According to a new NerdWallet survey, 10% of Americans started a side business or second job in 2025 because their primary job doesn’t financially cover their necessities.
If you’re feeling the pinch, or simply want to try a side gig outside of your day job, there are lots of options. We turned up 26 ideas that may inspire you to earn a little extra.
How to make money online
1. Pick up freelance work online
Make money online through websites such as Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer.com. These sites offer opportunities to do a variety of freelance jobs, like writing, programming, design, marketing, data entry and being a virtual assistant.
A report from Freelancer.com found that computer security jobs had the fastest growth in listings on its site in the second quarter of 2024, up 27.1%.
Jobs involving writing skills are also in high demand. Although generative artificial intelligence (AI) is being used more for content creation, it can’t fully do the work of human writers.
Companies are looking for writers who know how to edit AI content and who have at least a basic understanding of search engine optimization — learning or beefing up SEO skills could be a lucrative side hustle.
No matter what freelancing you do, keep track of the going rate for the kind of work you provide so you know what to charge. Some freelancers are charging $100 an hour or more for their freelance writing services.
Expert take: Soraya Ivette is a content marketing strategist who offers services on Fiverr. She started freelancing part time when she was home with her young children, and has done well.
“Once I set up my profile on Fiverr, I started getting job requests within a couple of weeks and I started taking on more jobs and making regular money consistently every month,” she said in an email interview.
Total time: It can take a while to get your first gig.
Setup: 24-48 hours.
How easy to start: Easy, if you have the expertise.
Age threshold: Typically 16 to 18+.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by site.
Need to know
It takes Upwork up to 48 hours to approve your profile. Keep in mind it can also take time to land your first freelance gig.
Payment varies by site. On Upwork the timeline for receiving earnings depends on the type of payment. Hourly contracts have a weekly billing cycle and you can withdraw funds 10 days later. Fixed-price contracts have a five-day waiting period after reaching a milestone. On Fiverr, you’re paid when the work order is complete, but you can’t withdraw funds for 14 days. (The waiting time is shorter for Top Rated Sellers.)
Requirements
Upwork and Fiverr require users to be at least 18 to sell work. Fiverr allows users age 13 and older to use a parent or guardian’s account, with permission. And Freelancer.com requires users to be at least 16.
2. Test websites and apps
Another way to make money from home is on sites like UserTesting.com. You get paid for your thoughts on how well — or not so well — certain websites and apps work. You’ll have to complete a short test to be accepted by UserTesting, then you’ll be paid depending on the test type.
Total time: Approval can take a few days.
Setup: Less than an hour.
How easy to start: Easy, if you have the tech gear and complete a sample test.
Age threshold: 18+.
How fast you’ll get paid: Usually after 14 days.
Need to know
You need to complete a sample test as part of the UserTesting application process.
You will start receiving testing opportunities after your application is approved.
The timeline for approval can vary.
Payment amounts vary based on the length of the tests. You get paid 14 days after completing a website or app test via PayPal.
Requirements
You need to be at least 18.
You need a device that meets UserTesting’s requirements, internet connection and microphone.
The practice test and most user testing requires English, German or French; some test opportunities may be in additional languages.
Source: How TO Make Money Online, Offline and at Home in 2025 New Ways | Freelancing course
