27 best paying side hustles actually worth your time
Whether you're saving for a family vacation, helping your teen learn about earning, or just looking to pad your budget, a side hustle can be a smart way to boost your income. But not all gigs are created equal. So which ones actually pay well, and which ones are worth your energy?
We rounded up 27 of the best paying side hustles for 2025 based on real-world data, expert insight, and honest feedback from people who've tried them. Let’s dive in.
1. Freelance writing
Average pay: $23/hour
What it is: Writing articles, blogs, web copy, or newsletters for businesses and media outlets.
How to get started: Create a simple portfolio with three to five writing samples. Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Contently are great for finding clients. You can also reach out to small businesses directly. Learn more about how to start freelance writing.
2. Virtual assistant
Average pay: $24/hour
What it is: Providing administrative support like inbox management, scheduling, or research to busy entrepreneurs or executives.
How to get started: Highlight your organizational skills. Browse platforms like Belay, Fancy Hands, or Zirtual. Having experience with tools like Google Workspace, Asana, or Trello helps.
3. Online tutoring
Average pay: $19/hour
What it is: Helping students with academics, such as reading, math, test prep, and foreign languages.
How to get started: Sign up with VIPKid, Wyzant, or Tutor.com. A degree or teaching background helps, but subject-matter expertise is key. Learn how to become a tutor in high school.
4. Bookkeeping
Average pay: $24/hour
What it is: Managing income, expenses, and financial records for small businesses.
How to get started: You don’t need a CPA, but certification through programs like QuickBooks or Bookkeeper Launch can boost credibility. Look for freelance gigs on LinkedIn or FlexJobs.
5. Graphic design
Average pay: $35/hour
What it is: Designing logos, flyers, social media graphics, and more.
How to get started: Build a portfolio on Behance or Dribbble. Offer your services through Fiverr or 99designs, or pitch local businesses.
6. Proofreading and editing
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Average pay: $28/hour
What it is: Reviewing written content for grammar, spelling, clarity, and tone.
How to get started: Brush up on grammar rules. Sign up with platforms like ProofreadingServices.com or Scribendi. A detail-oriented mindset is a must.
7. Social media management
Average pay: $31/hour
What it is: Planning content, managing engagement, and growing accounts for businesses or individuals.
How to get started: Build your own personal brand first. Use tools like Canva and Later. Pitch small businesses or search job boards like PeoplePerHour.
8. Pet sitting or dog walking
Average pay: $16/hour
What it is: Take care of pets while owners are away, either at their home or yours.
How to get started: Sign up on Rover or Wag. Offer neighborhood flyers or promote your services on Facebook groups.
9. Renting out a room or property
Average pay: Varies — $900-1600/month
What it is: Hosting travelers or tenants short-term (Airbnb) or long-term.
How to get started: Set up a profile on Airbnb or Furnished Finder. Take high-quality photos, set fair pricing, and check local regulations. Note: The amount of income will vary depending on a variety of factors, including location and the size of the room.
10. Babysitting or nannying
Average pay: $24/hour
What it is: Providing child care in the home — often evenings or weekends.
How to get started: Sites like Care.com and Sittercity make it easy. CPR certification or early childhood experience helps.
11. Delivery driver (groceries or food)
Average pay: $18/hour
What it is: Delivering food (DoorDash, Uber Eats) or groceries (Instacart).
How to get started: Download the app, pass a background check, and start accepting gigs. A reliable car (or bike, in some cities) is essential.
12. Rideshare driving
Average pay: $21/hour
What it is: Driving passengers via apps like Uber or Lyft.
How to get started: Meet vehicle and age requirements, complete a background check, and start driving during peak hours for more earnings.
13. Flipping furniture or items online
Average pay: Varies — $1,000+/month
What it is: Buying underpriced items at thrift stores or garage sales, fixing them up, and reselling them on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or other apps.
How to get started: Start small and flip one item a week. Look for in-demand categories like mid-century furniture or collectibles.
14. Selling digital products
Average pay: Highly variable — can be up to $1,000+/month
What it is: Selling templates, eBooks, printables, or stock photos online.
How to get started: Create products using Canva or Google Docs. Sell on Etsy, Gumroad, or your own website.
15. Transcription
Average pay: $20/hour
What it is: Typing out audio or video recordings for interviews, lectures, or legal proceedings.
How to get started: Strong typing skills required. Try Rev or TranscribeMe to land your first gig. If you enjoy typing, check out these other typing gigs.
16. Renting out gear or equipment
Average pay: $20/hour per rental
What it is: Renting out high-demand items like cameras, drones, or tools.
How to get started: Use sites like Fat Llama or ShareGrid. Take good care of your equipment and insure it if needed.
17. Personal training or coaching
Average pay: $29/hour
What it is: Helping clients achieve their fitness or personal goals.
How to get started: Get certified (ACE or NASM); offer sessions at local gyms or online via Zoom. Start small and build clientele through word of mouth.
18. Voiceover work
Average pay: $48/hour
What it is: Narrating audiobooks, commercials, explainer videos, and more.
How to get started: Set up a quiet home studio. Join Voices.com or ACX to find gigs.
19. YouTube content creation
Average pay: Variable — $10 to $500 per post on average
What it is: Making videos about a niche topic — gaming, DIY, education, parenting.
How to get started: Pick a topic you love. Film with your phone, edit with CapCut or iMovie and monetize via ads and sponsorships. Learn how to help your child start their own YouTube channel or make money on YouTube without making videos.
20. Photography
Average pay: $20/hr
What it is: Shooting portraits, events, or commercial products.
How to get started: Practice with friends or offer free sessions to build your portfolio. Create an Instagram or personal website to showcase your work. Join local Facebook groups, wedding vendor directories, or sites like Thumbtack to find clients.
21. House cleaning or organizing
Average pay: $17/hour
What it is: Helping people tidy up their homes or offices.
How to get started: Start by offering services to friends or neighbors and ask for reviews. Then, expand through platforms like Thumbtack or Care.com. Bring your own supplies, be punctual, and show attention to detail so you can generate repeat business.
22. Tech support or IT freelancing
Average pay: $27/hour
What it is: Solving tech problems or setting up systems for individuals or small businesses.
How to get started: Highlight your skills in resumes or LinkedIn, and join freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Toptal. Consider certifications like CompTIA A+ or Google IT Support to strengthen your credibility. Local businesses often look for part-time tech help, so network in your area, too.
23. Notary public
Average pay: $23/hour
What it is: Verifying signatures and documents—often in legal or real estate transactions.
How to get started: Each state has its own rules, so start by checking your Secretary of State’s website. Once certified, advertise locally or list your services on NotaryCafe or Thumbtack. Offer mobile services to command premium rates due to increased convenience for clients.
24. Renting your car
Average pay: $25-40 per day
What it is: Letting others use your vehicle through platforms like Turo or Getaround.
How to get started: Take high-quality photos, write a detailed description, and list your car on Turo or Getaround. Keep maintenance records handy, set competitive pricing, and consider additional insurance coverage to protect yourself and your vehicle.
25. Event staffing
Average pay: $16/hour + tips
What it is: Helping at weddings, conferences, or private parties — setting up, serving, or managing guests.
How to get started: Look for temp event staffing agencies in your area or browse Craigslist, PoachedJobs, and Indeed. Experience in food service helps.
26. Selling handmade goods
Average pay: Varies — $300-$1,000/month
What it is: Creating and selling crafts, art, or custom items like jewelry or candles.
How to get started: Open a shop on Etsy, Shopify, or at local markets. Take quality product photos and write clear, engaging descriptions. Use Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest to grow an audience and promote your goods.
27. Affiliate marketing
Average pay: Varies — can be anywhere from $100 to $1,000+/month
What it is: Earning commissions by promoting other people’s products online.
How to get started: Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or Rakuten. Choose products you genuinely like and build a platform — this could be a blog, YouTube channel, or social media account. Focus on helpful, honest content that earns trust and clicks. Learn more about becoming an affiliate marketer.
Tips for success with side hustles
Start with your skills: Choose something that matches your current talents, interests, or career goals. That way, you’ll enjoy it more and get up to speed faster.
Track your time and pay: Monitor how many hours you’re working and how much you’re earning. Use tools like Toggl or Clockify to see what’s worth your effort.
Set clear goals: Know what you’re working toward — extra vacation money, paying off debt, or teaching your teen about earning. A clear purpose keeps you motivated.
Keep things organized: From managing client communication to keeping receipts for tax purposes, organization and structure help you stay on top of your business and grow.
Avoid burnout: Side hustles are meant to support your life, not overwhelm it. Make time for rest, family, and fun.
Level up over time: Consider taking free or low-cost courses to boost your skills. As you improve, you can charge more and find better opportunities.
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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.
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