Whether you’re looking to save up for that dream vacation or pay off some lingering debt, the thought of side jobs has probably crossed your mind at some point or another.
With so many new apps and platforms designed to connect ambitious people to new money-making opportunities, earning a little extra moolah on the side has never been easier. There are literally hundreds of side jobs out there where you can make money without even having to leave your house.
Sound too good to be true? It’s not. But if you’re unsure of where to start, here are 10 side jobs that will have you raking in the dough in no time.
Editor’s note: Nothing gets the word out about a product or service like a website. Find out how to make a website without any technical skills. Includes all you need to promote your side gig widely — social, search, the works.
Earn moolah on the side with these gigs
Most of us have considered side jobs at one time or another. Here are 10 good options.
- Online tutor.
- Transcriptionist.
- Maker/crafter.
- Freelance writer.
- Product designer.
- Photographer.
- Dog walker/pet sitter.
- Virtual assistant.
- Home organizer.
- Exercise class teacher.
Scan through our list of side jobs — you’re bound to find one or two that appeal to you.
1. Online tutor
Got a knack for teaching and like working with kids? It’s not hard to find parents who want to get extra help for their children. Especially those who are second language English learners or want a head start during the summer holidays.
All this side job requires is a skill or competency.
While traditional tutoring requires you to physically meet with your pupil, there are also a variety of virtual tutoring companies where you can work from home.
There are some basic requirements you will need to meet, and you will have to go through an interview and orientation process. But once you’re approved, you could be earning around $19 an hour.
2. Transcriptionist
If you’re a speedy typist, have great attention to detail and don’t mind repetitive tasks, you should definitely look into becoming a transcriptionist. This gig requires little to no prior experience and offers flexible hours and workloads. Plus, you can do it from home.
The work is pretty straightforward — you listen to audio and type what you hear — but it pays relatively well. You can earn around $15 to $25 per hour for general transcription, and more if you learn to specialize in the legal or medical fields.
3. Maker/crafter
Turning your hobby into a side job is an awesome way to earn some extra cash, while still doing something you love.
For instance, if you like creating jewelry or home goods, you could sell your work online through your own eCommerce store or in-person at local fairs and markets.
You might need to invest some money up-front in:
- Supplies
- A website
- Vendor fees
But you can easily recoup your costs once your business gets off the ground. Who knows? You might even be able to turn your side hustle into a full-time business.
4. Freelance writer
Got a way with words? You should give freelance writing a try. You don’t even need an English or professional degree. If you can write well, then there are clients who will pay you for your work.
To get started, you’ll need to have a portfolio of work to show to editors and potential clients. If you have written work, that’s great. If you don’t, you can start your own blog or ask to guest post on other blogs to get some experience under your belt.
There are also tons of freelancing websites where you can create a profile and look for potential gigs. Once you build a reputation on one of these platforms, work will start coming to you.
5. Product designer
You don’t have to be famous to start selling merchandise. Websites like Zazzle and CafePress let you upload your own artwork for printing on products like cell phone cases and mugs. They take care of the customer service end, including shipping the item when someone orders it. You then get a percentage of the sale.
Venturing into eCommerce can be costly but if you go this route, you don’t need to test order a ton of inventory or worry about if you’ll sell it.
Plus, after the initial setup process, you can sit back, relax and watch the money roll in every time someone buys one of your creations.
6. Photographer
Even if you’re a newbie photographer, you can still make money off your skills.
For instance, there are many stock photo sites that will help you sell your photos. All you need to do is create an account and upload as many photos as you like. But keep in mind: some sites will have an approval process as to what types of photos they want.
Once you build up your skills, you can start reaching out to your network to see if anybody would be interested in your photography services. From headshots to engagement shoots, the money-making opportunities are endless.
7. Dog walker/pet sitter
Want to get paid to play with dogs? There are plenty of folks who live in small apartments who need to take their dogs out but simply don’t have the time. Or those who work long hours and need someone to give their pets a little extra love and attention.
Fortunately, services like Rover and Pawshake have made it super easy for people to start a pet-sitting business from their own homes. You can:
- Set your own schedule and prices
- Offer any combination of pet care services
- Determine size, age or other pet preferences
Best of all, you can manage all of it from your phone.
8. Virtual assistant
If you’re computer savvy and a quick learner, becoming a virtual assistant or VA is a no-brainer. There are so many small businesses and busy professionals who need support with day-to-day tasks like:
- Data entry
- Scheduling social media posts
- Answering emails
- Creating graphics, etc.
As a virtual assistant, you earn money from home on your own schedule. Over time, you could have opportunities to earn more without increasing your hours. Plus, you can attract higher-paying clients and raise your rates as you gain experience within your niche.
9. Home organizer
Passionate about minimalism? Turn it into a side job by becoming a home organizer. Many families would love to have someone help them declutter and implement systems to keep their homes organized. Same thing goes for their offices.
You can get paid to give suggestions on storage options, what to do with things they don’t want and even helping someone go through the purging process. Most organizers charge anywhere from $25 to $50 an hour.
10. Exercise class teacher
For all you fitness buffs out there, teaching a few exercise classes in your spare time is a great way to make some additional income. Teaching in the evenings and on weekends, you can easily squeeze in a few lessons each week.
While you might need to invest in a training program to start, you can expect to be paid anywhere from $25 to $40 a class, depending on your experience.
Need cash? Side jobs are the answer
As you can see, with a little creativity and a bit of hustle, anyone can start making money from a side job. Just make sure to consider your schedule, budget and skill set first so you can find a side job that makes sense for your lifestyle.
Hourly fees cited in this article were accurate as of the publication date.
