The cost of living keeps going up, pushing more Americans to find side jobs for extra cash. These jobs offer flexible hours, more money, and the chance to earn a lot. Now, nearly half of U.S. workers have a side hustle.
This change in jobs has changed how we make and save money. It opens up new chances for people to take charge of their finances.
Key Takeaways
- The rise in side hustles is driven by economic factors like high inflation, stagnant wages, and lack of savings.
- Some of the most lucrative side hustles include DoorDash delivery, virtual assistant, and online tutoring.
- Side hustles are becoming more popular, with 39% of Americans working a side gig to pay their bills.
- Younger generations like Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to have a side hustle.
- The most profitable side hustles can earn workers over $5,000 per month.
The Rise of Side Hustles in America
Side hustles are becoming more popular in the U.S. due to economic reasons and the desire for flexible work. With inflation rising and wages staying the same, many Americans now have less savings than before. Over a third of people carry more credit card debt than cash. This has led 39% of Americans to start a side hustle to earn more and cover expenses.
Young people, like Gen Z and Millennials, are especially likely to have a side job. 53% of Gen Z and 50% of Millennials have one. They like the flexibility and the chance to earn more money. 63% of gig workers say they prefer side work because they can set their own hours.
Economic Factors Driving the Demand for Side Gigs
People are turning to side hustles for more than just extra cash. They also want to enjoy life and improve their standard of living. The average side hustle makes $250 a month. 45% of people use this money to pay off debt or cover everyday costs. Surprisingly, those earning over $100,000 are most likely to look for extra income.
The Appeal of Flexibility and Multiple Income Streams
Side hustles are set to grow because they offer flexibility and new ways to make money. Experts say technology will make it easier to earn extra money in the future. Young people are okay with having several jobs, making side hustles popular among all ages and income levels.
| Gig Type | Average Hourly Pay |
|---|---|
| Writing | $30–$40 |
| Web Developer | $50–$60 |
| Data Analyst | $55–$65 |
| Graphic Designer | $40–$45 |
| Programmer | $60–$70 |
Side hustles are more than a trend; they’re changing how Americans work and earn. The need for side jobs is growing, thanks to the economy. The chance to have flexible work and earn more money makes side hustles attractive to many in the U.S.
Popular Side Hustles Across the United States
Side hustles are becoming more popular across the U.S. But, different regions have their own favorite side jobs. The top side hustle in America is virtual assistant work, showing the need for remote jobs. Yet, the top choices vary by state.
Regional Variations and Preferences
In the Northeast, babysitting is a top side gig because of the high living costs. In the South, people like virtual assistant jobs and DoorDash delivery. Political views also affect choices, with Republicans leaning towards DoorDash and Democrats towards Uber driving.
This shows that the best side hustles change with location and the economy.
| Region | Popular Side Hustles |
|---|---|
| Northeast | Babysitting |
| South | Virtual Assistant, DoorDash Delivery |
| Republican-leaning States | DoorDash Delivery |
| Democratic-leaning States | Uber Driving |
A FlexJobs survey found that nearly one in three workers has a side job. Over 11% have more than one. Also, 38% are searching for a side job. This means over two-thirds of workers either have a side job or want one.
side hustles that pay well
Many Americans take on side hustles because they need extra money. The gig economy has many jobs that can pay well. We found that some side hustles can make over $100 a day.
Lucrative Gig Economy Jobs and Earnings Potential
Top-paying side jobs include DoorDash delivery, virtual assistant work, and online tutoring. Freelance writing, blogging, and skilled freelance work in design and development are also profitable.
But remember, these figures are before expenses like gas and car upkeep. Even so, the gig economy has many high-paying side hustles for extra cash.
| Side Hustle | Average Weekly Income Potential | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance Writing | $50 – $2,500+ | Medium |
| Survey Taker | $5 – $150 | Easy |
| Gaming Reward Apps | $5 – $300 | Easy |
| Online Freelancing Gigs | $50 – $2,500+ | Medium |
| Food Delivery Gigs | $50 – $1,000 | Easy |
| Dog Walking | $50 – $750+ | Medium |
| Cash Odd Jobs | $50 – $1,000+ | Medium |
| Deliver Packages | $100 – $1,000 | Medium |
| Social Media Management | $250 – $2,500+ | Medium |
| Event Photography | $250 – $1,500 | Hard |
There are also other high-paying side hustles like blogging, microtask sites, and odd jobs. The key is to pick a side hustle that fits your skills, interests, and schedule.
Virtual Assistant Opportunities
Working as a virtual assistant is a top choice for making money from home in the U.S. It offers the chance to work remotely and can pay well, with an average monthly income of $5,285, according to Indeed.
More people want to work from home, and businesses need help with tasks like scheduling and email. Virtual assistants do many jobs, such as customer service and data entry. This job is great for those who like working from home and are good at organizing and talking to people.
| Virtual Assistant Earnings | Hourly Rate | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $250 per package | $18 – $21 per hour | Belay |
| Up to $30 per hour | $100+ per hour | Robert Half, specialized skills |
| $25+ per hour | $10 – $12 per hour | Executive assistant, 24/7 Virtual Assistant |
| $25 – $40 per hour | $10 per hour | Upwork, Vicky Virtual |
| $13 – $25 per hour | $34 per hour (average) | Time Etc., VaVa Virtual Assistant, Zip Recruiter |
Now, 59% of Gen Zers have a side job, and they work on it for about 10.5 hours a week. Virtual assisting is a flexible way to earn money from home with good pay.
“The rise in demand for virtual assistants reflects the growing preference for remote work, as well as the need for administrative support that many businesses and professionals require.”
Gig Delivery Services: DoorDash and Uber
The gig economy has changed how Americans make extra money. Food delivery services like DoorDash and Uber are top choices for food delivery side hustles. DoorDash is especially profitable, with drivers making about $5,021 a month on average, says Indeed. Uber drivers make around $2,350 a month, according to ZipRecruiter.
These rideshare gig work jobs are popular for their flexibility and ease. Dashers can plan their shifts ahead with no minimum driving needed. Uber drivers can choose when they work. DoorDash is more popular in places leaning towards Republicans, while Uber is big in areas led by Democrats. This shows how different areas have different needs and transport habits.
Comparison of Earnings and Regional Popularity
DoorDash and Uber both offer good pay, but DoorDash is ahead. It pays $1-3 per mile, with earnings around $20 per hour. Uber Eats pays about $20 an hour but less per mile, $0.75-$1.75.
DoorDash is more popular in areas leaning towards Republicans. It suits suburban and rural needs well. Uber is big in cities, where there’s a lot of demand for rides.
Both DoorDash and Uber offer flexible schedules and easy work. They’re great for Americans wanting to earn more through gig delivery services. With more people wanting quick delivery, these services will likely stay popular.
Babysitting and Child Care Services
Babysitting and child care services are now top choices for in-home side jobs in the U.S., especially in the Northeast. They pay an average of $3,494 a month, making them a great way to make extra money. This job is perfect for those wanting to boost their income.
This family-based side hustle is a hit in places with high living costs. Many families there have two working parents. They need babysitters and nannies to look after their kids. Babysitting lets you choose your hours and work with different families. It’s a great side gig for those into childcare services.
The need for quality in-home child care keeps growing. This means lots of chances for those who love working with kids. In 2021, babysitters in the U.S. made about $17 an hour on average. Rates change based on where you live, how many kids you watch, your age and experience, and any extra skills you have.
- Babysitters can earn $15 to $25 an hour, depending on their experience and the family’s needs.
- Some jobs might need you to have first aid and CPR training. You can get these through online courses or local groups.
- Having a valid driver’s license is also a plus. Families might need help driving their kids to places or appointments.
If you want to make more money or try a family-based side hustle, babysitting and child care could be for you. It’s a flexible way to earn extra cash and help families in your area.
Online Tutoring and Educational Side Hustles
Remote learning is growing fast, making online tutoring and other educational side hustles more profitable. ZipRecruiter says online tutors earn an average of $3,259 a month. This job lets people with teaching skills make extra money by teaching online to students of all ages.
More people are looking for online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made online tutoring more popular. This trend has opened up new chances for side hustlers to offer flexible, personalized education online.
Tapping into the Growing Remote Learning Market
Online platforms like VIPKid connect teachers with students in other countries who want to learn English. These jobs offer flexible hours, often in the early morning or evening. Teachers can also make money by creating online courses, which can be pre-recorded and earn “passive income.”
- According to ZipRecruiter, the average monthly pay for online tutors is $3,259.
- Private tutoring services can earn teachers anywhere from $15 to $80 per hour, with rates varying based on the subject matter and location.
- Test proctors, overseeing standardized tests like the ACT or SAT, typically make between $15 to $20 per hour, contingent on the test type and location.
- Working as an ed tech consultant is highlighted as one of the best side hustles for teachers, where educators help develop educational apps, review online learning platforms, or create content for digital tools.
- Curriculum development stands out as a lucrative side hustle for teachers, with opportunities ranging from creating lesson plans for educational apps to selling resources on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers.
Side hustlers with teaching skills can make the most of the growing remote learning market. They can offer personalized, flexible education in many ways, like tutoring, creating courses, consulting, or developing curricula. These opportunities let educators earn more and explore new career paths.
| Side Hustle | Earnings Potential |
|---|---|
| Online Tutoring | $3,259 per month (average) |
| Private Tutoring | $15 to $80 per hour |
| Test Proctoring | $15 to $20 per hour |
| Ed Tech Consulting | Varies based on expertise and project scope |
| Curriculum Development | Varies based on platform and resources sold |
Freelance Writing and Content Creation
Freelance writing and content creation are great ways for Americans to make extra money. You can earn different amounts, but this work lets you use your writing skills and creativity. You can make many types of content, like blog posts, articles, marketing copy, and social media posts.
The need for digital content has made freelance writing more popular. Now, platforms like Upwork and Fiverr help writers find clients easily. This makes it simpler for writers to find jobs to add to their income.
| Type of Writing | Average Pay Rates | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| Copywriting | $0.10 to $1+ per word | N/A |
| Blogging | $25 to $100+ per 1,000 words | $72,000 |
| Travel Writing | Vary widely | $57,000 |
| Social Media Writing | N/A | $50,000 |
| Technical Writing | N/A | $68,000 |
| Review Writing | N/A | $56,000 |
There are more ways to make money in content creation side hustles than just freelance writing. You can self-publish books, write for platforms that share revenue, or offer tutoring or proofreading services. Some writers make over $80,000 a year from self-publishing or $1,000 a week from tutoring.
If you love writing, freelance writing and content creation could be your dream side hustle. It’s a chance to make money from something you enjoy.
Blogging and Monetizing Your Passions
Blogging can be a great way to make money, with some bloggers earning over $8,000 a month. By sharing what they know and love online, people can earn passive income side hustles. They can make money through ads, affiliate marketing, and more.
Strategies for Building and Monetizing a Successful Blog
Creating a successful profitable hobby blog takes hard work. But, it can pay off big for those who put in the effort. Here are some ways to make money from your blog:
- Use SEO to get more people to visit your site
- Make money through affiliate marketing by promoting products
- Use ads like Google AdSense to earn from your visitors
- Sell premium content like e-books or courses
- Explore podcast and video content to earn more
Make sure your blog is interesting and talks to your audience. Use smart ways to make money. This way, your profitable hobby blog can become a steady source of income.
Skilled Freelancing: Design, Development, and More
In today’s world, skilled freelancing is a great way for Americans to earn extra money. By using their special skills in areas like freelance design jobs, freelance development work, and other services, people can find good jobs on sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Toptal.
A study by NetCredit shows that short-term freelance jobs can pay over $100 a day. These jobs include marketing strategy, mobile app development, presentation design, and website design. Freelancing offers the chance to work on your own and make good money. It’s perfect for those who want to use their skills to earn more.
Uncovering the Top-Earning Freelance Roles
Here are some interesting facts about the best-paying freelance design jobs and freelance development work:
- Website Designer is the top job in 15 countries, making over $100 a day.
- Design jobs are half of the top 20 highest-paying side hustles in the U.S., including digital, industrial, and graphic design.
- Presentation Design can pay freelancers up to $163.62 a day in the U.S.
- AI Spokesperson Videos is the top AI side hustle in the U.S., paying $131.40 a day.
There are also great opportunities in professional freelance services like content marketing, virtual assistance, and online tutoring. With the right skills and a good plan, Americans can find these opportunities and make good money.
| Top Highest-Earning Side Hustles | Daily Rate |
|---|---|
| Mobile App Developer (Ukraine) | $471.11 |
| Marketing Strategy (U.S.) | $178.08 |
| Website Designer (U.K.) | $220.15 |
| Presentation Design (U.S.) | $163.62 |
| AI Spokesperson Videos (U.S.) | $131.40 |
“Around the world, the design and development of digital spaces, such as website design and mobile app development, are the highest-paying side hustles.”
Entrepreneurial Side Hustles
Some side hustlers have turned their part-time jobs into successful businesses. These entrepreneurial side hustles show how a great idea, hard work, and dedication can lead to a profitable business.
An Oregon teacher makes over $10,000 a month selling worksheets online. A college student turned a dorm room project into a $56 million business. These stories prove that starting a small business from a side hustle is possible.
Tapping into the Entrepreneurial Spirit
For those with an entrepreneurial mindset and a willingness to take risks, a side hustle can lead to a thriving business. The global ecommerce market is expected to hit $6.3 trillion by 2024. This offers many chances for smart side hustlers to make the most of new trends and markets.
A woman went from living paycheck to paycheck to making $250,000 a year from a home-based side hustle in 2018. An entrepreneur started a company over a weekend and made $300,000 the first year and $3 million the second.
“More than half of Americans have a side hustle, and the potential for these entrepreneurial side hustles to transform into successful small businesses is truly remarkable.”
Launching an ecommerce store, developing a mobile app, or using affiliate marketing and blogging are ways to turn side hustles into full-time businesses. By using their passions, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit, side hustlers can achieve financial freedom and fulfillment.
Getting Started with Side Hustles
Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of side hustles? There are many platforms, resources, and tips waiting for you. Sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Toptal offer a wide range of gigs in different fields. This makes it easy for you to find work that matches your skills and interests.
Job search sites like FlexJobs and ZipRecruiter are full of remote, part-time, and flexible jobs. These can help you earn extra money. Also, platforms like TaskRabbit and Rover let you use your skills for tasks like home maintenance and pet care. This opens up many side hustle options for you.
Platforms, Resources, and Tips for Finding Gigs
- Explore digital freelance marketplaces like Fiverr, Upwork, and Toptal for a diverse range of short-term gig opportunities
- Utilize job search sites like FlexJobs and ZipRecruiter to uncover remote, part-time, and flexible job postings
- Leverage platforms such as TaskRabbit and Rover to capitalize on your physical skills and expertise
- Research educational platforms like Coursera to develop skills and certifications for your side hustle
- Analyze your unique skills and talents to identify the most promising side hustle opportunities
- Ensure you have the necessary licenses, registrations, and financial considerations in place before launching your side hustle
Using these resources and following best practices for managing a side hustle can set you up for success. This includes keeping your finances separate and getting the right licenses or registrations. This way, you can thrive in the gig economy.
| Side Hustle | Potential Earnings | Popular Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance Writing | $0.10 – $1 per word | Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.com |
| Web Design | $30 – $100 per hour | Fiverr, Upwork, 99designs |
| Virtual Assistant | $15 – $50 per hour | Fancy Hands, Belay, Upwork |
| Online Tutoring | $15 – $50 per hour | Wyzant, Varsity Tutors, Chegg Tutors |
| Selling Handmade Crafts | Varies, but can be lucrative | Etsy, ArtFire, Craftsy |
Conclusion
Side hustles have become more popular in the U.S. due to low wages, high inflation, and the need for extra money. Now, about 40% of American workers have a side job or gig. Young people, like Gen Z and Millennials, are leading this trend.
There are many side hustles to choose from, like food delivery and virtual assistant roles. Others include blogging and freelance work. These options let people earn more and have flexible schedules.
The most popular side hustles vary by where you live and what you like. But, the chance to make good money and work on your own schedule keeps people coming back. Resources like the LIVE FREE OR DIE BROKE curriculum and the POST BIDEN PACK help people succeed in side hustles.
The gig economy is changing, and side hustles will keep growing. By keeping up with trends and using the right tools, Americans can do well. This will help them become more financially stable and independent.