Are you working full-time and want to increase your income? Many 9-to-5 workers are getting into side hustles to make extra money alongside their regular jobs.
Whether you’re saving for a house, planning a wedding, or need extra money for college tuition, there are plenty of reasons to consider a side gig.
Luckily, there are tons of ways to make extra money on the side, whether you’re looking for a part-time gig or want to start your own small business alongside your regular job.
In this article, we’ve put together a list of 25 side hustle ideas specifically for full-time workers.
Table of Contents
Best Side Hustles for Full-Time Workers
1. Become a Virtual Assistant
For those working full-time, being a virtual assistant can be a great way to earn extra money in the evening hours. Virtual assistants do tasks like administrative work, social media management, or helping with different projects.
There’s a growing demand for virtual assistants across many industries, and you can start quickly once you know what kind of work you want to do. You can find job opportunities on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork and Freelancer.
The low cost of getting started makes being a virtual assistant an attractive side gig that could turn into a full-time job. Virtual assistants can make up to $100 per hour, and the average salary in the US is around $39,915 per year, ranging from $29,000 to $54,000 annually.
2. Sell Products Online
Do you like making crafts, collecting vintage items, or designing t-shirts? Well, you can sell them online and earn some cash! For instance, if you’re into DIY, you could sell handmade jewelry or knitted scarves.
Websites like Etsy and eBay are perfect for this. Don’t worry if you’re not a tech whiz – you can start without any special skills or fancy tools. Just work on your online store whenever you have free time.
3. Become a Photographer
Photography is a great side gig for full-time employees because it’s flexible, not too demanding, and allows you to earn cash by being creative. For instance, you could specialize in family portraits, event photography, or pet photography.
In America, full-time photographers can earn an average salary of around $40,000 annually, with some earning even more. In fact, even part-time photographers can make between $20,000 and $30,000 per year.
You can start by offering your services to friends and family, building up your portfolio. After that, you can set up an Instagram account to showcase your work and grow your followers. Platforms like Thumbtack also allow you to connect with paying clients.
What’s even better, you can generate passive income by selling your images on stock photo websites.
4. Make Deliveries
If you don’t mind delivering food or parcels, you can make good use of your weekends to earn some extra money.
Thanks to food delivery apps like DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Postmates, you can simply sign up to receive delivery jobs using your car or bike. For example, you could deliver pizzas for Domino’s or sandwiches for Subway.
You can work whenever it suits you. You have the flexibility to decide how many hours you want to work and enjoy some fresh air outside while meeting new people in your neighborhood.
5. Try User Testing
UserTesting can be a decent side gig for making some extra cash when you have free time. It doesn’t require any special skills to test websites, apps, or products. You can use them like you normally would and provide feedback.
Most tests take only 10 to 20 minutes to complete. That means you can earn cash during your lunch break or while waiting for your next appointment.
Companies typically pay between $10 to $50 per test. It might not make you rich, but it’s a nice little bonus for sharing your opinion.
Your feedback helps companies improve their products, making them better for everyone. It’s like being a superhero for user experience!
You can do user testing whenever it fits into your schedule. There’s no commitment, so you can take on as many or as few tests as you like.
6. Start a Blog
Blogging can be a great way to earn extra money alongside your full-time job. It gives you flexibility, a chance to share your expertise, and possibly even establish it as a career. According to GlassDoor, bloggers in the US make around $84,881 per year on average.
To get started, choose a subject where you have passion and expertise. Whether it’s cooking, travel, fashion, or tech, your enthusiasm will shine through in your writing.
After that, set up a website where you can host your blog. Platforms like WordPress or Wix make it easy to get started, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
If you want to make a lot of money from blogging, you need to make sure your content is SEO optimized and can rank well on Google. With a steady flow of traffic, you can gradually build a following and monetize your blog through ads and affiliate links. Some companies might even pay you for sponsored content.
However, it usually takes at least 6 months before you start making a profit. So, be patient and consistent in publishing content. Your efforts will pay off in the long run.
Learn more: How to Make Money Blogging
7. Offer Web Design Services
If you have skills in graphic design and coding, offering web design services could be a lucrative gig for you.
To get started, you can set up a profile on Fiverr and highlight your graphic design and coding skills to potential clients. Let them know you can create professional-looking websites that will help their business stand out online.
As you complete projects, add them to your portfolio to showcase your work to future clients. A strong portfolio demonstrates your skills and builds trust with potential customers.
You might also consider reaching out to local businesses in your area. Many small businesses prefer to work with someone they can meet face-to-face, making local networking a valuable strategy.
8. Become a Transcriptionist
If you’re a speedy and accurate typist, transcription work could be a good side hustle option for you to earn money online.
Transcription involves typing out audio and video recordings. As a freelancer, you’re your own boss and can choose when to work. You can also pick which files to transcribe after reviewing them.
Transcriptionists typically get paid based on the number of words they transcribe. Freelancers usually charge between $0.40 to $3 per audio minute, earning up to $180 per hour. A speedy typist can transcribe an hour of audio in four hours, potentially making $45 hourly. Experienced transcribers can earn $25 to $30 hourly.
Many transcription jobs are available online, either through dedicated platforms or job listings. You can find gigs that fit your schedule and workload preferences.
9. Start a YouTube Channel
Starting a YouTube channel can be a great side gig for full-time workers. It’s cheap to start, and you can earn a good amount of money. All you need is a computer, internet access, and a phone.
YouTube is known as one of the fastest-growing side hustles. You start making money once you hit 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time. On average, YouTubers make around $18 for every 1,000 ad views, according to Influencer Marketing Hub.
To get started, choose a topic you love and know a lot about. Whether it’s cooking, gaming, or DIY projects, your enthusiasm will shine through in your videos. After that, you can start creating high-quality content that entertains, educates, or inspires your viewers.
Once your channel meets YouTube Partner’s requirements on the number of subscribers and views, you can apply for monetization. This means you can earn money through ads, sponsorships, and other opportunities.
Learn more: How to Make Money on YouTube
10. Become an Online Language Teacher
If you’re fluent in a language and enjoy helping others learn, you might consider becoming an online language teacher today! The average annual pay for an online English teacher in the United States is $53,610, or about $25.77 per hour.
To get started, sign up for online teaching platforms that connect language learners with tutors. Platforms like VIPKid, iTalki, or Cambly are popular choices.
Whether it’s English, Spanish, French, or another language, there’s a demand for language learning online. Choose the language you’re fluent in and passionate about teaching.
Some companies offer incentives, such as bonuses for teaching more classes per month. So, remember to hold regular classes. That can also help you build a loyal student base and increase your earnings over time.
11. Offer Home Staging Services
If you’ve got a knack for design, consider staging homes for real estate professionals.
To begin with, you need to create a portfolio of your work to showcase your staging skills. Remember to include before-and-after photos to demonstrate your expertise.
After that, you can reach out to real estate agents and house flippers with your staging services. Let them know how your staging can enhance the appeal of their listings.
You can determine your pricing based on the size of the home and the number of rooms you’ll be staging. Home staging can pay well, so don’t undersell yourself.
While staging homes may not always be steady work, it can be lucrative, especially for larger properties.
12. Become a Rideshare Driver
If you have a car and enjoy meeting new people, becoming a rideshare driver could be a great side hustle for you.
Before applying to drive for companies like Uber or Lyft, you’ll need to pass a background check and meet certain vehicle requirements.
One of the perks of rideshare driving is the flexibility it offers. You can drive whenever you have spare time, whether it’s during evenings, weekends, or holidays.
To attract more customers, you should be friendly, punctual, and ensure a safe ride for your passengers.
As a rideshare driver, you can write off some of your vehicle expenses, such as gas, maintenance, and insurance, as tax deductions. Be sure to keep track of your expenses for tax purposes.
13. Pet Sitting
While pet sitting may not provide a steady income, it’s a rewarding way to spend time with animals and earn some extra cash on the side.
To get started, let friends, family, and neighbors know that you’re available for pet sitting. You can also create profiles on pet-sitting websites like Rover or Wag to find clients.
When pet owners go on vacation, offer to watch their furry friends for a fee. Your responsibilities may include feeding, walking, and giving medications to the pets.
Provide lots of affection and attention to the animals while their owners are away. Spending quality time with the pets will ensure they’re happy and healthy in their owner’s absence.
14. Offer Errand-Running Services
If you’re looking for a simple way to make money in your spare time, consider running errands for people.
Most errands involve driving from one location to another to pick up or drop off items. It’s an easy way to make money while staying productive.
For job opportunities, explore online platforms where you can offer your errand-running services. Websites like TaskRabbit or Gigwalk are great places to start.
As an errand runner, you can set your own schedule and choose which tasks you want to take on. It’s a flexible way to earn money on your own terms.
15. Become a Tour Guide
If you enjoy meeting new people and showing off your city, becoming a tour guide could be the ideal side hustle for you. You can look for tour guide jobs on platforms like ToursByLocals or GetYourGuide. These websites connect travelers with local guides, offering opportunities to showcase your expertise.
As a tour guide, you need to familiarize yourself with your city’s most popular attractions and interesting facts. Your knowledge will be key to providing an engaging tour experience.
Before your walking tours, plan carefully to include the best of your city’s attractions. To keep your audience engaged, you can include fun anecdotes and stories.
Spend some time to practice your presentation skills. You’ll need to be comfortable speaking in front of groups.
16. Take Online Surveys
Taking online surveys can be a simple way for full-time workers to make money in their spare time.
To get started, look for some reputable online survey platforms that pay users for their opinions. Websites like Survey Junkie or Swagbucks are popular choices.
After signing up, you can participate in surveys that assess the quality of websites, products, or services. Your feedback helps companies improve their offerings.
While individual surveys may not pay much, you can join multiple survey sites to increase your overall income.
However, be cautious of scam sites that promise high earnings for little work. To make sure it’s legitimate, spend some time reading reviews about joining a survey platform.
17. Give Music Lessons
Teaching music is not only fulfilling but also a great way to earn extra income on your own schedule.
Whether you play guitar, piano, or any other instrument, you can teach others how to master their craft.
Start by offering private lessons. This allows you to set your rates, whether per hour or for a series of lessons. You can also offer group lessons for added income.
To find potential students, you can advertise your services online or through local community boards. Or, network with schools, music stores, and community centers to find clients.
The best way to make your music lessons enjoyable is to tailor your lesson plan to each student’s goals and skill level.
18. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a low-risk, high-reward side hustle that allows you to earn money on your own terms.
Whether you have a website, blog, or social media presence, you can earn money by promoting products and services through affiliate links.
Remember to choose products or services that align with your interests and values. Your genuine enthusiasm will resonate with your audience and increase your chances of making sales.
You can partner with trusted companies and platforms that offer fair commissions and reliable tracking systems. There are lots of reputable affiliate networks such as Amazon Associates, Clickbank, ShareASale, etc.
Once you’ve set up your affiliate links, you can earn commissions on sales generated through your referrals. It’s a simple way to make money without the need for constant upkeep.
Learn more: How to Make Money with Affiliate Marketing
19. Dropshipping
If you want to become an eCommerce owner without the risk of inventory, you might consider dropshipping. It’s a low-risk, high-reward side hustle that offers flexibility and the potential to help you quit your 9-5 job.
You can create a WooCommerce site or use a platform like Shopify to build your online store. On your website, you’ll display products from suppliers without needing to handle inventory.
Once you receive an order from a customer, you can send it to your supplier who will then ship it directly to your customer’s address, and you’ll keep the difference as profit.
For platforms offering dropshipping services, you might simply choose AliExpress. It allows you to sort suppliers based on ratings and reviews.
As a dropshipper, you can focus your efforts on marketing. Most dropshippers use social media, especially TikTok and Facebook ads, to promote products and attract customers to their online stores.
Learn more: How to Make Money with Dropshipping
20. Provide Freelance Writing Services
Freelance writing can be a rewarding way to turn your passion for writing into a source of side income.
You can look for freelance writing gigs on websites, magazines, newspapers, and blogs. You can also join freelance writing agencies that match you with projects suited to your skills.
To find job opportunities, you need to make a portfolio that showcase your best work. Include samples of different writing styles to demonstrate your versatility.
Freelance writing offers flexibility, allowing you to choose when and how often you take on projects. It’s the perfect side hustle to fit around your existing commitments.
As long as you can meet deadlines and exceed client expectations, you’ll gradually build a reputation as a reliable and talented writer.
Learn More: How to Make Money Writing Online
21. Become a Brand Ambassador
If you have a massive following on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, you could be the perfect fit for a brand ambassador role.
Many companies are eager to partner with influencers who have engaged followings. You can reach out to a list of brands that fit your niche and identity. For example, if you’re a fitness enthusiast, you might look for gym collaborations.
Brands will often provide you with a special discount code to share with your followers. You’ll earn a percentage of every sale made using your code.
To engage your audience, you need to create helpful content that showcases the brand’s products in a genuine and authentic way. Your followers trust your opinion, so be honest and transparent in your promotions.
22. Provide Handyman Services
If you’re handy with tools and enjoy fixing things, offering handyman services could be a great way to earn extra income.
Online community sites like Craigslist or neighborhood forums are great places to let people know about your handyman services. You can also spread the word through friends, family, and neighbors. The more skills you have, the more jobs you can take on.
To build a good reputation and earn repeat business, remember to show up on time and complete jobs efficiently. Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet, assembling furniture, or painting a room, be versatile in the services you offer. Satisfied customers are likely to refer you to their friends and family.
Satisfied customers are likely to refer you to their friends and family, so always strive to exceed expectations.
23. Mystery Shopping
If you enjoy shopping and sharing your opinions, mystery shopping could be a fun side gig for you.
You can look for legitimate mystery shopping companies online and sign up for assignments in stores near you.
As a mystery shopper, you’ll visit stores and evaluate your shopping experience. Afterward, you’ll complete a survey about your observations.
There are lots of scam sites posing as mystery shopping opportunities. Always spend some time researching each company before signing up. You can check reviews and discussions from other shoppers to vet their legitimacy.
While mystery shopping gigs may not provide steady income, they can offer extra pocket money and the chance to enjoy shopping experiences you wouldn’t have otherwise.
24. Become an Event Planner
If you love organizing and being creative, event planning could be your dream side hustle.
From finding the right venue to arranging catering and entertainment, event planners handle it all. Attention to detail is key to success in this role.
You can bring your creative ideas to life by designing unique and memorable events. Think outside the box to wow your clients and guests.
Make sure to stick to your budget while still delivering an unforgettable experience. Many beginners make the mistake of ignoring tracking expenses.
You can market your services through social media and networking events. After building relationships with vendors, venues, and potential clients, you’ll even get jobs from word-of-mouth referrals.
What’s the Best Side Hustle for Full-Time Workers?
Well, it really depends on your time availability, financial goals, and skills.
If you start a side hustle as a way to explore the possibility of quitting your job, you might want to choose a hustle with high earning potential, like blogging, dropshipping, or a YouTube channel.
Some side hustles, like taking surveys or making deliveries, won’t even make you enough money to cover bills.
So, when figuring out which side hustle to pursue, write down your goals first.
For more inspiration, you can check out our side hustle database.
FAQs
1. Can I turn my side hustle into a full-time job?
Yes! Turning your side hustle into a full-time job is totally doable.
But, it’s a big decision, so take your time to think it through. First off, figure out how much money you need to make to support yourself and anyone relying on you. Then, see if your side hustle brings in enough cash to cover those expenses.
Make sure the numbers add up before you quit your 9-5 job.
2. How much time should I devote to my side hustle?
It depends on your personal goals and the complexity of your project.
Generally, starting with a few hours each week is a good idea. Then, as you go along and figure out the demand for your products or services, you can decide if you want to spend more time on it.
Just remember, it’s important to find the right balance between your regular job and your side hustle to make it work.
3. What are some common mistakes to avoid when starting a side hustle?
Starting a side hustle is thrilling, but watch out for common slip-ups. One common mistake is not realizing how much time and effort it takes to make a project work.
In the beginning, side gigs can be demanding. For example, if you’re working as a freelance writer, you’ll need to meet deadlines.
So, plan well and be realistic about what it’ll take to succeed.
4. How can I stay motivated to continue my side hustle even when it gets tough?
Staying motivated when things get tough with your side hustle is important. Here are some tips to help you keep going:
- Set Goals: Make short-term and long-term goals for your hustle. Break them into small steps so you know what to do next.
- Reward Yourself: Celebrate your wins, big or small. Treat yourself or take breaks to relax.
- Stay Accountable: Connect with others doing side hustles. Keep each other motivated, share tips, and support one another.
With these tricks, you can keep pushing through the challenges and stay focused on making your side hustle a success, even alongside your full-time gig.
5. Is it worth investing money in my side hustle?
I wouldn’t suggest spending a dime when you’re still trying your hand at your hustle. You should only invest money when you start making some, especially if your side hustle is more of a hobby.
It’s more difficult than you think to invest money in a business and make positive returns. There are lots of uncertainties. For example, if you want to hire someone to make YouTube videos for you, you’re likely to fail when you don’t even have subscribers.
Anthony Smith is an internet entrepreneur. He created the Side Hustle Ideas Database to help people find side hustles for making extra money, with the potential of turning into a full-time income.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a business degree, he gained business experience at a consulting firm. At the same time, he tried various side hustles including freelance writing, blogging, and eCommerce. He managed to turn his side hustles into a full-time business, earning over $3 million. Now, he enjoys financial freedom and travels around the world as a digital nomad.