We all have unique skills and creative gifts that can offer value to others, whether it’s our art, writing, design, or knowledge about real estate, fitness, or nutrition. Even if you have another job, you may have enough extra time in your schedule for a side hustle from home. Starting a side job can be a great way to make extra money, build your skills in an in-demand field, and explore a hobby or passion that you enjoy.
A “side hustle” is a job or business venture that you pursue in addition to your primary source of income. Most often, side hustles, also called side gigs or side jobs, are typically done part-time or on a freelance basis, meaning you work with a client for a certain period of time on agreed-upon projects. They might even include some attractive traveling jobs.
Not every part-time job you can do remotely will be an easy side hustle. Some “side hustles” might actually require full-time work, while others are better suited for spare time. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right type.
In this article, learn about side hustle ideas that you can do from home to boost your passive income, give you a creative outlet, get you out of debt, and help you work toward achieving financial independence.
Key Takeaways
- Side hustles are increasing in popularity, especially since the pandemic, which forced more people to explore job opportunities from home.
- According to a Zapier survey, in 2022, 40% of Americans and 50% of millennials had an ongoing side gig.
- Side hustlers spent on average about 13 hours on their side jobs each week. The average side hustle earns Americans an extra $12,689 per year, however, about 15% of side hustlers make more than $1,500 per month.
- Side hustles can take many forms, such as selling handmade crafts, offering services such as editing or design, or tutoring and coaching.
- Some people turn their side hustles into full-time careers over time, while others simply enjoy the added income and flexibility that comes with having multiple streams of income.
25 of the Best Side Hustles
1. Podcasting
Podcasting has become one of the fastest-growing at-home side hustles, with thousands of new podcasts being released yearly. If you decide to start a podcast, expect to create an outline for one or more weekly episodes, to record yourself or a guest talking, and then to edit the audio and release it on a platform such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
- Estimated income: Podcasts that earn about 10,000 downloads per episode can take in about $500 to $2,000 per year, depending on how many episodes are aired. Very popular podcasts earn a lot more—up to $1,000,000 or more.
- How to get started: To start a podcast, first buy the equipment you need, including a microphone and editing software, then come up with episode ideas. Practice recording yourself talking first to improve your delivery, then invite guests to your podcast to make the episodes more interesting. Check out platforms such as Patreon and Substack to connect with other content creators, gather ideas, and start building an audience.
2. Blogging/Writing
One of the simplest ways to start a side hustle is to write from home, such as by creating a blog or contributing to a website such as Patreon, Substack, or Medium. These allow independent writers to publish and promote their work. You’ll make money from subscribers and people who read your content, plus advertising and affiliate marketing (when you refer customers to businesses and receive a commission if those customers make a purchase).
- Estimated income: Varies widely, ranging from $25 to $1,000 per article based on popularity, affiliates, and advertising.
- How to get started: Start your own website, then network with other bloggers or check out sites such as Medium.
3. Graphic Design
Graphic designers are in demand in various fields and can typically work from home during whichever hours they choose. Most do jobs like creating logos, ebooks, guides, handouts, and merchandise designs.
- Estimated income: Ranges from $25 to $100+ per hour, depending on experience. Full-time freelance graphic designers usually earn between $45,000 to $90,000 per year.
- How to get started: Connect with clients on Upwork or career websites such as Zip Recruiter, Indeed, and Monster.
4. Web Development
If you’re good with computers, learn how to create and maintain websites for clients. You can also offer services such as help with plug-ins, SEO, performance, speed, and data capacity.
- Estimated income: Full-time, freelance web developers who work remotely can earn $40,000 to $130,760 per year, depending on their experience and schedules.
- How to get started: Find freelance work and other projects on Upwork, Zip Recruiter, Indeed, and Monster.
5. Photography
If you’re creative and love to take photos, consider a side gig in photography. You can sell your digital photos to stock image websites or directly to clients to earn extra cash.
- Estimated income: Photographers can earn between $50,000 and $100,000 per year (about $40 per hour).
- How to get started: Check out sites that sell artwork and creative goods, including Printful, Etsy, Saatchi Art, or Shopify. You can also connect with local clients, such as those looking for family portraits or wedding photos, on Craigslist and Facebook.
6. Videography
For those who own high-quality cameras and are good at editing film, videography is a smart side hustle to pursue. You can help shoot and edit footage, assist in sound production, and create projects such as advertisements and wedding videos.
- Estimated income: Videographers have the potential to earn between $50,000 and $130,000 per year ($50 to $100 per hour).
- How to get started: Look for clients on Upwork, Fiverr, or Facebook. Promote yourself on LinkedIn and other social media sites to gain attention from local clients or bigger companies.
7. Editorial Work
Whether you’re a writer, have training in linguistics, or have experience in copywriting and journalism, you can put your editing skills to work for local and national businesses.
- Estimated income: Between $25 and $60 per hour.
- How to get started: Utilize platforms like Fiverr and Upwork to connect to clients looking for help with editing and organizing materials.
8. Virtual Assistant
Companies and entrepreneurs hire virtual assistants to help with tasks such as scheduling, sending emails, filing paperwork, booking travel, responding to customers, and managing expenses. This is a great side job to do from home on your own schedule, as long as you’re organized, reliable, and don’t mind doing computer work.
- Estimated income: Between $25 and $40 per hour.
- How to get started: Create a profile on Boldly, Time Etc, UpWork, or FlexJobs.
9. YouTube Channel
Creating your own YouTube channel allows you to work from home as a brand ambassador, influencer, and educator. There’s a world of topic possibilities, whether recipe creation, beauty products, parenting advice, or self-growth coaching.
- Estimated income: Earning potential varies widely, depending on the popularity of your channel. The average YouTuber in the U.S. makes about $0.18 per view or $18 per 1,000 views. A successful YouTube channel has the potential to earn $1,000 per week or much more if you become very popular.
- How to get started: Buy good-quality equipment, start a channel, and then frequently produce videos related to a specific topic or theme to build an audience.
10. Social Media Manager
Successful social media personalities and influencers often have multiple jobs going at once, meaning they’re often in need of help managing various projects. You can offer help in the form of managing platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, whether that involves editing, coming up with new ideas, answering questions, or responding to comments.
- Estimated income: Between $25 and $60 per hour on average. Full-time social media managers in the U.S. can make up to $70,000 per year.
- How to get started: Check out sites including Time Etc, UpWork, Fiverr, or FlexJobs.
11. E-Commerce Sales
E-commerce involves sourcing and selling products online, often through sites such as Amazon or Shopify. The best way to make money from e-commerce is to sell in-demand products that have low production costs.
- Estimated income: Income depends on what you’re selling and how popular your products become. Some e-commerce workers make up to several thousand dollars per week, while others earn about $500 to $1,000 weekly.
- How to get started: Start an account on Shopify or Amazon. Find products you believe have lots of opportunities to sell, research the competition, then design your online store so that it’s reliable and compelling enough to close sales.
12. Transcribing
Transcribers make money by listening to audio clips and writing down what they hear. If you’re good at typing, don’t mind computer work, and are fluent in English (or another language), this is a straightforward side job to consider doing in your spare time.
- Estimated income: About $25 to $30 an hour on average.
- How to get started: Look for clients on Rev and TranscribeMe, two popular transcription platforms.
13. Taking Online Surveys
Take surveys online to earn some cash in your downtime. Companies pay for insights into consumer behavior and for your feedback, making this side hustle a simple way to earn slow and steady income.
- Estimated income: About $10 to $30 an hour.
- How to get started: Check out platforms that make taking surveys easy, including Swagbucks, SurveyJunkie, Inbox Dollars, and MyPoints.
14. Testing Apps and Websites
Do you enjoy using apps and playing with emerging technologies? Help companies understand how their apps and websites can better help their customers by providing your feedback for cash.
- Estimated income: About $15 to $30 an hour.
- How to get started: Look for testing opportunities on websites such as Userlytics, UserTesting, TesterWork, and TestingTime.
15. Focus Groups
Get paid to participate in guided discussions about services and products before they’re launched. You’ll make money by providing feedback and answering questions about your opinions.
- Estimated income: About $15 to $30 an hour on average.
- How to get started: Check out Focus Groups websites such as UserInterviews, FocusGroup, Respondent.io, SurveyJunkie, and Recruit and Field.
16. Real Estate Sales
If you’re interested in real estate properties and want to start a business such as flipping houses one day, getting involved in online real estate is a good side hustle to consider. Real estate has high earning potential when you build contacts and experience over time. However, you’ll likely also have to do some work in person, such as open houses.
- Estimated income: It varies widely depending on the types of properties you sell and your experience. Real estate agents starting out typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 per year, if working full-time.
- How to get started: Begin by completing the course for a real estate license in your state. Then, pass the final exam that’s needed to earn your license. Contact local agencies in your area or look online for positions with bigger real estate firms that hire online agents.
17. Florist/Floral Design
Do you enjoy sourcing flowers and putting together bouquets? Start your own floral design business by providing weekly or monthly flower delivery services. You can also do one-off services such as wedding or party arrangements.
- Estimated income: About $20 to $50 per hour on average or up to $60,000 per year if working full-time.
- How to get started: Create a website and social media pages to advertise your services, then find local clients on Facebook, Instagram, and Craigslist. You can also network with local businesses, including party planners, event spaces, and salons.
18. Interior Design
Help people find the perfect products and furniture for their homes, offices, or businesses by uniquely designing their spaces. You’ll assist your clients by creating budgets, finding products online or in stores, and designing renderings.
- Estimated income: About $50 per hour on average or between $60,000 to $100,000 per year, if working full-time.
- How to get started: Create a website and social media pages to advertise your services, then find local clients on Facebook, Instagram, and Craigslist.
19. Selling Crafts on Etsy or Shopify
Whether you enjoy making jewelry, candles, wooden signs, or monogrammed clothes, you can sell your items on Etsy to be shipped directly to your clients.
- Estimated income: The average successful seller on Etsy earns between $40,000 and $46,000 per year. Some of the most successful sellers earn much more, up to $10,000+ per month.
- How to get started: Start an account on Etsy or Shopify. Create a unique page that’s easy to navigate and includes many examples of your work.
20. Antique/Vintage Sales
Many people are looking for secondhand clothing and accessories online to save money and reuse items that are in good shape. Sell products in your closet or home that you’re not using to make money and clear up space.
- Estimated income: You can make anywhere from $100 to $2,000 a month based on what and how much you sell.
- How to get started: Start an account on Poshmark, Mercari, or thredUP. You can also sell on Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
21. Customized Cakes
Are you a great baker with the space and time to make desserts for others? If so, start a bakery business from home. Popular items to sell include customized cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and party favors. You can also choose to sell your items at local farmer’s markets to avoid having to deliver items.
- Estimated income: Customized cakes and cupcakes can cost between $40 and $110. Custom cookies and cupcakes typically cost about $2 to $4 each.
- How to get started: Start by making a website and social media page to advertise your services, then find local clients on Facebook, Instagram, and Craigslist. Try networking with local businesses, including party planners, event spaces, and places that host kid’s parties.
22. Nutrition Coaching
If you’ve completed training in nutrition, for example, you’re a health coach or nurse, you can help clients eat well and reach healthy weights by offering custom meal plans and virtual coaching.
- Estimated income: Meal plans typically cost $50 to $100, while coaching is about $60 to $100 per session.
- How to get started: First, earn a certification in nutrition coaching, such as from an online institution. Then find clients through your website or blog, social media, at local gyms, or by networking with professionals such as massage therapists, chiropractors, or physical therapists.
23. Online Personal Training/Fitness Instructor
The pandemic taught us that trainers are capable of coaching clients and leading fitness classes not only in person but also virtually. You can make extra money by coaching clients from your home via Zoom and providing them with custom fitness plans.
- Estimated income: Fitness plans typically cost $50 to $150, while personal training sessions are about $60 to $100 per session.
- How to get started: Begin by earning a certification in the type of fitness you’ll be teaching, such as yoga, pilates, or personal training. Next, find clients through your social media pages, at local gyms, or by networking with professionals such as massage therapists, chiropractors, or physical therapists.
24. Online Tutoring
Teachers can make extra money after school hours, during the summer, or on the weekend by tutoring students online. Helping students to prep for big exams and work on college admissions are both popular jobs for tutors.
- Estimated income: About $25 to $50 per hour on average.
- How to get started: First, join a tutoring association and earn any necessary tutoring certification that’s required in your area. Check out websites such as Pearson, Skooli, Wyzant, and TutorMe. You can also advertise your services locally by using social media, flyers in local stores, and networking with parents in your community.
25. Away From Home Odd Jobs
If you have access to a car and can leave your home to complete jobs, consider some of these side hustles that provide various services locally.
- Uber or Lyft: Use spare time to drive people to their destinations.
- TaskRabbit: This platform connects people with easy ways to make money, such as picking up groceries, moving furniture, yard work, and other types of hands-on assistance
- Pet-sitting: Post your services online to those who need help taking care of their pets, such as on Rover or in a community Facebook group.
- House-sitting: Like pet-sitting, make money by helping people with tasks at home while they’re away, such as watering plants, cleaning, or yard work.
What to Consider When Choosing an At-Home Side Hustle
Great side hustles won’t necessarily fall right into your lap, therefore you need to be proactive about seeking them out and choosing the right type based on your schedule, skills, and lifestyle.
When deciding which side hustle from home to pursue, keep in mind the following:
- Your schedule and availability: Ask yourself how much available time you have each day and each week to devote to a side hustle. If you already have a day job that’s demanding, choose a side hustle that’s more flexible and less involved.
- Timing: Do some research on the field you’re interested in and how the economy is currently affecting it. For example, when real estate is taking a dip due to high interest rates, it’s probably not the best time to start a real estate side gig. Additionally, if you’re already in debt, it’s not a smart time to spend more money on inventory and new equipment.
- Your interests: Think through particular interests you have. Do you enjoy spending time on the computer, designing graphics, working with spreadsheets, or doing something more tactical with your hands? Make sure your side gig won’t wind up becoming boring and burning you out, especially if you already have another demanding job.
- Your skills: What types of unique strengths and knowledge do you have? Are you creative and handy in a particular field, or have you completed training in an area that could serve other people? Make a list of your skills and brainstorm ways to put them to use.
- Resources you do and do not have: Consider how much equipment you’ll need to purchase and whether this fits into your budget. Also, ask yourself whether or not your online following suits your side hustle’s needs. For instance, can you afford to purchase materials and software to do a certain job, and will it be worth it? Are you influential enough online to become an influencer, or will this take too much time and work?
Platforms to Help You Start a Side Hustle
It’s easier than ever before to get started with a side gig and connect with clients, thanks to platforms that do much of the work for you. Use the platforms below for inspiration when finding your next job, to help you reach a wider audience, and even for financial security when working with clients.
Marketing, Writing, Web Development, and Administrative Work:
Publishing, Design, Branding, and Content Creation:
Sales and E-Commerce:
Tips for Gaining Financial Independence
If your side hustle is going well and has long-term earning potential, it’s possible to turn your part-time side gig into a full-time business. That being said, you don’t want to leave your job if you aren’t certain that you’ll make enough money as an entrepreneur.
Here are ways to gauge if your side hustle would make a viable business:
- There’s a proven market for your services: Having lots of clients and referrals is an excellent sign that your business will be able to support you. Your clients should steadily increase over time as you gain experience, skills, and a bigger network. If you’ve increased your rates due to demand without losing momentum, this is another indicator that you’re on the right track.
- You’re spending a lot more time doing your side gig than anticipated: If you have to turn down clients and projects because you’re maxed out on free time, then leaving another job to devote more time to your side business may be a wise choice.
- You offer unique services or products: To avoid going into debt, be sure that your side hustle offers products and services that will remain relevant for years to come. Do your research to understand how your competitors and field may be changing and growing over the next 5 to 10+ years.
- You have what it takes to be an entrepreneur: Entrepreneurship isn’t for everybody, including those who prefer a safer, steadier income with less risk. To build and run your own business, you’ll need to possess traits including great time management, budgeting, and communication skills. For a better idea of what entrepreneurship entails, refer to this Business Plan Outline for Entrepreneurs.
Want to learn more about saving, investing, and building wealth? Check out this article: “How to Become Financially Independent.”