If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself staring at your paycheck, wondering how to stretch it just a little bit further. Between rising costs and those pesky financial goals, sometimes our day jobs just don’t cut it. That’s where I found myself a few years ago, and let me tell you, it led me down a fascinating path of side hustles and extra income streams.
As a full-time worker juggling career demands and personal life, I’ve dipped my toes into numerous side gigs. From freelancing on weekends to driving for rideshare apps after hours, I’ve explored a wide range of options to boost my income. Along the way, I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and most importantly, what’s feasible for those of us with limited free time.
In this article, I’m excited to share my top side gigs based on a side hustles database. These aren’t just theoretical ideas – they’re tried and tested methods that I’ve personally experienced or seen success with among my peers. I’ve carefully selected options that can fit around a full-time work schedule, don’t require extensive training, and have the potential for decent earnings.
1. Rent Out a Room
Renting out a spare room in your home can be an excellent way to generate passive income. This side hustle involves offering a room or space in your house to tenants on a short-term or long-term basis.
How to Get Started
- Decide which room to rent out
- Review local landlord-tenant laws and regulations
- Check with your insurance provider and mortgage lender
- Set a competitive rent price
- Prepare the room and create a rental agreement
- Market your space on platforms like Airbnb or local classifieds
Earning Potential
According to Side Hustles Database, the earning potential varies depending on your location and the quality of the space. On average, you could earn around $500-$1000 per month per room. Some homeowners report making up to $11,000 per year by renting out spare bedrooms.
2. Get Paid to Grocery Shop
This side hustle involves shopping for and delivering groceries to customers using apps like Instacart, DoorDash, or Shipt.
How to Get Started
- Sign up with a grocery delivery service like Instacart
- Complete any required background checks
- Download the app and complete the onboarding process
- Start accepting orders and shopping for customers
Earning Potential
Earnings can vary widely based on factors like location, time of day, and order size. On average, shoppers can earn between $15-$25 per hour. Some services offer bonuses for completing a certain number of deliveries or during peak hours.
3. Become a Proofreader
Proofreading involves reviewing and correcting written content for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors. It’s a flexible side hustle that can be done remotely.
How to Get Started
- Assess your skills and determine if proofreading is right for you
- Take online courses or workshops to improve your proofreading skills
- Choose a niche or specialization (e.g., academic, business, or creative writing)
- Create a portfolio of your work
- Market your services on freelance platforms or directly to potential clients
Earning Potential
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, proofreaders earn a median hourly wage of $23.45. However, earnings can vary based on experience, specialization, and client base. Some proofreaders report earning between $25-$50 per hour, with the potential to increase rates as they gain more experience and clients.
4. Be a Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants provide remote administrative and technical support to businesses and entrepreneurs. This flexible role allows you to work from home, offering services like email management, scheduling, social media management, and basic bookkeeping.
How to Get Started
- Identify your skills and the services you can offer
- Set up a home office with reliable internet and necessary equipment
- Create a portfolio or website showcasing your skills
- Join freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find clients
- Network and market your services on social media and professional networks
Earning Potential
Virtual assistants can earn between $15 to $30 per hour on average. With experience and specialized skills, some VAs earn up to $50 per hour. The national average salary for virtual assistants is $20-30.50 per hour, with rates ranging from $8.25 to $35.50.
5. Craft Photography
Craft photography involves taking high-quality photos of handmade items, artwork, or products for creators, artisans, and small businesses. This side hustle combines photography skills with an understanding of e-commerce and social media marketing.
How to Get Started
- Invest in quality camera equipment and editing software
- Practice photographing various products and develop your style
- Create a portfolio showcasing your best work
- Network with local artisans and small business owners
- Offer your services on platforms like Etsy or through social media
Earning Potential
Earnings can vary widely based on experience, location, and client base. Photographers in general can make good money, with commercial photographers often earning higher rates. While specific data for craft photography is limited, skilled photographers can charge anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars per hour or project.
6. Babysitting
Babysitting involves caring for children in their homes while parents are away. It’s a flexible side hustle that can fit around school or work schedules and is suitable for teenagers, college students, and adults alike.
How to Get Started
- Learn basic childcare skills and first aid
- Gain experience by volunteering to care for children you know
- Create a resume highlighting your experience and skills
- Join babysitting websites or apps to find jobs
- Network with local families and offer your services
Earning Potential
Babysitters can earn between $15-$25 per hour on average. Rates can vary based on location, number of children, and additional responsibilities. Some babysitters report earning up to $30 per hour for multiple children or special circumstances. Group babysitting can increase earnings, with potential to make $30 per hour when watching children from three families simultaneously.
7. Pet Sitting
Pet sitting involves caring for animals while their owners are away. This can include feeding, walking, playing with, and providing companionship to pets in their own homes or at the sitter’s residence.
How to Get Started
- Gain experience with different types of pets
- Create a profile on pet sitting websites like Rover or Care.com
- Set up a business structure and obtain necessary insurance
- Network with local pet owners and veterinarians
- Consider getting certified in pet first aid and CPR
Earning Potential
Pet sitters can earn between $25 to $35 per night on average. Some pet sitters report making up to $1,500 per month caring for animals. Earnings can vary based on location, services offered, and number of clients.
8. Become a Driver
Becoming a driver for ride-sharing or delivery services allows you to use your vehicle to earn money by transporting passengers or delivering goods.
How to Get Started
- Meet the minimum age and driving experience requirements
- Have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
- Own or lease an eligible vehicle
- Pass a background check and vehicle inspection
- Sign up with companies like Uber, Lyft, or DoorDash
Earning Potential
Earnings vary widely depending on location, hours worked, and type of service. Uber drivers can make between $15 to $25 per hour on average. Some drivers report earning up to $35 per hour in certain markets. Factors like surge pricing and tips can increase earnings.
9. Become a Transcriber
Transcription involves listening to audio or video recordings and converting them into written text. This can include general transcription, as well as specialized fields like medical or legal transcription.
How to Get Started
- Develop strong typing skills and English language proficiency
- Practice transcribing various types of audio content
- Familiarize yourself with transcription software and style guides
- Take online courses or obtain certifications to improve skills
- Sign up with transcription companies or freelance platforms
Earning Potential
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, transcriptionists earn a median hourly wage of $23.45. Entry-level transcriptionists might start at lower rates, around $5 to $10 per audio hour, but can increase their earnings with experience and specialization. Some transcription companies offer rates ranging from $5 to $20 per audio hour.
10. Teach English As a Second Language
Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) involves instructing non-native English speakers in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehending English. This can be done in-person or online, with opportunities to teach both children and adults worldwide.
How to Get Started
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree (in any field)
- Get TESOL/TEFL certified through an accredited program
- Gain teaching experience through volunteer opportunities or internships
- Apply for ESL teaching positions online or at language schools
- Consider pursuing a Master’s in TESOL for higher-paying opportunities
Earning Potential
ESL teachers can earn between $15 to $25 per hour on average. Online ESL teachers may make $12-$40 USD per hour depending on qualifications and specific jobs. With a TESOL certification, teachers can qualify for higher-paying positions in language schools, universities, and international schools. Some experienced, full-time online Business English teachers can earn up to $40 per hour with the right qualifications.
11. Sell Your Skills on Fiverr
Fiverr is an online marketplace where freelancers can offer various services, known as “gigs,” to clients worldwide. Services can range from digital marketing and graphic design to writing and programming.
How to Get Started
- Create a Fiverr account and set up your profile
- Identify your marketable skills and create gig offerings
- Set competitive prices for your services
- Optimize your gig descriptions and tags for better visibility
- Deliver high-quality work to build positive reviews and ratings
Earning Potential
Earnings on Fiverr can vary widely depending on the service offered, skill level, and demand. Some freelancers report making a few hundred dollars per month, while top performers can earn thousands. Fiverr takes a 20% commission from each completed gig. As you build your reputation and client base, you can increase your rates and potentially turn your Fiverr gigs into a full-time income.
12. Deliver for Local Restaurants
Delivering for local restaurants involves picking up food orders from restaurants and delivering them to customers’ homes or offices. This can be done through third-party delivery apps or directly for specific restaurants.
How to Get Started
- Meet the minimum age and driving requirements (usually 18+ with a valid driver’s license)
- Have a reliable vehicle (car, bicycle, or scooter, depending on the service)
- Sign up with popular delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub
- Complete any required background checks and vehicle inspections
- Download the app and start accepting delivery orders
Earning Potential
Earnings for food delivery drivers can vary based on location, time of day, and tips. On average, drivers can make between $15 to $25 per hour. Some services offer bonuses for completing a certain number of deliveries or during peak hours. For example, DoorDash drivers report earning an average of $18.45 per hour, with top earners making over $20 per hour. Instacart stands out as one of the highest-paying food delivery services, with drivers potentially earning about $30 per hour on average.
13. Sell Handcrafted Accessories on Etsy
Etsy is a unique marketplace for handmade items, vintage goods, and craft supplies. Selling handcrafted accessories on Etsy allows creative individuals to turn their passion into profit by reaching a global audience of buyers seeking unique, handmade products.
How to Get Started
- Create an Etsy account and set up your shop
- Choose your shop name, language, country, and currency
- Create listings for your handcrafted accessories with high-quality photos and detailed descriptions
- Set up payment and billing methods
- Customize your storefront with a logo and banner
- Develop shop policies and shipping information
- Launch your shop and start promoting your products
Earning Potential
Earnings on Etsy can vary widely depending on factors such as product quality, pricing, and marketing efforts. While specific data for handcrafted accessories is limited, many Etsy sellers report earning between $500 to $1000 per month. Top sellers can earn significantly more, with some making a full-time income from their Etsy shops.
14. Start a Vlog
Vlogging, or video blogging, involves creating and sharing video content on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. It allows individuals to share their experiences, expertise, or creativity with a wide audience through engaging video content.
How to Get Started
- Choose a niche or topic for your vlog
- Select a platform (e.g., YouTube, Instagram, TikTok)
- Invest in basic equipment (camera, microphone, lighting)
- Plan and create content regularly
- Edit your videos using software like Adobe Express
- Optimize your videos for search with titles, descriptions, and tags
- Engage with your audience and build a community
Earning Potential
Vlogger earnings can vary greatly depending on factors such as audience size, engagement, and monetization strategies. Successful vloggers can earn money through ad revenue, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and affiliate marketing. While earnings start small, top YouTubers can make millions annually. On average, vloggers with a moderate following might earn between $500 to $5000 per month, with potential for growth as their audience expands.
15. Remote Closer
A remote closer is a sales professional who works virtually to finalize deals. They are responsible for guiding potential clients through the final stages of the sales process, addressing concerns, negotiating terms, and ultimately closing the sale, all while working remotely.
How to Get Started
- Develop strong sales and communication skills
- Gain experience in sales or customer service roles
- Familiarize yourself with CRM software and digital communication tools
- Consider obtaining relevant certifications or training
- Build a portfolio of successful sales experiences
- Network within the industry and search for remote closing opportunities
- Apply for entry-level remote closing positions to gain experience
Earning Potential
Remote closers can earn substantial incomes, with the average yearly compensation in the United States being $112,891 or about $54 per hour. Entry-level positions may start around $31,500 per year, while top earners in the field can make up to $193,500 annually. The earning potential often increases with experience, skill level, and the ability to consistently close high-value deals.
