In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the idea of relying solely on a traditional 9-to-5 job feels increasingly outdated. As an Internet entrepreneur who has navigated the exhilarating yet sometimes overwhelming world of side hustles, I can tell you firsthand that there’s a wealth of opportunities out there waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for a dream vacation, or simply want to boost your income, the right side gig can be a game-changer.
Having tried my hand at various side hustles over the years—from selling products online to offering freelance services—I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t, especially for beginners. The key is finding something that aligns with your skills, interests, and lifestyle.
In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the best side gigs to make money based on a side hustles database. Each of these opportunities is not only accessible for newcomers but also offers the potential for growth and scalability as you gain experience.
1. Food Delivery
Food delivery has become increasingly popular, especially with the rise of apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. This flexible gig allows you to pick up food orders from restaurants and deliver them to customers.
How to Get Started
- Sign up with one or more food delivery apps
- Complete any required background checks
- Obtain necessary equipment (insulated bags, smartphone mount for car)
- Set your availability and start accepting orders
Earning Potential
According to Side Hustles Database, earnings vary based on location, hours worked, and tips received. Dedicated drivers working full-time hours can potentially earn $1,000-$1,500 per week.
2. Bookkeeping
Bookkeeping involves managing financial records for small businesses. This side hustle is ideal for those with accounting skills or attention to detail.
How to Get Started
- Learn bookkeeping basics through online courses or certifications
- Set up your business structure (e.g. sole proprietorship)
- Invest in bookkeeping software
- Network and market your services to small businesses
Earning Potential
Experienced bookkeepers can charge $50-$100+ per hour. Working part-time, you could potentially earn $1,000-$2,000 per week.
3. Freelance Writing
Freelance writing allows you to create content for websites, blogs, magazines, and businesses. This flexible side hustle is perfect for those with strong writing skills.
How to Get Started
- Build a portfolio of writing samples
- Create profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr
- Develop a niche or area of expertise
- Pitch to potential clients or apply for writing gigs
Earning Potential
Rates vary widely based on experience and niche. Established freelance writers can earn $50-$200+ per hour. Working part-time, you could potentially earn $1,000-$2,000 per week with consistent clients.
4. Get Paid For Your Opinions
Getting paid for your opinions typically involves participating in online surveys or market research studies. Companies seek consumer feedback to improve their products and services, and they compensate participants for their time.
How to Get Started
- Sign Up: Register with reputable survey websites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, or Vindale Research.
- Complete Your Profile: Fill out demographic information to match you with relevant surveys.
- Start Taking Surveys: Choose surveys that interest you and begin providing your feedback.
Earning Potential
Most survey sites pay between $0.50 and $5 per survey, depending on its length and complexity. While this side hustle won’t make you rich, consistent participation can earn you $100 to $300 a month.
5. Drive With Uber
Driving with Uber offers a flexible way to earn money by providing rides to passengers. As an independent contractor, you can set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want.
How to Get Started
- Meet Requirements: Ensure you meet Uber’s vehicle and driver requirements, including age and licensing.
- Sign Up: Create an account on the Uber website or app and complete the application process.
- Background Check: Undergo a background check and vehicle inspection.
- Start Driving: Once approved, download the Uber Driver app and begin accepting ride requests.
Earning Potential
Uber drivers typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour after expenses. Depending on your location and hours worked, you could earn $1,000 to $2,000 per month.
6. Get Paid To Grocery Shop
Getting paid to grocery shop usually involves working as a personal shopper or using grocery delivery apps. Shoppers fulfill grocery orders for customers and earn money for their time and service.
How to Get Started
- Choose a Platform: Sign up with grocery delivery services like Instacart, Shipt, or Amazon Fresh.
- Complete Onboarding: Go through the onboarding process, which may include background checks and training.
- Start Shopping: Accept shopping orders through the app and fulfill them by picking items from the store.
Earning Potential
Personal shoppers can earn between $10 and $25 per hour, plus tips. With consistent work, it’s possible to earn $800 to $1,500 a month, depending on the number of orders completed and tips received.
7. Become a Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants (VAs) provide remote administrative, technical, or creative support to businesses and entrepreneurs. Tasks can include email management, scheduling, social media management, data entry, and more. This flexible side hustle allows you to work from home and leverage your existing skills.
How to Get Started
- Identify your skills and services you want to offer
- Create an online presence (website, LinkedIn profile)
- Sign up on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr
- Network and reach out to potential clients
- Start with small projects to build your reputation
Earning Potential
Virtual assistants typically earn $15-$50 per hour, depending on skills and experience. With a solid client base, you could potentially earn $1,000-$5,000 per month part-time.
8. Start a Blog
Blogging involves creating and publishing content on a website about a specific topic or niche. Successful bloggers can monetize their sites through advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and digital products.
How to Get Started
- Choose a niche and domain name
- Set up a website using platforms like WordPress
- Create high-quality, engaging content regularly
- Promote your blog on social media and other channels
- Implement SEO strategies to increase traffic
Earning Potential
Earnings vary widely, but established bloggers can make anywhere from $500 to $10,000+ per month. It often takes 6-12 months of consistent effort before seeing significant income.
9. Sell on Shopify
Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows you to set up an online store and sell products. You can sell physical goods, digital products, or even dropship items without holding inventory.
How to Get Started
- Sign up for a Shopify account
- Choose a theme and customize your store
- Add products and set up payment methods
- Implement marketing strategies to drive traffic
- Fulfill orders and provide customer service
Earning Potential
Earnings depend on factors like product selection, pricing, and marketing efforts. Successful Shopify stores can generate anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000+ per month. However, it typically takes time to build a customer base and establish profitability.
10. Buy Fractional Stock Shares
Fractional shares allow investors to purchase portions of stocks, making it possible to invest in high-priced stocks with smaller amounts of money. This approach enables diversification and participation in the stock market with limited capital.
How to Get Started
- Choose a brokerage that offers fractional shares (e.g., Robinhood, Fidelity, Charles Schwab)
- Open an account and complete the verification process
- Fund your account
- Research stocks and decide which ones to invest in
- Place orders for fractional shares
Earning Potential
Earnings vary widely based on market performance and investment choices. While some investors may see significant returns, others may experience losses. It’s important to note that investing carries risks, and returns are not guaranteed.
11. Sell Printables on Etsy
Selling printables on Etsy involves creating digital files that customers can purchase, download, and print at home. This can include planners, wall art, invitations, and educational materials.
How to Get Started
- Create an Etsy account and set up your shop
- Design printables using tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite
- Create product listings with clear descriptions and appealing images
- Set competitive prices
- Optimize your listings for Etsy search
Earning Potential
Earnings can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month. Some successful sellers report making $1,000 to $5,000 per month, with potential for higher earnings as your shop grows and you expand your product line.
12. Watch Videos on Your Phone
Various apps and websites pay users to watch videos, complete surveys, or perform small tasks on their smartphones. While not highly lucrative, it can provide a small stream of extra income.
How to Get Started
- Research and download reputable reward apps (e.g., Swagbucks, InboxDollars)
- Create an account and complete your profile
- Start watching videos, taking surveys, or completing other available tasks
- Accumulate points or credits
- Redeem rewards for cash or gift cards
Earning Potential
Earnings are typically modest, ranging from a few cents to a few dollars per hour. Most users can expect to earn between $20 to $100 per month, depending on the time invested and the number of tasks completed.
13. Walk Dogs & Pet Sit
Walking dogs and pet sitting are excellent side hustles for animal lovers. These services involve taking care of pets while their owners are away or busy, providing companionship, exercise, and care for pets in their own homes or during walks.
How to Get Started
- Create a Profile: Sign up on pet care platforms like Rover or Wag! to connect with pet owners.
- Set Your Services: Decide whether you want to offer dog walking, pet sitting, or both. Define your rates and availability.
- Gather Experience: If you’re new, consider volunteering at local shelters or offering services to friends and family to build experience and references.
- Promote Your Services: Use social media, community boards, and word-of-mouth to spread the word about your services.
Earning Potential
Pet sitters and dog walkers can earn between $15 and $30 per walk or visit, depending on location and services offered. With consistent work, it’s possible to earn $500 to $1,500 per month, especially during peak seasons like summer and holidays.
14. Sell Old Electronics
Selling old electronics involves decluttering your home and turning unused gadgets into cash. This can include smartphones, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, and accessories. Many platforms allow you to sell or trade in these items easily.
How to Get Started
- Gather Your Electronics: Collect old devices that you no longer use or need.
- Research Value: Check the current market value of your items on platforms like eBay, Gazelle, or Decluttr.
- Choose a Selling Platform: Decide whether to sell directly to consumers (e.g., eBay, Facebook Marketplace) or through trade-in services.
- List Your Items: Take clear photos and write detailed descriptions to attract buyers.
- Ship or Meet Buyers: If selling online, package your items securely for shipping. If selling locally, arrange safe meet-up locations.
Earning Potential
The earnings from selling old electronics can vary widely based on the item’s condition and demand. You could earn anywhere from $20 for smaller items to several hundred dollars for high-demand gadgets like smartphones or laptops. Overall, selling old electronics can generate $100 to $1,000+ in extra income, depending on what you have to sell.
15. Tutor From Home
Tutoring from home allows you to share your knowledge and skills with students of all ages. This side hustle can involve one-on-one sessions or group classes in subjects like math, science, languages, or test preparation.
How to Get Started
- Identify Your Expertise: Determine which subjects or skills you are qualified to teach.
- Set Up Your Space: Create a quiet, comfortable area in your home for tutoring sessions, equipped with necessary materials.
- Choose a Platform: Register on tutoring websites like Wyzant, Tutor.com, or Chegg Tutors, or advertise your services locally.
- Market Yourself: Use social media, community boards, and word-of-mouth to attract students.
- Prepare Lessons: Develop lesson plans and materials tailored to your students’ needs.
Earning Potential
Tutors can charge anywhere from $20 to $100+ per hour, depending on their expertise and the subject matter. With regular clients, you could earn $500 to $2,000+ per month, especially during the school year when demand is higher.
