22 Best Weekend Side Hustles (Earn Extra Income in Your Free Time) [2024]

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Ever find yourself wondering how to make the most of your weekends? Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for a big purchase, or boost your income, weekend side hustles offer a fantastic opportunity to achieve your financial goals.
Imagine turning your passions or skills into cold hard cash, all while maintaining your full-time job.
From freelancing to gig economy jobs, there’s a myriad of options that can fit seamlessly into your weekend schedule.
Ready to explore the possibilities and discover how you can start earning extra cash without sacrificing your precious free time? Let’s jump into the world of weekend side hustles and uncover the perfect fit for you.
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Best Weekend Side Hustles
We’ve compiled a list of the top 22 side hustles that not only offer lucrative opportunities but are perfect for someone who only has spare time on the weekends👇
- Survey Apps (Easiest Side Hustle)
- Resell Digital Products
- Get Paid to Play Video Games
- Blogging
- Freelancing
- Website & App Testing
- Join Focus Groups
- Complete Microtasks
- Online Tutoring
- Test Products at Home
- Sell Stock Photos
- Proofreading
- Selling Class Notes
- Mystery Shopping
- Rideshare Driving
- Task Running
- Food Delivery
- Brand Ambassador
- Pet Sitting
- Bartending/Wait Tables
- House Sitting
- Yard Work
What Are Side Hustles?
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Side hustles are small businesses or activities you do alongside your primary job to earn extra income. With 45% of Americans having a side hustle as of 2023, these ventures are a common way to boost your financial stability.
They’re a flexible way to achieve financial goals like paying off debt or saving for significant purchases.
Typically, side hustles demand no more than 13 hours of work per week. Meaning you can easily fit them into your weekends without sacrificing too much of your free time.
Many people start side hustles to turn hobbies into profitable businesses.
For instance, if you love photography, offering weekend photo sessions can be both enjoyable and lucrative. Similarly, if you have a knack for writing, freelancing can provide a steady income stream.
Side hustles are also low-risk. You can start small and grow at your own pace while maintaining the security of your full-time job.
They offer a chance to explore entrepreneurship and develop new skills without needing to quit your primary occupation.
Benefits of Choosing a Weekend Side Hustle?

Before we jump into the specific weekend side hustles, let’s talk about why you might want to consider one in the first place.
1. Extra Income
Who doesn’t love having more money in their pocket? Weekend side hustles allow you to earn additional income, which can be a game-changer for your finances. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt faster, build up your emergency fund, or have some extra cash for fun activities, a side hustle can help you reach your financial goals quicker.
2. Flexibility
One of the best things about weekend side hustles is their flexibility. Unlike traditional part-time jobs, many side hustles allow you to choose your own hours and work around your existing schedule. Many side hustles even pay you weekly, which can be more frequent than a standard 9-5 job.
3. Skill Development
Ever heard the saying “learn and earn”? That’s exactly what many side hustles offer. Whether you’re writing blog posts, creating digital content, or managing social media accounts, you’re not just making money – you’re also gaining valuable skills that could benefit your primary career or even lead to new opportunities down the road.
4. Personal Fulfillment
Let’s face it – sometimes our day jobs don’t fully satisfy our passions or interests. A weekend side hustle can be a great way to explore your hobbies or interests while making money. Whether it’s photography, crafting, or teaching a skill you love, turning your passion into profit can be incredibly rewarding.
5. Networking Opportunities
Many side hustles involve interacting with new people, which can expand your professional and personal network. You never know – the connections you make through your side hustle could lead to exciting opportunities in the future!
Need to make some extra cash but you’re not very outgoing? Check out this roundup of side hustles for introverts.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Weekend Side Hustle

Now that we’ve covered the benefits, let’s talk about how to choose the right side hustle for you. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
1. Time Commitment
How much time can you realistically dedicate to your side hustle? Some gigs, like food delivery or rideshare driving, offer ultimate flexibility – you can work for an hour or two whenever you have free time. Others, like blogging or creating digital products, might require more consistent time investment but offer the freedom to work at your own pace.
2. Skills and Strengths
Play to your strengths! If you’re a wordsmith, consider freelance writing or proofreading. Got an eye for design? Graphic design gigs might be your thing. Choosing a side hustle that aligns with your skills will not only increase your chances of success but also make the work more enjoyable.
3. Financial Goals
What are you hoping to achieve with your side hustle? If you’re looking for a steady stream of extra income, something like tutoring or freelancing might be ideal. If you’re okay with less consistent earnings but the potential for bigger payoffs, selling products or creating digital content could be more your speed.
4. Upfront Costs
Some side hustles require little to no upfront investment, while others might need you to purchase equipment, pay for licenses, or invest in training. Consider what you’re willing and able to invest, and weigh these costs against the potential earnings.
Remember, the perfect side hustle is one that fits your lifestyle, aligns with your skills and interests, and helps you meet your financial goals. With these factors in mind, let’s dive into our list of 22 best weekend side hustles!
Online Weekend Side Hustles

The internet offers a wealth of opportunities 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 (especially on the weekends).
1. Survey Apps (Easiest Side Hustle)
Maximize your spare time with survey apps for quick cash or rewards.
- 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 Freecash
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. Remember, the more surveys you take, the more you earn, so stay active and focused.
Survey Apps Example
Sarah spends her Saturday mornings playing games on Freecash while enjoying her coffee. In a month, she earns enough to cover her streaming subscriptions, making it a hassle-free way to supplement her income.
2. Resell Digital Products
Turn your social media savvy into cash by reselling 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: Read this article about resell rights for beginners
This side hustle involves obtaining resell rights to existing digital products such as e-books, courses, or software, and then promoting them through your social media channels.
It requires minimal upfront investment and can be done entirely from home. The key is to choose products that align with your audience’s interests and to create engaging content that showcases the value of these products.
Reselling Example
Mike acquires resell rights to a popular fitness e-book and several workout plan PDFs. He creates eye-catching Instagram posts and stories showcasing the benefits of these products, targeting fitness enthusiasts. By leveraging his social media following, he generates a steady stream of sales each weekend without having to create the content himself.
3. Get Paid To Play Video Games

Turn your gaming hobby into a weekend money-maker on platforms that pay you to play.
- 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
Several 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. Swagbucks offers points for playing games that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. Gamehag rewards you with Soul Gems for completing in-game tasks, which can be exchanged for gift cards or gaming gear.
Play Video Games Example
Alex downloads Mistplay and spends his weekend evenings trying out new mobile games. He accumulates points quickly by reaching certain levels in different games. By the end of the month, he’s earned enough units to redeem a $50 Amazon gift card, effectively getting paid to enjoy his gaming hobby.
4. Blogging
Start a blog on a topic you’re passionate about and monetize it through various methods.
- 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: Start a WordPress blog
High-traffic blogs can earn significantly through ad networks like Google AdSense and affiliate partnerships with Amazon or other retailers.
Write consistently about what you love, from tech to travel, and optimize your posts for SEO to attract readers. The more traffic your blog receives, the higher the potential income.
Blogging Example
Emma starts a travel blog, sharing her weekend adventures and travel tips. As her readership grows, she incorporates affiliate links for travel gear and earns ad revenue, turning her passion for exploration into a profitable side hustle.
5. Freelancing
Offer your skills on various freelancing platforms for weekend gigs.
- 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 weekend schedule
- Get Started: Create a profile on Upwork
Services like writing, proofreading, graphic design, or web development are always in demand. Freelancers can set their rates and work on projects that fit their schedules.
Many freelancers can earn from $15 to $100 per hour depending on their expertise.
Start by building a strong profile showcasing your skills and past work. FlexJobs offers vetted freelance opportunities ensuring a secure and legitimate experience.
Freelancing Example
David, a graphic designer, takes on logo design projects through Upwork during weekends. This not only supplements his income but also allows him to expand his portfolio with diverse projects.
6. Website & App Testing
Test websites and apps for usability and functionality.
- 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
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.
Regularly checking these platforms for new opportunities can produce a steady stream of extra income.
Website Testing Example
Lisa spends her Sunday afternoons testing websites on UserTesting. She enjoys the variety of sites she gets to explore and appreciates the extra pocket money she earns for her honest feedback.
7. Join Focus Groups
Participate in focus groups conducted by companies looking to gather consumer opinions.
- 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
You can expect to earn between $50 to $200 per session, which usually lasts around an hour.
Sign up and browse available studies that match your demographics and interests.
Focus Group Example
Tom participates in a two-hour focus group about a new smartphone app on a Saturday, earning $150 for his time and insights.
8. Complete Microtasks
Engage in microtasks online using various platforms.
- 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
These tasks range from data entry to transcription and can pay a few cents to a few dollars each. Typically, the more tasks you complete, the more you earn.
Microtasks don’t require special skills, making them accessible for anyone looking to make a bit of extra cash during the weekends.
Microtasks Example
Rachel spends an hour each weekend morning completing various microtasks on Amazon Mechanical Turk while having her coffee. Over a month, these small earnings add up to a nice bonus.
9. Online Tutoring

You can use your expertise to tutor students online through various platforms, making it a great side hustle for college students.
- 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 tutors can earn $20 to $60 per hour depending on their subject and experience level.
Create a profile highlighting your qualifications and be ready to help students with subjects ranging from math to language arts.
Online Tutoring Example
Maria, a math whiz, tutors high school students in calculus through Wyzant on weekends. She enjoys helping others succeed while earning a good hourly rate.
10. Test Products at Home
Reviewing products from home can earn you free items and compensation.
- 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
Companies like Pinecone Research and Influenster send products for you to test and provide feedback.
Join their panels, fill out your profiles to match with suitable products, and enjoy receiving items while earning rewards or cash.
Testing Products Example
Jack joins Pinecone Research and receives a new coffee maker to test over a weekend. He gets to keep the product and earns $50 for his detailed review.
11. Sell Stock Photos
Sell your stock photos on various platforms for passive income.
- 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
Quality photos covering popular demand can earn royalties each time they’re downloaded.
The key is to upload high-resolution, keyword-optimized images that meet market needs.
Selling Stock Photos Example
Sophia, an amateur photographer, uploads her nature shots to Adobe Stock. She earns passive income from her weekend hobby as people download her images for various projects.
12. Proofreading

Offer proofreading services on freelancing platforms.
- 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
Proofreaders typically charge per hour or per word . can ensure high demand in academic, corporate, or content creation circles.
Demonstrate your proficiency in language and eye for detail to attract clients.
Proofreading is a great way to use your grammar skills to earn money.
Proofreading Example
Mark offers his proofreading services on Fiverr, focusing on academic papers. He dedicates his weekends to reviewing dissertations and research papers, earning a steady income while honing his editing skills.
13. Selling Class Notes
College students can earn by selling well-organized notes on specific platforms.
- 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
If you’re good at taking detailed notes, this is an easy way to make extra cash.
Scan and upload your notes, set a price, and wait for classmates to purchase your materials.
Selling Class Notes Example
Jenny uploads her meticulously organized biology notes to StudySoup every weekend. Not only does this reinforce her own learning, but it also provides her with a nice income stream throughout the semester.
In-Person Weekend Side Hustles
Whether you’re an extrovert who thrives on social interaction or someone looking to diversify their income streams, these in-person side hustles offer a range of options to suit different personalities and skill sets.
14. Mystery Shopping
Mystery shopping lets you evaluate customer experiences in various settings.
- 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
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. You’ll receive assignments, complete your visits, then submit detailed reports based on your observations.
Mystery Shopping Example
Chris signs up with Market Force and spends his Saturday afternoon mystery shopping at a local electronics store. He gets to keep the small item he purchases and earns $50 for his detailed report on the customer service experience.
15. Rideshare Driving

Rideshare driving for companies like Uber and Lyft offers great flexibility.
- 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
You decide when to work, making it ideal for weekends. You’ll need a vehicle that meets the companies’ standards and a clean driving record.
Once approved, log into the app, accept ride requests, and transport passengers safely to their destinations.
Earnings vary based on demand, location, and the hours you work.
Rideshare Driving Example
Michelle drives for Lyft on Friday and Saturday nights when demand is high. She enjoys meeting new people and appreciates the flexibility to earn extra money when it suits her schedule.
16. Task Running
Task running through platforms helps you complete small errands for clients.
- Overview: Complete various tasks and errands for clients
- Platforms: TaskRabbit
- Skills: Varies depending on the task
- Flexibility: High; choose tasks that fit your schedule
- Get Started: Become a Tasker on TaskRabbit
Jobs 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.
Engaging with clients and doing quality work can lead to repeat business and strong reviews.
Task Running Example
Ben signs up for TaskRabbit and offers his services for furniture assembly. He spends his weekends helping people set up their new IKEA purchases, earning good money for his handy skills.
17. Food Delivery
Food delivery for various services can be a highly lucrative weekend hustle.
- 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
You’ll need a reliable vehicle or bike and a smartphone. Sign up, get approved, and start accepting delivery requests.
The flexibility lets you work as much or as little as you want.
Peak hours can increase your earnings due to higher demand and tips.
Food Delivery Example
Sarah delivers for UberEats on weekend evenings. She enjoys the flexibility of choosing her hours and appreciates the extra income and tips she earns during peak dinner times.
18. Brand Ambassador
Brand ambassadors promote products at local events, stores, or festivals.
- 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
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.
It’s a fun way to meet people and gather marketing experience.
Brand Ambassador Example
Alex works as a brand ambassador for a new energy drink, promoting the product at local sporting events on weekends. He enjoys the social aspect of the job and the opportunity to earn a competitive hourly rate plus bonuses.
19. Pet Sitting
Pet sitting is perfect if you love animals and want to earn extra income.
- 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
Services like Rover and PetSitter.com connect you with pet owners who need help on weekends. You might take care of pets in your home, visit pets in owners’ homes, or offer dog walking services.
Rates vary based on the care required, but it’s a rewarding way to earn extra income.
Pet Sitting Example
Lisa signs up on Rover to offer pet sitting services. She spends her weekends caring for dogs and cats while their owners are away, combining her love for animals with a steady stream of extra income.
20. Bartending/Wait Tables

Bartending or waiting tables at local bars or restaurants can bring in significant tips.
- Overview: Serve food and drinks at restaurants or bars
- Location: Local restaurants and bars
- Skills: Customer service, multitasking
- Flexibility: Moderate; often involves working weekend evenings
- Get Started: Apply at local establishments
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.
Bartending Example
Mike picks up weekend evening shifts at a popular local bar. He enjoys the energetic atmosphere and the opportunity to earn substantial tips during busy nights.
21. House Sitting
House sitting involves looking after homes while owners are away.
- 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
Tasks may include taking care of plants, collecting mail, and ensuring security.
Register with sites like HouseSitter.com or MindMyHouse to find gigs.
It’s a low-stress way to earn money while enjoying some downtime in a different environment.
House Sitting Example
Tom regularly house sits through MindMyHouse. He spends his weekends in different homes around his city, earning money while enjoying new environments and taking care of simple household tasks.
22. Yard Work
Yard work includes various outdoor maintenance tasks for homeowners.
- Overview: Perform various yard maintenance tasks
- Platforms: Thumbtack, or direct outreach to neighbors
- Skills: Physical fitness, basic landscaping knowledge
- Flexibility: High; schedule jobs at your convenience
- Get Started: Offer your services as a Thumbtack Pro
Tasks include mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and raking leaves.
Offering your services to neighbors or through platforms like Thumbtack can help you find customers. You set your rates and work schedule.
It’s an excellent option if you enjoy physical activity and don’t mind getting your hands dirty.
Yard Work Example
Jessica offers her yard work services on Thumbtack. She spends her Saturday mornings mowing lawns and doing general yard maintenance for neighbors, enjoying the outdoor work while earning an excellent hourly rate.
Final Thoughts…
Weekend side hustles offer a fantastic way to boost your income while exploring new interests and enhancing your skills. Whether you prefer online opportunities like freelancing or in-person gigs such as rideshare driving, there’s something out there for everyone.
By carefully considering your time commitment, leveraging your strengths, and setting clear financial goals, you can find a side hustle that fits your lifestyle and helps you achieve your financial objectives.
So why wait? Start exploring your options today and take that first step towards financial freedom and personal growth.