When money gets tight, having options to make a little extra cash can really help. Enter the side hustle. If you’re looking to add an extra gig on top of your full-time job or stack a few side hustles together to make full-time money with a flexible schedule, consider what services you may be able to offer, what skills you may be able to teach or what products you may be able to sell.
Here are 20 of the best side hustle ideas in 2024.
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Providing services
1. Mowing or landscaping
Starting your own mowing business can be a great option if you enjoy being outside and working in nature. You can offer mowing, weed trimming, leaf cleanup, yard waste haul-off or even landscaping services, depending on your area and what tools you have available. Busy customers are happy to pay to outsource this time-intensive work, and you’ll have predictable recurring income since most of these tasks must be done regularly.
Be sure to consider your start-up costs if you don’t already own the necessary equipment or a vehicle to transport a mower or yard waste, and consider liability insurance to give your customers peace of mind about having you working on their property. Also, keep in mind that mowing and landscaping work will have peak seasons and slow seasons. You’ll need to budget and save your income to cover the slow months.
2. Offering beauty services
Beauty services are a great side hustle idea if you’re already skilled at cutting or styling hair or applying makeup and enjoy working directly with customers. You could use your existing skill set to help customers get ready for weddings, photoshoots, school dances or other big events.
You’ll need to plan for the significant start-up costs associated with purchasing supplies like curling or straightening irons, brushes, combs, scissors, hair care products or a wide variety of cosmetics and the necessary application tools.
Other beauty-related side hustles to consider include mobile nail technician services to provide manicures and pedicures to customers in their homes, eyelash extension services to apply synthetic lashes, or eyebrow waxing or threading services to assist customers with detailed grooming. Keep in mind that your state almost certainly has cosmetology licensure requirements for nail technicians and hair stylists/barbers that you’ll need to meet before turning these specific skills and passion into cash.
Related: CNN Underscored Beauty spends hundreds of hours evaluating trends and products within the skin care, hair care, makeup, cosmetics and beauty supplies world.
3. Dog walking
Why not get your exercise and get paid at the same time? If you love dogs and being outside, you could start a dog-walking business. You’d travel to your customers’ homes to pick up their pets and walk them for a set amount of time — and, of course, clean up after them as needed.
You’ll probably want to have a few supplies available to start this business, like leashes and waste pickup bags, though you could request that your customers supply those as well. Consider purchasing liability insurance to cover you in case of any accidents or injuries.
4. Pet sitting
If your full-time job is working from home, pet sitting would offer a way to add extra income without adding much to your workload. Consider advertising for pet-sitting services, bringing other people’s pets into your home for daycare or overnight stays. You’ll have a cute co-worker while you work from home, and your customers will be happy to know their pet is getting lots of snuggles and attention all day long.
If you have flexibility in your schedule, you could also advertise in-home services for your customer, meaning you’ll stay at their space while pet sitting. This option might work best for customers with multiple pets, plants that need watering or for longer pet-sitting stays.
You may need to have a few supplies for a pet-sitting business like food and water dishes, pet toys, pet beds and extra food. However, you can request that your customer bring food and supplies with their pet, which decreases your expenses and can make the pet feel more comfortable as well. Liability insurance is a good idea in case an accident or injury occurs.
5. Freelancing
If you want to work on your own schedule and have skills in a profession like writing, designing or computer programming, consider freelancing. As a freelancer, you’ll create content or complete projects for companies or individuals on a contract basis. Freelance workers are usually paid on a per-project or per-task basis, so your income can vary from month to month.
You’ll need to have a computer and internet access, and you’ll want to advertise your services through a website or social media platform. Keep in mind that there will be administrative work to complete as a freelancer, like invoicing for your completed projects and calculating the income you need to set aside for taxes.
6. Home organizing
Home organization is big business, as evidenced by the sheer number of storage and organization systems available on the market. However, organizing doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Customers are willing to pay to outsource the often tedious work of organizing and decluttering their possessions. If you’re naturally organized, home organizing could be a good side hustle for you.
As an organizer, you would work in a customer’s home, providing guidance and recommending storage solutions and directly assisting with creating an uncluttered space. Your start-up costs as a home organizer would be limited to some personal protective equipment like masks and gloves. Any storage or labeling equipment necessary could be provided by your customer — or you could purchase it and include the costs in their bill.
To get the word out about your business, consider creating a business website or social media account to advertise your services. As you complete organizing jobs, ask customers for reviews or take before and after photos to prove your skills as an organizer.
7. Offering photography services
If you love to take pictures for fun, consider monetizing your hobby and offer wedding or family event photography as a side hustle. Since you already have the equipment, you’ll avoid the start-up cost of purchasing a camera and other necessary equipment, and you’ll be ready to start booking customers right away. You can advertise your services through social media or create your own business website for customers to look at your past work and view their own photo gallery after their photoshoot.
If you’re inexperienced with photo editing tools like Photoshop, it might be a good idea to complete some online courses. Your photos will be more impressive, and you’ll be investing in yourself and the future of your business. Also, be sure to plan for adequate digital photo storage. Customers depend on you to not only take great photos but to keep them safely stored until they have reviewed them and the transaction is complete.
Related: The best point-and-shoot cameras in 2024, tried and tested
8. Driving or delivering
If you have reliable transportation, you can work as a rideshare or delivery driver (an AuthorityHacker study found working for Uber and DoorDash to be among the most profitable side hustle ideas). Along with Uber and DoorDash, companies like Lyft, Instacart and GrubHub all work with drivers to complete rideshare and food or merchandise deliveries. Big-name companies like Walmart and Amazon also have options for drivers to fulfill deliveries in some cities. Depending on the company you work with, you may complete both the in-store shopping and the delivery or just the delivery itself.
You’ll need to have a car, driver’s license and appropriate insurance to get started, as companies typically confirm your information before allowing you to start working. In some cases, a background check or review of your driving history is required as well.
Related: Cheap car insurance companies in April 2024, evaluated by CNN Underscored Money editors
9. Renting out your space
If you own your home, consider renting out your space to earn additional income. You can list an extra bedroom on a site like Airbnb to make extra income and help travelers find affordable accommodations at the same time. And, the opportunity to make extra money renting your space doesn’t end with an extra bedroom. Neighbor.com allows you to rent secure storage space like a garage, attic or backyard shed on a monthly basis. Sniffspot.com allows you to advertise your fenced yard space for a customer’s dog to run safely off leash for a set amount of time. These sites are free to get started, though they take a small percentage of your income for facilitating your bookings.
Be sure to research any local regulations on short-term rentals before starting your rental business, as many municipalities have licensing requirements around rental businesses. If you rent your home, be sure to check with your landlord before getting started, as your lease may not allow this type of side hustle.
10. Offering virtual assistant services
As a virtual assistant, you can help your customers with tasks like email and calendar management, research, data entry and other administrative tasks. You might be a good fit for a virtual assistant side hustle if you’re a very organized person and love completing detailed tasks with a high level of accuracy. If you have specific expertise in a unique area like project management, bookkeeping or event planning, you could focus your services in that area to stand out.
“If you choose to work with a virtual assistant firm, look for one with an experienced founder and team, and one that shares your values,” says Makena (who declined to give their surname on the record), founder of The Boutique COO. “When applying, I’d recommend featuring your administrative or project management experience. Providing examples of how you’ve helped previous clients or companies is a great way to make yourself stand out.”
11. House cleaning
Everyone wants a clean house, but we’re all busy, and it’s hard to find the time to get it done. Customers are willing to pay to outsource the labor of cleaning their homes, and if you like to clean, you’ll find an enthusiastic customer base. Even better, house cleaning is a recurring task, meaning your customers will keep coming back and you’ll have regular income in this side hustle.
House cleaners can charge hourly for their services or set a flat fee or a price per square foot cleaned. You can also offer add-on services beyond regular housekeeping, like deep cleaning after a customer moves out or infrequent services like exterior window washing.
Start-up costs could include cleaning products and tools like a vacuum, mop, duster or microfiber cloths, though you could request that your customers provide some of the supplies. Consider getting liability insurance in case of broken items or injuries incurred during cleaning, and be sure to look into local requirements for licensing or permitting for a cleaning business.
Related: I’m a cleaning expert, and these are the 30 cleaning tools I can’t live without
12. Social media influencing
A side hustle as a social media influencer could provide income and bring extra perks like gifts from brands. To get started as a social media influencer, you’ll need to create accounts on each of your preferred platforms and post content regularly to attract followers. The larger your following on each platform, the more interest you’ll get from companies for direct sponsorship or brand deals.
To start your social media accounts, you’ll only need a phone or computer, plus internet access. Over time you can add other equipment like lighting accessories, a microphone or video editing software to improve the quality of your posts.
You’ll also need a plan for your content. You can post vlogs (video blogs), GRWM (get ready with me) content or day-in-the-life videos or focus your accounts on a particular hobby or interest like pets, cooking, cleaning, sports or makeup.
Teaching and consulting
13. Teaching fitness classes
If you love to work out, why not get paid to do it and help others at the same time? You could start teaching the fitness classes you’re already attending or consider learning a new fitness skill. Fitness instructors can teach group exercise classes, provide one-on-one training or even teach virtually. Teaching a fitness class could even turn into your own small business.
“I got certified as a Jazzercise instructor when I was in college after quickly learning that fitness and fun on the dance floor was a passion,” says Dawn Snapp, owner of Springfield South Jazzercise. “Years later I’m not only still teaching classes, but I own the local studio as well.”
Contact local health clubs or recreation centers to inquire about existing job openings and express your interest. Some fitness instructors do need certifications, licenses or first aid training, so look into the specifics of your preferred fitness activity.
14. Tutoring
If you excelled in school or love to teach, this side hustle might appeal to you. Consider offering tutoring services for specific classes or standardized testing. Tutoring can be completed in person or online, and you can focus on your personal area of interest or professional expertise.
If you’re planning to tutor in person, you’ll need to have a location to meet. Look at options through a local library or community center to avoid paying rent for a shared workspace. Since you’ll be doing research and gathering resources for tutoring, this side hustle can also pair well with other gig work like creating online courses or study guides through sites like Skillshare.
15. Consulting
If you have a lot of experience in a specific industry, you could offer your services as a consultant to help others succeed. Consultants share their knowledge and advise individuals or companies, usually on a per-project basis. Consultants can help customers with numerous aspects of their business, including finance, legal, sales and marketing, daily operations, human resources or information technology services. The type of consulting you choose should reflect your professional experience.
To get started as a consultant, you’ll need to create a website or social media presence to advertise your services and start recruiting customers. Do some research about similar consultants in your area and how they price their services to stay competitive and market yourself successfully.
Related: What is a financial consultant?
16. Teaching music or voice lessons
If you play an instrument or sing, you could start a side hustle teaching lessons. Children and adults are both interested customers for music and voice lessons, and you can set your lesson schedule around any existing work or family obligations. You can even teach lessons right out of your home. In addition to the extra income you’ll earn from teaching lessons, you’ll get to feel good about sharing your skill with others and seeing them improve and enjoy their new abilities.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to not only teach but complete administrative work like scheduling lessons, invoicing, tracking payments and enforcing a policy on no-shows or late arrivals. Advertise your services online or with local music teachers, and consider hosting recitals to both allow students to show off their progress and get some free publicity for your business.
17. Teaching another language
Whether you speak one language or 10, you can teach students who are learning a language you already know. Sites like Skooli and Preply hire tutors to teach a variety of languages online, giving you the flexibility to work on your own schedule from home.
Depending on the website you select, there may be requirements like holding a bachelor’s degree or having experience in a teaching profession. If you’d rather teach in person, contact local schools or universities to offer your language tutoring services.
Selling products
18. Reselling
Reselling can be big business. If you have a knack for finding great deals at flea markets and thrift stores, you could turn your shopping hobby into a reselling business. You’ll spend time finding valuable, rare or unique items and then restoring and photographing them for resale at higher prices using online platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Mercari or Etsy. Items like vintage clothing and home decor, furniture, books and electronics can all turn a profit for resellers. Additionally, Side Hustle Nation lists sports memorabilia, power tools and musical instruments among its 30 best items to resell.
You’ll need to stay connected to current trends and keep an eye on your online competition. While you wait for items to sell, you’ll also need to have a plan for storing and tracking your inventory, especially if you’re reselling large items like furniture.
19. Running an Etsy shop
If you have a passion for creating handmade crafts, jewelry or clothes, an Etsy store would allow you to sell your items to Etsy’s community of some 90 million buyers worldwide. You can quickly build an Etsy storefront to sell your handcrafted items or even to resell items you’ve purchased and restored. As a bonus, if you’re already crafting in your free time, you won’t have significant start-up costs for supplies.
You’ll need to be able to photograph your items in an appealing way for each Etsy listing and plan appropriately for packing and shipping items safely to your customers. Take time to research how similar shops on Etsy are pricing their items so that your listings are competitive in customers’ search results.
20. Selling your art
If you love to create art or have a knack for graphic design, you can monetize your creativity. Websites like Redbubble and Zazzle allow you to upload your unique artwork to their platforms for printing on a variety of mediums like tote bags, shirts, coasters and more. You can also create designs for in-demand items like wedding invitations, birth announcements and holiday cards.
All you need to do is create interesting art or appealing designs and upload them to the site, and third-party printers and shippers take care of the rest. You can create an account for free and receive payment to your bank account or a payment provider like PayPal.
How to choose the right side hustle for you
With the notable growth of the gig economy in recent years, there is a lot of competition out there — for gigs and customers. It really pays to carefully consider your options and pick the best side hustle for you.
First, make a list of all your skills, talents, certifications and types of professional experience. Then, choose the top few skills that would align best with typical side hustle or freelance work. Keep in mind any constraints like start-up costs or your existing work schedule.
Once you’ve got a short list of side hustle business ideas, do some market research. Pretend you’re a customer looking for that kind of service, and start searching online for other people already working in the industry you’re considering. (Note that for options like delivery driving, you won’t be in direct competition with any other drivers.) Try to find a side hustle that isn’t already oversaturated in your area or one where you can stand out based on your skills and experience.
You’ll also want to spend some time researching any legal or licensing requirements, tax implications and potential liabilities associated with your side hustle. You might prefer a side hustle that you can set up as your own small business, or one where you’re working for someone else in a flexible way.
When you’ve finished researching, review all the information you’ve gathered, select your top choice and get started.
Pricing
Starting at $0 + state filing fees
Start an LLC
Create your LLC in minutes
Pricing
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Identify your unique skills or experience and match them to a side hustle that fits with your schedule. Be sure to budget for any start-up costs and consider any licensing or legal requirements in your selected industry. Then, get the word out about your services by creating a website or advertising your services on social media.
If you plan to start your own business as a side hustle (like a mowing or house cleaning business), it might make sense to create a limited liability company (LLC) to protect you from personal responsibility for the business’s debts or liabilities. Check out CNN Underscored Money’s guide for more information on starting an LLC.
If you’re setting up an LLC for your side hustle or advertising your services under a business name, you may need to file for a business license at the state or local level. The Small Business Administration (SBA) website offers guidance on business licensing.
Yes. If you want to avoid any start-up costs for your side hustle, select an option like rideshare or delivery driving, where you’re working for a company on a flexible schedule. You can limit your start-up costs for many side hustles by selecting one that matches the equipment, supplies or talents you already have.
Source: 20 best side hustle ideas for 2024
