As living costs go up, many Americans look for ways to make more money. Side hustles are flexible, part-time jobs that let you use your skills and interests to earn extra. They can help you pay off debt, save for something big, or just have more money.
This guide will cover 10 top side hustles for 2023. You’ll find everything from freelance writing and online tutoring to e-commerce and social media management. These options can increase your income and open new doors for your future. Say hello to financial freedom and a brighter future.
Key Takeaways
- Side hustles offer the flexibility to earn extra income on your own terms.
- The gig economy and digital marketplaces have created a wealth of side hustle opportunities.
- Leveraging your skills and interests can lead to profitable side hustle ventures.
- Passive income streams, such as e-commerce and affiliate marketing, can generate residual earnings.
- Pursuing a side hustle can help you develop new skills and test potential business ideas.
Best Side Hustles Overview
A side hustle is an extra job or way to make money outside of your main job. Side hustles let people make more money, try out business ideas, and have different ways to earn. They can be freelance work, part-time jobs, or even making money without working directly.
What is a Side Hustle?
A side hustle is a way to make extra cash and follow your dreams. It can be freelance writing, starting an online store, or even pet sitting. The main thing about a side hustle is it’s done besides your main job. It helps you make more money, grow your wealth, and try new career paths.
Why Start a Side Hustle in 2023?
Starting a side hustle in 2023 is smart for many reasons. With living costs going up, having more income helps manage bills and pay off debt. Side hustles can also lead to making money without working hard, through passive income and investments. Plus, they let you use your creative skills in new ways.
“54% of Americans reported having a side hustle, according to a 2024 MarketWatch survey.”
As the economy changes, having different ways to earn money is key for staying stable and growing financially. Side hustles are a smart move for many people.
| Side Hustle Idea | Potential Earnings | Startup Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance Writing | $1,000 – $2,000 per month | Minimal (computer, internet access) |
| E-commerce Store | $500 – $5,000 per month | $17 – $100 per month (website platform) |
| Virtual Assistant | $1,000 – $20,000 per month | Few costs (computer, internet access) |
| Online Tutoring | $25 – $50 per hour | Minimal (computer, internet access) |
Freelancing: A Tried-and-True Income Booster
Freelancing is a top choice for those wanting to make extra money. It lets people work on projects and offer their skills to clients for specific tasks. This way, they can choose when they work. In-demand freelance services include freelance writing, freelance graphic design, and many other services.
Freelancers promote their skills through their networks and sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com. These sites manage projects and payments, making it easy for freelancers to find clients and get paid.
The Rise of Freelance Opportunities
More people need specialized skills, which has made freelancing more popular. Skills in UX design, project management, and data analysis are in high demand. A 2023 study by McKinsey found that those who keep learning get paid more over time.
Turning hobbies into side hustles can really increase your income. Turning fun activities into work has been shown to make more money, as a guide by United Way Worldwide explains. Learning new skills keeps freelancers ahead and ready for new trends.
| Platform | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|
| Survey Junkie | Up to $3 per completed survey |
| JumpTask | Up to $20 per day |
| Swagbucks | Up to $5 per day |
| Honeygain | Up to $30 per month |
| Branded Surveys | Up to $3 per survey |
| Ibotta | Up to $20 per month |
Freelancing is a flexible and rewarding way to earn more. It’s great for turning a hobby into a business or using your skills to meet market demands.
Pet Sitting and Doggie Day Care: Ideal for Animal Lovers
For those who love animals, pet sitting and doggie day care are great side jobs. Pet sitters take care of pets in their own homes or at the pet’s home. They can earn more by selling pet insurance to their clients.
Costs and Platforms for Pet Care Services
Starting pet sitting usually doesn’t cost much, if you already have what you need. But, starting a pet daycare might need money for things like kennels. You can use Rover and Care.com to advertise and manage your services. Or, you can use tools like Square for your own system.
Some important facts about pet sitting:
- Pet sitters can make up to $1,500 a month caring for animals.
- They usually start charging about $10 per hour per pet, with prices ranging from $25 to $35 per night.
- Having 3 dogs could bring in around $100 per day.
- There might be competition, and some people prefer certain sitters, like families or women.
Pet sitting can be a profitable side job, depending on where you live. It lets you earn money based on how many clients you have and the services you offer. With low startup costs and the chance to work with pets, it’s perfect for animal lovers wanting to make extra money.
Dog Walking: Earn Extra Cash While Getting Exercise
If you love dogs but can’t take care of them full-time, dog walking is a great option. It lets you make extra money and get fit. You only need leashes and bags to start.
Platforms like Wag, TimetoPet, and Rover offer dog walking jobs. Or, you can advertise yourself to pet owners. Use Square to handle payments. With more pets being adopted, there’s a big need for pet care.
On Rover, walks can be 30 minutes to an hour. Some owners want multiple walks a day or walks with more dogs. In summer, some walkers even get offers for $5,000 to watch dogs all summer. Some make about $5,000 a month from boarding dogs.
Rover takes a 20% fee, though. Dog walkers can earn $16-$24 an hour. Rates are usually $12-$15 for 30 minutes and $20-$25 for an hour. Walking 2 or 3 dogs a day can bring in about $600 a month.
Most owners want their pets walked between 11am-2pm. Trust is key in dog walking. Owners trust walkers with their pets and homes, so background checks and meetings are important. The best walkers love dogs, can handle all kinds, and have flexible schedules.
It’s smart to focus on a specific area to save time and make more money. Dog walking lets you earn, stay fit, and enjoy time with dogs.
Tech Setup Services: Cash In on Your Tech Savviness
In today’s digital world, having tech skills can make you money. If you’re good at setting up home networks, smart devices, computers, and phones, you can earn extra cash. You can offer tech support and smart home setup services in your area.
To look more credible, think about getting tech certifications. Also, offer insurance or bonding for services done at home. Starting is cheap, but you might need to buy some basic tools first. Use platforms like HelloTech and TaskRabbit to market and manage your services, or create your own system with Square.
There’s a big demand for tech setup services, and you can make a lot of money. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says web developers made about $70,000 a year in 2017. They also expect a 15% job growth from 2017 to 2026. By using your tech savviness, you can join this growing market and cash in on computer repair and smart home setup services.
If you love tech or are just starting with side hustles, tech setup services are a great choice. They can be both profitable and fulfilling. So, why not use your tech skills to make more money today?
Blogging: Share Your Passion and Earn Money
Blogging is a great way to make extra money if you love writing and sharing your knowledge. You can start a blog on a topic you’re passionate about. This way, you can earn money through ads and affiliate marketing.
Costs and Platforms for Blogging
Starting a basic blog costs about $50-$100 a year. You’ll need to buy a domain name and use a website builder like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. These platforms offer many templates and tools to help you create and manage your blog easily.
After setting up your blog, you can make money through affiliate marketing and ad revenue. With hard work and regular updates, your blog can turn into a profitable side job. It lets you share your interests and make extra cash.
“Blogging is not only a great way to earn extra income, but it also allows you to express your creativity and connect with like-minded individuals.” – John Doe, Professional Blogger
Senior Sitting and Companion: Assist Aging Relatives
As more people get older, there’s a big need for help at home for seniors. Getting certified in CPR and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) makes you a trusted helper for seniors when their main caregivers are out. You can offer these services through Care.com, Sittercity, and Papa.com, or use Square to manage your own bookings and payments.
Senior sitting and companion services include tasks like cleaning, cooking, reminding about medicines, driving, and keeping seniors company. These services help aging relatives a lot and can also give you extra money. This is great for those who want to earn more.
| Service | Average Hourly Rate | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Sitting | $17 – $20 | Care.com, Sittercity, Papa.com |
| Companion Services | $15 – $18 | Care.com, Sittercity, Papa.com |
If you’re good at caring for others or just care deeply, senior sitting and companion services could be a great choice. It’s a way to make more money and help seniors in your area.
“Caring for our aging relatives is not only a noble cause, but it also presents an opportunity to earn extra income and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.” – Jane Doe, Certified Senior Caregiver
Babysitting and Child Care: A Flexible Income Source
Want to make some extra money and spend time with kids? Babysitting and in-home child care services are great for you. This side job is in demand and lets you earn more.
Even if you don’t need formal certification, learning skills like CPR and first aid can make you stand out. Use sites like Care.com, Sittercity, and UrbanSitter to find jobs. Or, create your own system for booking and payments with tools like Square.
- Leverage your love for children and earn extra cash through babysitting and in-home child care services.
- Boost your credibility by obtaining certifications in CPR, first aid, and behavior management.
- Utilize online platforms like Care.com, Sittercity, and UrbanSitter to market your services.
- Explore the flexibility of setting up your own booking and payment system using tools like Square.
Babysitting and in-home child care can help you earn more or offer a flexible job. If you love working with kids, start building your client list now!
best side hustles 2023: Freelance and Part-Time Opportunities
There are many freelance and part-time jobs you can try in 2023. You can offer personal assistant services, mobile car washing, or even work as a virtual assistant. The gig economy has lots of ways to make extra money.
Using Thumbtack and TaskRabbit makes finding freelance and part-time jobs easy. You can also manage your own work by setting up your own booking and payment systems.
- Administrative roles, such as virtual assistant positions, are growing. More clients need help with back-end business tasks.
- Freelance graphic designers can work on projects like social media graphics, logos, and posters. Tools like Canva make it easy.
- Writing gigs include online articles, blog posts, books, and social media content.
- Online training and consulting side hustles let you sell courses and ebooks on platforms like Udemy and Skillshare.
- Digital marketing side hustles, like social media management and affiliate marketing, can be very profitable.
With the right skills and entrepreneurial spirit, the gig economy offers many freelance work and part-time job chances. These can help you earn more in 2023.
“The gig economy offers a wealth of options to boost your income in 2023.”
Mobile Car Washing and Detailing: A Hands-On Hustle
Looking for a side hustle that lets you work outside and help people? Think about mobile car washing and detailing. It’s a cheap business idea that lets you work with customers at their places or with businesses needing fleet washing.
Starting a car washing and detailing business is easy on the wallet. You just need to buy cleaning tools, a good hose and nozzle, and a reliable car. Use sites like MobileWash and Spiffy, or create your own booking and payment system with Square to manage your work and find more customers.
This side job is great because you can choose when you work. As a mobile detailer, you can make good money while keeping a good balance between work and life. You can start part-time and grow into a full-time business.
To make your car washing and detailing business successful, invest in top-notch tools and equipment. Things like mobile skid mount units, carpet extractors, and polishers will make your work better and look more professional.
Good marketing is key too. Make business cards, add graphics to your car, and use social media like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get more customers for your mobile detailing work.
“The demand for advanced services like paint correction film and ceramic coating is rising in the car detailing industry, leading to opportunities for businesses to charge premium prices.”
Offering deals, discounts, and loyalty programs can make your car washing and detailing services more appealing. This will help you sell more and keep customers coming back.
In summary, mobile car washing and detailing is a great side job. It’s flexible, affordable, and lets you help people. With the right tools, marketing, and quality service, you can build a successful mobile detailing business and grow personally and financially.
Local Handyman: Earn Extra Income with Your Skills
If you’re the go-to person for fixing light switches and hanging ceiling fans, you can make money as a handyman. You don’t need much to start if you already have the tools. This job can give you a steady income. You might want to get insured and bonded to protect yourself and your clients, but it’s not always needed.
Costs and Platforms for Handyman Services
There are many ways to market and manage your handyman services. Thumbtack, TaskRabbit, and Angi are great platforms that connect you with homeowners who need your help. Or, you can use tools like Square to set up your own booking and payment system. This way, you have more control over your business.
Being a handyman is a great side job if you have the skills and want to be your own boss. By using the right platforms and showing off your home improvement skills, you can make good money. This can help you earn extra cash for your financial goals.
“Turning my weekend hobby of fixing things around the house into a side hustle has been a game-changer. I now have the freedom to choose my own hours and projects, all while earning extra cash to put towards my financial goals.”
Virtual Assistant: Provide Remote Support Services
Virtual assistants are becoming a big part of remote work today. They offer many services like scheduling, email management, and travel booking. It’s a great side job for those who are organized, know their way around technology, and want to work from home.
Starting as a virtual assistant doesn’t cost much. You just need a good computer and a steady internet connection. But, you can make a good income. Virtual assistants on Fiverr can earn up to $250 per task. On sites like Belay and Robert Half, they make $18 to $30 an hour. If you have special skills, like email campaigns or subscription management, you can earn $100 an hour or more.
To find jobs as a virtual assistant, check out LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and Monster. They list part-time or contract jobs. Also, join social media groups for virtual assistants. Employers often post jobs in these groups.
To market your virtual assistant services, use different methods. Having a professional online presence, like a LinkedIn profile or a website, helps attract clients. Also, posting on job boards and networking can help you find new jobs.
Becoming a virtual assistant can be a good way to make extra money or find a flexible job. With the right skills, a strong online presence, and a good marketing plan, you can meet the growing need for remote support. This can lead to a lot of earning potential.
Online Tutoring and Teaching: Educate from Anywhere
In today’s digital world, online tutoring and teaching English are great side jobs. They’re perfect as remote learning grows. Tutors can use their knowledge in school subjects or teach English to those who speak it as a second language. They can earn good money per hour. Getting special teaching certifications can make you stand out.
Costs and Platforms for Online Teaching
Popular places for online tutoring and teaching include Tutor.com and Wyzant. These sites take care of booking and paying, so tutors can focus on teaching. Rates can be from $15 to $80 an hour, based on the subject and where you are.
Online tutoring has really taken off, with the market expected to hit $400 billion by 2026. Sites like Preply.com, Magic Ears, Qkids, and VIPKid connect teachers with students. They offer lessons that fit the student and pay between $14 to $26 an hour.
| Platform | Hourly Rate | Subjects Offered | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preply.com | $15-$25 | Languages, Math, Science | Personalized Lessons |
| Magic Ears | Up to $26 | English | Students aged 4-12 |
| Qkids | $16-$20 | English | Students aged 4-12 |
| VIPKid | $14-$18 | English | Students aged 4-12 |
Platforms like Lingoda and English from A to Z let teachers teach various subjects to students globally. They offer good pay based on your education and where you are.
“By 2027, it is projected that there will be more than 86 million freelancers in the US, indicating a rise in entrepreneurship and side hustles.”
For teachers wanting extra income, online tutoring and teaching offer flexible hours. These hours are usually early morning or evening. This way, teachers can make more money while keeping their main job.
Passive Income Streams: Residual Earnings Potential
There are ways to earn extra money without working hard. You can rent out rooms, cars, or storage space. Or sell things like ebooks or online courses online. These passive income streams need work upfront but can make money with little effort later.
Passive income is great when prices go up. It can help you keep up with costs. Plus, it’s a good way to save for retirement. The IRS says passive income comes from things like renting out property or not working in a business.
Looking into passive income can help you make more money and be financially stable. You can make online courses or invest in stocks or real estate trusts. There are many ways to earn money without working hard.
FAQ
What is a side hustle?
A side hustle is an extra job or way to make money outside of your main job. It lets people earn more, try out business ideas, and have more ways to make money.
Why should I start a side hustle in 2023?
Starting a side hustle in 2023 is smart for many reasons. With living costs going up, having more income helps manage bills and pay off debt. Side hustles can also help you build wealth through passive income and investments.
They let you use your skills and interests outside of your main job.
What are some popular freelance side hustles?
Freelancing is a top side hustle choice. In-demand freelance jobs include graphic design, web development, writing, and editing. Freelancers can find work through their networks or websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com.
How can I get started with pet sitting or dog walking as a side hustle?
Pet sitting and dog walking are great side hustles for animal lovers. Pet sitters can take care of pets at home or theirs. Some places need permits, and they can also sell pet insurance.
Starting costs are low for pet sitting at home. But, pet daycare might need more money for kennels or gates. Use platforms like Rover and Care.com, or your own system with Square.
What are the costs and platforms for starting a blog as a side hustle?
Starting a blog costs about -0 a year for a domain and hosting. Websites like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace offer easy tools and templates. You don’t need a designer or developer to start.
How can I get started as a virtual assistant for a side hustle?
Virtual assistants help with tasks like scheduling and email in the digital world. You just need a good computer and internet. Use platforms like Thumbtack and TaskRabbit to find work.
What are the costs and platforms for online tutoring and teaching as a side hustle?
Online tutoring and teaching English are great side hustles, especially with more remote learning. Tutors use their knowledge in subjects or teach English to others. Getting teaching certifications helps stand out. Use Tutor.com and Wyzant for bookings and payments.
What are some examples of passive income side hustles?
Besides active side hustles, there are ways to earn money passively. Rent out rooms, cars, or storage, or sell digital products like ebooks or courses. These need work upfront but can earn you money with little effort later.