Side Hustle Alert: 15 Part-Time Businesses to Make Extra Money
Starting a part-time business or side hustle is a great way to supplement your income, pursue a passion or simply test the waters of entrepreneurship.
With the rise of the gig economy and various online platforms, starting a part-time business has never been easier.
Here’s how to get started.
15 Ideas for Part-Time Businesses
If you’re looking for ways to earn extra cash, there’s no shortage of opportunities.
In this article, we’ll explore some popular part-time businesses and how you can make money from each one.
1. Freelancing
Have a talent for writing, proofreading, editing, graphic design, website development or social media management? You can use freelance websites like Upwork and Fiverr to find clients and work from anywhere.
Freelancing is a popular side hustle that lets you put your skill set to work and provide services to clients on a project-by-project basis.
Keep in mind that starting a freelance business requires you to manage your own workload and handle administrative tasks like invoicing and calculating your independent contractor taxes.
2. Bookkeeper
Love a good spreadsheet? Consider becoming a bookkeeper.
You don’t have to be an accountant or good at calculus to be successful at bookkeeping. And you could earn up to $69 an hour by starting your own bookkeeping business, according to Intuit, the creator of QuickBooks. Plus, you can set your own schedule.
As long as you’re motivated, a company called Bookkeepers.com will teach you everything you need to know. It’s one of the leading training courses in the field, and it even gives you the first three classes for free.
3. Virtual Assistant
If you’re a highly organized person in search of a work-from-home side business, you may want to look into becoming a virtual assistant.
A virtual assistant is someone who provides administrative or technical support to clients remotely.
On average, a virtual assistant can earn about $20 an hour to handle tasks like managing email, scheduling appointments, social media management, data entry and customer support.
You can look for people or companies hiring virtual assistants on these gig sites:
You could also spin up a simple business website and promote your services on LinkedIn and at local networking events to find potential clients.
4. Blogging
There’s a few ways to make money from blogging, including advertising, affiliate marketing and sponsored content.
You can create a free or low cost blog on websites like WordPress, Wix and Squarespace, and write about any topic you’re knowledgeable about.
However, creating and growing a blog can be very time-consuming. You need to consistently write high-quality posts and market your blog to build a following.
5. Consulting
Consultants are often paid hourly or on a project basis for their expertise in a particular area.
If you have a depth of knowledge on an industry, you’re already halfway to a new side hustle as a consultant.
But consulting requires more than just expertise. You also need to market yourself and effectively communicate your recommendations to clients.
6. Crafts, Jewelry and Art
Side hustlers are a naturally creative bunch, so it comes as no surprise that selling homemade jewelry, original art and other handicrafts made this list.
You could sell your wares at local markets and craft shows, through your own website, or on a marketplace like Shopify or Etsy.
7. Pet Sitter
If you love animals, becoming a pet sitter can be a great way to earn some extra cash.
Pet sitting can take place in your home or the client’s home, either as quick visits or overnight stays. You can make anywhere from $10 to $40 an hour, depending on where you live and the services you offer.
To find clients, you can advertise your services on websites like Rover, Wag or Care.com. These sites let you set your own rates, message directly with potential customers and customize your profile.
Pet sitting isn’t the only option. You could start a dog walking business or even just rent your yard to a dog. (Yes, that’s a thing!)
8. Selling on Amazon and eBay
Retail giants Amazon and eBay rely on customers to help source their inventory, and some side hustlers report earning $500 a month or more finding items on clearance locally and re-selling them through Amazon.
A lot of vintage items can sell for big bucks on websites like eBay, too. Try your hand at stamps, collectible books, coins, action figures, sports memorabilia or dishes.
Keep in mind that you need to manage your inventory and handle customer inquiries to succeed at this side gig.
9. Software and App Development
If you have programming skills, software and app development can be a lucrative side hustle.
To build your own software application or smartphone app, you’ll either need some technical know-how or some outsourcing fortitude — on top of a good idea.
To find clients, you can advertise your services on websites like Upwork or Freelancer. You can also create your own website to showcase your skills and attract potential clients.
10. Transcriptionist
Transcriptionists are people who transcribe audio or video recordings into text. You’ll need stellar listening skills and an excellent command of the language you’re working in to become a transcriptionist.
To get started, you can create a profile on websites like TranscribeMe or Rev.
Beginners who do general online transcription may only earn about $10 an hour. But your earning potential increases as you gain experience and enter into higher-paid specialties, such as medical or legal transcription.
11. Online Tutor
Tutoring online can be a nice side gig for current or former teachers. Even college students who have great subject matter mastery and some teaching skills can earn cash from this side business.
To start landing gigs, check out these sites to find online tutoring jobs:
Each site has its own requirements and payment schedule, so make sure you understand the details before getting started.
12. Personal Trainer
Living a healthy life is a near-universal goal, so tapping into that massive market could be a lucrative side hustle.
To get started as a personal trainer, you’ll need to get certified from a reputable organization, such as the American Council on Exercise.
Once you have your certification, you can start marketing your services to potential clients. You can advertise your business at a local gym or fitness studio, or you can market online and work with clients in their own homes.
13. Photography
For a hobbyist photographer to turn pro, it only takes one paid gig.
Wedding photography in particular can be a very profitable side business. You can also offer portrait sessions for families and couples, or specialize in a niche like pet photography.
To get started, all you need is a decent camera and some editing software. From there, you can build a portfolio and start marketing your services on social media and side gig apps like Thumbtack.
14. Professional Organizer
Are you organized and detail-oriented? If so, becoming a professional organizer might be the part-time business for you.
You can help clients declutter and organize their homes, offices or even their digital spaces. You can charge by the hour or by the project, and you can offer package deals to clients who need more extensive help.
You can also consider creating your own organizing products — such as storage solutions or planners — and selling them online.
15. Airbnb Host
If you have a spare room in your home — or better yet, a second property — becoming an Airbnb host can help supplement your income with relatively low startup costs.
Of course, you’ll need to get your home ready for guests, create an alluring profile and respond promptly to inquiries. It’s not as easy as just listing a room and watching the cash roll in.
Before you start an Airbnb business, make sure you understand the time commitment and calculate your own potential return on investment.
Rachel Christian is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. She focuses on retirement, small businesses, investing and taxes.
