Side hustles are an excellent way to boost your income. They can help you reach savings goals, pay off student loans faster, or simply give your budget some extra breathing room (thanks, inflation).
When my husband and I were paying off debt, we engaged in several side hustles to increase our income and accelerate our debt repayment. With that experience, I’ve compiled this list to help you decide which side hustle(s) might be right for you.
Some of these ideas are quick ways to earn extra cash, while others require more time and training—but each one can make a difference. The key to success with any side hustle is to leverage your unique skills to make progress toward your financial goals.
So, choose one (or a few) of these 27 side hustle ideas and get ready to hustle:
1. Drive for Lyft or Uber
If you enjoy driving, meeting new people, and working on your own schedule, consider driving for Lyft or Uber. Both offer flexible hours, extra pay during peak times, and insurance coverage while on the job.
2. Deliver Food
Prefer driving with less interaction? Try delivering food through Grubhub, DoorDash, or Uber Eats. After all, everyone needs to eat, and many are willing to pay for the convenience of having their meals delivered.
3. Deliver Groceries
If you enjoy driving and shopping, consider delivering groceries with Instacart or Shipt. These services pay you to shop for and deliver groceries to customers. Shipt claims you can earn up to $22 an hour—not bad!
4. Become a Photographer
If you have genuine photography skills, turn them into income! People need photos year-round, so consider marketing seasonally—senior portraits in summer, family photos for holiday cards, and more.
When setting your rates, remember not to expect professional-level pay right away. Start by offering competitive rates to build your skills and client base.
5. Tutor Online
You don’t have to be a top student to tutor others. If you have a solid understanding of a subject and good communication skills, consider tutoring online through platforms like Tutor.com, TutorMe, or Studypool. TutorMe offers at least $16 an hour.
Be cautious of students looking for someone to do their work for them, but many genuinely need help, making tutoring both rewarding and profitable.
6. Become a Transcriptionist
If you’re good at typing, listening, and paying attention to detail, transcription might be for you. Transcriptionists convert audio files into written text and are in demand in various industries. With training and certification, you can earn $20 to $45 an hour.
7. Join a Focus Group or Take Surveys
Want to get paid for sharing your opinion? Participating in focus groups or taking surveys online can be an easy way to make extra money. However, it’s not always quick, as you may need to complete many surveys before cashing out.
8. Teach English
If you have a passion for teaching and time to lead online classes, consider teaching English with companies like VIPKid. A four-year degree and at least two years of teaching, tutoring, or coaching experience are required, but all lesson planning and grading are handled for you.
9. Rent Your Home or Spare Room on Airbnb
Have an extra bedroom or garage apartment? Renting it out on Airbnb could be a great source of passive income. Airbnb offers host damage protection and liability insurance, providing peace of mind when opening your home to guests.
10. Resell Thrifted Items
If you’re savvy at finding bargains, reselling thrifted items can be a profitable side hustle. Research trending items, buy low at thrift stores or garage sales, and sell higher on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace. Just be sure to pay cash and avoid going into debt to start this business.
11. Get Paid for Your Creative Talents
If you’re skilled in writing, editing, graphic design, or voice-over work, platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or 99designs can connect you with clients who need your expertise. Create an online profile to showcase your experience and rates, and start earning from home.
12. Become a Personal Chef
If you love cooking, consider becoming a personal chef. You can prepare extra portions of meals you’re already making for your family and deliver them to clients. Start small by offering your services to coworkers, friends, or fellow parents.
13. Babysit
Babysitting isn’t just for teens. Adults can earn extra cash by babysitting for date nights or busy days. Some families might even be okay with you bringing your own kids along, turning it into a paid playdate!
14. Become a User Tester
Companies need feedback on their websites, apps, and products, and they’re willing to pay for it. Platforms like UserTesting or TryMyUI offer around $10 per test you complete.
15. Dog Walk or Pet Sit
If you’re an animal lover, consider dog walking or pet sitting. Platforms like Rover or Wag allow you to set your schedule and fees, or you can build your own client base through friends and family.
16. Clean Houses
House cleaning is hard work, but it’s a service many people are willing to pay for. With minimal start-up costs, you can earn good money while staying active and listening to your favorite tunes or podcasts.
17. Sell Products on Etsy
If you’re crafty, selling your handmade goods on Etsy could be a profitable side hustle. Setting up a profile is easy, and Etsy’s established reputation can help attract customers to your shop.
19. Do Tasks for People
If you’re handy with tools or good at running errands, websites like TaskRabbit or Handy can connect you with people who need help with various tasks, from furniture assembly to minor home repairs.
20. Become a Freelance Writer or Proofreader
If you have a way with words, freelance writing or proofreading could be the perfect side gig. Companies often need writers for blogs, emails, and other content, and they’re willing to pay for your expertise.
21. Wash and Detail Cars
Yes, you can make money by cleaning cars! With some investment in cleaning supplies, you can offer car detailing services to people in your community.
22. Mow Lawns or Do Yard Work
Busy people don’t always have time for yard work, and they’re willing to pay for help. Whether it’s mowing, raking, or trimming hedges, yard work can be a lucrative side hustle, especially during peak seasons.
23. Become a Coach
Coaching isn’t just for sports—consider life coaching, career coaching, or even financial coaching. With the right certifications and a passion for helping others, coaching can be a fulfilling and profitable side gig.
24. Deliver Packages with Amazon Flex
Use your driving skills to deliver packages with Amazon Flex, where you can set your schedule and earn $18–25 an hour.
25. Sell Baked Goods
If you’re a talented baker, consider selling your creations. Start small by baking for friends or family, and use social media to promote your goodies. Just make sure to check local laws regarding home-based food businesses.
26. Do Makeup for Special Events
If you have a knack for makeup, offer your services for special events like weddings and photoshoots. You’ll need a variety of products and tools, but it’s a fun way to make money doing something you love.
27. Become an Event Planner
Love planning parties? Event planning could be the perfect side hustle for you. Start small with events for friends and family, and work your way up to bigger gigs like weddings and corporate events.
How to Find the Best Side Hustle for You
With so many options, choosing the right side hustle can feel overwhelming. Here are three factors to consider:
Time:
Be realistic about the time you’re willing to invest before, during, and after the job. Consider what you’ll earn per hour, factoring in all the time involved.
Talent:
Choose a side hustle that aligns with your skills and passions. When you enjoy what you do, it feels less like work and more like getting paid to do something you love.
Target:
Identify your main goal for taking on a side hustle. Whether it’s paying off debt, using your skills for profit, or turning a side gig into a small business, make sure it aligns with your long-term objectives.
How to Start a Side Hustle
Ready to get started? Here’s how:
1. Narrow down your options to three ideas and start researching. Reach out to companies or individuals involved to learn the pros and cons.
2. Create a checklist of what you need to get started—whether it’s supplies, certifications, or finding clients.
3. Budget for any upfront costs. If the costs are too high, consider a different side hustle that doesn’t require much investment.
4. Work through your checklist, taking it one step at a time. Once everything’s in place, dive in and start making extra money.
When your side hustle income starts rolling in, be sure to budget it toward your specific goal, whether it’s saving, paying off debt, or investing. This way, you’ll make the most of your hard-earned money.
