Side hustles have become increasingly popular as people navigate today’s economic challenges.
A new study has shed light on national and local side hustle trends, revealing which part-time gigs Americans and Delawareans, are pursuing to boost their income.
The study by Creative Fabrica analyzed last year’s Google search trends across all 50 states, focusing on 21 categories of part-time work that can be managed alongside primary employment. Nationally, rideshare driving emerged as the most searched side hustle with nearly 31,000 monthly queries. YouTube content creation and personal training followed in second and third places.
Delaware stood out from its northern neighbors where rideshare driving is the top-searched gig. In the First State, blogging was the most searched side hustle. The inquiry also resonated with fellow small-state residents in Rhode Island and Vermont.
Top 5 side hustles nationwide
Here’s a look at the most popular side hustles nationwide and how they vary by region, according to Creative Fabrica’s study:
- Rideshare driver – 30,950 monthly searches
- YouTube content creator – 19,510 monthly searches
- Personal trainer – 18,140 monthly searches
- Virtual assistant – 17,520 monthly searches
- Life coach – 15,400 monthly searches
While still ranked, affiliate marketing was the least popular inquiry with only 1,220 monthly searches.
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Most popular side hustles by region
- Northeast
- Rideshare driver tied with blogging, each topping searches in three states:
- Rideshare driver: Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York.
- Blogging: Delaware, Rhode Island and Vermont.
- South
- Virtual assistant: Top searched side hustle in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
- Online store owner: Leads side hustle search in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
- Distinguished searches in Southern these states:
- North Carolina: Most interested in becoming an Airbnb host.
- West Virginia: Searches for survey taker dominate.
- Midwest
- Photography: The most popular side hustle search in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.
- West
- Rideshare driver: Top-searched side hustle in California, Colorado, Hawaii and Nevada.
- Etsy Seller/Crafts: Idaho, Maine, Nebraska and Oklahoma residents are most interested in selling crafts.
- Southwest
- YouTube content creator: Indiana and New Mexico residents show the highest interest.
From rideshare driving to blogging and crafting, these trends, driven by regional preferences and lifestyle characteristics, reflect the ways Americans are seeking to earn extra income and explore their passions.
You can contact Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.
Source: Gig economy study reveals America’s top side hustle searches
