achieving your goals.