Making money on the side has become a game-changer for many people. It’s a fantastic way to pay off debt, boost your savings, and have some extra spending cash. There are countless side hustle opportunities available, and finding the right one for you is crucial. Whether you prefer remote work or getting out and about in your city, there’s a side hustle out there that suits your lifestyle, interests, and schedule.
How to Find the Best Side Hustle for You
Before diving into the world of side hustles, it’s essential to know what you want to achieve. Are you testing a business idea or looking for a learning opportunity? Getting clear on your goals will help you find the perfect fit. Apps like Dave and platforms like Upwork can also assist you in finding the ideal side hustle.
Our Top Side Hustle Ideas
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Take online surveys: Earn cash by participating in online surveys. Many legitimate survey sites pay anywhere from $0.25 to $5 per survey, with some special surveys offering up to $20 or more. Just be cautious of scam sites and check their credibility before signing up.
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Deliver food: Utilize food delivery services like Doordash, Uber Eats, Mealeo, or GrubHub to earn money during your free time.
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Start a blog: While it takes time and effort to monetize a blog, it can be a lucrative venture. Use user-friendly platforms like Squarespace and explore various ways to optimize and monetize your content.
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Deliver groceries: Join grocery delivery services like Instacart, Shipt, or Burpy, and get paid to deliver groceries to people’s doors.
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Become a barista: If you’ve always dreamed of being a barista, apply for jobs at local coffee shops. Experience may not be necessary, so keep trying until you get your first offer.
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Tutor online: Offer your tutoring services online through social media or tutoring platforms.
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Style hair: If you have a talent for hair, offer your services for weddings, proms, and other events. Consider attending a professional training program to enhance your skills.
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Become a makeup artist: Makeup artists are in demand for various events like weddings, films, and photoshoots. Explore different industries that require makeup artists and build your portfolio.
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Rent out your car: List your car on car-sharing marketplaces and rent it out when you’re not using it. Just ensure you have the proper insurance coverage.
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Rent out space in your house: If you have an extra room or storage space, rent it out to travelers or long-term tenants. Check with your insurance provider and consider home warranty options for added protection.
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Rent your home to vacationers: If you live in a tourist hotspot, renting out your home to vacationers can be a profitable side hustle. Take advantage of popular travel months and enjoy your own vacation while earning extra income.
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Rent your RV: If you have an idle RV, consider renting it out, especially during the summer months. List it on renting websites or host overnight guests in your backyard.
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Buy and resell stuff: Use your keen eye to find valuable items and resell them for a profit. Garage sales can be a treasure trove for finding great deals.
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Handyman work: Promote your handyman services within your neighborhood and start building a client base.
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Babysitting: If you enjoy spending time with children, babysitting can be a rewarding side hustle. Research what makes a good babysitter and start building your skills.
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Dog sitting: Offer your services as a dog sitter through local dog owner groups or sign up on platforms like Rover or Wag. Certification can give your profile an edge.
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Dog walking: Get paid to walk dogs while their owners are away at work or on vacation. Ensure the dogs are properly insured to cover any unexpected accidents.
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Work odd jobs on Taskrabbit: Get paid for various odd jobs, such as home repairs, heavy lifting, and spring cleaning, through Taskrabbit.
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Start a YouTube channel: Build a following on YouTube and monetize your content through advertising or channel memberships.
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Become a photographer: Turn your passion for photography into a side hustle. Specialize in areas like pet, real estate, wedding, or event photography.
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Wash cars: Advertise your car washing services and make money by washing cars in your spare time.
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Power wash houses: Invest in a pressure washer and offer power washing services to homeowners. Revitalize their home exteriors by removing dirt and mildew.
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Mow lawns or do yard work: Help homeowners keep their lawns in shape by offering lawn mowing and yard maintenance services. Research local rates to determine your pricing.
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Deliver packages with Amazon Flex: Use your car to deliver packages for Amazon and earn money on each delivery.
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Sell baked goods: Turn your baking passion into profit by selling homemade goods. Ensure you comply with your state’s food selling laws.
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Referee sports: If you enjoy sports, become a referee or umpire. Employment opportunities in this field are projected to grow, so it’s worth considering.
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Offer freelance services on Fiverr: Use online marketplaces like Fiverr, Upwork, or Toptal to offer your freelance services, such as graphic design, digital marketing, writing, translation, or video and animation.
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Lifeguard: Get trained and certified as a lifeguard and ensure safety at pools, lakes, or beaches.
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Sell food from a food truck: Run a food truck and provide delicious meals to customers. Research licensing, equipment, and food regulations before starting this venture.
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Clean houses: Offer your cleaning services to busy individuals or families. Charge per hour or per day, depending on the scale of the cleaning job.
How Much Money Can You Make?
The amount you can earn from side hustles varies widely depending on the job and your dedication. Whether you’re paid by the hour or per project, your earnings depend on the time and effort you invest. For example, dedicated weekend work could earn you an extra $800 per month, while tackling high-paying projects could bring in $2,000 or more. As you gain experience, your pricing can increase, leading to even higher earnings.
What Skills Do Side Hustlers Need?
The skills required for a side hustle depend on the specific job. Identify your natural talents and find a side hustle that allows you to apply them. Everyone has unique gifts, so find the one that suits your abilities and passion.
Reporting Side Hustle Earnings on Taxes
Remember, your side hustle income is taxable. Visit the IRS website to determine your tax status and the forms you need to file. Tools like Found can help freelancers and independent contractors manage their taxes, ensuring you meet your tax obligations without last-minute stress.
By exploring these side hustle ideas, you can find new ways to earn money, pursue your passions, and achieve financial freedom. So, why not give them a try? You never know where your side hustle journey might lead you!