Imagine a world where your passion and skills can bring you financial security. That’s what online side hustles offer – a chance to make extra money while doing what you love. Today, side hustles are changing lives, letting people take charge of their finances.
A recent survey found Americans make about $52 billion a month from side hustles. Half of all workers now have a second job, and many earn a good income from it. This trend shows people want more stability, flexibility, and the chance to follow their dreams.
This guide will show you the top 10 online side hustles. They can open new income streams, boost your creativity, and help you find profitable side hustles. Whether you want to pay off debt, save money, or enjoy your hobbies, these options can change your financial life.
Key Takeaways
- The rise of side hustles is a transformative trend, with Americans earning $52 billion per month from these additional income streams.
- About half of working Americans now report having a side job, with 53% of those workers considered middle- to high-income earners.
- Online side hustles offer flexibility, the ability to pursue passions, and the potential for full-time income replacement.
- The top 10 best online side hustles include freelance writing and editing, online tutoring, virtual assistant services, and more.
- Careful evaluation of potential side hustles is crucial, considering factors like time commitment, earning potential, and alignment with skills and interests.
Introduction
In recent years, side hustles have become more popular in the United States. Many Americans want extra money and control over their finances. So, they’ve started online side hustles to make more money.
With jobs becoming less stable, especially in tech, people are looking for other ways to earn. Online side hustles offer flexibility and a chance to make extra cash. This helps people save, pay off debt, and work on projects they love.
Benefits of Having an Online Side Hustle
Having an online side hustle has many perks. It’s not just about making money. It also brings a sense of fulfillment and control over your work life. Here are some main benefits:
- Generating supplemental income to achieve financial goals
- Developing new skills and exploring new passions
- Increased flexibility and work-life balance
- Reducing debt and building long-term wealth
- Gaining more autonomy and control over one’s financial destiny
As side hustles grow in popularity, more people see how they can change their financial lives. By using their skills online, they take control of their finances. This leads to more stability and independence.
Freelance Writing and Editing
Freelance writing and editing can be a great way to make money online. It’s perfect for those with industry expertise or specialized writing skills. Technical or specialist writing jobs often pay more than general writing. Look for jobs in areas like technology, healthcare, or finance where your domain knowledge can get you higher well-paying writing jobs.
Types of Freelance Writing Jobs
There are many freelance writing jobs that can pay well, including:
- Resume and cover letter writing ($50+ per resume)
- Obituary writing ($0.25–$0.50 per word)
- Product reviews ($0.10+ per word)
- Content creation for websites, newspapers, and magazines ($0.10+ per word)
- Transcription services ($20 per hour)
- Editing and proofreading ($0.02–$0.049 per word)
- Social media content creation ($1–$10 per post)
Tips for Finding Well-Paying Freelance Writing Gigs
To find well-paying writing jobs, follow these tips:
- Build a strong portfolio that shows off your specialist writing skills and industry expertise.
- Network with potential clients and look for job boards that need specialized skills.
- Start charging $0.10 per word and increase your rates as you get more experience and positive feedback.
- Work with no more than three clients at once to keep quality high and manage your time well.
- Spend 2-3 hours daily, Monday to Friday, on growing your freelance writing business.
Use your specialist writing skills and industry knowledge to enter the profitable world of freelance writing. You can earn a good income for your work.
Online Tutoring and Teaching
In today’s digital world, online tutoring and teaching are great side hustles. They offer flexibility and can be rewarding. You can use your knowledge to help students reach their goals. Plus, you get to work on your own schedule.
More and more people are looking for online tutors now. A consulting firm expert said the pandemic hurt kids’ education. This means there’s a big chance for those who love teaching and know their subjects well.
Online tutors can set their own prices. These can go from $15 to over $100 an hour. It depends on the subject and how much you know. Sites like TutorMe, Preply, and others offer many online tutoring jobs. They cover different subjects and help various students.
| Platform | Tutor Rates |
|---|---|
| Outschool | $50 to $100 per hour |
| Wyzant | Up to $180 per hour |
| Lessonface | $40 for a 30-minute class |
Online tutoring lets you work when you want. It’s perfect for those who want to earn extra money. Seeing tutoring as a business can also make you more creative. This can help you make more money.
The online tutoring market is growing fast, by 14.9% each year. It’s expected to be worth $7.69 billion in 2022. If you’re good at certain subjects or test prep, this could be a great way to make money.
“An experienced English and essay writing tutor made $10,000 per month through online teaching by 2020.”
Virtual Assistant Services
Virtual assistant services are now a top choice for those with great organizational and tech skills. They handle tasks like calendar management, data entry, and even web design. This makes it a great side hustle.
Tasks Performed by Virtual Assistants
Virtual assistants do a lot of different jobs. They’re good with Microsoft Office, communication tools, and bookkeeping. They also know how to type fast, manage calendars, and do research.
They have skills in graphic design, project management, and customer service too. Plus, they’re great at communicating, managing time, and staying organized. These soft skills are very valuable.
Platforms for Finding Virtual Assistant Jobs
Virtual assistants love the flexibility and variety of their work. They can find jobs on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Time etc. Other places include Randstad, Prialto, and Virtual Coworker.
They can set their own prices, from $20 to $25 an hour for basic tasks. But, they should think about costs like office gear, internet, and taxes too. This way, they can make a good profit.
To stand out, virtual assistants can get special training and certifications. Using social media, websites, and networking helps them find clients. Asking for referrals and posting on job boards also works well.
“Virtual assisting includes tasks like scheduling, event planning, and social media management. They also do research and use skills in Excel, Google Docs, Photoshop, and organization.”
Virtual assistants enjoy the flexibility and variety of their work. With the right skills and marketing, they can earn extra money. It’s a great way to make more income.
Selling Products Online
Whether you’re making unique items or exploring dropshipping and e-commerce, selling online can be profitable. Platforms like Etsy are great for selling handmade goods, such as soaps, candles, jewelry, and more. Or, you can try dropshipping or start your own e-commerce store to sell many products without keeping inventory.
Handmade and Crafted Items
If you’re good at making unique handmade products and crafts, Etsy is a great place to sell them. Sellers on Etsy often focus on jewelry, art, paper goods, clothing, and home decor. They cater to customers who want something special and original. With Etsy’s big customer base and easy-to-use features, you can start selling online and maybe make a good side income.
Dropshipping and E-commerce Businesses
Dropshipping and e-commerce are other ways to sell online. These methods let you open an online store without buying inventory first. You work with suppliers or use popular e-commerce sites to start your business. Then, you handle orders and could earn passive income as your business grows.
| Side Hustle | Earning Potential |
|---|---|
| Selling Handmade Products on Etsy | Varies based on product pricing and sales volume, but can be a lucrative source of additional income |
| Dropshipping and E-commerce Businesses | Flexible and scalable, with the potential for significant passive income as the business grows |
“The beauty of selling products online is the ability to reach a wider audience and potentially achieve passive income as your business scales.” – [Your Name]
Affiliate Marketing and Influencing
Affiliate marketing and influencer marketing are great ways to make money online. With affiliate marketing, you earn by promoting products or services. You build a following and become an expert in a niche. Then, you share products with your followers and get a cut of the sales.
This method can lead to passive income as your audience grows. You keep promoting products without much extra work.
How Affiliate Marketing Works
Affiliate marketing lets you earn by sharing others’ products. Over a million marketers get tips and trends through email, showing its huge potential. To succeed, you need a big social media or newsletter audience to promote products well.
It’s smart to promote products you use daily. This makes your marketing more genuine.
Building an Audience and Promoting Products
To do well in affiliate marketing, focus on building a loyal following. Look for products that fit your audience’s interests. You might also consider offering consulting services in digital marketing, SEO, or business management.
Having a website for your services and an online shop is a good idea. Use platforms like Shopify for this. Tools like Squarespace can help you create a user-friendly website for your side hustle.
Posting consistently is key to success. Use Later to schedule your posts. A Link in Bio feature can make your social media more engaging for your followers.
“Affiliate marketing allows individuals to earn a commission by promoting other companies’ products.”
With influencer marketing, you can use your social media followers to promote products. This can be a strong way to earn passive income and grow your brand.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Amazon Sellers Globally | 9.5 million |
| Average Revenue of Amazon Sellers | $26,000 to $810,000 annually |
| Gross Sales on Amazon | $300 billion |
| Thrasia Funding and Acquisitions | Over $3.4 billion in funding and 200+ FBA store acquisitions |
| Acquisition Deal Sizes |
|
best online side hustles
Looking for the best online side hustles to increase your income? It’s key to think about several things. You should look at time commitment, earning potential, and how it fits with your interests and skills. The aim is to find a side hustle that makes extra money and matches your passions while you work your main job.
Evaluating Potential Side Hustles
Start by checking how much time each side hustle. Some, like freelance writing or being a virtual assistant, let you work when you want. Others, like online tutoring or running an e-commerce business, need more regular time. Think about how much time you can give to a side hustle without losing your main job or personal life.
Then, look at the earning potential of each side hustle. The money from a side job might not be as much as your main job, but it should still add to your income. Look up typical earnings for different side hustles to see which fit your financial goals.
Lastly, see if the side hustle matches your passions and skills. The best side hustlers love what they do, whether it’s making content, selling crafts, or offering services. Picking a side hustle that uses your talents and interests makes the work more enjoyable and helps you succeed.
Balancing a Side Hustle with a Full-Time Job
After picking the best online side hustles for you, balancing them with your full-time job is next. This means managing your time well, talking clearly with your boss, and keeping a good work-life balance. Set achievable goals and limits, and be ready to change your plan if needed to avoid getting too tired.
Remember, the secret to a great side hustle is finding the right mix of earning potential, time commitment, and feeling fulfilled. By carefully looking at your options and keeping your work-life balance in mind, you can create a side hustle that helps your main income and improves your financial future.
| Side Hustle | Time Commitment | Earning Potential | Passion Alignment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freelance Writing | Flexible | High | Strong |
| Virtual Assistant | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| E-commerce Business | High | High | Strong |
| Online Tutoring | Moderate | Moderate | Strong |
“The most successful side hustlers are those who genuinely enjoy the work they do, whether it’s creating content, selling handmade products, or providing professional services.”
Online Surveys and Website Testing
Online surveys and website testing are easy ways to make extra money. Companies like Telus International need people to check and give feedback on data and content. You can earn $12 to $15 an hour, working up to 25 hours a week.
Website testing lets you make money by giving feedback on websites and apps. Sites like UserTesting pay you for sharing your thoughts. Kartik, a user, said, “UserTesting pays users like myself to share our experiences. This helps companies make better products.”
Online surveys and website testing are great for making passive income with minimal time commitment. Kartik made over $500 in a few months by testing websites and apps. He spent just 5 minutes to 1 hour a week. People love the consistent rewards and timely payments, as seen on TrustRadius.
| Platform | Typical Earnings | User Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Branded Surveys | $0.50 for registration, $0.50 for introductory questionnaire, $5 cash out minimum | 4.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot with over 82,000 reviews |
| Swagbucks | 1-350 Swagbucks per survey ($0.01 to $3.50) | 4.4 rating on App Store with 112,000+ reviews, 4.2 rating on Google Play with 139,000+ reviews |
| Ipsos i-Say | 45-90 points per survey ($0.45 to $0.90), $5 cash out minimum | 4.7-star rating on Google Play with over 32,000 reviews |
If you want to supplement your income or find flexible work, online surveys and website testing are good choices. They let you earn extra cash in your free time.
Graphic Design and Creative Services
If you love visual design, you can make money with graphic design and creative services. Use Fiverr to sell services like logos, illustrations, and social media graphics. A strong portfolio and niche expertise can help you charge more.
Freelance work is a top side hustle for graphic designers. Logo design is a sought-after service that can bring in steady cash. With the rise of web development, there’s also a big need for website templates that clients can customize and buy.
Graphic designers can also sell their own products. You could make digital planners, calendars, and trackers to help people stay organized. Or, sell high-resolution stock photography to those needing quality images. Earning $600 or more from social media management gets you a 1099 form, making it a real side job.
Other great opportunities include making Lightroom presets, designing e-books, and selling illustrations for stock sites. Designing packaging, magazines, and book covers can also be profitable and add to your main income.
Platforms for Selling Design Services
There are many places to sell your graphic design and creative work. Some top choices are:
- Fiverr – A marketplace for a wide range of digital services, including graphic design
- SolidGigs – A subscription-based service that curates high-quality freelance design jobs
- Shutterstock, iStock, Freepik, and Envato – Websites where you can create portfolios and sell stock graphics
- Canva, Sellfy, PosterMyWall, and Etsy – Platforms for selling design templates
- Etsy, Podia, and Facebook Marketplace – Marketplaces for selling printable designs
- Redbubble, CafePress, Printify, Zazzle, Shopify, and Amazon – Print-on-demand services for selling custom merchandise
Using these platforms, graphic designers can find many potential clients. This helps them earn a steady passive income alongside their main job.
Social Media Management
Social media management is now a top side hustle online. With spending on social media ads set to hit $255.8 billion by 2028, and over half the world using social media, the demand is huge. This makes it a great chance for those in this field.
Services Offered by Social Media Managers
Social media managers help clients by managing their accounts, creating engaging content, and talking to their audience. They also analyze data to make marketing better. These services are key for businesses and individuals wanting to grow online and reach more people.
Building a Client Base
To succeed in social media management, use your network and show off your skills with examples and testimonials. Being good at content creation and online marketing can draw in new clients. This makes you a go-to person for social media help.
The average pay for a freelance social media marketing manager in the U.S. is $48,439 a year, says Glassdoor. This shows the earning potential in this field. With more companies needing social media help and the chance to work from anywhere, it’s a solid side hustle.
| Role | Average Annual Earnings |
|---|---|
| Social Media Advertising Consultant | $95,000 |
| Social Media Manager | $60,918 |
| YouTube Channel Manager | $109,000 |
| PPC Campaign Manager | $156,000 |
| LinkedIn Profile/Content Writer | $96,000 |
“The number of registered social media management businesses and freelancers is less than 100,000, while the demand for these services comes from millions of companies, indicating a significant supply-demand gap.”
Transcription and Translation Services
For those with strong language skills, transcription and translation services are great side hustles. Transcriptionists turn audio into written text. Translators change content from one language to another. These services are needed in many fields, like legal, medical, creative, and business.
Platforms like TransPerfect offer these jobs, paying $13 or more per hour. You can work from home and choose your hours. This makes it perfect for those wanting extra money. Transcriptionists can earn up to $51 per hour, making about $245 a month on sites like Rev.com.
For higher earnings, top translators and transcriptionists can make $1,000 to $3,000 a month. Companies like Ditto Transcripts pay $5 per minute for special services like court hearing transcriptions.
| Platform | Transcription Rates | Average Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Rev.com | $0.60 per audio/video minute | $245 per month |
| GoTranscript | $0.60 per audio/video minute | $150 per month, $1,215 for top earners |
| TigerFish | $0.03 to $0.05 per line | N/A |
| TranscribeMe | $15 to $22 per audio hour | N/A |
| Ditto Transcripts | Up to $5 per minute for court hearings | N/A |
Working remotely and choosing your hours makes transcription and translation great side hustles. With the right skills and focus, these jobs can offer a steady income.
Data Entry and Annotation
The need for data entry and annotation is growing fast, thanks to AI technology. Companies like Telus International and TransPerfect are looking for internet raters and data annotators. They need people to check and give feedback on data like text, images, and more. This work pays $12 to $15 an hour and you can work up to 25 hours a week.
The Role of Data Annotation in AI
High-quality data is key for training AI systems. That’s why data entry and data annotation are so important. Workers tag and analyze data to help AI models learn and get better.
Companies Hiring for Data Annotation Jobs
Companies like Telus International and TransPerfect are hiring for data annotation jobs. Others include:
- Appen, which specializes in search engine evaluation and microtasks
- Lionbridge, a provider of AI training data
- Clickworker, a marketplace for small data entry tasks
- Amazon Mechanical Turk, which offers various human intelligence tasks (HITs)
These jobs offer a flexible way to make extra money and help develop AI technology.
“As the need for high-quality data to train AI systems continues to increase, data entry and data annotation present viable online side hustle opportunities.”
Data-driven decisions are becoming more common, and AI is advancing fast. This means there will be more jobs for skilled data entry and annotation workers. By taking these jobs, people can use their skills to earn more and help AI grow.
Online Customer Service and Chat Support
Working in online customer service or chat support is a great way to earn extra money. Many companies, big and small, need 24/7 customer help. They are looking for remote workers to take on these roles.
These jobs usually ask for a high school diploma, good English skills, and basic computer knowledge. This makes them open to many people. You can work flexible schedules and from your own work-from-home place. This is perfect for those wanting extra money without giving up their current job or personal life.
Requirements for Online Customer Service Jobs
To get into online customer service, you’ll need certain skills and qualifications:
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strong problem-solving abilities and a customer-centric mindset
- Proficiency in using technology, including computers and various software applications
- Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
- Typing speed and accuracy, with some companies requiring a minimum typing test score
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
Online customer service and chat support jobs offer great flexibility. Companies like ModSquad let you set your own hours and work on projects you like. This makes it a great side job.
Working from home also means no daily commute. This saves time and money. With the right setup and discipline, you can use these online customer service and chat support jobs to make more money and improve your financial situation.
Bookkeeping and Accounting Services
Bookkeeping and accounting can be great side hustles online, especially for those with the right skills. Small businesses often hire part-time bookkeepers or accountants for their financial tasks. These jobs can be done remotely and pay between $11 to $25 per hour or more, based on your skills and experience.
Qualifications for Bookkeeping and Accounting Jobs
Having formal accounting qualifications helps, but many small businesses will consider those with basic bookkeeping skills. Taking courses in accounting or learning to use software like QuickBooks can prepare you. Freelance writers with accounting knowledge can earn over $380 per hour, showing the demand for these skills.
Advantages of Offering Remote Services
Being able to work remotely with flexible hours makes these side hustles even more appealing. Virtual bookkeepers can earn $60 an hour or more. Plus, 38% of families hire an accountant or service for their taxes, with prices from $250 to $1,000 or more. Small companies often hire remote professionals for their financial tasks, offering a convenient and affordable solution.
| Skill | Potential Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Bookkeeping | $11 – $25+ |
| Accounting | $15 – $35+ |
| Tax Preparation | $250 – $1,000+ |
“Virtual bookkeeping is emphasized as not being a get-rich-quick scheme, but the site aims to provide all the necessary resources to kickstart a career in professional virtual bookkeeping.”
Conclusion
The rise of side hustles in America has opened up many chances for people to make extra money and take charge of their finances. This article has shown a variety of online side hustles, like freelance writing and virtual assistant jobs, to selling things online and making money through affiliate marketing. It’s important to think about how much time you can give, how much you can earn, and if it fits your interests and skills.
Online side hustles offer flexibility and the chance to make more money. They help you reach your financial goals while keeping a good work-life balance. If you want to boost your monthly income, start a passive income stream, or try new career paths, there are many best online side hustles in 2024 for you.
So, don’t wait any longer. Begin your journey to financial freedom and growth with side hustles. The benefits include better flexible schedules, new skills, and the chance to follow your passions. Take the first step now and see how online side hustles can change your life for the better.