The cost of living keeps going up, making our day jobs not enough for our needs. Maybe your dream job doesn’t pay what you want or offer the security you need. Or maybe you’re not growing in your job but don’t want to leave it yet. Side hustles can help you earn more and find new opportunities.
A FlexJobs survey of over 2,000 people found that nearly one in three have a side job. More than 11% have more than one. Also, 38% are looking for a side job. So, over two-thirds (69%) of working people either have a side job or want one.
Side hustles are a good way to make extra money and try out business ideas with little cost or time. People of all ages are taking advantage of gig work’s flexibility and earning potential. In this article, we’ll look at many side job options that can increase your income and help you reach your financial goals.
Key Takeaways
- Side hustles are becoming more popular, with over two-thirds of employed people either having a side job or wanting one.
- Side jobs let you try new things, learn new skills, and increase your income while keeping your main job.
- Lucrative side hustles include freelance writing, online tutoring, virtual assistant work, web development, and social media management.
- Side jobs can pay well, with some roles averaging over $50 per hour.
- The pay for side hustles depends on the industry, your experience, and what you specialize in.
The Rise of Side Hustles in Today’s Economy
Now is the perfect time to dive into side hustles. The gig economy is booming, offering more chances than ever to make extra money and have a flexible schedule. A FlexJobs survey found that nearly one in three people have a side job, and over 11% have two or more. Also, 38% are searching for a side job. This means over two-thirds of workers either have a side hustle or want one.
Statistics on Side Hustle Popularity and Benefits
Side hustles are on the rise, and the numbers prove it. Here are some key facts about gig work’s growing popularity and benefits:
- About half of American workers have a side hustle, showing how common gig work is as an extra income.
- 31% of those with side hustles work on them for five to 14 hours a week, showing the effort put into them.
- 50% of gig workers hide their side jobs from family and friends, showing how some keep their side hustles private.
- 63% find the ability to set their own schedule a big plus of gig work over traditional jobs, highlighting the value of flexibility.
- 51% think gig workers are happier than those in traditional jobs, possibly due to the flexibility they offer.
| Side Hustle | Median Hourly Pay |
|---|---|
| Data Entry Specialist | $15.35 |
| Customer Service Representative | $18.16 |
| E-Commerce Content Specialist | $26.50 |
| Tutor | $19.03 |
| Babysitter | $14.66 |
| Ride-Share Driver | $18.05 (plus tips) |
| Photographer | $19.31 |
| Copywriter | $28.61 |
The data clearly shows the growing trend of side hustles. Flexibility and earning potential are big reasons why people are embracing this trend. As the gig economy grows, more people are finding ways to boost their income and secure their finances.
Freelancing: A Versatile Side Hustle Option
Looking to make extra money with a side hustle? Freelancing is a great choice. It lets you work on projects for different clients, fitting your work around your main job. If you’re into graphic design, writing, editing, or web development, there’s a big need for freelancers in these areas.
To start freelancing, share your skills with friends and family via email and social media. You can also use online platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com, which manage projects and payments for you. Having a professional website to show off your work and offer easy invoicing can draw in more clients.
| Freelance Job | Median Hourly Pay | Career Growth Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $27.88 | 3% (as fast as average) |
| Content Writer | $35.17 | 4% (as fast as average) |
| Copy Editor | $35.14 | 4% (slower than average) |
| Web Developer | $28.68 | 5% (faster than average) |
Freelancing is all about flexibility. You pick your projects, set your prices, and work when you want. With more online platforms available, there are tons of freelance opportunities out there.
“Freelancing allows me to control my own schedule and work on projects that truly interest me. It’s a great way to supplement my income and explore different creative avenues.” – Jane Doe, Freelance Writer
Pet Care Services: A Lucrative Option for Animal Lovers
If you love animals and want a side job, pet care services are a great choice. You can make money with pet sitting, dog walking, or doggie daycare. These pet care services are perfect for animal lovers looking for extra income.
Pet Sitting, Dog Walking, and Doggie Day Care
For those who love furry friends, pet sitting is a great side job. You can take care of pets in their homes or in yours. You might need a permit in some places, but starting is easy and cheap.
To find clients and book jobs, use apps like Rover or Care.com, or make your own system. This way, you can manage everything easily.
If you adore dogs but can’t have pets at home, consider dog walking. It’s a fun way to stay fit and make money. Plus, it helps busy pet owners.
Doggie daycare is another option for those who want a more organized setup. You’ll need a space, either at home or rented, for dogs to play and relax during the day. It takes some money to start, but you can earn a steady income from regular clients.
“Pet care services are a wonderful way for animal enthusiasts to turn their passion into a profitable side hustle.”
No matter which pet care service you pick, focus on your love for animals and give great care. Offer excellent service and build a loyal customer base. This way, you can make a good income doing something you love.
Tech Setup Services: Capitalize on Your Tech Skills
Are you a tech whiz who loves setting up networks, smart devices, computers, and phones? You can make money by offering tech setup services to your neighbors. Use social media and handyman apps to share your skills and help those in need with in-home tech support.
To look credible, think about getting tech certifications. Make sure you have insurance and bonding too. Starting and running your business won’t cost much, but you might need to buy some tools for installations and fixes. Use handyman apps like HelloTech and TaskRabbit, or create your own system with Square for bookings and payments.
“The tech industry is always changing. There’s a big need for people who can offer smart home and tech support services to the community.”
By using your tech skills, you can make a good side income. Whether it’s setting up Wi-Fi, smart devices, or fixing computers, your skills can bring in extra cash.
To do well in this side job, keep up with the latest tech setup trends. Improve your skills, network with tech fans, and offer special services like smart home setup or mobile repair. This will help you stand out from others.
Blogging: Share Your Passion and Earn Money
If you love writing and want to share your knowledge, starting a blog could be a great side job. Pick a topic you’re passionate about, like travel, food, beauty, or fashion. This way, you can build a loyal audience and make money from your blog.
Now, blogging is more competitive than ever, moving from personal to niche topics. To stand out, improve your SEO skills. This means doing deep keyword research and organizing your posts for better visibility. Tools like ChatGPT or Claude can help by giving you ideas, optimizing your content, and automating tasks.
To make money from your blog, you can show ads or join affiliate marketing programs. Ads pay based on views or clicks, and affiliate marketing lets you earn by promoting products that fit your blog’s theme. Starting a blog might cost $50 to $100 a year for things like a domain and hosting on platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace.
| Monetization Method | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|
| Advertising | Varies based on traffic and ad revenue |
| Affiliate Marketing | Average affiliate marketer earns $8,038 per month |
| Digital Products | Earnings depend on product sales and pricing |
With hard work, consistency, and a smart plan, you can turn your blog into a profitable side job. It could even become your main income. Success in niche blogging comes from knowing your audience, making valuable content, and using methods like affiliate marketing and digital products to make money.
Senior Sitting and Companion Services
In today’s aging society, the need for senior care and companion services has grown a lot. This creates a great chance for people to earn extra money while helping others. It’s a way to make a difference in the community.
Now, more families want to keep their aging loved ones at home. This means more jobs for those who want to work as caregivers or companions. They fill in when family members are not there.
To make your senior care services look good, think about getting CPR and ADL courses. These courses are cheap and make you stand out. They also let you give better care to your clients.
You can advertise your companion services and handle your clients with apps like Care.com, Sittercity, and Papa.com. Or, you can use platforms like Square to manage your bookings and payments. This gives you more control over your work.
“Social isolation can lead to a 50 percent increase in the risk of dementia. Reports show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among seniors.”
By offering senior sitting and companion services, you can make money and help older people in your area. This side job lets you give companionship, support, and a connection to those feeling lonely or isolated.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, retired, or a student, companion caregiving can be a flexible and fulfilling side job. With the right approach and a desire to help, you can start a successful in-home senior care business. You’ll also help your local community.
Babysitting and Child Care Services
In today’s fast-paced economy, babysitting and in-home child care services are becoming more valuable side hustles. Many people with a love for children can make good money from these opportunities.
Even though you don’t always need a formal caregiver certification, having one can be a big plus. Courses like those from the American Red Cross teach important skills. These include CPR, first aid, and how to manage behavior, making you a more trusted sitter.
To advertise your child care services, use sites like Care.com, Sittercity, and UrbanSitter. These platforms let you set your rates and manage bookings and payments easily. Or, you can start your own in-home child care business and do everything yourself.
“The national average hourly rate for babysitting is around $16.75 per hour for one child, with the potential to earn more based on factors like location, experience, and the number of children in your care.”
Being a babysitter or child care provider means being professional, clear in communication, and detail-oriented. Keeping a logbook, planning fun activities, and paying attention to children’s feelings makes everyone happy.
Using your skills and love for kids, babysitting and child care services can be a great way to earn extra money. It’s flexible and can help you become financially stable.
Personal Assistant Services
In today’s fast-paced world, many professionals are too busy for everyday tasks like grocery shopping or pet care. This opens up a great chance for a side hustle as a personal assistant. You can handle various tasks, meet your clients’ needs, and make a steady income.
Starting a personal assistant service is easy with low startup costs. It’s perfect for those who are organized and want to help others. You can find a lot of demand for your services, especially if you can drive to do errands and make deliveries.
Platforms like Thumbtack.com and TaskRabbit.com are great for finding clients and managing your work. Or, you can start your own business and use tools like Square for easy bookings and payments.
As a personal assistant, you might do things like:
- Grocery shopping and errand running
- Dry cleaning pickup and drop-off
- Pet care, such as dog walking or grooming
- Organizing and managing schedules and calendars
- Providing administrative support, such as data entry or file management
Remote work is becoming more common, and people need personalized support more than ever. By offering your skills and hard work, you can make a good side income. You’ll also be helping your clients manage their busy lives.
“As a personal assistant, I’m able to use my organizational skills to make a real difference in the lives of my clients. It’s a rewarding side gig that allows me to earn extra income while helping others manage their busy lives.”
Looking to increase your income or use your multitasking skills? Becoming a personal assistant can be both fulfilling and profitable. With the right tools and a focus on doing great work, you can earn well and make a positive impact on your clients’ lives.
Mobile Car Washing and Detailing
Offering Convenient Car Care Services
In today’s fast-paced world, mobile car washing and detailing services are a great side hustle. They bring professional car care right to your customers’ homes, saving them the trip to an auto shop.
The mobile car wash and detailing market is huge, worth $10 billion. No single company controls more than 5% of the market. This means there’s room for new entrepreneurs to make their mark and meet the growing demand for car care at home.
Josh Belk is a great example of success in this field. He started by charging $30 for basic services and raised his prices to $140 for top-tier services. His smart pricing and marketing on Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and NextDoor brought in clients and built a strong local reputation.
Starting a mobile car washing and detailing business is affordable, costing between $400 to $600 for the right equipment. This makes it a great choice for those wanting to earn extra or switch to full-time work.
This side hustle is also very flexible. Workers can choose their hours, fitting in with other jobs or life. Some even work 5 days a week and make almost $3,000 from detailing alone.
To do well, focus on growing your customer base. Use Google and Yelp to find leads and attract high-paying clients. Having the right tools, like a truck, trailer, and generator, ensures a professional service.
If you love cars, are an entrepreneur at heart, or just want a profitable side job, mobile car washing and detailing is a great choice. It’s a way to increase your income and gain financial freedom.
Handyman Services
Do your friends and family call you for home repairs and maintenance? Make money from your handyman skills with handyman services. You can earn by fixing a leaky faucet, putting together furniture, or hanging pictures.
As a local handyman, use online platforms like Thumbtack, TaskRabbit, or Angi to find clients. These apps connect you with people in your area who need home repair help. You can work on your own time and set your own prices. Many handymen earn over $100 an hour for special tasks.
To start, get liability insurance and any needed licenses or certifications. This protects you and your clients, making you look more professional. Also, buy good tools and equipment to make your work better and faster.
If you love DIY projects or want to make extra money, handyman services are a great choice. Use what you already know, build a good reputation, and see your income increase. Turn your home repair skills into a successful side business.
| Handyman Service | Typical Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Minor Home Repairs | $75 – $100 |
| Furniture Assembly | $60 – $80 |
| Drywall and Painting | $85 – $120 |
| Electrical Work | $90 – $150 |
| Plumbing Repairs | $100 – $150 |
With handyman services, turn your love for home improvement into a profitable side job. It’s a great way to make extra money or start a new career. This job lets you show off your skills and gain loyal customers.
Virtual Assistant Services
In today’s digital world, virtual assistants are key for busy professionals needing help from afar. They do many tasks, like setting up meetings and handling emails, to booking trips and entering data. If you’re good with tech and organized, this job can be a great way to earn more at home.
Providing Remote Support for Busy Professionals
As a virtual assistant, you’ll help professionals in many fields. Your tasks might include:
- Scheduling appointments and managing calendars
- Responding to and organizing customer emails
- Arranging travel itineraries and bookings
- Performing data entry and administrative tasks
- Providing customer service support
- Assisting with project management and coordination
This job lets you help clients from afar, so you don’t need to meet them in person. You just need a good computer, fast internet, and a way to stay organized.
Remote work is getting more popular, and so is the need for virtual assistants. Companies like Boldly, CVS Health, and Robert Half International are looking for skilled virtual assistants. If you’re good with tech and know how to manage tasks, you can make a good income with this job.
“Virtual assistants provide an invaluable service by handling a wide range of tasks and allowing busy professionals to focus on their core responsibilities. The flexibility and remote nature of this work make it an attractive option for those seeking to supplement their income.”
side jobs that pay well
In today’s economy, the gig economy has opened up many lucrative side hustles. These jobs can help increase your income. You can explore high-paying side jobs like freelancing or pet care services.
Freelancing is a top choice for making extra money. If you’re good at writing, graphic design, social media, or web development, you can find work. You can earn about $45 per hour or more, based on your skills and experience.
Freelance writers can charge by the hour or per project. Roles like technical, medical, or legal writing pay more.
If you love animals, pet care services could be a great side job. You can make $50 to $150 or more per weekend. It’s a flexible way to earn extra.
| Side Job | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Lawn Care Professional | $55/hour |
| Frequent Flyer Specialist | $80 to $150 per project |
| Bookkeeper | $24/hour |
| City Guide Writer | $24/hour |
| Online Instructor | $42/hour |
Looking to boost your income or try new career paths? There are many lucrative side hustles out there. Use your skills and the gig economy to find the best side gigs for you.
“The side gigs mentioned in the article do not require additional education or training to get hired.”
Conclusion
Side hustles are now a big part of making extra money and trying out new business ideas. You can find many side jobs like freelancing, pet care, tech setup, and blogging. These jobs fit your skills, interests, and schedule.
They help you earn more, invest in your career, or follow your passion. Taking a side job is a great way to be financially stable and grow professionally. It’s flexible and rewarding.
Statistics show that side hustles can make a lot of money. Some people earn up to $250 an hour. Others add $10,701 a year to their income by working just 10 hours a week.
There are many high-paying side jobs out there. You can do things like dog walking, freelance design, coding, or cybersecurity. The variety is amazing.
With the right mindset and plan, you can make your side hustle successful. Use your skills and passions to offer flexible services. This can help you in your main job or fit your lifestyle.
So, why not start your journey to financial freedom and happiness? Join the side hustle movement and explore new opportunities today.