In today’s economy, having multiple income streams can provide financial stability and open new opportunities. Side hustles are an excellent way to supplement your regular 9-to-5 job or generate income in your free time.
Whether you want to pay down debt, save up for a big purchase, build an emergency fund, or gain more flexibility in your life, exploring side hustle ideas could be worthwhile. From online businesses to services leveraging your skills and passions, there are many creative ways to earn extra cash.
There are over 40 of the best side hustle concepts to consider if you’re looking to pad your wallet. By taking inventory of your interests, network, and resources, you can identify promising side gigs with solid profit potential.
The key is finding the right match between what you enjoy and activities that align well with the market. With some luck and persistence, secondary moneymakers can pursue fruitful endeavors.
| # | Side Hustle | Brief Description |
| 1 | Freelance Writing | Provide virtual administrative support to businesses. Tasks include calendar management, data entry, and customer service—network to find clients and promote services digitally. |
| 2 | Virtual Assisting | Provide virtual administrative support to businesses. Tasks include calendar management, data entry, and customer service. Network to find clients and promote services digitally. |
| 3 | Rent Out a Room | Rent out spare rooms or spaces in your home through platforms like Airbnb. Adhere to local laws and perform background checks on tenants. |
| 4 | Dog Walking/Pet Sitting | Offer pet care services through platforms like Rover. Market services locally through vet offices and community boards. |
| 5 | Rideshare Driving | Drive for ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft. Set your own availability and get paid for each ride. Requires a clean driving record and a qualifying vehicle. |
| 6 | Real Estate Photography | Provide high-quality photography services for property listings. Reach out to real estate agents directly. |
| 7 | Voice Over Work | Record custom voiceovers for various industries. Create a profile on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. |
| 8 | Proofreading/Editing | Offer proofreading and editing services on platforms like Upwork and Freelancer. Reach out to local publishers as well. |
| 9 | Resume Writing | Craft customized, keyword-optimized resumes for job seekers. Advertise services locally and online. |
| 10 | Garage/Estate Sales | Hold sales to declutter and earn extra cash. Advertise items online and offer attractive displays. |
| 11 | Social Media Management | Manage social media accounts for businesses. Create engaging posts, respond to comments, and run ads. |
| 12 | Recruiting/Headhunting | Connect job seekers with open positions using your professional network. Charge a placement fee. |
| 13 | Photography | Offer photography services for various purposes. Build a portfolio and promote through social media and local advertising. |
| 14 | Fitness Coaching | Provide personalized fitness and nutrition plans. Get certified, work at gyms, and promote services through social media. |
| 15 | Freelance Graphic Design | Design logos, ads, posters, and more for businesses. Build a strong portfolio and list services on freelance platforms. |
| 16 | Dropshipping | Run an online retail business without inventory. Source products, build a Shopify store, and market through social media. |
| 17 | Affiliate Marketing | Earn commissions by promoting products or services through affiliate links. Focus on relevant products in your niche. |
| 18 | YouTube Channel | Build an audience on YouTube by creating consistent, engaging content. Monetize through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links. |
| 19 | Teaching English Online | Tutor English to foreign students online. Obtain the necessary qualifications and work with platforms like VIPKid. |
| 20 | Resume Editing | Use HR expertise to provide resume editing services. Advertise services through resume writing platforms. |
| 21 | House Cleaning | Start a residential house cleaning business. Advertise locally, provide quality service, and get bonded and insured. |
| 22 | Errand Services | Offer personalized errand-running services. Market directly to residential buildings and businesses. |
| 23 | Website Design | Help businesses establish an online presence through website design. Learn platforms like WordPress and promote through local networking. |
| 24 | Sewing and Alterations | Offer specialty sewing and garment alteration services. Market through bridal expos and fabric shops. |
| 25 | Meal Planning/Prep | Provide customized meal planning and preparation services. Market to busy families and health-conscious groups. |
| 26 | Business Consulting | Share expertise in areas like strategy, operations, and human resources with small businesses. Build a reputation through networking. |
| 27 | Data Entry | Provide swift, accurate data entry services for companies on a contract basis. Find gigs on freelance platforms and temp agencies. |
| 28 | Resume Critique | Help job seekers improve their resumes by providing expert critiques. Offer different service tiers and promote through resume writing platforms. |
| 29 | Personal Chef | Design customized menus, grocery shop, and prepare meals in clients’ homes. Market to busy families and professionals. |
| 30 | Home Organization | Assist homeowners in decluttering and organizing their homes. Advertise on community boards and offer free consultations. |
| 31 | Bookkeeping | Provide bookkeeping services for small businesses. Stay updated on software and earn professional credentials. |
| 32 | Transcription | Convert audio and video files into written documents for clients. Find freelance work on transcription platforms. |
| 33 | Landscaping | Start a seasonal landscaping business offering various outdoor services. Reach out to residential and commercial clients. |
| 34 | Handyman Services | Offer general handyman skills to property owners and landlords. Get licensed and insured. |
| 35 | Flipping | Source underpriced goods locally and resell for profit online. Start small and learn to spot valuable items. |
| 36 | Daycare Services | Provide child supervision and care for families in your community. Obtain necessary certifications and market through local family resources. |
| 37 | Car Detailing | Offer cleaning services for vehicle interiors. Market to auto shops and vehicle owners. |
| 38 | Computer Repair | Start a computer and electronics repair business. Build skills and purchase necessary tools. |
| 39 | Event Planning | Build an event planning business organizing various gatherings. Get certified through event planning associations. |
| 40 | Jewelry Making | Design and handcraft custom jewelry. Sell items on platforms like Etsy and at local events. |
Here are more detailed explanations of each side hustle idea:
There is a high demand for quality freelance writers across many industries. You can write blogs, articles, social media posts, whitepapers, copywriting, and more. Build a portfolio and profile on freelance platforms or pitch directly to publishers and companies. Set your schedule and rates.
Provide administrative support to businesses virtually. Typical tasks include calendar management, email handling, data entry, customer service, and project management. Build relationships and find clients through networking in Facebook groups, LinkedIn, and small business associations. Promote your services through your website and digital marketing.
Renting out an extra bedroom or space in your home generates steady passive income. List your property on home-sharing sites like Airbnb, VRBO, and Roomorama. You can also list locally for longer-term tenants. Be sure to consult landlord-tenant and zoning laws in your area. Perform background checks and use rental agreements.
Pet owners need caring people to walk and watch their pets when traveling. Create profiles on sites like Rover or Wag to find nearby gigs. Offer competitive rates and get insured. Market your services through local vet offices, pet stores, community boards, and word-of-mouth referrals.
Apps like Uber and Lyft allow everyday people to provide rides around town using their vehicles. You set your driving availability through the apps and get paid for each ride. Supplement your income when you have free time in your schedule. You’ll need a clean driving record and a qualifying vehicle.
Real estate agents need high-quality photography to market listings online and in print. Reach out directly to agents and brokers to offer your photography services. Invest in professional equipment and editing software—charge per shoot or package.
Many industries require recording custom voiceovers. Create a profile on sites like Fiverr and Upwork to find VO gigs. Set up a professional home recording studio. Promote your voiceover skills on LinkedIn, social media, and local marketing. Develop a niche experience like audiobook narration.
Leverage strong writing and language skills by providing proofreading and editing services to authors, businesses, students, and website owners. Create profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Reedsy. Reach out to local publishers. Provide different service tiers and competitive rates.
As a resume writer, you help job seekers by crafting customized, keyword-optimized resumes to reach their career goals. Build a resume-writing website and promote your services through local colleges, recruiters, and LinkedIn. Provide additional services like cover letter writing and interview prep. Stay up-to-date on the latest resume best practices.
Holding your garage, yard, estate, or moving sales allows you to declutter and earn extra cash. Photograph items and advertise locally through Craigslist, community newsletters, and signage. Price items competitively and display them attractively. Offer refreshments to shoppers.
Many businesses and personal brands need help managing their social media presence. Perform duties like creating engaging posts, responding to comments and messages, running ads, scheduling content, and analyzing metrics. Learn best practices for critical platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
Tap into your professional network to connect job seekers with open positions. Maintain relationships with various companies to find needs. Source strong candidates through LinkedIn and other channels. Charge a placement fee when your candidate is hired.
Offer photography services like headshots, events, products, food, and real estate. Start by doing free shoots for friends and family to build a portfolio. Purchase quality equipment and master editing software like Lightroom. Promote through social media, wedding vendor sites, and local advertising.
Provide personalized fitness and nutrition plans virtually or in person. Get certified through accredited fitness organizations like NASM or ACE. Work at a gym to build your clientele. Promote your services through social media, gyms, and local wellness businesses. Invest in liability insurance.
Businesses need graphic designers for logos, ads, posters, infographics, and presentations. Start by creating designs for friends. Build a strong portfolio and create a website to promote your services. Reach out directly to local businesses. List your services on freelance platforms like Upwork.
You can run an online retail business without inventory—source trending products with drop shipping. Build a Shopify store—market products on social media and through influencers. The supplier ships orders directly to your customers when they are purchased. You keep the profit margin.
In affiliate marketing, you earn a commission by promoting products or services. Share affiliate links on your website posts, social media, YouTube videos, and more. Focus on relevant products in your niche. Track sales and join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates.
Videography skills allow you to build an audience on YouTube. Identify a niche you’re passionate about, like gaming, makeup, or fishing. Create consistent, high-quality content. Monetize your channel once you reach 1,000 subscribers through ads, sponsorships, affiliate links, and more.
Tutor English online to international students using videoconferencing platforms. Companies like VIPKid provide lesson plans and curricula. It would be best to have a bachelor’s degree, TEFL certification, and at least one year of teaching experience. Independent tutoring is also an option.
Use your human resources expertise to provide resume editing services. Have clients submit their resume and cover letter. Perform expert revisions and provide feedback to improve it. Offer different service tiers. Promote your services through resume writing platforms.
Launch a residential house cleaning business to earn extra income. Decide whether to service homes hourly or offer package plans. Promote locally through yard signs, community newsletters, Facebook groups and word-of-mouth referrals. Provide quality cleaning materials and reliable service. Get bonded and insured.
Offer personalized errand-running services to community members and busy professionals. Tasks may include grocery shopping, pharmacy runs, package shipping, and dry cleaning drop-offs. Market directly to residential buildings, real estate offices, and businesses. Set competitive rates and flexible scheduling.
Help small businesses and individuals establish an online presence through website design. Learn about platforms like WordPress and Squarespace. Stay current on web design trends and search engine optimization. Offer services like web hosting, maintenance, and analytics. Build a portfolio and promote it through local networking.
Offer specialty sewing and garment alteration services. Alter or mend clothing as needed. Provide custom sewing for clients like brides, costume designers, upholsterers, craft stores, and theatrical groups. Market through bridal expos, fashion schools, and fabric shops.
Provide customized meal planning and preparation catered to the client’s dietary needs and preferences. Develop balanced, delicious weekly menus—grocery shop and prep meals to be reheated. Offer nutrition guidance and recipes. Market to busy families, professionals, and health-conscious groups.
Share your expertise in helping small business owners with strategy, operations, human resources, budgeting, growth planning, and more. Develop an area of specialty like social media or accounting. Network locally and globally to find clients. Build your reputation over time.
Provide swift, accurate data entry services for companies on a contract basis. Quick typing skills and proficiency with programs like Excel are musts. Find contract gigs on sites like Upwork and Freelancer. Look for temp agency work. Target businesses are processing lots of documents.
Help job seekers improve their resumes by providing an expert resume critique detailing needed optimizations. Charge a per-resume fee. Offer different critique tiers, like basic, standard, and premium. Promote services through resume-writing platforms and career advisors.
Work in clients’ homes, designing customized menus, grocery shopping, and preparing meals based on their dietary needs. Offer weekly and one-off services. Market yourself to busy families and professionals who value nutritious home cooking. Take food safety certification courses.
Assist harried homeowners in decluttering and organizing their homes. Provide pantry organization, closet design, paperwork sorting, and storage solutions. Advertise on community boards and in local Facebook groups. Offer free consultations. Partner with interior designers, real estate agents, and cleaning services.
Provide bookkeeping services like accounts receivable/payable, payroll, expense tracking, tax prep, budgeting and financial reporting. Market to small businesses and solo entrepreneurs that need part-time accounting help. Stay up-to-date on software and tax codes. Earn professional credentials.
Convert audio and video files into written documents and captions for clients. Listen closely and type quickly and accurately. Find freelance work on platforms like Rev and Scribie. Transcribe podcasts, research interviews, legal recordings, and more. Invest in sound-dampening equipment.
Start a seasonal landscaping company offering lawn mowing, gardening, hardscaping, leaf removal, and snow plowing. Invest in reliable equipment. Reach out to residential and commercial clients. Offer regular maintenance plans. Hire employees as needed.
Market a variety of general handyman skills to property owners and landlords. Services may include painting, furniture assembly, shelving installation, tile work, light plumbing/electrical, and more. Have reliable transportation and tools. Get licensed and insured.
Source underpriced goods locally through garage sales, estate sales, thrift shops and auctions. Resell items for profit on eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Start small while you learn how to spot valuable hidden gems and price competitively.
Provide child supervision and care for families in your community. Become licensed, pursue early childhood education training, and get first aid/CPR certified. Focus on enriching activities and healthy snacks. Market through parent groups on social media and local family resources.
Clean vehicle interiors by providing services like vacuuming, stain removal, leather conditioning, touch-up painting, odor elimination, and waxing. Market to car dealerships, auto shops, and directly to car owners through social media. Partner with RV and boat owners.
Start a computer and electronics repair business, helping people address software bugs, hardware replacement, connectivity issues, etc. Build your skills through coursework and mentoring. Purchase the necessary tools and diagnostic equipment.
39. Event planning: Build a local event planning business, organizing gatherings like weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, and fundraisers. Provide services like venue selection, vendor referrals, decor, catering, entertainment, and more. Get certified through event-planning associations.
Design and handcraft custom jewelry pieces. Specialise in an area like wedding bands, beaded necklaces, or engraving. Sell items on Etsy and at local craft fairs and boutiques. Take jewelry-making classes to develop unique skills and styles. Invest in quality materials and tools.
