57 Beginner-Friendly Side Jobs That Pay Big In 2024

There are many side hustle ideas to make money, ranging from online gigs like freelance writing to odd jobs such as mowing lawns.

The trick is knowing how much spare time you have and the skills that you can leverage to get some extra income. What I like about a side gig is that it can be a great way to make good money in the long term.

Ask any financial advisor and they will tell you that one pillar of financial freedom is to earn extra money, away from your primary job.

I took that advice to heart a couple of years ago and started HearMeFolks.com, and now blogging is my main hustle.

That’s the beauty of choosing a favorite side hustle opportunity; you can end up making hundreds of dollars yearly or even become an employer.

Does this pique your interest? Below are the best side hustle ideas for 2024. The list contains fun and creative ideas, both online and hands-on jobs. 

Also, apart from helping you find the best side hustles, this post also covers a short guide on how to develop any idea into a money-making strategy. 

Best Side Hustle Ideas for Extra Money

Ready to make extra money on the side? One of the best ways to make cash in your spare time is to find a side business or part-time gig that you are qualified for. The list is endless, starting with the ideas below that allow you to make money easily:

1. Drive an Uber 

Potential Income: $18,000 to $59,500 per year

Working as an Uber Driver does not require a full-time commitment. The rideshare company simply offers one of the easiest side hustles to start for anyone who has a car.

Once your driver application is accepted, Uber allows you to get income on the side at your own convenience; be it on weekends or workdays after work. 

Depending on your city and vehicle type, Uber has you covered with services like UberX, UberXL, UberBlack, UberSUV, and Uber Lux.

Aside from Uber, the list of side hustles for on-demand drivers includes working for companies such as Lyft, Juno, Gett, Wingz, Ziro, Flywheel, Grab, Bolt, and Via. 

Expert Tip: This research by Zippia shows that you are better off delivering for Uber in an affluent neighborhood or within a college community. 

How much do rideshare drivers make?

Going by statistics for Uber, you can expect to make between $8.65 and $28.61 per hour. 

To become a Uber Driver, sign up here.

2. Dash for DoorDash

Earning Potential: $8.41 to $28.37

Side hustle options for part-time drivers also include food delivery for companies like DoorDash. This is an easy side hustle that involves picking up food and delivering it to customers.

The trick is knowing the best times to deliver food and which locations attract the most deliveries. What’s more, you can deliver using a bicycle, on foot, or a motorbike. The gig also comes with tips and extra earnings from service incentives.

Luckily, there are dozens of food delivery services to choose from including Uber Eats, FoodPanda, and GrubHub.

Related Post: Tips for DoorDash Drivers

3. Trade Stocks

Potential Income: $52k to $162k

If you have $5k or more to invest, then trading stocks is a great side hustle to earn you cash on the side. The gig comes with high returns, up to 6 figures for seasoned traders.

You can invest via a reliable professional trader or develop strategies through paper trading platforms.

Note that the hustle requires analytical ability, financial knowledge, intuition, patience, and stellar record-keeping. 

For beginners, you can learn the ropes via apps like Acorns and Robinhood, where you can build a portfolio starting with just a dollar. 

Can You Really Get Reach Trading Stocks?

Though you may not have lots of money to invest like George Soros or Warren Buffett, you can still get rich through small trades.

Know as Penny Stock trading, the hustle can help you make millions from a few dollars worth of investments. 

Such is the case of Tim Grittani who has managed to grow $1,500 into $13m from penny stocks. The success has taken over 7,000 trades, with a winning streak of 68% on average. 

Start Penny Trading via the Robinhood App

4. Virtual Assistant

Earning Potential: $10 – $20/hr. 

As a VA, you earn extra doing tasks such as clerical work, research, Excel data entry, email marketing, social media marketing, and customer support. 

Unspecialized VA tasks like data entry pay around $10/hr while skills like Advanced IT and Site Management can get you up to $50 per hour.

Best Training for VAs

Have you heard of the Horkey HandBook & Fully Booked VA training? These are training tools created by Gina Horkey for general Virtual Assistants around the globe. 

Book Your VA Training Slot Here

Also, when I was setting up HearMeFolks’ social platforms, I came across Kristin Larsen’s Pinterest VA training. 

This is a specialized course for budding Pinterest managers looking to make $3,500+ per month online. The course teaches everything from Pin design and Board creation to promoting Pins and getting VA jobs.

Start Your Free Pinterest VA Training

5. Events Photographer

Earning Potential: $7.27 to $47.84/hr

If taking photos springs to your mind when you think of a hobby, then events photography is a fun way to make an extra income during holidays and weekends.

All you require is a good camera and knowledge of photo software like Adobe Photoshop.

Start by becoming your workplace photographer and watch as colleagues book you for their special events. You will be working at birthday parties, weddings, family get-togethers, and graduations.

Find a Free Photography Course Here

6. Sell Stock Photography 

Earning Potential: Up to $100 per Photo

Another side hustle for photographers is selling images on sites such as Shutterstock, Dreamstime, Clashot, Shutterfly, and Getty Images.

Granted, you may have to lust a few royalty-free images to attract buyers, but with time people will start coming back for premium photos. 

Typically, you get about 30% to 80% of the sale price of your pic or video.

The best part is that stock photography sites do the marketing and handle payments; all you do is upload your pics, include appropriate tags, and watch your bank account grow.

Best Places to Sell Photos

7. Become a Fulfillment By Amazon Seller

Earning Potential: $48,000 to $230,500 yearly. 

Running an FBA business is the epitome of remote selling. The program ensures that your orders are fulfilled without your input.

Amazon specialists pick, pack the items, and ship them to the customer. And to ensure that you make some extra income without a headache, Amazon also handles customer service and returns. 

The trick is knowing which items sell fast on Amazon. Worry not, my research shows that Amazon’s core consumer categories include pet accessories, home and kitchen items, and toys.

FBA Selling Guide

For complete steps on FBA selling, I find this guide by Jessica of The Selling Family to be of great help. 

Note that as an expert e-commerce seller, Jessica has experience selling via eBay and other marketplaces. Notably, her biggest breakthrough of $5k/monthly came after joining fulfillment by Amazon. 

Open a FBA Seller Account

8. Proofreader

Income Potential: $13.70 to $35.82/hr

If you like pointing out grammar mistakes in texts and books, it’s time to start a side hustle as a proofreader.

The only qualification is stellar knowledge of the English language and attention to written details.

How to Become a Freelance Proofreader

Just so you know, it is possible to get $50 – $100+ per hour as a proofreader but that requires you to be an expert. That’s why I highly recommend a tried and tested proofreading course like the one offered by Caitlin Pyle through her Proofread Anywhere website. 

As a proofreader since 2007 Caitlin, has crafted and continues to update winning proofreading modules since 2014. 

The entire course takes between 1 – 4 months to complete, with some successful graduates reporting making $1k+ within the first month. 

Caitlin herself is a success story with Business Insider reporting her course earning her $250,000+ in under a year!

Attend Caitlin’s Free Proofread Anywhere Introductory Workshop

Where to Get Proofreader Jobs

Jobs for proofreaders are plenty on sites like Flexjobs, Upwork, and Remotasks.

The hourly pay is around $22 on average, with experienced proofreaders making over $40 an hour. 

9. Babysit 

Earning Potential: $7.21 to $24.28

Babysitting is a chance to earn money while creating a difference in the life of a kid. It is also an opportunity to relive your childhood while making up to $24+ per hour.

Depending on your skill set, the gig can also open doors to coaching and tutoring jobs. To get babysitting jobs in your neighborhood, register as a sitter on platforms like Bambino, UrbanSitter, SeekingSitters, and Helpr. 

10. Rent a Spare Room

The sharing economy has opened ways for homeowners to earn more money from spare rooms. Through the Airbnb model, you can rent out a spare room to earn $36/726/year on average (Source: ZipRecruiter).

To compete with other hosts, ensure that your furnishings are fairly new. It also helps to invest in WiFi, a smart TV, toiletries, and staples like salt and pepper. 

Lastly, insure the property, and provide services like laundry and transport to make extra cash.

Apart from Airbnb, you can also list your spare room on Vrbo Homeaway, Booking.com, and Homestay.

Another aspect of this business is that you can help homeowners renti properties via Airbnb and other site. Such is the success story of Home Sweet City with a $270k/mo revenue.  

Register to Host via Airbnb

11. Dropshipping

Earning Estimates: Unlimited Potential

Dropshipping closely resembles Amazon FBA, except that in this model, you get extra income in your spare time by building a personal e-commerce store.

What’s most unique about dropshipping is that you don’t need to stock a single item.

Basically, you market products from around the world, and leave the finer details to the manufacturer/supplier; they handle packaging, shipping, returns, and customer service. 

Dropshipping Training

Though an easy way to make extra income online, dropshipping relies heavily on the ability to attract customers to your store and knowing which clients offer good commissions on sales. 

I recommend Scott Hilse’s Simplified 5.0 & 5.5 Courses. Among other lessons, the modules help you,

• Research the best dropshipping products.
• Open a Shopify store and build your shop skeleton.
• Scale your store through ads.
• Perfect order fulfillment.
• Know when to outsource specific tasks.

Book Your Simplified Dropshipping Spot

12. Rent Out Equipment

Earning Potential: $20 to $100+ per hour 

https://youtu.be/ICfXUGZvFqc  

Do you have a chainsaw, high-end camera, gasoline generator, drill, party tent, solar panel, drone, or VR Headset? If yes, you can earn extra cash by renting out the equipment.

Side hustlers in this business list items on platforms like Rent My Equipment, GoEquipMe, EquipmentShare, and Neighbor.com

The above clip from CheqRoom, an equipment management software, shares 3 important tips for equipment renters:

• Have a complete overview of the items in your inventory, including warranties.
• Ensure clear terms and conditions for customers, including penalties, maintenance, and rental charges.
• Regularly repair and service your equipment for longevity.

Note: Used rental equipment can earn you good money, as is the case of Used Gym Equipment company with a reported revenue of $10.1M

13. Shop & Deliver Groceries 

Earning Potential: $30k to $51k/yr. 

Source: Cornershop by Uber App

Remote shopping services now make it easy to pick items from a store and get them delivered without leaving the house. 

For side hustlers, this presents a great way to earn extra cash as on-demand shoppers: Enter apps like Cornershop, Instacart, and Shipt where you get paid per item and every mile you cover for the delivery.

This could be the perfect side job for people living in large residential areas and major cities. For the delivery, you can use a car, bike, motorcycle, or even make the trip on foot.

How to Earn with Cornershop

14. Mock Juror

Income Potential: $8.65 to $32.45/hr.

If you want to make extra cash in the legal industry, go for a mock jury position that doesn’t require a law degree. 

The job is offered by research companies that work in tandem with law firms. As a mock juror, your work is to attend mock trials, either virtually or on location.

You can also be furnished with trial documents and asked to fill out a questionnaire that also includes your verdict. 

The side hustle may pay you hourly or per case, depending on the assignment. 

Platforms that offer mock jury gigs include:

• eJury – earn $5 to $10 per case.
• Online Verdict – earn $20 to $60+ per case.
• Jury Test- get $20 to $50 per case.

Best Online Side Hustle Ideas

Looking for a side hustle that can earn you money online? The following list of the best remote gigs is especially suited for introverts and people who are good with computers and internet research.

15. Website & Domain Flipper

Earning Potential: $100 to $10,000+ per domain

https://youtu.be/tII31_z01QU

Money fact: Business.com sold for $350 million, 8 years after a domain flipping business bought it for $7.5 million. Also, Yahoo Finance reports that it cost Elon Musk $11m to buy Tesla.com!

This just goes to show why domain flipping is one of the best side hustle gigs for people with some cash to invest.

Also, the start-up cost is low and you get to market the names to millions of buyers through sites like Afternic, Sedo, Flippa, and Grit Brokerage. 

The above video offers tips on choosing and buying a domain with real potential, and where to sell the names.

Pssst, if you are good at creating content, why not develop a site from scratch, let its value rise, and sell it later for a higher price?

How to Flip Domains/Website?

To understand the concept of flipping websites, you need do learn:

• Where to source domains.
• How to grow a site.
• Website red flags
• Website valuation.

Chicago-based Mushfiq Sarker, of The Website Flip, has one of the best Course on Flipping Websites that teaches the above and more. 

16. Blogging

Earning Potential: $67,449 per year

Source: WPDeveloper

Blogging as a way to make extra money is one of the best side hustle ideas for people who love research and telling stories. 

How to Become a Blogger

As a blog owner, all you need is to create or purchase a niche-oriented domain name and get started with a website builder.

For versatility, I recommend WordPress which can help you build a blog of almost any niche; be it an e-commerce or a personal finance niche like HearMeFolks. 

Another worthy resource is the Free HubSpot Blogging Course that covers how to start a great blog, plus Content Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.

Register for a Free Blogging Course

How to Make Money Blogging?

As a great way to get paid real money online, blogging gets you money via;

1.Affiliate marketing

For a commission, you can earn whenever a person makes a purchase or subscription through your referral link. The amount may be a little per referral but with good membership numbers, the amount adds up fast.

2. Paid guest posts

This is something I’m yet to explore, but I occasionally get offers to feature articles from other bloggers on HearMeFolks. 

Typically, depending on the author, the payment from a sponsored publication can range between $100 and $200. 

3. Subscriptions for premium content

After you have cultivated a loyal following, you can start charging access to premium content. Such access-only posts can include financial advice and answers to technical questions.

4. Selling products like eBooks

There are many products that you can list for sale on your site, but as a blogger, it makes lots of sense to sell ebooks.

This is actually premium content that is detailed for the reader to know everything about a given topic. 

To get an idea about creating ebooks that sell, check out HearMeFolk’s “Make Your First $1k Bundle” ebook here. 

• Coaching.
• Paid adverts.

How Much Will a Blog Pay Me?

Glassdoor reports base earnings of up to $80k per year but for a beginner, blogging may not make you a single cent in the first few years.

However, as your visitor numbers grow, there is no limit to the income you can get from a successful blog. 

For example, Forbes reports “outlandish” incomes from some blogs, with the likes of Tut+ and CopyBlogger making $175k and $1m per month respectively. 

Guide: Creating a Profitable Blog

17. Transcription

Earning Potential: $19 to $27/hr. 

Transcribing as a way to earn extra income, is a no-brainer since all you need is a laptop and headphones. Additionally, this is a gig that can help you make good money on the side without much training.

I find the job especially lucrative for people in the legal and medical fields; while general transcribers make around USD 22 per hour, specialists in such fields can make up to $40 an hour.

To get extra cash in your spare time as a freelancing transcriptionist, search the gigs on Rev, TranscribeMe, GoTranscript, Babbletype, Verbit, and Appen. 

Where to Get Transcription Training for Success

Janet Shaughnessy’s Transcribe Anywhere has one of the best training courses for beginner transcriptionists:

• General Transcription: Theory & Practice- Targets people who are joining the profession from scratch. Through tutorials and other course materials, you get to learn how to transcribe and where to get jobs. 

• Legal Transcription: Theory & Practice- This is a course that targets seasoned transcribers looking to specialize in high-paying legal gigs. 

Join Transcribe Anywhere Free Transcription Mini-Course

18. Complete Surveys

Earning Potential: up to $50 per study

Online surveys could be a great side hustle idea for getting you some beer money or a much-needed gift card. 

What I like most about surveys is that there are plenty of platforms offering paid survey opportunities across different demographics.

Even better, some research studies are long-term, offering higher payments for your participation in panels and focus groups. 

Top survey sites include Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Pinecone Research, Ipsos I-say, and Vindale Research.

19. Publish on Kindle

Earning Potential: $100 to $300+ per month.

Source: Amazon KDP

Amazon’s Kindle has opened up ways for storytellers and writers to bypass publishers and earn on the side. 

The platform pays you royalties (35% – 70%) whenever your book is bought. Top categories for Kindle books include novels, cookbooks, journals, and children’s books. 

As a beginner, you can expect to make between 0 and $100 with your first book, with earnings improving as your writing becomes popular. 

Can I Make Money on Kindle?

Over 1.4M new Kindle books are released every year so, how will yours stand out? Worry not, I found this in-depth Amazon publishing guide by Jericho Publishers immensely helpful.

Tim O’Rourke, a #1bestseller, credits the guide and manuscript feedback from the company for his Kindle success: From selling less than 100 to 16,500+ books per month!

How To Create a Book on Kindle

20. Content Writer

Earning Potential: $9.71 to $56.23 per hour.

You can make some extra cash online as a freelance content writer. The beauty of the gig is that there are thousands of clients looking for polished writers.

From eBook creators to bloggers and news channels, the demand for freelance writers is unsatiable.

Apart from mastery of the English language, you also need to learn SEO, especially when looking to create content for blogs, websites, and e-commerce platforms.

Freelance writer jobs can be found on:

• Upwork
• People Per Hour 
• LinkedIn
• Fiverr

How to Get Started as a Freelance Content Writer 

Holly Johnson’s Earn More Money Writing training is hailed as a top freelance writing course. 

It teaches how to get jobs, set rates, think like an editor, and improve writing efficiency. You also get access to an exclusive Facebook group where you learn from other freelancers and clients.

Sign Up for “How to Build a Six-Figure Writing Career” Free Workshop

21. Affiliate Marketer

Earning Potential: $49k to $86k per year.

Source: Ahrefs

This is a lucrative business for people looking to create recurring passive earnings. 

This is a remote gig that requires you to run a personal blog or social media account with thousands or millions of followers.

The process is simple: You earn commissions for promoting products or services originating from companies, organizations, and advertisers.

The payout is spread to ensure you earn from clicks, sales, and other types of product engagements.

Affiliate Marketing Training

And all you have to do is include affiliate links in your content.

Even so, you can just dive into any affiliate program and start promoting products- there is an art to the trade.

Well, this is something that I have been doing for years, and HearMeFolks broke even in part due to lessons from Carly Campbell. 

Through her Affiliate Marketing for Bloggers, I learned:

• How to get affiliate programs.
• Curating blog posts that lead to actual conversion.
• How to launch email marketing.

Reserve Your Affiliate Marketing for Bloggers Training Seat

Side Jobs Ideas to Make Extra Money

You can get extra money online and offline via side jobs in both formal and informal sectors. Some of the gigs in this category require creativity while others only need you to show up and complete simple tasks. Here is a look at such opportunities:

22. Mystery Shopping

Earning Potential: $7.25 to $53.94/hr.

Google Play: Secret Shopper

If you want to make a little extra cash as you go about your normal shopping, register to be a mystery shopper.

This is a form of consumer research that tests different on-site retail factors like customer service and product performance. Overall, the goal of mystery shopping is customer retention and business growth.

Typically, you enter a restaurant, bar, grocery store, or other retail shops and engage the employees/service as you normally do. Later, you complete a survey rating your experience.

On the other hand, you may work as a telephone mystery shopper, where you rate customer service remotely. Platforms that list mystery shopper gigs include:

• Secret Shopper
• Shopkick
• Streetbees
• Observa
• Gigwalk

23. Sell Self & Pet Portraits

Earning Potential: $10 or more per portrait

Source: Gorkhs//Pixabay

Hunting for side jobs for you is always a pleasure, and this one just blew my mind.

According to this Quora thread, the hustle is simple- simply offer to draw people’s pets or self-portraits for $10 or more. You can approach people in parks and put forward your proposal.

You can also make more money by approaching people on Facebook Groups and Instagram. 

A different side of the hustle is selling portraits of pets ad people on sites like Redbubble, Society6, and Fine Art America.

If you need to polish up on your drawing technique and get inspiration from other artists, try this 3-hour course by professional illustrator Dan McCahon. 

24. Become an Influencer

Earning Potential: $12.02 to $44.95 per hour.

It’s my belief that everyone offers one form of influence or another. It can be simple career advice or targeted influence such as advocating for one service over another.

That’s the nitty-gritty of influencer jobs and anyone can partake in the industry. 

Must I Be a Celeb To Become an Influencer? 

As Annie Dube explains in the above guide, in 2024 companies and brands are looking for influencers with whom everyday consumers can relate.

Yes, that’s the everyday Joe! 

Start by building a community around your social media content, then reach out to companies whose products/services align with your content.

Luckily, there are many inspirational stories from non-celebs who have made it as influencers. 

For example, Huda Kattan has over 53.6 million followers on IG, making her an influencer in her own right, while all she did was build on a makeup talent.

Her journey to success started with studying makeup after which she started a WordPress blog known as “Huda Beauty” in 2010.

All it took to earn a huge following was posting beauty tutorials and tips. 

In under 3 years, her blog had birthed a successful cosmetics line with customers like Kim Kardashian. Since then, Huda has featured in lists of top influencers on the likes of Forbes and Time Magazine.

25. Consultancy

Earning Potential: $72k to $126k yearly.

Our list of hustle ideas to make extra income would be incomplete without mentioning consultancy. This is a side job that’s best suited for experts and industry leaders.

The work involves helping organizations solve issues of production, marketing, and the like. Tasks touch on operations, finance, management, IT, and more.

You work as an independent consultant for hire or join specialist niche firms that are contracted by large companies for piecemeal consultancy jobs. 

If successful, consultants have the chance of joining the managements of the companies they advise. For example, over 450 former consultants under McKinsey & Company, are now top managers of billion-dollar organizations including Google and Disney. 

26. Pet Sit & Pet Walk

Earning Potential: $6.73 to $21.63/hr. 

Source: Google Play // Fetch!

Pet care opens many side job opportunities if you love animals and don’t mind spending hours with them. Depending on location and your services, you can make $15 per hour on average.

For extra income, you can combine pet-sitting with house-sitting. 

Such gigs are available on House Sitter America while pet-only assignments can be found on Wag!, Fetch!, and PetSitter.com

These gigs may not come with stringent academic requirements but some high-paying clients may require proof of animal care training. 

To this end, you can take a certificate animal care course through New Skills Academy, a 4.8-star Trustpilot-verified education & training website.

26. Brand Ambassador

Earning Potential: $44k to $72k per year.

Source: Startup Talky

To reiterate, side jobs are for everyone including millionaire and billionaire celebrities.

That’s why the above chart is a collection of who is who in sports and media, raking millions through brand endorsements.

The gig, basically, requires you to be the “face” of a brand, company, program, or organization. 

However, unlike influencer marketing where you mostly worry about a huge following, you need to be a trendsetter in your area of expertise to become a brand ambassador. 

In general, though you can become a brand ambassador for startups, provided that you can influence people within your sphere. 

Take the example of Lele Pons (@lelepons), a Venezuelan social media influencer who became the EyeBuyDirect brand ambassador in 2021. 

Though the monetary value of the ‘collabo’ wasn’t made public, you can expect Lele to be making high figures for just cultivating a loyal social media following.

Find Brand Ambassador Jobs Here

27. Friend for Hire

Earning Potential: $5 to $50+ per hour.

For a fun side of side jobs, you can get paid to just hang with a stranger, online or in-person. 

If you think this is strange, know that about a third of the older adults are socially isolated and require another person’s presence. In fact, they are ready to compensate you for your company.

At the same time, youngsters are also looking for personal connections online and offline.

A popular platform for meeting platonic friends is Rent-A-Friend.

The site charges a $69.95/year subscription in turn for access to its clientele who pay between $10 and $50 an hour.

Learn How Rent-A-Friend Works

Fun Side Hustle Ideas

Side jobs can also be fun, making it easy to enjoy time off your regular job. The different side hustle opportunities in this category can include favorite hobbies or imaginative ways of creating money. Such jobs include:

28. Become a Doula

Earning Potential: Average of $24.37 per hour.

Doulas provide various forms support to expectant women before, during, and after pregnancy.

The job is rewarding and fun as it involves helping families during the life-changing experience of childbirth, fostering emotional connections, and witnessing the joy of new life.

As a Doula, you can work independently, through collectives, or agencies.

In terms of requirements, you need certification and training in childbirth support, observational experience, and empathy.

Doula Training 

Basically, postpartum doula training is an in-person engagement. As such, you can get the training at a health care facility, or better yet, find a DONA-approved Doula trainer in your area.

Find a Doula Job in Your Area

29. Housesit

Earning Potential: $10.82 to $23.08 per hour.

As a house sitter, your job entails caring for homes and properties in the absence of the owners. The job allows you to experience different homes and locations, save on housing costs, and enjoy the company of pets.

You can get the job through informal arrangements or advertisements through personal networks or online listings.

Skills in basic home maintenance, trustworthiness, and responsibility are essential for the position.

Join House Sitters America Today

30. Deejaying Events

Earning Potential: $6,601 per month on average.

DJs entertain audiences by playing music at events, parties, and nightclubs, which mostly fall in after work hours. They also manage audio and visual equipment.

Deejaying is fun because it involves working with music, energizing crowds, and creating memorable experiences.

You can start by acquiring equipment and networking with venues in your area and event planners.

In addition, you don’t need formal education. However, proficiency in digital equipment and a love for music are crucial.

To learn the art of deejaying, you can get started with software like Virtual DJ on your PC, long before you buy a turntable and a mixer.

31. YouTuber

Earning Potential: $116,940 per year on average.

https://youtu.be/Wn60UkliMWI 

YouTubers create and upload videos on various topics to the YouTube platform.

You can monetize your account through advertisements and selling products. This side hustle allows for creative expression, connecting with a global audience, and potentially turning hobbies into a lucrative career.

That said, to get money on YouTube, you need to meet the platform’s partner program criteria, which include subscriber and watch time thresholds.

How to Become a Succesful YouTuber?

A YouTube channel has the potential of making you $5k monthly easy. However, you need to have at least 1k subscribers and amass over 4k watch hours in a year to start making money via ads.

As your subscriber numbers and monetization grow, you can aim to hit 7 figures as exemplified by Aaron Marino of the Pete & Pedro channel who makes $7.2m/yr.

7 Best YouTube Money Streams

32. Video Editor

Earning Potential: $11.06 to $51.92 per hour.

As a video editor, you assemble and edit raw footage into cohesive video content in post-production for various industries.

The hustle is fun because it allows for creative storytelling, working with multimedia elements, and contributing to the final look of the audiovisual world.

Where to Get Video Editor Training

Attention to detail, proficiency in editing software, and creativity are essential for a video editor. You can start by learning the basic through Video Editing For Beginners: Learn How To Edit by Christian Figueroa.  

33. Manage Social Media Profiles 

Earning Potential: $64,375 annually on average.

As a Social Media Manager (SMM), you create and post content on social media accounts, run marketing campaigns, and analyze user data for clients or employers.

The job entails staying updated with trends, and engaging with people on different sites.

Typically, you need social media campaign experience, data analysis, content creation, and a portfolio.

SMM Succes Case Study

Kelsey Chance runs a social media marketting business that sees her make $20k per month. Her job include the creation of marketing campaigns, posting content, and other creative approaches to popularize social profiles. 

Browse SMM Jobs on Glassdoor

34. Thriftstore Flipping

Earning Potential: $1,958 to $6,250 per month.

Source: ThredUp

Thriftstore flippers sell secondhand items, be it clothes, utensils, furniture, toys, or school supplies.

As this sales report by ThredUp, a leading outlet for clothing flippers, the market accounts for around 1/3 of all apparel bought in the last 12 months. This points to a huge market for pre-used items.

What’s more is that the return on investiment for flipping is usually high. If you’ve watched The Flea Market Flipper on HGTV, then you know the amazing treasures that Rob and Melissa Stephenson have flipped over the years. 

For example, Forbes reports the couple buying a wallpaper steamer for $35 and selling it at $750. For tips on making such profits, enroll at for their The Flipper University course.  

Flippers Guide for 2024

35. Podcasting

Earning Potential: $15.52 per hour on average.

Podcast hosts create and host digital shows, engage with the audience, and often specialize in specific topics.

The gig is fun as you communicate with listeners and share your expertise or passions.

Qualifications vary, but communication skills and experience in broadcasting and relevant fields are beneficial.

You also need skills in audience engagement and managing panels. Earnings for podcasting are through advertisements and running sponsored content.

What’s more, there is lots of money to be made in podcasting with Forbes reporting the likes of Joe Rogan and My Favorite Murder being worth $30m and $15m respectively. 

36. Modeling

Earning Potential: $917 to $16,708 per month.

Do you know that models don’t work 24/7? That’s the beauty of working as a model, you can work on demand and make thousands of dollars for a single photo session. 

As a model, you are required to promote clothing, accessories, and products through various platforms, including fashion shows, and commercials.

Involvement in the fashion industry, showcasing style, and working with diverse clients makes modeling a fun side hustle. 

Modeling agencies may have specific criteria, but generally, your appearance and portfolio are important. You also need skills in posing, presence, adaptability, and networking.

Register for Freelance Modeling Gigs

Creative Side Hustle Ideas for Extra Cash

As a way to earn extra money, creativity can prove handy. Notably, your innovativeness when working on what appears as obvious tasks can help you emerge as a trendsetter. So, when planning to start a side hustle in any of the fields below, aim for uniqueness.

37. Movie Extra

Earning Potential: $9.62 to $19.95 per hour.

Movie extras play nonspeaking roles in film and television productions, adding realism to scenes.

They can be spectators, audience members, or pedestrians, among other roles. For example, in the above call for actors, the roles include Shop Customers and Funeral Background extras. 

Extras’ work offers flexibility, whereby you can pick jobs based on your availability.

While formal acting skills are not required, the ability to adhere to instructions and blend into scenes is important.

You can apply for roles through casting agencies like Backstage, Central Casting, and Prime Casting.

38. Sell Services on Fiverr

Earning Potential: Varies based on the service.

This is a platform where at-home workers can offer a wide range of services, from writing to web design to a global clientele. Sellers create “gigs” for their services and share them with clients worldwide.

You do not need formal qualifications, but skills in a specific service area are essential to attracting niche clients.

Become a Fiverr Seller

39. Interior Designer

Earning Potential: $66,607 per year on average.

The job here is to plan and execute the design of residential or commercial spaces while considering aesthetics and functionality.

You will be required to coordinate furnishings, color schemes, and fixtures to create visually appealing and usable interiors.

A deep understanding of design principles and trends is a must in the business as well as a strong design sense, creativity, and knowledge of visual trends.

40. Develop & Sell Apps

Earning Potential: $51.82 Average hourly pay.

App developers create mobile applications for various purposes, from business solutions to entertainment.

You can find opportunities by joining development teams, freelancing, or starting your own app development businesses.

Developers generate income by selling apps on app stores, offering paid features, subscriptions, and in-app purchases.

To learn the ins and outs of developing an app, head over to Google’s Cousera and enroll for the Build Your First Android App course. 

If you prefer making iPhone apps, you can try the iOS App Development Basics that’s hosted by the University of Toronto.

41. Event Planner

Earning Potential: $37.81/hr on average.

As an event planner, you organize and coordinate events, such as weddings. Essentially, you handle logistics, budgets, and vendor selection, and ensure events run smoothly.

You can find work with event planning companies, and hotels, or work as an independent contractor.

Organizational, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills are essential for event planning.

Networking and marketing also play crucial roles in getting noticed as a planner. 

42. Sell Art to Cafe & Coffee Shops

Earning Potential: Depends on the sales.

This is yet another side I got from Quora.  

The idea is that you can sell your artwork to cafe and coffee shop owners to be displayed and potentially purchased by customers.

It involves finding suitable venues and negotiating agreements.

You can approach local cafes and coffee shops to discuss art display opportunities. Essential skills include artistic talent, a portfolio of artwork, and negotiation.

43. Graphic Designer

Earning Potential: $12.02 to $43,51 per hour.

Freelance graphic designers create visuals using digital tools like CorelDRAW, Adobe InDesign, and Canva.

The gig involves crafting images, illustrations, typography, and layouts for various purposes, including branding and marketing. Note that proficiency in design software, and creativity are essential.

To get started, enroll for LinkedIn Learning where you can learn a certificate course on how to Advance Your Skills in Graphic Design.

Sites Like Remotasks For Remote Graphic Designers

44. Web Designer

Earning Potential: On Average $71,855 annually.

The job here is to create the visual aspects of websites, including layout, graphics, and user interface. 

You need proficiency in design and web development tools such Illustrator. Your skillset should also include coding languages, creativity, and project management.

Web design jobs offer flexibility in workload allowing for full-time or part-time involvement. 

Additionally, this is a skill you can develop right from home. You just need to register for the Ultimate Web Design Course on Webflow University. Among its modules include Layouts, Styling, Backgrounds Border Styles, and CMS Software.

45. Tutor Online

Earning Potential: $12.50 to $24.76/hr.

This side job idea is especially targeted to teachers looking to earn cash on the side.

Online tutors provide educational support to others through online sessions. You help students understand and excel across different education levels.

Qualifications vary, but strong subject knowledge and communication skills are essential. 

Online English Teacher Certification

Teaching English, a core subject for many remote tutor jobs, usually comes with a TEFL certification requirement. 

You can acquire the 30-hour or so certificate online at the International TEFL Academy for $249.

Where to Tutor Online for Cash

46. Apps & Web Tester

Earning Potential: Average of $51.68 per hour.

Development teams hire app and web testers to assess digital platforms for potential bugs and issues before they go live.

As a tester, your work ensures the functionality and usability of apps and websites are in line with the expected end product design.

Knowledge of testing methodologies, such as moderated and unmoderated testing, is beneficial for this side job idea.

Related Resource: TryMyUI Review 2024

47. Sell Print On Demand

Earning Potential: Average of $17.53 per hour.

If you are familiar with selling feet photos on Zazzle then you must have a good idea of what Print on Demand (POD) is all about. 

Basically, POD involves producing custom items like apparel, accessories, or home decor on demand, typically through online platforms.

You create designs, and products are made offsite as orders come in, with a third party handling the creation and shipping.

Tips for a Successful POD Business

For inspirational print on demand success stories, check out this post from Printiful, a leading resource in the industry. Among the pointers shared by the different businesses include:

• As a beginner, take it slow and believe in your POD mission.
• Create partnerships with like-minded freelancers to pool traffic.
• Grow media presence by having active accounts on different social sites.
• Keep up with trends to ensure your brand stays influencial.
• Never stop posting and stick to a schedule to keep tour target audience updated.

Bonus Side Hustle Ideas 

To complete our list of side jobs for making cash, below are some bonus ideas. There are more ideas for jobs that can earn you cash and serve your interests. 

• Data Clerk

Earning Potential: $11.78 to $46.39 per hour.

Data clerks play a vital role in managing data for companies. Clerks in this category are required to enter various types of data, such as text, audio, video, or images, into computer systems.

They may also be involved in data classification, validation, and other data manipulation tasks.

The gig offers flexibility and can be undertaken in spare time, and usually offsite and offline.

Essential skills include fast typing and attention to detail.

48. Replace Cracked Smartphone Screens

Earning Potential: $25 to $100 per job

This is a high-demand side career with the potential to make you $100 or more for high-end devices or complex repairs.

It involves repairing damaged screens on smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices. Luckily, there are cracked screens whenever you look, from your workplace to friends and families. 

The gig workers in the job require technical skills in electronics and screen replacement.

How to Replace Cracked Screens

First off, you should invest in the necessary tools and materials, a venture that can cost between $200 to $500, according to Gigworker.

Secondly, for the technical aspect, Ifixit has a detailed guide for fixing the Google Pixel 5a screen – the procedure is common for most phone models. You can also refer to the above video for clarity.

49. Deliver with Amazon

Earning Potential: Between $18 and $25 per hour.

Amazon Flex drivers deliver packages to customers using their own vehicles.

This side hustle offers flexibility in scheduling and all it requires is a valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and efficient navigation.

Actual earnings depend on location, tips, delivery speed, and other factors, with top earners making up to $25 per hour. 

To make money, sign up for Amazon Flex, select suitable delivery blocks, and complete assigned deliveries. 

50. Remote Bookkeeping

Earning Potential: Average of $23.81 per hour. 

Bookkeepers are responsible for tracking financial accounts for businesses, which aids in financial decision-making. You can seek remote bookkeeping roles through job boards, freelancing platforms, or consulting firms.

A big advantage of this side hustle is that your income can increase steadily with experience from a growing portfolio.

Skills in accounting, financial analysis, and using software like QuickBooks are valuable for success in remote bookkeeping.

How to Start a Virtual Bookkeeping Business

Bookkeeper.com has one of the best training guides for budding remote bookkeepers. In particular, the Bookkeeper Launch introduces you to trending accounting skills, the most efficient systems, and how to market your business.

Start Your Bookkeeping Journey with a Free Workshop

51. Flip Real Estate

Earning Potential: Average of $139,851 annually.

Real estate flipping involves purchasing distressed or fixer-upper properties, renovating them, and selling them for a profit.

Here, you earn by purchasing properties below market value, renovating them cost-effectively, and selling them at a higher price.

This is typically a high-investment endeavor that requires a significant time commitment.

In addition, you need to learn and acquire skills in property evaluation, renovation, and property market analysis.

52. SEO Specialist

Earning Potential: $51K to $84K/yr.

Specialists in SEO optimize websites and e-commerce platforms to improve their online rankings, helping clients or employers attract more organic traffic from search engines like Google and Bing.

The work can vary in time commitment, but it can be a full-time or part-time occupation, depending on the workload and clients.

Skills in search engine optimization, keyword research, website analysis, and content optimization are paramount for the role.

All the training you need can be accessed on Hubspot Academy’s SEO Certification Course. The training involves 6 online lessons, taking up around 4 hours and covering invaluable topics like link building, and technical SEO. 

53. Taskrabbit Tasker

Earning Potential: $20 to $31 per hour.

This is among the best odd jobs site that connects people who need help from local “Taskers”. 

Workers on the site provide assistance with tasks like home repairs to errands. The website offers flexibility, allowing you to choose tasks based on your availability and location.

Your earning potential depends on the skills you offer, such as handyman skills, organization, cleaning, or any other services that are in demand.

Register as a Tasker

54. Sell Stuff on Etsy

Earning Potential: $3,000 to $5,000+ per month.

Selling on Etsy involves creating and listing handmade or unique products, such as jewelry, scarves, art, and more.

Etsy gets a listing fee and takes a commission off each sale.

Craftsmanship, product creation, photography, and marketing skills are valuable for success on Etsy.

How to Earn on Etsy Without Making Anything!

55. Run an E-commerce Store

Earning Potential: Can vary widely.

Apart from selling via an Etsy or Amazon shop, you can run an independent e-commerce store. 

Running a personal online shop involves selling items or services online. It can range from small home-based operations to larger enterprises. 

Success depends on various factors, including the chosen niche and marketing efforts.

The gig requires setting up a website, sourcing or creating products, marketing, and handling customer transactions with earnings ranging between $1k and $100k monthly.

56. Teach English

Earning Potential: Average Annual pay of $51,635.

Teaching English to non-English speakers is a massive opportunity that you can specialize in if you love online tutoring.

Your earnings can vary depending on qualifications and teaching methods.

Responsibilities include lesson planning, lecturing, grading assignments, and communicating with students. 

Interested? Click here for platforms that hire English tutors.

Steps To Developing a Great Side Hustle

The best side hustle for you depends on many factors including your likes and availability. Even then, for a side job or business to be successful, you need to ensure the new gig offers a good work-life balance. Other pointers include:

• Avoid boring side jobs and instead, pick a gig that elevates your moods after your regular job. 
• Plan on the investment required to get the side job off the ground and up to the point of breaking even.  
• Allot enough time for your side gig to ensure you deliver stellar products and services to your clients or customers. Without an airtight schedule, you can expect bad reviews leading to low earnings.
• Start small and build up to make sure you scale up as per the needs of your side job.

FAQs

1. What Side Hustles Pay the Most?

Any side hustle can earn you a substantial income depending on your skill, its marketability, and your target clientele. In general, though, expertise like web and app development, SEO specialist, and consultancy can provide high and steady incomes. Business-related hustles like dropshipping, flipping domains, and affiliate marketing can also prove lucrative. 

2. Do I Pay Taxes on Side Hustle Income?

The law is clear, “You must file a tax return if you have net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more from gig work, even if it’s a side job, part-time or temporary“.

The IRS further clarifies that “If you do gig work as an employee, your employer should withhold tax from your paycheck. If you do gig work as an independent contractor, you may have to pay estimated taxes”.