36 Side Hustle Ideas to Boost Your Bank Account [2024]

Ever wondered how you could turn your free time into extra cash? In today’s gig economy, side hustles have become a popular way to boost your income without quitting your day job. Whether you’re saving for a big purchase or want a financial cushion, there’s a side hustle out there that fits your lifestyle and skills.

From freelancing online to leveraging your hobbies, the possibilities are endless. Ready to discover some exciting side hustle ideas that could transform your financial future? Keep reading to find out how you can start making money on the side today.

What Are Side Hustles?

Side hustles are part-time jobs, freelance gigs, or small businesses that individuals pursue in addition to their primary employment. They serve as a means to earn extra income, explore personal interests, or develop new skills without the commitment of a full-time job.

The side hustle phenomenon is booming:

• As of 2023, 45% of Americans report having a side hustle.
• The average side hustler earns an extra $483 per month—nearly $6,000 annually.
• Millennials lead the trend, with 50% engaging in side gigs.

Side hustles typically require only a few hours per week, making them ideal for weekends or after-hours work. The beauty of side hustles lies in their flexibility and low-risk nature; you can start small, grow at your own pace, and pivot as needed—all while maintaining the security of your primary job.

Whether you’re aiming to pay off debt, save for a major purchase, or simply explore a passion project that pays, there’s a side hustle to suit your skills and interests.

Ready to unlock your earning potential? Let’s explore 36 lucrative side hustle ideas that could transform your financial future in 2024!

Easy Online Side Hustles

The internet gives you the power to earn extra cash from the comfort of your own home.

Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, these online side hustles provide the flexibility to work whenever it suits you best.

1. Survey Apps (Easiest Side Hustle)

• Overview: Earn cash or rewards by completing short surveys, watching ads, and shopping online
• Platforms: Survey Junkie, Freecash, InboxDollars, Swagbucks, Kashkick
• Skills: No specific skills required
• Flexibility: Very high; complete surveys anytime, anywhere
• Get Started: Sign up for Survey Junkie

You can maximize your spare time with survey apps for quick cash or rewards. Survey Junkie pays between $0.50 to $5 per survey. Swagbucks and InboxDollars also let you earn money by watching videos and playing games. If you’re consistent, you can earn up to $100 monthly.

2. Resell Digital Products

• Overview: Acquire resell rights to digital products and promote them on social media
• Platforms: Social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter), personal website or blog
• Skills: Social media marketing, basic understanding of digital products
• Flexibility: High; promote products on your own schedule
• Get Started: Making Money with Resell Rights for Beginners

Turn your social media savvy into cash by reselling digital products. Start by sourcing digital products from sites like PLR (Private Label Rights). These sites offer pre-made content that you can modify, brand, and resell as your own. Use platforms like Etsy to reach a broad audience interested in digital downloads.

3. Get Paid to Play Video Games

• Overview: Earn money by playing video games on dedicated platforms
• Platforms: Mistplay, Swagbucks, Gamehag
• Skills: Gaming skills, consistency
• Flexibility: High; play games whenever you have free time
• Get Started: Download Mistplay or sign up for Swagbucks

Earn money by playing video games through platforms like Mistplay, Swagbucks, and Gamehag. These platforms allow you to earn money or rewards simply for playing games. Mistplay is a mobile app that rewards you for trying new games with units that can be exchanged for gift cards.

4. Website & App Testing

• Overview: Test websites and apps for usability and provide feedback
• Platforms: UserTesting
• Skills: No specific technical skills required, but attention to detail is crucial
• Flexibility: High; tests are typically short and can be done according to your availability
• Get Started: Sign up for UserTesting

Test websites and apps for usability and functionality. Testers typically earn $10 per 20-minute test, providing detailed feedback on user experience. This side hustle doesn’t require specific expertise, just a willingness to provide honest, constructive feedback.

5. Join Focus Groups

• Overview: Participate in market research studies and share your opinions
• Platforms: User Interviews, Respondent, FocusGroup.com
• Skills: No specific skills required
• Flexibility: Moderate; sessions are scheduled but you can choose which to join
• Get Started: Sign up on User Interviews

Participate in focus groups conducted by companies looking to gather consumer opinions. Earnings can range from $50 to $150 per session, depending on the length and complexity of the study.

6. Test Products at Home

• Overview: Receive and review products sent to your home
• Platforms: Pinecone Research, Influenster
• Skills: Ability to provide detailed, honest feedback
• Flexibility: High; test products on your own time
• Get Started: Join Pinecone Research panel

Review products from home to earn free items and compensation. Companies like Pinecone Research and Influenster send products for you to test and provide feedback. Payment varies by product and feedback detail, ranging from $10 to $50 per test.

7. Complete Microtasks

• Overview: Perform small, quick tasks online for pay
• Platforms: Amazon Mechanical Turk, Clickworker, TaskRabbit
• Skills: Varies depending on the task
• Flexibility: Very high; work on tasks whenever you have free time
• Get Started: Sign up for Amazon Mechanical Turk

Engage in microtasks online using platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk and Clickworker. These tasks range from data entry to transcription and can pay a few cents to a few dollars each. The more tasks you complete, the more you earn.

Online Freelancing Side Hustles

Let’s talk about online freelancing – it’s a game-changer for anyone with a skill and an internet connection.

If you’ve got expertise in any field (and trust me, you probably do), there’s likely someone out there willing to pay for it.

8. Freelancing

• Overview: Offer your skills and services to clients on a project basis
• Platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, FlexJobs
• Skills: Varies (writing, design, programming, etc.)
• Flexibility: High; choose projects that fit your schedule
• Get Started: Create a profile on Upwork

Freelancing offers flexibility, career control, and potential for higher earnings. Upwork’s study shows that 38% of the U.S. workforce engages in freelancing, contributing $1.27 trillion to the economy. Popular freelancing platforms include Upwork and Fiverr, where you can offer services in writing, graphic design, web development, and more.

9. Proofreading

• Overview: Review and correct written content for errors
• Platforms: Freelancer, Fiverr
• Skills: Excellent grammar and attention to detail
• Flexibility: High; work on projects according to your schedule
• Get Started: Offer proofreading services on Fiverr

Proofreading is a valuable freelance service. Proofreaders review content for grammar, punctuation, and consistency. You can set up a professional website to showcase your skills and experience. Freelance proofreading sites like ProofreadingServices.com allow you to connect with clients seeking your expertise.

10. Selling Class Notes

• Overview: Sell your study notes to classmates or online
• Platforms: StudySoup, Stuvia
• Skills: Good note-taking abilities, organization
• Flexibility: High; upload notes on your own schedule
• Get Started: Sign up as a notetaker on StudySoup

Selling class notes provides a way to monetize your meticulous note-taking skills. Platforms like Stuvia and Nexus Notes let you upload and sell notes to other students. This hustle is especially useful if you’re already attending classes and want to maximize their value.

11. Data Entry

• Overview: Input data into databases or spreadsheets
• Platforms: Clickworker, Amazon Mechanical Turk
• Skills: Fast and accurate typing, attention to detail
• Flexibility: High; complete tasks on your own schedule
• Get Started: Sign up on Clickworker

Data entry offers a straightforward way to supplement your income. Companies like DionData Solutions and Axion Data Services frequently hire freelancers to handle data entry tasks. Pay rates generally range from $10 to $20 per hour based on the task complexity and speed.

12. Online Tutoring

• Overview: Provide academic help in subjects you excel at
• Platforms: Tutor.com, Chegg Tutors, Wyzant
• Skills: Expertise in specific subjects, good communication
• Flexibility: Moderate; sessions are scheduled but you can set your availability
• Get Started: Apply to be a tutor on Chegg

Online tutoring is a lucrative side hustle. Platforms like Wyzant connect tutors with students for 1:1 online or in-person lessons. Subjects range from math and science to language and test prep. Online tutoring allows you to set your rates and schedule, making it a flexible and rewarding way to share your knowledge and earn extra income.

13. Become a Virtual Assistant (VA)

• Overview: Provide administrative support to businesses or entrepreneurs remotely
• Platforms: Upwork, Fancy Hands, Zirtual
• Skills: Organization, time management, basic computer skills
• Flexibility: Moderate to High; depends on client needs
• Get Started: Create a profile on Fancy Hands

Becoming a virtual assistant (VA) is an excellent side hustle for those with organizational and administrative skills. VAs handle tasks like email management, scheduling, data entry, and more. Platforms such as Belay and Time Etc connect VAs with clients needing support.

14. Transcription Services

• Overview: Convert audio or video content into written text
• Platforms: Rev, TranscribeMe, GoTranscript
• Skills: Fast and accurate typing, good listening skills
• Flexibility: High; work on files at your convenience
• Get Started: Apply as a transcriptionist on Rev

Transcription services involve converting audio files to text. This side hustle is ideal for fast, accurate typists. Sites like Rev and TranscribeMe offer opportunities to transcribe interviews, lectures, and meetings. To excel, invest in good transcription software and headphones.

Online Marketing Side Hustles

Marketing and content creation are the ultimate side hustles if you’ve got a creative streak and a head for business.

Whether you’re a wordsmith, a social media whiz, or just have a knack for spotting trends, there’s probably a gig out there with your name on it.

15. Blogging

• Overview: Create and monetize a blog on a topic you’re passionate about
• Platforms: WordPress, Blogger
• Skills: Writing, basic SEO knowledge
• Flexibility: High; write and publish on your own schedule
• Get Started: Learn How to Start a WordPress Blog

Start a blog to share your expertise and interests. Choose a niche you’re passionate about, whether it’s travel, fashion, or tech. Monetize your blog through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. Use platforms like WordPress and Squarespace to set up your site affordably.

16. Social Media Management

• Overview: Manage social media accounts for businesses or individuals
• Platforms: Hootsuite, Buffer, Later
• Skills: Social media marketing, content creation, analytics
• Flexibility: Moderate; requires consistent posting and engagement
• Get Started: Create a business profile on Instagram and offer your services

Help businesses grow their online presence by managing their social media accounts. Create and schedule posts, engage with followers, and analyze performance metrics to refine strategies. Use tools like Hootsuite and Buffer to streamline tasks.

17. Affiliate Marketing

• Overview: Promote products or services and earn commissions on sales
• Platforms: Amazon Associates, ShareASale, ClickBank
• Skills: Marketing, content creation, SEO
• Flexibility: High; create and share content on your own schedule
• Get Started: Join the Amazon Associates program

Promote products or services online and earn commissions on sales. Join affiliate programs through networks like Amazon Associates or ShareASale. Focus on creating content that integrates affiliate links seamlessly, such as product reviews or tutorials.

E-commerce Side Hustles

Got stuff to sell? E-commerce is your ticket to turning clutter into cash.

No fancy storefront needed – just a smartphone and a good eye.

From vintage finds to handmade crafts, the online marketplace is booming. Your next big sale could be just a click away.

18. Sell Items Online

• Overview: Sell products through online marketplaces or your own e-commerce store
• Platforms: eBay, Etsy, Shopify
• Skills: Product sourcing, marketing, customer service
• Flexibility: Moderate; requires time for listing, packing, and shipping
• Get Started: Open an Etsy shop

Selling items online can be a lucrative way to earn money. Start small by selling unwanted items from home on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Identify a niche to focus on specific products or services that solve problems or cater to particular audiences. Use digital platforms such as Shopify and BigCommerce for their robust features and customization options.

19. Sell Stock Photos

• Overview: Earn passive income by selling your original photographs
• Platforms: Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, iStockPhoto
• Skills: Photography, understanding of stock photo market demands
• Flexibility: High; shoot and upload photos on your own schedule
• Get Started: Become a contributor on Shutterstock

Turn your photography hobby into income by selling stock photos. Upload high-quality images to platforms like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock. Focus on popular categories like business, travel, and lifestyle. Each download earns you a royalty, creating a source of passive income.

20. Thrift Flipping

• Overview: Buy items at low prices and resell them for profit
• Platforms: eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark
• Skills: Eye for value, basic restoration skills, pricing knowledge
• Flexibility: High; source and sell items on your own schedule
• Get Started: Download the eBay app and start listing items

Thrift flipping involves buying low-priced items from thrift stores and reselling them for a profit. Begin by visiting local thrift stores and garage sales to find potential items. Use platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace to reach buyers. Educate yourself on product values and trends to make informed purchasing decisions.

Transportation & Delivery Side Hustles

Your car isn’t just a way to get around anymore – it’s a tool to boost your income on your own schedule.

Whether it’s giving rides, delivering meals, or transporting packages, there’s a gig that fits your lifestyle.

21. Rideshare Driving

• Overview: Transport passengers to their destinations
• Platforms: Uber, Lyft
• Skills: Good driving record, customer service
• Flexibility: Very high; drive whenever you want
• Get Started: Sign up as an Uber driver

Drive for companies like Uber or Lyft to earn extra income transporting passengers. Rideshare driving offers flexible hours and can fit into your schedule. You need a reliable vehicle and a clean driving record. For instance, Uber requires your car to be a 4-door vehicle no older than 15 years.

22. Food Delivery

• Overview: Deliver food from restaurants to customers
• Platforms: DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub
• Skills: Time management, navigation skills
• Flexibility: High; deliver during hours that suit you
• Get Started: Sign up as a DoorDash driver

Deliver food for companies like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, or Postmates. Pick up orders from restaurants and deliver them to customers. Food delivery can be done with a car, bike, or even a scooter. According to DoorDash’s data, part-time Dashers earned an average of $15-$25 per hour in 2022.

23. Delivering Groceries or Other Items

• Overview: Shop for and deliver groceries or other items to customers
• Platforms: Instacart, Shipt, Amazon Flex
• Skills: Attention to detail, time management, customer service
• Flexibility: High; choose your own delivery times
• Get Started: Apply to be an Instacart shopper

Deliver groceries, packages, or other items for companies like Instacart, Shipt, or Amazon Flex. This side hustle requires a reliable vehicle and the ability to lift and transport items. Amazon Flex allows you to create your schedule, with most drivers earning $18-$25 per hour for delivering packages.

24. Turn Your Car into a Moving Advertisement

• Overview: Earn passive income by wrapping your car with advertisements
• Platforms: Wrapify, Carvertise
• Skills: Clean driving record, regular driving habits
• Flexibility: Very high; earn while driving as usual
• Get Started: Apply to be a driver on Wrapify

Use your vehicle as a moving billboard by partnering with companies that offer car wrapping services. Wrapify and Carvertise are popular platforms in this space. According to Wrapify’s website, drivers can make between $264 and $452 per month, depending on the campaign.

Home & Personal Services Side Hustles

Home and personal services are booming, and for good reason – everyone could use an extra pair of hands sometimes.

These side hustles aren’t just about making money; they’re about making life easier for people in your community. Ready to turn your skills into someone else’s solution?

25. House Cleaning

• Overview: Provide cleaning services for homes or offices
• Platforms: TaskRabbit, Handy, Care.com
• Skills: Cleaning expertise, attention to detail, time management
• Flexibility: Moderate; schedule cleanings around your availability
• Get Started: Sign up as a cleaner on TaskRabbit

Offer cleaning services to homeowners, focusing on tasks like dusting, vacuuming, and organizing spaces. Use platforms like TaskRabbit or Thumbtack to find clients. Start with basic services, then expand to include deep cleaning options. Charge hourly or offer flat rates for specific tasks.

26. Yard Work

• Overview: Provide lawn care and landscaping services
• Platforms: TaskRabbit, GreenPal, LawnGuru
• Skills: Gardening knowledge, physical stamina
• Flexibility: High; schedule yard work based on your availability
• Get Started: List your services on GreenPal

Provide yard maintenance services, including mowing lawns, trimming bushes, and clearing debris. Start small with basic tasks, then expand to include landscaping and seasonal clean-up. Use manual and powered garden tools depending on the job’s requirements.

27. House Sitting

• Overview: Take care of homes while owners are away
• Platforms: Trusted House Sitters, MindMyHouse
• Skills: Responsibility, trustworthiness
• Flexibility: Moderate; depends on homeowners’ schedules
• Get Started: Create a profile on Trusted House Sitters

Provide house sitting services by taking care of a homeowner’s property while they’re away. Offer to water plants, collect mail, and keep the house secure. This service is especially in demand during vacation seasons and holidays.

28. Pet Sitting

• Overview: Take care of pets while their owners are away
• Platforms: Rover, PetSitter.com
• Skills: Pet care experience, responsibility
• Flexibility: Moderate; depends on client needs
• Get Started: Create a profile on Rover

Offer pet sitting services for pet owners who need care for their animals. Services can include feeding, walking, and administering medication. Platforms like Rover can help you find clients. Make sure to build a reputation by collecting client testimonials.

29. Babysitting or Nannying

• Overview: Provide childcare services for families
• Platforms: Care.com, Sittercity, UrbanSitter
• Skills: Childcare experience, patience, first aid knowledge
• Flexibility: Moderate; work around families’ schedules
• Get Started: Create a profile on Care.com

Provide babysitting or nannying services, particularly for busy families needing childcare. Use platforms like Care.com to connect with potential clients. Offer flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. Obtain certifications in CPR and first aid to increase credibility.

30. Haul Junk

• Overview: Remove and dispose of unwanted items for clients
• Platforms: TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, local classifieds
• Skills: Physical strength, access to a truck or large vehicle
• Flexibility: High; schedule jobs at your convenience
• Get Started: List your junk hauling services on Thumbtack

Hauling junk involves collecting and disposing of unwanted items for individuals or businesses. It’s a physically demanding job but can be quite profitable. Start by offering services in your local community, or join platforms like LoadUp to connect with customers in need of junk removal.

31. Detailing Cars

• Overview: Provide thorough cleaning and maintenance for vehicles
• Platforms: Mobile Tech RX, Your Mechanic, local advertising
• Skills: Attention to detail, knowledge of car cleaning products
• Flexibility: High; schedule detailing appointments as you wish
• Get Started: Create flyers and distribute them in your neighborhood

Offer car detailing services, including washing, waxing, and interior cleaning. This side hustle fits well in suburban neighborhoods and urban areas with a high density of car owners. Invest in quality cleaning supplies and equipment. Offer different packages, from basic washes to full detailing.

Flexible In-Person Side Hustles

Not all side hustles happen behind a screen. Sometimes, the best opportunities are right in your community, face-to-face with real people.

These flexible in-person gigs let you connect, make a difference, and earn extra cash – all on your own schedule.

32. Task Running

• Overview: Complete various tasks and errands for clients
• Platforms: TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, Fiverr
• Skills: Varies depending on the task, good time management
• Flexibility: High; choose tasks that fit your schedule
• Get Started: Become a Tasker on TaskRabbit

Task running involves completing small errands or jobs for people who are too busy or unable to do them themselves. Jobs can range from grocery shopping to furniture assembly and house cleaning. You list your skills, set your rates, and choose the tasks that fit your schedule.

33. Mystery Shopping

• Overview: Evaluate services as a covert customer
• Platforms: Market Force, BestMark
• Skills: Observation, reporting, attention to detail
• Flexibility: Moderate; shops can be scheduled around personal availability
• Get Started: Apply to become a BestMark mystery shopper

Mystery shopping lets you evaluate customer experiences in various settings. You might visit retail stores, restaurants, or even competitors’ operations. Companies pay you to assess product quality, customer service, and overall experience. Sign up with platforms like Market Force or BestMark to start.

34. Brand Ambassador

• Overview: Represent brands at events or in stores
• Platforms: Event Staffing, ATN Event Staffing
• Skills: Outgoing personality, sales skills
• Flexibility: Moderate; events are scheduled but you can choose which to work
• Get Started: Apply with ATN Event Staffing

Brand ambassadors promote products at local events, stores, or festivals. Your role might include handing out samples, demonstrating products, or engaging with potential customers. Compensation can be hourly or project-based. You can sign up with agencies like Event Staffing or ATN Event Staffing to find opportunities near you.

35. Bartending/Wait Tables

• Overview: Serve food and drinks at restaurants or bars
• Platforms: Local establishments, hospitality staffing agencies
• Skills: Customer service, multitasking, knowledge of food and drinks
• Flexibility: Moderate; often involves working weekend evenings
• Get Started: Apply at local establishments or join a staffing agency

Bartending or waiting tables at local bars or restaurants can bring in significant tips. Many establishments need extra help on weekends due to increased customer traffic. Experience in customer service is a plus, but some places provide on-the-job training. Choose venues with high foot traffic to maximize your earnings.

Misc. Side Hustles

36. Donate Plasma

• Overview: Donate plasma to earn extra cash while helping others
• Platforms: Local plasma donation centers
• Skills: Meet health and eligibility requirements
• Flexibility: Moderate; donation centers have specific hours
• Get Started: Find a local plasma donation center and schedule an appointment

Donating plasma is a unique way to earn extra cash while helping those in need. Plasma donation centers often offer between $20 to $50 per session. To donate, you must meet certain health and eligibility requirements set by organizations like the American Red Cross. Regular donors can make this a consistent part of their income stream.

Choosing the Right Side Hustle for You

When selecting a side hustle, consider the following factors:

1. Passion: Select a side hustle aligning with your interests. This keeps you motivated after a long day.
2. Niche: Find a niche that excites you, whether it’s gardening products or social media content creation.
3. Initial Investment: Assess the initial investment, including time and resources, to establish demand for your product or service.
4. Profitability: Evaluate the profitability by considering the returns on your efforts.
5. Time Management: Ensure the side hustle fits your schedule by breaking tasks into manageable chunks and completing them during spare moments.

Choosing a side hustle that aligns with your passion and niche can keep you motivated. Assessing the initial investment and profitability ensures financial viability. Finally, managing your time effectively helps maintain balance with your primary commitments.

Tips for Getting Started

By following these tips, you’ll align your efforts with achievable outcomes, maximizing the potential of your side hustle.

1. Identify Your Strengths: Understand your skills before choosing a side hustle.
2. Conduct Market Research: Investigate the demand for your chosen side hustle.
3. Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve with your side hustle.
4. Create a Schedule: Balance your side hustle with your main job.
5. Invest in Tools: Use relevant tools to enhance your productivity.
6. Build an Online Presence: Create profiles on platforms relevant to your side hustle.
7. Network Effectively: Join communities related to your side hustle.
8. Track Your Finances: Monitor the income and expenses associated with your side hustle.
9. Keep Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and skills in your chosen field.
10. Start Small: Begin with a manageable scope and test your ideas on a small scale.
11. Legal Considerations: Ensure your side hustle complies with local regulations.

Final Thoughts…

Balancing a side hustle with your main job requires strategic planning and prioritization, but with the right approach, it’s entirely achievable.

Keep learning, stay organized, and don’t forget to take care of yourself.

Your next chapter of financial success and personal growth starts now. Are you ready to turn your side hustle dreams into reality?