Looking to boost your income without quitting your day job? You’re not alone! According to a recent Zippia survey1 https://www.zippia.com/advice/side-hustle-statistics/#:~:text=What%20percentage%20of%20workers%20have,compared%20to%2037%25%20of%20women. , 45% of Americans have a side hustle, and that number is growing.
Whether you’re saving for a dream vacation, paying off debt, or just want some extra spending money, there’s never been a better time to start a side hustle.
What is a Side Hustle?
A side hustle is a flexible way to make extra money outside of your primary job.
Unlike traditional part-time jobs, side hustles often allow you to set your own hours and work from anywhere. The best part? You can turn almost any skill, hobby, or interest into a profitable side venture.
How to Choose the Right Side Hustle for You
The perfect side hustle combines profit potential with personal fulfillment, creating an energizing income stream that fits naturally into your life.
Before diving in, ask yourself these four crucial questions:
What Are You Passionate About?
Your side hustle should light you up! As entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk says, “Without passion, you don’t have energy; without energy, you have nothing.” Consider:
- What topics do you love learning about?
- What activities make you lose track of time?
- Which skills do friends always ask you to help with?
- What would you do even if you weren’t paid?
Pro Tip: Don’t worry if your passion seems “too niche.” Remember, in a world of 8 billion people, even a tiny percentage can be your target market!
Regardless of what your passion is, people skills are always useful in business! Elevate yours with our course:

Master Your People Skills
- Create a Memorable Presence
- Communicate with Confidence
- Achieve Your Goals
Have a question about the presentation or People School? Email Science of People support.
How Much Time Can You Realistically Commit?
Be honest with yourself here. Consider:
- Your current work schedule and commute time
- Family and social commitments
- Self-care and rest requirements
- Seasonal changes in your availability
Create a “time budget” by tracking your activities for a week. Look for pockets of time that could be used more productively—maybe those two hours of nightly Netflix could become your side hustle time!
What Skills Do You Already Have?
You likely have more marketable skills than you realize:
- Hard Skills: Technical abilities, certifications, or specific knowledge (like coding, design, or accounting)
- Soft Skills: Communication, leadership, organization, problem-solving
- Life Experience: Have you overcome challenges others struggle with?
- Hobbies: Your “just for fun” activities might be valuable services to others
Remember: Sometimes what comes naturally to you is exactly what others find challenging and are willing to pay for!
What Resources Do You Have Available?
Take inventory of your current assets:
- Financial Resources: How much can you invest upfront?
- Equipment: What tools, technology, or spaces do you already have?
- Network: Who do you know that could help or become first customers?
- Time: Which parts of your day/week have flexibility?
Pro Tip: Start with side hustles that leverage resources you already have. You can always reinvest earnings to expand later.
A successful side hustle sits at the intersection of these four elements—passion, time, skills, and resources. The sweet spot is where you find something you love doing, have time for, are good at, and can start with what you have.
Let’s explore 60 proven ways to make money on the side, organized by investment level and skill requirements.
But first…
Find What Fuels You
Start by exploring stories of real people who’ve turned their passions into profit. One fantastic resource is Chris Guillebeau’s Side Hustle School podcast—each short episode shares a creative side hustle story, from selling custom socks to teaching ukulele online. It’s like a daily dose of “Hey, I could do that!”
Here’s how to dig in:
- Listen to a few episodes and jot down what excites you most
- Notice patterns—what types of hustles make you think, “That sounds fun”?
- Brainstorm how you could tweak those ideas to fit your own skills or interests
Pro Tip: Pair your listening with a quick walk or coffee break—let those ideas simmer. What’s one hustle that’s already tugging at your curiosity?
No-Investment Online Side Hustle Ideas
Perfect for starting immediately with just your computer
- Virtual Assistant Services
- Income potential: $$
- Getting started: Create profiles on Upwork or Fiverr
- Perfect for: Organized individuals with basic computer skills
- Learn more: How to Become a Virtual Assistant in 6 Steps
- Freelance Writing
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Build a portfolio on Medium or LinkedIn
- Perfect for: Strong writers who enjoy research
- Learn more: How to Start Freelance Writing: The Ultimate Guide
- Social Media Management
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Start with local businesses
- Perfect for: Social media savvy individuals
- Learn more: How to Become a Social Media Manager (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Online Tutoring
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Join platforms like VIPKid or Chegg
- Perfect for: Teachers and subject matter experts
- Learn more: How to Become an Online Tutor (Step-By-Step Guide)
- Data Entry
- Income potential: $
- Getting started: Join platforms like Clickworker or Appen
- Perfect for: Detail-oriented individuals with typing skills
- Learn more: How to Become a Data Entry Clerk
Creative Side Hustle Ideas
For those with artistic or design skills
- Print-on-Demand Store
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Set up shop on Printful or Redbubble
- Perfect for: Creative designers with marketing skills
- Learn more: How to Start a Print-on-Demand Business in 2025 in 8 Steps
- Etsy Shop
- Income potential: $$$$$
- Getting started: Create handmade items or digital products
- Perfect for: Crafters and digital designers
- Learn more: How to Open an Etsy Shop
- Graphic Design
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Create portfolio on Behance or Dribbble
- Perfect for: Visual artists with software skills
- Learn more: How to Become a Graphic Design Freelancer: 9 steps in 2025
- Photography
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Build portfolio and create business Instagram
- Perfect for: People with an eye for composition and lighting
- Learn more: How To Become a Freelance Photographer in 7 Steps (Plus FAQs)
- Video Editing
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Create demo reel and join freelance platforms
- Perfect for: Detail-oriented people with editing software knowledge
- Learn more: How To Become a Freelance Video Editor in 2024 (With Tips)
Local Service Side Hustles
For those who prefer in-person work
- Pet Sitting & Dog Walking
- Income potential: $$
- Getting started: Sign up on Rover or Wag
- Perfect for: Animal lovers with flexible schedules
- Learn more: The Five Common Paths To Becoming A Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
- Mobile Car Detailing
- Income potential: $$
- Getting started: Purchase basic supplies and market locally
- Perfect for: Car enthusiasts with attention to detail
- Learn more: [2024 Guide] The Beginner’s Guide to Car Detailing (Like a Pro)
- Personal Training
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Get certified and build client base
- Perfect for: Fitness enthusiasts who enjoy helping others
- Learn more: How to Become a Personal Trainer in 5 Steps
- Mobile Notary
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Get licensed and join notary networks
- Perfect for: Detail-oriented people with flexible schedules
- Learn more: Mobile Notary Guide: How to Get Started
- Lawn Care Services
- Income potential: $$
- Getting started: Purchase basic equipment and market locally
- Perfect for: Outdoor-oriented people with basic equipment
- Learn more: Starting a Lawn Care Business in 2024: The Ultimate Guide
- Home Organization
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Create before/after portfolio on Instagram
- Perfect for: Naturally organized people who enjoy decluttering
- Learn more: Professional Organizer as a Side Hustle
- Personal Chef/Meal Prep
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Create sample menus and market to busy professionals
- Perfect for: Skilled home cooks with food safety knowledge
- Learn more: How To Become a Personal Chef in 5 Steps
E-commerce Side Hustles
For those interested in selling products
- Amazon FBA
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Research products and create seller account
- Perfect for: People interested in retail arbitrage
- Learn more: Amazon FBA Explained: Your Complete Step-By-Step Guide to Selling Success
- Dropshipping Store
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Set up Shopify store and find suppliers
- Perfect for: Digital marketers with product research skills
- Learn more: How To Start a Dropshipping Business: 9-Step Guide (2025)
- Subscription Box Business
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Define niche and source products
- Perfect for: Curators with marketing experience
- Learn more: How to Start a Subscription Box Business in 8 Simple Steps
- Flipping/Reselling
- Income potential: $$
- Getting started: Source items and list on Etsy or eBay
- Perfect for: People with an eye for valuable items
- Learn more: How to Make Money Flipping Thrift Store Items
- Wholesale to Amazon
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Find wholesale suppliers and analyze products
- Perfect for: Those interested in bulk purchasing and sales
- Learn more: How to Sell Wholesale on Amazon in 2024
Tech-Based Side Hustle Ideas
For the technically inclined
- Web Development
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Build portfolio website and join freelance platforms
- Perfect for: Coders with design sense
- Learn more: How to Become a Freelance Web Developer in 2025
- App Development
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Learn programming and create sample apps
- Perfect for: Problem-solvers with coding skills
- Learn more: How to Become a Freelance App Developer
- SEO Consulting
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Learn SEO fundamentals and get certifications
- Perfect for: Analytical minds who enjoy marketing
- Learn more: How to Become an SEO Specialist
- Website Flipping
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Learn website valuation and basic improvements
- Perfect for: People who understand digital assets
- Learn more: Website Flipping: How to Make Money Building, Buying & Selling Sites
- Data Science Services
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Build portfolio with sample dashboards and analyses
- Perfect for: Analytical minds who enjoy turning data into insights
- Learn more: How to Become a Freelance Data Scientist in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
- Technical Writing
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Create portfolio with documentation samples
- Perfect for: Clear communicators with technical knowledge
- Learn more: How I Broke Into Technical Writing—and Why You Should Too
Teaching & Educational Side Hustle Ideas
For those who love sharing knowledge
- Online Course Creation
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Choose platform like Udemy or Teachable
- Perfect for: Experts willing to share their knowledge
- Learn more: 10 Steps To Creating A Wildly Successful Online Course
- Language Teaching
- Income potential: $$
- Getting started: Join platforms like iTalki or Preply
- Perfect for: Multilingual individuals who enjoy teaching
- Learn more: How to Teach Languages Online (Complete Guide)
- Test Prep Tutoring
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Create profile on Wyzant or Varsity Tutors
- Perfect for: High scorers in SAT, GRE, GMAT, or LSAT
- Learn more: How To Become an SAT Tutor: 5 Steps To Teach Test Prep
- College Admissions Consulting
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Build website and gather testimonials
- Perfect for: Former admissions officers or graduates from top schools
- Learn more: Admissions Consultant: What Is It? and How to Become One?
- Music Lessons
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Create teaching profile on TakeLessons
- Perfect for: Musicians with teaching experience
- Learn more: How to Teach Music Online & Monetize Your Skills (Guide)
- Business Coaching
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Define niche and create coaching packages
- Perfect for: Experienced professionals with leadership skills
- Learn more: What Does a Business Coach Do? (With How to Become One)
Real Estate Side Hustles
For those interested in property and location-based income
- Real Estate Photography
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Build portfolio with sample shoots
- Perfect for: Photographers who understand property presentation
- Learn more: How to Become a Real Estate Photographer (With Steps)
- Property Management
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Get licensed and partner with property owners
- Perfect for: Organized people with maintenance knowledge
- Learn more: How to Become a Property Manager (With Useful Skills)
- Real Estate Wholesaling
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Learn market and build buyer list
- Perfect for: Networkers with real estate knowledge
- Learn more: Wholesaling Houses: How To Get Started In 5 Steps
- Airbnb Experience Host
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Prepare property and create listing with professional photos
- Perfect for: Property owners who enjoy hospitality
- Learn more: How to become a Host on Airbnb – Resource Centre
- House Painting
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Get basic equipment and insurance
- Perfect for: Detail-oriented people with physical stamina
- Learn more: How to Become a House Painter
Passive Income Side Hustle Ideas
For those looking to build long-term income streams
- Vending Machine Business
- Income potential: $$
- Getting started: Research locations and purchase first machine
- Perfect for: People interested in automated retail
- Learn more: How to Start a Vending Machine Business: Cost, Tips, Pros and Cons
- Laundromat Business
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Find location and secure financing
- Perfect for: Investors seeking semi-passive income
- Learn more: 7-Step Guide To Starting A Laundromat
- Digital Product Creation
- Income potential: $$
- Getting started: Create templates, presets, or printables
- Perfect for: Designers and content creators
- Learn more: How To Make Passive Income Selling Digital Products
- Rental Equipment Business
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Purchase equipment and create rental system
- Perfect for: People with storage space and maintenance skills
- Learn more: How to Start a Rental Business in 2025: A Step-By-Step Guide
- Stock Photography
- Income potential: $$
- Getting started: Submit photos to stock websites
- Perfect for: Photographers with diverse portfolios
- Learn more: How To Become a Stock Photographer
Content Creation Side Hustle Ideas
For creative storytellers and digital creators
- Podcast Production
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Learn audio editing and build portfolio
- Perfect for: Audio enthusiasts with technical skills
- Learn more: What Does a Podcast Producer Do? (And How to Become One)
- YouTube Channel
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Choose niche and create content schedule
- Perfect for: People comfortable on camera with editing skills
- Learn more: How To Make Money on YouTube in 2025: 7 Simple Strategies
- Blog Monetization
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Choose platform and create content strategy
- Perfect for: Writers who understand SEO and marketing
- Learn more: How to monetize a blog in 2025 in 7 effective steps
- Instagram Influencing
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Build engaged following in specific niche
- Perfect for: Visual storytellers with marketing sense
- Learn more: 15 Steps to Becoming an Instagram Influencer
- Digital Content Repurposing
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Learn editing tools and create sample transformations
- Perfect for: Content strategists who can transform long-form into short-form
- Learn more: Content Repurposing is a Massive Opportunity for Freelancers RIGHT NOW
- Newsletter Writing
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Choose platform like Substack
- Perfect for: Writers with expertise in specific topics
- Learn more: The 6 Ways Pros Monetize Their Newsletters and How You Can Do It Too
Consulting & Professional Service Ideas
For experienced professionals
- Resume Writing
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Create sample portfolio and join platforms
- Perfect for: HR professionals and strong writers
- Learn more: How to Become a Freelance Resume Writer (With Skills)
- Financial Consulting
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Get certifications and build client base
- Perfect for: Finance professionals with advisory skills
- Learn more: The How and Why of Side Hustles for Financial Advisors
- Career Coaching
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Build website and define coaching methodology
- Perfect for: HR professionals or experienced managers
- Learn more: How to Become a Career Coach (With Steps and Types)
- Marketing Consulting
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Create case studies from past work
- Perfect for: Marketing professionals with proven results
- Learn more: What Is a Marketing Consultant? + How To Become One
- HR Consulting
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Network with small businesses
- Perfect for: HR professionals with diverse experience
- Learn more: How To Become A Freelance HR Consultant?
- Wellness Coaching
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Get certified and define specialty
- Perfect for: Health professionals who enjoy mentoring
- Learn more: How to Become a Successful Wellness Coach in 2024
- Legal Document Preparation
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Get certified as legal document preparer
- Perfect for: Detail-oriented people with legal knowledge
- Learn more: How To Become A Non-Attorney Legal Document Preparer
- Business Plan Writing
- Income potential: $$$$
- Getting started: Create sample plans and join freelance sites
- Perfect for: Strategic thinkers with business experience
- Learn more: How to Start a Business Plan Writing Service
- Grant Writing
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Build portfolio with non-profit work
- Perfect for: Detail-oriented writers who understand funding
- Learn more: Freelance Grant Writing: How to Start Strong & Succeed
- Social Media Consulting
- Income potential: $$$
- Getting started: Create case studies from personal success
- Perfect for: Social media experts with marketing knowledge
- Learn more: How to Become a Social Media Consultant (With Skills)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Side Hustles
The average side hustle brings in $810 per month according to Bankrate, but earnings vary significantly based on the type of work, time invested, and expertise level. Some side hustles like vending machines or Airbnb hosting can generate $1000-3000 monthly per unit, while skilled services like consulting can earn $100+ per hour.
You can start many side hustles with zero investment by:
– Offering services based on existing skills (writing, tutoring, virtual assistance)
– Using free platforms to find clients (Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn)
– Leveraging resources you already own (smartphone, computer, car)
– Building a social media presence to attract customers
– Starting with small projects to build testimonials
Most successful side hustlers spend 10-15 hours per week on their ventures. Start with whatever time you can consistently commit to—even 5 hours per week can build momentum. The key is choosing a side hustle that fits your schedule and doesn’t interfere with your primary job or well-being.
The most profitable side hustles often combine these factors:
– Low startup costs
– Scalable potential
– High hourly rates
– Growing market demand
– Minimal ongoing overhead
Currently, tech-based services, real estate ventures, and digital products tend to offer the highest profit potential due to their scalability and low overhead costs.
While you can start many side hustles as a sole proprietor, consider forming an LLC when you:
– Earn consistent monthly income
– Want liability protection
– Need to separate personal and business finances
– Plan to hire contractors or employees Consult a tax professional for specific guidance based on your situation.
As a rule of thumb, the best time to transition your side hustle to a full-time business is when your side income consistently matches or exceeds 75% of your current salary for at least 6 months. Before making the leap, ensure you have 6-12 months of living expenses saved, a steady client base or reliable revenue stream, and clear plans for health insurance and retirement benefits. Most importantly, your side hustle should show consistent growth and have documented processes in place to scale effectively.
Start by leveraging your existing network—tell friends, family, and professional contacts about your services. Join relevant online communities, create profiles on freelance platforms, and consider offering an initial discount or free service in exchange for testimonials. The key is to build a strong portfolio and positive reviews early on.
Review your employment contract first to ensure there’s no conflict of interest or non-compete clauses. If your side hustle is unrelated to your day job and won’t affect your performance, it’s often best to be transparent with your employer to maintain trust and avoid potential issues later.
The most common mistake is trying to do too much too quickly. Many people burn out by taking on too many clients early on, or investing too much money before validating their business idea. Start small, focus on quality over quantity, and scale gradually as you refine your processes and understand your market better.
Turn Your Side Hustle Into Success
Starting a side hustle can transform your financial future and potentially grow into a full-time business. The key is choosing an opportunity that aligns with your skills, schedule, and goals.
Whether you’re looking to earn extra cash or build a sustainable second income stream, there’s a side hustle perfect for you in our list above!
Looking to find your first client for your online side hustle? Check out our curated list of the best remote job search sites: 25 Best Remote Job Search Sites You Can Use in 2025.
Article sources
- https://www.zippia.com/advice/side-hustle-statistics/#:~:text=What%20percentage%20of%20workers%20have,compared%20to%2037%25%20of%20women.
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