How to Make Money from Home: 16 Favorite Ways (2024)
This guide will show you how to make money from home. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, someone looking for extra income, or simply someone who wants to escape the 9-to-5 grind, this guide empowers you with proven ways to make money at home — no commuting, working in a cubicle or putting up with office annoyances.
No matter your background or experience level, you’ll find something on this list that you can do, plus tips on how to choose your best fit.
16 Legitimate Ways to Make Money From Home
If you want to make money from home, you don’t need much more than internet access. As you browse for opportunities, though, exercise caution. There are a lot of scams out there, but don’t fret: We’ve tested dozens, if not hundreds, of money-making strategies and included only our favorites. None of them involve a fake grandchild or anyone asking for your credit card number, and you really will get paid. Here are our favorite legitimate ways to make money from home.
>>RELATED: Find your next job in our work-from-home job listings
1. Survey Taker
You can earn up to $225 a month by taking short daily surveys on InboxDollars. InboxDollars pays you in cash — no points or gift cards. It’s already paid its users more than $56 million. Signing up takes about one minute, and you’ll immediately receive a $5 bonus to get you started.
Another option is a free site called Branded Surveys. It will pay you up to $5 per survey for sharing your thoughts with their brand partners. Taking three quick surveys a day could earn up to $140 each month. It takes just a minute to create a free account and start getting paid to speak your mind. They’ve already paid users more than $20 million.
2. Virtual Assistant
If you have a knack for organization and communication, you just might make the perfect virtual assistant.
You don’t have to be the busy corporate assistant you see in old movies or on TV. You can work right from home.
Virtual assistants do things like:
- Scheduling appointments.
- Answering emails and phone calls.
- Updating websites.
- Internet research.
- Social media management.
- Booking travel.
To find open remote jobs as a virtual assistant, peruse some of these work-from-home job boards or check out Upwork.
3. Tutor
Have you ever considered online tutoring to make extra money at home? Well, if you haven’t, you most certainly should. You can make some serious coin by answering students’ questions, explaining your notes and uploading tutorials.
That’s right — by sharing your knowledge, you can be rewarded handsomely.
Try marketing your services on a site like Tutor.com, where instructors earn $9 to $13 per hour, plus $5.50 per hour just for being logged in waiting for students.
Or find online tutoring jobs through one of these popular platforms:
4. Gamer
You can earn up to $83/win playing mobile games not only from home, but while waiting in line for coffee, sitting on the bus — you name it. Solitaire Cash, Bingo Cash and Bubble Cash are some of our favorite mobile apps from Papaya Gaming and are on our list of games that pay real money. Each game is totally free to download. Even better? None of the apps have annoying ads to deal with, so you can keep on playing and earning.
5. Craft Maker
If you’re creative, you can make some decent money selling your work through Etsy. Although there are some fees, including a 5% transaction charge, the marketplace connects you with more than 33 million buyers globally.
Even if you aren’t creating masterpiece paintings or elegant jewelry or adorable baby clothes, you can still make money from home through the online platform. For example, one Penny Hoarder contributor, Janet Berry-Johnson, made about $200 per month selling needlecraft kits and patterns.
6. House-Sitter
Working from home is wonderful, but how about working from someone else’s home?
Consider house sitting. People will pay you big bucks to look after their house (and maybe a pet or two) while they’re away.
If you’re not sure where to find these types of gigs, there are tons of websites that can help, including House Sitters America and MindMyHouse.
7. Blogger
The startup costs for blogs are minimal: Just secure your domain name and hosting — only $2.64 per month from HostGator.
You’ll need to write some quality content to get into GoDaddy (or your blogging platform of choice) and start sharing it through your social media accounts. Once you feel comfortable, you can monetize your blog through Google AdSense and affiliate programs for some nice passive income from home.
Sound appealing? Follow our seven-step guide to starting a blog.
8. Data-Entry Clerk
Data entry isn’t the best-paying work-from-home job, but it is one you can do with few skills or previous experience — all you need is a solid internet connection and a computer, and you must be at least 18 years old.
Pay ranges on a per-hour or per-project basis. Typically, you can pick up jobs as frequently as you’d like through freelance broker sites like Upwork.
9. Ebook Author
If you’re a subject-matter expert or have an intriguing life experience, you could write a book. But there’s no need to send it off to all the major publishing houses in New York City.
You can self-publish ebooks through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing platform. Writer Steve Gillman wrote a book in a week. Yup, ebooks don’t have to be hundreds of pages long. Gillman found many books as short as 6,000 words.
After publishing on Amazon, he started making $350 per month. The best part? He continued to make money, even months and years later.
10. Calligrapher
Maybe you don’t want to be a content writer, but if you have excellent handwriting skills and a set of calligraphy tools, you can address envelopes. You could make $2 to $5 a pop just for being a talented calligraphy writer.
It doesn’t sound like a lot, but book a wedding with 100 guests, and you could rake in $200 to $500 for handwritten invites.
Launch your own website to sell your services, or offer calligraphy through Etsy. For example, Margo Dittmer gets creative with her calligraphy services and sells custom wedding certificates for $175 each on Etsy.
11. Website/app Tester
Basically, companies will pay regular folks like us to offer feedback on websites and apps. How’s the design? Can you find your way around? Have questions that aren’t answered?
You can make around $30 per hour through sites like UserTesting. The best part? You don’t need any user-testing experience — just a solid internet connection.
12. Photographer
Fancy yourself a solid amateur photographer? Instead of posting all day, every day, to Instagram, why not turn your work into extra income?
Start with a stock photography marketplace like Foap.
Download the Foap app, then upload your photos — even if you took them with your phone. When your photo is purchased, you automatically profit. Because Foap does most of the legwork, you’ll split the profit 50-50.
Want to go even bigger? Upload high-quality images to Shutterstock, one of the more popular stock photography sites. Each time your photo (or video) is sold, you pocket up to 40% of the sale price (while retaining the copyright).
13. Transcriptionist
Are you a good listener — and a good typist? You can make $15 to $25 an hour as a transcriptionist.
You’ll need experience in the medical or legal fields to get transcription assignments in those areas, but plenty of researchers, reporters and Average Joes are willing to pay for someone to type up their recordings.
You are paid per audio hour, so this is a gig that’s perfect for people with great focus. If an hour-long recording takes you four hours to transcribe, you still only get paid for one hour. Listen closely!
14. YouTube Video Creator
Turn your hobbies and other creative endeavors into cash by creating YouTube videos.
Monetizing a YouTube channel is a way for creators, entrepreneurs, freelancers and educators to build an audience and a brand, and create new income streams.
Once you build a loyal following — or at least create videos that get lots of views, like through search — you can monetize on YouTube in several ways, including:
- Ad revenue.
- Memberships.
- Sponsored videos.
- Selling merch.
- Funding from fans through platforms like Patreon.
15. Drop Shipper
Drop shipping is an excellent way to make money from home without the hassle of inventory. Set up an online store and partner with suppliers who handle inventory and shipping. When a customer orders, you buy from the supplier at wholesale, and they ship directly to the customer. You keep the profit from the difference.
To get started:
- Choose a Niche: Focus on a specific product category.
- Find Suppliers: Use platforms like Oberlo, AliExpress, or SaleHoo.
- Set Up Your Store: Use Shopify or WooCommerce.
- Market Your Store: Use social media, SEO, and email marketing.
With low startup costs and the ability to work from anywhere, drop shipping can be highly profitable with the right approach.
16. Online Course Creator
Got a set of skills or knowledge others would love to have? You could turn them into an online course and make money anytime someone signs up.
It doesn’t have to take a lot of time or resources, either. You could sell a pilot of the course or pre-sell spots before you even start producing content. That gives you some spare cash on hand to take the time you need to create the course.
The most successful course creators develop a loyal audience and make money selling courses directly. But you could also make good money selling your course through a marketplace with its own built-in audience, like Udemy and Skillshare.
How to Choose a Way to Make Money From Home
What you choose depends on your goals, skills and interests. You might want something you can do quickly for a little extra money, or you might want a fuller gig with more earning potential. Here is a checklist of things to consider:
- Your Skills and Interests: Start by considering your unique skills, interests, and areas of expertise. Choose options that align with these, as you’re more likely to succeed and enjoy the work.
- Time Commitment and Flexibility: Evaluate how much time you can dedicate. If you have limited hours, look for flexible opportunities like completing online surveys or doing freelance work.
- Initial Investment Requirements: Some options may require a small investment, like starting a blog or purchasing equipment for photography. Consider your budget and the potential return on investment.
- Earning Potential: Research each option’s earning potential. Some might offer quick but smaller earnings, while others, like creating online courses, may require more effort but offer higher returns.
- Scalability and Growth: Consider whether the option has the potential for growth. Freelancing, for instance, can start small but grow into a full-fledged business.
- Market Demand: Research the current demand for the service or product you’re considering. High-demand areas can offer more opportunities and potentially higher earnings.
- Learning Curve: Some methods may require new skills or knowledge. If you’re open to learning, options like stock market investing or creating YouTube content can be lucrative.
- Compatibility with Current Job: If you’re currently employed, ensure that your side hustle doesn’t conflict with your existing job, especially if there are contractual stipulations.
- Tax Implications: Be aware of any tax implications associated with your chosen method of making money. Some options may require you to declare additional income.
- Ease of Starting: Finally, consider how easy it is to start. Options like taking online surveys or selling items online can be started quickly with minimal setup.
Tips for Making Money From Home
Making money from home can be a convenient and flexible way to earn income. However, it also requires discipline, planning, and smart strategies. Here are some tips to help you maximize your home-based earnings:
- Create a Dedicated Workspace: Set up a specific area in your home for work. This helps to keep you focused and separates your work life from your home life.
- Establish a Routine: Even though you’re at home, maintaining a regular work schedule can boost productivity. Set specific work hours and stick to them as much as possible.
- Invest in Reliable Technology: Ensure that you have a good computer, high-speed internet, and any necessary software. Reliable tech is key to avoiding unnecessary disruptions.
- Stay Organized: Track deadlines, projects, and client communications. Tools like digital calendars, task management apps, and reminders can be extremely helpful.
- Network Virtually: Engage in online networking through platforms like LinkedIn or industry-specific forums. Networking can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
- Continuously Upgrade Your Skills: The digital landscape is constantly evolving. Stay competitive by updating your skills through online courses, webinars, and workshops.
- Set Realistic Goals: Define what you want to achieve with your home-based work, whether it’s a specific income level, a number of clients, or a portfolio of work.
- Manage Your Finances: Keep track of your earnings and expenses. Consider using financial management software and setting aside money for taxes.
- Avoid Work-at-Home Scams: Be cautious of offers that promise high earnings for little effort or ask for upfront investment. Always research the legitimacy of opportunities.
- Balance Work and Personal Life: It’s easy to overwork when your home is your office. Ensure you take regular breaks, set boundaries, and make time for personal activities and family.
By following these tips, you can create a thriving and sustainable income stream from the comfort of your home. Remember, the key to success is balancing discipline with flexibility and continuously seeking ways to grow and improve.
Our Best Work-From-Home Resources
Making money from home sounds all glitz and glam — and it can be, in a sweatpants kind of way. But there are also things you need to know before fully diving in. Here are a few resources to help you get started:
- If you’re looking for a full-time work-from-home job, we rounded up our favorite remote job boards.
- Listen: There are many work-from-home scams out there, so be sure to use your best judgment. We shared exactly how we vet the work-from-home jobs we write about, so you can do it on your own, too.
- If you’re looking to settle into a full-time work-from-home job, you’ll want to stock your home office with the essentials. Trust us when we say that working from a couch all day isn’t good for your posture!
- Oof. Taxes. You should know about these work-from-home tax deductions. Plus, how to handle your taxes when you have a side gig.
FAQ About Making Money From Home
Q1: Can I really make a substantial income from home?
A1: Yes, many people successfully earn a substantial income from home. The key is choosing the right method that suits your skills and dedicating enough time and effort to grow your earnings.
Q2: What are the most profitable ways to make money from home?
A2: The profitability varies based on your skills and the market demand. Freelancing, online tutoring, blogging, affiliate marketing, and selling products or services online are some of the more profitable options.
Q3: Do I need special skills or qualifications to work from home?
A3: This depends on the type of work. Some options like data entry or taking surveys require no special skills, while others like freelancing or tutoring may require specific skills or qualifications.
Q4: How much time do I need to dedicate to make a decent income?
A4: The time commitment can vary. Some side hustles can be done in a few hours a week, while others, like starting a blog or freelance business, may require more time, especially in the beginning.
Q5: How do I avoid scams in home-based work opportunities?
A5: Be wary of opportunities that promise high earnings with little effort, require upfront investment, or lack transparency. Always research the company or platform and read reviews from other users.
Q6: Is it necessary to invest money to start making money from home?
A6: Some methods require no upfront investment, like completing surveys or virtual assistance. Others, like starting a blog or buying inventory for resale, may require some initial investment.
Q7: Can I balance a full-time job with making money from home?
A7: Yes, many home-based money-making opportunities are flexible and can be done alongside a full-time job, such as freelance writing, graphic design, or selling products online during your free time.
Q8: Are there specific tools or technology I need to work from home?
A8: Basic requirements usually include a reliable internet connection and a computer. Depending on your work type, you might also need specific software, tools, or equipment.
Q9: How do I manage taxes for income earned from home?
A9: It’s important to keep track of your earnings and expenses for tax purposes. Depending on your location, you may need to file taxes as a self-employed individual. Consulting with a tax professional can be helpful.
Q10: Can I work from home if I have no prior experience?
A10: Yes, there are many entry-level opportunities like data entry, customer service, and taking surveys that don’t require prior experience.
Q11: How do I stay motivated and productive when working from home?
A11: Setting a routine, creating a dedicated workspace, and setting realistic goals can help. It’s also important to take regular breaks and maintain a work-life balance.
Q12: Where can I find legitimate work-from-home opportunities?
A12: Legitimate opportunities can be found on job boards, freelance platforms, company websites, and through networking. Be cautious and research any opportunity before committing.
Q13: What are some common challenges of working from home and how can I overcome them?
A13: Common challenges include distractions, isolation, and maintaining work-life balance. Overcoming these requires self-discipline, a well-structured routine, and regular communication with clients or colleagues.
Q14: Can I do multiple work-from-home jobs simultaneously?
A14: Yes, many people combine different work-from-home jobs, like freelance writing and virtual assistance. Ensure you can manage the workload and meet all commitments.
By addressing these common questions, you can provide your readers with valuable insights and help them navigate the world of making money from home more effectively.
