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Difference between low-skill vs. high-skill side hustles

A side hustle may be a path to earn extra money or explore what running your own business is like. Even if you lack specialized skills or experience, you can start with a low-skill side hustle that doesn’t require any specific knowledge. For example, you can earn money on the side as a Lyft driver or perform odd jobs on TaskRabbit. 

If you have specialized experience, you may pursue a side hustle that requires a higher skill level. Side hustles like freelance writing, website design, or programming usually demand more knowledge. You can bolster your skills by taking additional classes or pursuing online certifications. 

30 Side hustle ideas 

Here are some of the best side hustle ideas for 2024. 

1. Freelance writing or content creation

Businesses need high-quality content that engages and attracts audiences. As a freelance writer, you can increase take-home pay by working with clients ranging from small businesses to multinational corporations. Depending on your interests and expertise, you can choose to specialize in various niches, such as finance, technology, health, or travel.

There is little to no cost to start your freelance writing side hustle. You can visit sites like Freelancer.com and FlexJobs.com to find online writing gigs.

2. Graphic design

Graphic design is a versatile field that allows individuals to use their creativity and design skills to create visually appealing and eye-catching content, whether it’s creating logos, graphics, marketing materials, or custom artwork.

Services can include designing brochures, flyers, business cards, and social media graphics that are visually appealing and effectively communicate the company’s message. You can earn money as a graphic designer by posting your services on Fiverr or Upwork.

3. Online tutoring or teaching

Online tutoring or teaching allows you to share your expertise and make a positive impact on the lives of others. One of the great advantages of online tutoring is the flexibility it offers. As a tutor or teacher, you can set your schedule and work at a time that suits you best. Sign up for tutoring gigs at specialized sites like Tutor.com and Skooli.

4. Virtual assistance

A virtual assistance gig involves offering administrative, creative, or technical support services to clients or companies remotely as an independent contractor. 

Use your existing skills or acquire new ones to provide services like data entry, customer service, social media management, writing, graphic design, or programming. Many virtual assistants work flexible hours from home alongside their primary jobs or responsibilities. 

To get started with a virtual assistance side hustle from home, you can find clients through online job boards, freelancing platforms, or networking within their professional circles. 

5. Ridesharing or food delivery driver

If you’re looking for flexible work options and earning extra income, consider signing up as a ridesharing or food delivery driver. Ridesharing platforms like Uber and Lyft allow you to give rides to passengers using your car. Food delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats offer another great opportunity to earn money. With these platforms, anyone with a vehicle can start working on their own schedule.

Drive your way to earnings with HyreCar — the perfect solution to rent a car for rideshare and delivery services.

6. Pet services

If you’re a pet lover looking to help other pet owners in your area, offering pet services for a side income can be a rewarding side job. Typical tasks include feeding, walking, playtime and overnight stays if required. With your love for animals and responsible attitude, you can positively impact both the pets and their owners.

Sign up on apps like Rover or Wag! to connect with local pet owners seeking services in your area.

7. Photography

If you’re a skilled photographer, you can specialize in different types of photography, such as weddings, parties, and corporate gatherings. Stock photography is another area where photographers can excel in a side hustle job. You can capture and sell generic images that can be licensed and used by businesses, websites, and other media outlets.  

8. Start an eCommerce store

If you have a product or a passion that you believe in, starting an online store can be fulfilling and allow you to tap into global markets. Additionally, an online store provides you with the flexibility to operate 24/7, allowing customers to shop at their convenience, regardless of time zones or busy schedules.

Whether it’s handmade crafts, clothing, or unique items, having a genuine interest in what you sell will make the process more enjoyable and help connect with potential customers.

9. Fitness coaching or personal training

Fitness coaching or personal training refers to customizing workouts and nutrition plans to meet each client’s unique needs and goals. You should have the knowledge and expertise to design exercise routines that target specific areas of improvement, such as weight loss, muscle gain, or improved cardiovascular health. 

Remember that you may need to be certified to work in this field. 

10. Freelance consulting

Freelance consulting can be a flexible side business idea that allows you to provide professional guidance and advice to businesses or individuals. Whether you are an expert in marketing, finance, technology or any other field, you can leverage your skills and knowledge to offer consulting services.

As a consultant, you’ll play a critical role in helping businesses or individuals overcome obstacles, optimize their operations, and achieve their goals.

Freelance consulting also offers the potential for higher earnings compared to traditional employment. As you build your reputation and establish a solid client base, you can increase your rates and charge higher fees for your services.

11. Language tutoring

Language tutoring is an excellent opportunity to make use of the languages you know, including English. You can start a language tutoring side hustle at relatively little cost. Sign up on sites like Preply and Wyzant to land tutoring gigs.  

12. Rent out your space

Thanks to platforms like Airbnb, homeowners can rent out unused space — whether it’s a spare room or an entire property — and make extra income.

However, renting out your space comes with responsibilities. As a host, you’ll need to ensure your space is clean, safe, and well-maintained for your guests. Establishing clear house rules and communicating them to your renters helps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

13. Event planning

Event planning suits those with strong organizational skills and an eye for detail. You can use your creativity and planning abilities to coordinate events such as weddings, corporate functions, or private parties. With the right networking and marketing efforts, event planners can build a client base and work on a reasonably flexible schedule. 

This side hustle offers the potential for lucrative earnings, especially during peak seasons or for high-end events. It also provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the event industry, potentially leading to a full-time career.

14. Landscaping or gardening

Landscaping or gardening can be a fantastic side hustle for individuals with a green thumb and a passion for outdoor work. It offers a flexible schedule, allowing you to take on projects during evenings, weekends, or seasonally when demand is high. 

With the right equipment and skills, you can provide services like lawn mowing, tree trimming, garden maintenance, and landscape design to residential or commercial clients. You can grow your landscaping or gardening business through client referrals.

15. Crafting and art

Crafting and art are beloved forms of self-expression and creativity for many people. To share your art, you can sell your creations online or at local markets.

With the rise of e-commerce platforms and social media, showcasing and selling your work to a global audience has become more accessible. Creating an online shop on sites like Etsy allows you to reach customers worldwide.

16. Baking or cooking

If you have a passion for cooking or baking and consider yourself a skilled cook, why not consider turning your hobby into a side hustle business by selling your delicious creations to the local community? Many people appreciate homemade meals and baked goods but lack the time or skills to make them. 

If the demand is high enough, this side hustle can be particularly lucrative during holidays, special occasions, or daily. You can start small by advertising your offerings to family, friends, and neighbors, and gradually expand your customer base through word-of-mouth and social media promotion.

17. Repair or handyman services

There is always a demand for skilled individuals to fix, assemble, or maintain various items around the home or office. Taking on a side hustle for handyman services allows you to monetize your existing skills and knowledge, whether acquired through a trade, DIY experience, or hobby.

Repair and handyman services offer flexibility. You can choose to take on jobs during evenings, weekends, or whenever it fits your schedule alongside your primary occupation. List your services through sites like Angi or Thumbtack.

As you build a reputation for quality work and reliability, you can expand your client base through word-of-mouth referrals and potentially turn this side hustle into a full-time business venture.

18. Digital marketing services

With businesses increasingly relying on online presence and digital strategies, the demand for expertise in areas like social media management, search engine optimization, email marketing, and online advertising is on the rise. 

As a side hustle, this gig allows individuals with graphic design, copywriting, analytics, or digital marketing skills to monetize their talents and work with clients remotely, providing flexibility. It has relatively low startup costs, as most digital marketing services can be provided using readily available tools and software.

As you build a portfolio and reputation, you can command higher rates and potentially scale your side hustle into a full-fledged digital marketing agency or consultancy. Additionally, staying up-to-date with the ever-evolving digital landscape can enhance your professional marketability in the long run.

19. Music lessons

Offering music lessons allows you to share your passion for music and your skills as a musician or vocalist with others while earning extra income. You can teach from the comfort of your home or rent space at a music studio, keeping overhead costs relatively low. Music lessons can be taught flexibly around your existing work or school schedule, making it an ideal side gig. 

20. Bookkeeping or accounting services

Helping companies keep their finances in good working order can be a lucrative side hustle if you are an experienced bookkeeper or accountant. You can find online bookkeeping clients through such sites as Upwork or Fiverr. If you have a QuickBooks certification and don’t mind committing to set hours, consider joining Intuit’s virtual network of remote bookkeepers. If you prefer working with local clients, consider attending chamber of commerce meetings or professional networking events. 

21. Computer repair and tech support

In today’s computer age, there is always a need for tech repair and support services. Unless you need additional training, there is little upfront cost to get started when you are tech-savvy. To find onsite tech support or repair services, consider joining local professional organizations, attending networking events, or asking friends for referrals. You can find tech support jobs at Flexjobs.com or Upwork if you prefer online work.

22. Reselling products on online marketplaces

Reselling products online for more than what you paid can be a nice side hustle. While you’ll need to lay out some cash to buy products, you could keep your investment down by shopping at garage sales or discount outlets. You can list and sell products on popular online sites, like eBay or Amazon, for a small fee.

23. Personal shopping or wardrobe consulting

If you are into fashion or just like shopping, a side hustle as a personal shopper or wardrobe consultant can be fun and rewarding. Other than your time, there is no upfront cost to start. You can find a shopping gig for an elderly couple or a busy mom on TaskRabbit. Or apply as a remote stylist at Stitch Fix.

24. Home organization or decluttering services

Keeping things orderly doesn’t come easy for everyone. If you have a knack for neatness, you could start a side gig helping clients organize and declutter their homes. People selling their homes or downsizing to a smaller space may need your organizational skills. Check out sites like TaskRabbit for professional organization jobs.     

25. Hair styling, makeup artistry, or nail services

Experienced hair stylists, makeup artists and nail technicians can supplement their income with beauty-related side gigs. You can offer these services in your home or a client’s place. You could also specialize in beauty services for weddings or other events. To get started, you might need to invest money in equipment and products. But once you start getting client referrals for doing a good job, you can build a healthy side hustle.

26. Furniture refurbishing or upcycling

Refurbishing old furniture can be an easy way to make some extra cash. You can breathe new life into worn-out furniture you find lying around the house or pick up for next-to-nothing at a garage sale. With a fresh coat of paint, new handles or colorful fabric, you can sell your like-new furniture on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp.   

27. Proofreading or editing services

If grammatical errors make you cringe, a proofreading or editing side hustle might be for you. Proofreading or editing side hustles check written work for spelling, punctuation or grammar errors. These side gigs are flexible, easy to start and have little to no upfront cost. You can bid on side hustle-proofing jobs on Fiverr and Upwork.  

28. Home inspection or appraisal services

Home inspection and appraisal services are an essential step for homebuyers and sellers. You must pass an exam and meet your state’s requirements to become a home inspector. If you are new to the field, consider a training program. Home inspectors must carry insurance and pay license renewal fees. Home inspectors can find work by networking with real estate agents and brokers or joining professional organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors. 

29. Translation services

If you are fluent in more than one language, consider starting a translation services side hustle. A translating side gig requires little to no startup costs, plus you get the flexibility of working from home and choosing your hours. You can find work on dedicated translation sites, such as ProZ or TranslatorsCafe.

30. Research studies

Creator Natalie Fischer explains how she made $175 in one hour by participating in a research study.

Indeed, there are numerous universities, think tanks, and other educational institutions that will pay you for participating in a research study! Likewise, many companies will pay to get consumer feedback on their products or services. Research studies can often be done online and from the comfort of your own – making them an ideal side hustle job! 

Get creative with your side hustle ideas

With so many options to put money in your pocket, it’s time to start hustling. A side hustle has additional benefits outside of making money, like developing new skills and diversifying your income. You can start as a weekend warrior at first and then grow your side hustle over time into a full-time job. If you dedicate time to your side hustles, you can open up a world of opportunities. 

FAQ

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about how the DoorDash service works and how to use it to pull in $500 or more weekly. If you want more DoorDash tips, check out How to More Money on DoorDash. For other side gig ideas, download MoneyLion and see other ways to earn more.

What is DoorDash?

DoorDash Inc. is a technology-driven food delivery service that operates in over 7,000 cities across the U.S., connecting hungry patrons with local restaurants.  

Food orders are delivered by freelance drivers known as Dashers, who only need a smartphone and a car, scooter, or bicycle to make deliveries.

If you’re short on cash and waiting on your next paycheck, MoneyLion can help: 

What does DoorDash pay?

Dashers are paid per food order delivered. The pay can fluctuate based on the time of day, location, and number of orders.

Total payment comprises base pay for delivery, customer tips, and any regular promotions the company runs.

Earnings can be paid: 

• Weekly via direct deposit to your bank account
• Daily with a Fast Pay option that requires a bank account with a linked debit card
• Instantly through DasherDirect, a prepaid debit card you can apply for through DoorDash

How is it possible to make $500 a week with DoorDash?

DoorDash is among the jobs we’ve identified that can provide some quick cash each week. Here’s how to make $500 per week with DoorDash.

According to salary data published by Indeed, the average Dasher earns $18.13 per hour. To earn $500 per week, they would need to make deliveries for roughly four hours a day, totaling 28 hours ($18.13 x 28 = $507.64) per week.

Some drivers earn as much as $20 to $30 per hour by applying specific tips and strategies like those mentioned below.

13 tips and strategies on how to make $500 a week with DoorDash

Without further ado, here’s a baker’s dozen income-boosting tips from seasoned Dashers.

1. Take advantage of guaranteed earning incentives

DoorDash periodically notifies Dashers of upcoming guaranteed earning opportunities, such as “make 50 deliveries in the next week to guarantee $500 in earnings.”

These guarantees set a floor for what you can earn that week, provided you hit the activity target. If you earn more, you keep what you make; if you earn less, DoorDash will make up the difference to get you to the guaranteed amount.

2. Try the new earn-by-time mode

DoorDash recently introduced an option for Dashers to opt for an earn-by-time mode, with a guaranteed hourly rate for making deliveries. Drivers who choose this mode earn an hourly rate (instead of the usual base pay per delivery) plus 100% of all tips and payouts for any applicable promotions.

DoorDash assigns deliveries, and you can decline up to one assignment per hour. You must accept all the rest or shift back to earn-by-offer mode.

3. Stay informed about any promotions or bonuses

DoorDash frequently offers promotions to be on the lookout for.

The company often gives extra cash bonuses to Dashers for completing certain challenges in a specified timeframe. Such a challenge might be, “Complete 15 deliveries over the next three days for an extra $20.”

Another promotion type to be aware of is Peak Pay incentives. When these are in effect, Dashers can earn more per delivery. For example, you might be able to earn an extra $2in downtown Chicago between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

A delivery will count toward both a challenge and a peak period if they’re running concurrently.

4. Consider multi-apping

Dashers have found that signing on with similar app-based services, such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, Instacart, Amazon Flex, Walmart Spark, and ParaWorks, can make sense.

Imagine you have a delivery for DoorDash going to a certain neighborhood. At the same time, Uber Eats and Grubhub have similar requests from either the same or another nearby restaurant going to the same neighborhood.

In this scenario, you could dramatically increase your earnings by completing all three deliveries in roughly the same time it would have taken you to complete just one with DoorDash alone.

5. Find the most popular restaurants and hotspots

If you want to catch fish, go where they’re biting. If you want to make good money as a Dasher, go where the business is.

A corporate park may be bustling with lunch deliveries, while dinner will likely be hotter in residential areas. DoorDash highlights clusters of popular restaurants so you can position your delivery activities in or near a hotspot — or two, if you can get it.

6. Accept group orders

DoorDash offers the chance to deliver “batched” orders from the same restaurants for delivery as a group or in quick succession along the route to delivery for the first order. Dashers can increase their per-delivery payment by accepting these additional offers.

7. Work during peak hours and on weekends

It should come as no surprise that the high-demand periods are during the week at lunch and dinnertime and over the weekends. To be on track to make $500 per week as a Dasher, you’ll want to take full advantage of these peak times.

8. Be selective with the orders you accept

As a Dasher, there’s a definite benefit to only taking those deliveries that make the most sense for you.

Working with a restaurant where you have a good relationship, delivering to more familiar neighborhoods, and accepting larger orders with potentially higher tips are all excellent ways to be more efficient and profitable.

9. Deliver on your way home

Seasoned Dashers recommend using the trip home to get in one last delivery.

Assuming that the average order is around $30, and the average tip for delivery is in the 15% to 20% range, delivering one extra order that’s on your route home can equate to a $4.50 to $6 tip. Do that for four days and you could end up with an extra $18 to $25 per week. After four weeks, you’ll have made an additional $72 to $100.

10. Test different markets

When you’re getting started, it’s wise to try delivering in different areas at different times to learn which locations work best for you.

Make a list of places you think might be hotspots, then rotate through them over several different days and times and narrow down the zones that work best for you.  

11. Provide exceptional customer service

Tips will play a big role if you want to earn $500 per week or more routinely. To generate above-average tips, you need to provide exceptional service — be on time, smile, and offer extra touches like greeting customers by name when possible.

12. Track your income and expenses

There are two main reasons to track your income and expenses as a Dasher.

The first is to see when and where you’re making the most money. This will go a long way toward helping you pick the right hotspots to cover in the future. The second is that, as an independent contractor, you’re responsible for tracking income and expenses for tax purposes.

13. Adopt a businessman’s mindset

As a Dasher, you’re essentially in business for yourself. Apply that mentality to every decision you make and invest your time and resources to maximize earnings and minimize expenses.

Dash your way to $500 a week

When you implement the tips and strategies outlined here, you’ll be well on your way to pulling in a minimum of $500 a week with DoorDash.

Dash on!

Need a car to get started? Drive your way to earnings with HyreCar — the perfect solution to rent a car for rideshare and delivery services.

FAQ

Many “Dashers” have found the service to be a dependable way to make some pocket cash in the gig economy. If you’re currently delivering for the service or are looking to start, check out the following strategies for how to make more money on DoorDash.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for other ways to boost your income, check out MoneyLion!

What is DoorDash?

DoorDash is a food delivery service that brings local restaurant dishes to customers’ doorsteps. Eaters order from DoorDash’s list of restaurants via a mobile app. Once payment is verified, DoorDash sends the order to the restaurant and arranges for one of its drivers to make the delivery.

DoorDash gig workers use their personal vehicles to make deliveries, whether by car or bicycle. They serve as independent contractors.

How do DoorDash earnings work?

DoorDash drivers earn income through three different channels:

• Base pay
• Customer tips
• Promotion bonuses

A driver’s base pay takes into account time, distance, and offer desirability. Most Dashers’ base pay ranges from $2 to $10 on each offer they make.

Customer tips are crucial for Dashers to maintain operations. Drivers keep all the cash they earn via tips — DoorDash doesn’t take a cut. Tips can multiply your earnings substantially.

Promotions help drivers boost income through challenges and incentives, such as completing a streak of deliveries during a promotional period. Drivers can check the DoorDash app for promotion opportunities the service offers.

13 Strategies for earning more money on DoorDash

As a driver, you have multiple ways to potentially maximize your earnings via DoorDash on top of your regular base pay and tips. Implementing certain strategies, making small adjustments, conducting service experiments, and performing a few tricks can pay off in the long run.

Here are some of the most common and practical ways Dashers can earn more profits and move up the ranks.

1. Take advantage of peak earning times and incentives

If you’re a DoorDash driver, you can take part in promotional challenges to earn some fast pay. The app also rewards you when you deliver during peak usage periods. These promotions are part of the mobile app. Check it regularly to see what options and incentives are available to you. 

2. Optimize your delivery route

Use strategies to streamline your deliveries. These include planning your route to cut the travel distance, prioritizing certain orders, or picking up multiple orders from one restaurant. Take a look at your daily delivery route to find ways to get the most out of it. Keep your vehicle and other materials organized and uncluttered.

3. Use hot bags to keep food warm

In food deliveries, drivers run the risk of their hot food items turning cold. Solve this by putting food in DoorDash’s hot bags and keeping it separate from cold items until delivery is finished. The hot bags are insulated in a way that retains the food’s heat, giving customers a warm meal no matter how far you’ve traveled to get it to them.

4. Qualify as a top Dasher

Drivers who earn high customer ratings, complete at least 95% of their deliveries successfully, or who have completed 200 deliveries can qualify as top Dashers. Set and meet those goals to become a preferred DoorDash driver and get the chance to earn more cash.

5. Use a reliable GPS navigation system

GPS navigation lies at the heart of DoorDash’s operations. Make sure your GPS software is updated and accurate. If you use your smartphone’s GPS, place it somewhere on your dashboard to lessen the risk of distracted driving.

6. Communicate with customers about any delays or issues

Problems happen in food delivery. If you’re stuck in traffic or are having car problems, let your customers know about the situation. Hopefully, they’ll appreciate the transparency and understand the issues that cause delays. 

7. Utilize referral programs

Dashers refer others to become drivers. If your referral driver completes their tasks successfully, DoorDash pays you a referral bonus. It’s a great way to earn passive income. New drivers are subject to a few requirements, such as a minimum age, certain vehicle details, and an outside background check. 

8. Stay updated on DoorDash promotions and incentives

DoorDash rotates several driver promotions and offers incentives for completing certain steps. Keep checking the mobile app to see whether any of these bonus programs are active in your location. 

9. Keep track of your mileage and expenses for tax purposes

DoorDash does not directly pay for the mileage you cover. However, you should still keep track of how far you’ve gone so you can deduct gas, insurance, maintenance, and credit card debt when it’s tax time. Break down every expense related to your car, and keep an active spreadsheet of how much you spend.

10. Maintain a high customer rating

Strive to keep your customer service and completion rates at a high level and treat your customers in a friendly way. Also, be courteous and dependable in your service, and respect customers’ privacy. Doing so may encourage customers to leave you a 5-star rating, which directly helps you earn more.

11. Drive safely and efficiently

Getting food out fast is important with DoorDash, but not if doing so compromises your safety (not to mention that of other drivers). Plan your routes so you can deliver food without speeding, and keep your car in good health.

12. Network with other Dashers

DoorDash drivers make a unique community that you can rely on for tips and information. Look for online forums, social media groups, and app communication to build a network of support with other Dashers.

13. Consider other food delivery apps

Dashers may be allowed to work for additional delivery services, such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates. If you need extra cash, you can combine working for two separate companies. However, review your contract to make sure you’re allowed to split your time with another service. 

Find out how to make more on DoorDash

DoorDash is the largest food delivery service in the country. It commands more than half of all delivery orders regularly. This means it can provide more opportunities for drivers to pull in an impressive income and improve their finances. Find out how your local DoorDash service works and take the above steps as you strive to reach your full earning potential. 

FAQ

Are you serious about your summer money? MoneyLion can help you compare high-yield savings accounts from our trusted partners that could help grow your money.

Why get a summer side hustle?

Summer gigs offer numerous benefits beyond just extra cash in your pocket. It can help you pay off debt, save for a big purchase, or even boost your resume with valuable experience – especially if you’re a student. While students and teachers are some of the most common groups who decide to get a summer job, anyone can benefit from building a new income stream.

A side hustle allows you to explore new interests, meet new people, and develop transferable skills that can benefit your future career. The warm weather makes it easier to be outside in much of the country, but you can benefit from longer daylight hours and possibly increased motivation. 

33 Best summer side hustles

Good summer side hustles can be a way to pursue your passions, try new careers, and earn more. Whether you’re looking for a temporary seasonal job or a flexible side gig, there’s something for everyone. Take this list as a starting point to let your creativity flow. Here are some of the best summer side hustles to consider:

1. Lawn mowing and yard maintenance

With the warm weather, many homeowners will need lawn care services. Offering lawn mowing, gardening, or landscaping services can be a lucrative side hustle during summer. If you build a reputation in your community, it could become an annual side hustle. 

2. House sitting or pet sitting

Many families take vacations during the summer, and they’ll need someone to care for their homes and furry friends. House-sitting or pet-sitting can be a great way to earn extra cash while providing a valuable service. It could also be an opportunity to travel over the summer. Check out trusted house sitters and Rover.

3. Travel and vacation planner

With summer being a popular vacation time, you could offer your travel or vacation planning services. You can help others plan their dream getaways while earning a commission. As you build your business, this could become a year-round side hustle or full-time business. 

4. Graphic design 

As a graphic designer, you can take on freelance projects creating logos, branding materials, or digital designs for businesses or individuals. Consider listing your services on sites like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and other professional sites. 

5. Virtual assistant work

Virtual assistants provide administrative support to busy professionals or businesses. Tasks can include scheduling, data entry, research, and more – all from the comfort of your home. Look for jobs on FlexJobs, Upwork, or other job listing sites. 

6. Online reselling 

You can turn your thrifting skills into a profitable side hustle by reselling items you find at thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces. Often called thrift store flipping, as you build insight into profitable products and your following, this could become a long-term side hustle or you can even build an online store. Consider re-selling on eBay, Etsy, or other online sites. 

7. Food delivery 

Like rideshare driving, you can earn money by delivering food orders for services like DoorDash or GrubHub. Look for local offers, and then set your hours. This can give you the flexibility to fill in extra income when needed. 

8. Selling handmade crafts 

If you’re a creative soul or want to explore your creative side, consider selling your handmade crafts, art, or products on platforms like Etsy or local markets. This can be an opportunity to showcase your talents and build a network. You can also consider collaborating with other artists to expand your reach. 

9. Painting houses or fences

Summertime is the perfect time to get big painting projects done. Consider offering your painting services to homeowners looking to refresh their exterior or interior spaces during summer. As you build experience and a reputation, you can create a painting business with online reviews to get more clients each year. 

10. Babysitting or nanny services

With school out for the summer, many parents will need reliable childcare. Offer your babysitting or nanny services to families in your area. UrbanSitter is an excellent resource for finding babysitting jobs. You can also post listings online, in city Facebook groups, and on local bulletin boards. 

11. Moving helper

The summer months are a popular time for people to relocate. Assist with moving services by helping load and unload moving trucks or offering packing assistance. You can list your services on sites like Upwork and spread the word with contacts like friends, family, and colleagues.   

12. Washing cars 

Car washes are always a popular summertime activity. You can set up a mobile car washing service or offer to wash cars in your neighborhood for a fee. By going to your clients, you offer them the ultimate convenience. Be sure to research the best car-washing techniques and materials before you get started!

13. Renting out a room or space

If you have an extra room or space in your home, consider renting it out to travelers or locals needing temporary accommodation. You can list rooms on Airbnb. If you have extra garage space, consider sites like StoreAtMyHouse or Neighbor.com to list your space and start earning. 

14. Selling homemade products 

If you have a baking, cooking, or crafting talent, consider selling your homemade products at local farmer’s markets or online. Jams, jellies, and other specialty products that last more than a day can also be shipped nationwide. Consider local specialty products, from blackberry jam or rose petal jam to cinnamon rolls and croissants. 

15. Seasonal retail work

Many retailers and businesses need extra hands during the summer months. Look for temporary or part-time retail positions in your area. You can find these on job listing sites, city-specific Facebook groups, or even in the newspaper.

16. Freelance photography or videography

Pursuing your love of photography can become a side hustle or full-time career. You can capture special moments and events by offering your freelance photography or videography services. You can start by providing low-cost photography or videography sessions to family or friends to build your portfolio and showcase your work. 

17. Personal training 

With the warmer weather, many people are motivated to get in shape. Offer your services as a personal trainer or fitness instructor. If you don’t work for a gym, consider starting fitness classes in local parks or offer at-home courses for a group of friends. If you choose parks, check with the municipality about any necessary permits.

18. Landscaping or gardening services

Summer is the prime gardening season. It can also be a lot of work, as maintenance is often labor-heavy and tedious. You can help homeowners maintain their outdoor spaces by offering landscaping, gardening, or lawn care services. 

19. Event planning 

The wedding season often peaks in the summer. If you have strong organization and design skills, consider offering event planning services, where you’ll help coordinate and execute special events, including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. 

20. Cleaning services

Cleaning is needed year-round, but many families do a deep cleaning in the spring or summer. You can provide residential or commercial cleaning services for homes, offices, or other spaces needing a deep clean. Likewise, offering window-washing services in your neighborhood is an excellent way to start building a cleaning business. 

21. Handyman 

Summer is also when many homeowners think of renovations, repairs, and improvements. From fixing gutters to building raised beds, this is a great time to help local homeowners get the necessary repairs while building your reputation. If you’re skilled in minor home repairs or maintenance tasks, offer your handyperson services to local homeowners or businesses.

22. Running errands 

Become a personal assistant or errand runner for busy individuals or families needing help with grocery shopping, dry cleaning pick-up, or other errands. Likewise, you could market your services to senior citizens, busy families, or local businesses. Consider combining this with yardwork to offer a comprehensive home-care package. 

23. Affiliate marketing

If you have a blog or social media following, explore affiliate marketing opportunities by promoting products or services and earning a commission on sales. Even with a modest social media following, consider reaching out to local businesses to advertise specials or products within your area. This can be an opportunity that starts slow, but with time, you could gain full-time passive income. 

24. Participating in online surveys 

While not a substantial income source, participating in online surveys can provide a little extra cash in your spare time. You can take surveys while you wait for kids, ride public transport, or instead of scrolling through your phone. Even a hundred dollars a month could make a difference in your budget. 

25. Host a garage sale

Summertime is prime garage sale season. You can declutter your home and make money by hosting a garage sale or selling items online. You can also host a neighborhood garage sale or offer to sell your friends’ items for a small commission. 

26. Teach classes or lessons 

Share your expertise by teaching classes or lessons in areas like art, music, coding, or other skills. There are many online platforms to do this, but you can also offer summer camps or classes locally. You can advertise at community centers, schools, libraries, or other community bulletin boards. 

27. Tour guide or local experience host

If you’re knowledgeable about your city or area, consider offering guided tours or local experiences for visitors. You could offer free walking tours for tips or advertise paid tours. Likewise, you could take visitors to local favorites or off-the-beaten-track locations, like favorite restaurants, hiking trails, waterfalls, or historical sites. 

28. Bartending 

If you have your bartender’s license or meet local requirements, summertime is the perfect time to pick up extra bartending gigs. With events and parties happening during the summer, consider weddings, anniversaries, 4th of July parties, end-of-summer parties, and other events. Bartending can be a lucrative side gig for those with the necessary skills and certifications.

29. Lifeguarding or swimming instructor

If you have your lifeguard certification, consider working as a lifeguard or swimming instructor. Many pools and recreational facilities need lifeguards and swimming instructors during summer. You can find opportunities at beaches, lakes, pools, private clubs, and other recreational facilities. 

30. Camp counselor 

Summer camp is a long-term favorite summer pastime. Just because you’re too old to attend summer camp doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy returning as a counselor! Consider working as a camp counselor at a day camp or overnight camp for children or teenagers. Or, start your own local summer camp around a subject of expertise, like an art camp, coding camp, sewing camp, horse camp, dog training camp, sports camp or other activities. 

31. Flipping or reselling furniture

Furniture flipping is growing in popularity. You can scour garage sales, thrift stores, or online marketplaces for furniture pieces you can refurbish and resell for a profit. While it will take some time to build refurbishing skills, this could become a long-term hobby turned income stream. 

32. Tutoring

If you excel in specific academic subjects, music, sports, or other skills, consider offering tutoring services. Parents often seek educational support for their children during the summer break. 

Check out sites like Wyzant, Chegg, ClubZ, eTutorWorld, Preply, Smarthinking, Varsity Tutors, VIPKID, and Khan Academy for teaching opportunities over the summer or year-round. You can also check out summer student jobs if you are a student or live near a university. 

33. Rideshare driving

If you have a reliable vehicle and enjoy meeting new people, consider signing up to drive for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. You can set your hours and earn around other jobs or activities you have for the summer. You could also offer independent airport transfers and build a business around longer rides if you have a comfortable car for this type of transfer. 

Maximize side hustles for summer

Summer is the perfect time to explore new opportunities and boost your income through a side hustle. With so many options available, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re looking for a temporary gig or a more long-term flexible side job. You can embrace the warmer weather and longer days to pursue a summer side hustle that aligns with your interests and skills or start building a new business. 

With creativity and focus, you can watch your earning potential soar. Need other ideas? Find 33 weekend side hustles and side hustles for women, or learn how to make an extra $500 a week. 

FAQ 

Today, we’re offering several tips on how to make more money, but don’t limit yourself to one item on this list. Picking up extra income streams offers more protection in case one of them dries up.

As you consider different ways to make more money, park your cash in a high-yield savings account! MoneyLion offers a convenient marketplace to compare high-yield savings accounts from our trusted partners that could help grow your money.

24 ways to start bringing in extra cash

You can find many options to make more money. Some of these income streams may start as side hustles and produce full-time income in the future. We’ll share 24 income growth ideas to consider.

1. Pick up hours at your job

Start with the easy wins and straightforward strategies. If you have enough time in your schedule, ask your boss about working extra hours so that you can qualify for overtime. Five hours of overtime per week may provide enough cash to reduce your financial stress. This additional work only averages an extra hour at the workplace per day. 

2. Ask for a raise

Asking for a raise can help you make more money without having to work more. By combining a raise with overtime hours, you can set yourself up to earn more cash. The worst-case scenario is that your boss rejects your request. 

You won’t know unless you try, but optimizing your pitch can increase your chances of success. Research your current position and find the average salary in your area. If you make less than the average salary, present this data to your boss when asking for a raise. 

Let your boss know about your job responsibilities and how the company benefits from your work. A strong presentation can inspire your boss to pay you more than the average for your role and location. 

You may get some pushback and questions, but stand firm. Present information and data points that demonstrate your worth and how much your company needs your work.

The boss may give you a raise, but if they don’t, you may want to consider looking for another job. Seeing you consider other employment options might motivate your boss to offer more to retain you.

3. Sell your stuff online

Cleaning up clutter reduces stress and simplifies life. Some people don’t get around to it because of the time commitment. You can make money decluttering your home by selling your stuff online. 

Getting rid of old electronics, clothing, appliances, artwork, knick-knacks, and other items will clear your mind and add money to your pocket. You can use Poshmark, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace to sell your belongings.

4. Get a second job

A second job opens up new career opportunities and puts more money in your pocket. You can opt for a flexible part-time job that turns your weekends into extra cash. Waitressing and bartending jobs are two of the many jobs that provide flexibility. 

5. Boost your earning potential

Employers will pay high salaries for in-demand skills. Acquiring these skills will expand your career opportunities and potentially lead to a better-paying job. You can also look at your company and see what in-demand skills they need. 

You can learn any new skill via online courses, books, podcasts, and other content. You can consume content and enroll in courses at your own pace. Online courses typically cost far less than college courses that teach the same skills. Look for skills that pay well and start learning about them.

6. Sell handmade goods

Do you have a knack for crafting handmade goods? Sites like Etsy or ArtFire let you list handmade goods for sale. You can practice your craft and build a brand around your work. 

After getting enough customers, some Etsy and ArtFire sellers turn the initial side hustle into a full-time business. You can also explore local flea and farmer’s markets to see if you can sell your items locally.

7. Babysit or petsit

Watching people’s children and pets can provide a steady stream of flexible income. You can watch over them during the evenings after you stop working for the day. 

Many online platforms like Care.com connect families with caretakers, providing you with a path to part-time, full-time, or sporadic services. Depending on the responsibilities, you may have some flexibility to work on your computer while looking over children and pets.

8. Be a tutor 

People will pay you to teach them a new skill. Some of your skills will be in high demand, but it’s easy to take some skills for granted so try not to overlook the value you can bring to others. Depending on your talents, you can teach languages, fitness exercises, and other skills. 

Some fitness lovers become coaches, personal trainers, or group fitness instructors. You can also earn by teaching others online. Expanding your services online can give you access to a global pool of potential customers. For example, you can try hopping on coaching calls with clients or creating training courses for your students.

9. Pick up temporary work

Not everyone wants to pick up another job. Instead of committing yourself to part-time or full-time work, you can pick up temporary work. Some companies hire seasonal workers to help with increased demand. 

These jobs are often easy to understand and strengthen your resume for future job opportunities. Browse for temporary work that won’t affect your current job commitments. Some companies offer temporary remote work, giving you more flexibility to work at optimal times.

10. Become a virtual assistant

Business owners hire virtual assistants to perform various tasks. They often look for remote talent, making you a potential candidate. Virtual assistants often enjoy the flexibility to work according to their schedules. 

Some business owners may want you to respond to emails at specific times, but the career path provides significant flexibility. Some virtual assistants start part-time and get enough clients to transition to full-time services. 

You can expect to perform tasks such as taking calls, scheduling appointments, and managing travel arrangements. Look at virtual assistant job descriptions to determine common tasks and sharpen your skills. Browse through sites like Upwork to find a virtual assistant job. Employers add new jobs to Upwork every minute. 

11. Do tasks for others

Business owners aren’t the only people who need help with tasks. People in your area may need help with cleaning, furniture assembly, or home improvement. You can find these clients on sites like Handy or TaskRabbit. 

You can work as much or as little as you want on these sites. You may have an open weekend where you can work the entire day for clients. On other weekends, you may prefer to take an off day. Performing tasks for others under this format gives you more control over your hours.  

12. Sell your photography 

Your great photos can turn into passive income streams. Photographers can list their images on Picfair and other sites to make money from their photography. You can sell digital downloads and prints for your photography. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to sell your images, and you can generate passive income after publishing your listings.

13. Do remote work

Many businesses have warmed up to remote work in recent years. Remote work offers more control over your schedule, enabling you to keep up with current commitments. 

You can list your services on Fiverr, look for remote work on Upwork, or browse remote job listings. Some clients may offer limited hours and work, giving you the capacity to work with multiple clients and diversify your income.

14. Get a side hustle or side gig

You can select from many side hustle opportunities to generate extra cash. Side hustles give you the flexibility to earn money whenever and wherever you want. According to a survey, 34% of people have at least one side gig. 

Developing a side hustle allows you to wield more control over your daily schedule. You can rearrange your calendar to work more effectively and set time aside to pursue your hobbies — or better yet, monetize your hobbies for extra income. 

With a side gig, you can convert your personal interests and skills into tasks that earn real revenue. As a personal shopper, you can help clients find and buy what they really need. You could use your car to work as a rideshare driver. You can serve as a consultant and provide expertise on items that matter most to you. You can turn your social media or event-planning experience into extra money. You can even rent out your vehicle on platforms like Turo when you’re not using it.

Get rewarded with gift cards and cash for everyday online activities you love with Swagbucks — search the web, answer surveys, and play games.

15. Become an affiliate marketer

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for each lead or sale generated through your referrals. You can earn more by strategically choosing high-paying affiliate programs, creating valuable content, and effectively promoting products to your target audience.

16. Sell unused gift cards

You can make extra money by selling unused gift cards online. Look for platforms that offer competitive rates and a wide range of gift card brands. To maximize earnings, consider selling gift cards with high balances or those in high demand.

17. Offer graphic design services

If you have graphic design skills, freelance work can be lucrative. Build a portfolio, market your services on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, and network with potential clients. Quality work and satisfied clients can lead to repeat business and referrals.

18. Become a delivery driver

Working as a delivery driver for services like DoorDash or Uber Eats can provide additional income. You can earn more by delivering during peak hours and in high-demand areas while providing excellent customer service.

Need a car to get started? Drive your way to earnings with HyreCar — the perfect solution to rent a car for rideshare and delivery services.

19. Explore dropshipping

Dropshipping allows you to run an e-commerce store without holding inventory. You earn money by marketing and selling products from suppliers. Focus on niche products, effective marketing, and outstanding customer service to increase profits.

20. Take surveys

While it’s true that there are numerous scams in the online survey space, there are also legitimate opportunities. To make the most of this income stream, register on well-established and trustworthy survey websites. Maintain consistency in completing surveys, and for added earnings potential, consider diversifying your participation across multiple reputable platforms.

With apps like Kashkick, you can create additional income while having fun by doing surveys and playing games.

21. Teach English

If you’re a native English speaker, teaching English online to non-native speakers can be rewarding. Look for reputable online teaching platforms and build a reputation for quality instruction to attract more students.

22. Drive for Uber or Lyft

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer flexible earning opportunities. You can increase your earnings by working during high-demand hours, providing excellent service, and taking advantage of promotions.

Earn on your schedule and join Lyft today, where every ride opens the door to new possibilities and extra income!

23. Start a blog or vlog

Building a blog or vlog around your passion or expertise can generate income through advertising, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing. To earn more, focus on creating valuable and engaging content that attracts a loyal audience.

24. Rent your home

If you have extra space, consider renting it out on platforms like Airbnb. Providing a clean and comfortable space, along with exceptional hospitality, can lead to positive reviews and repeat bookings, thus increasing your income.

More money, more opportunities  

These 24 tips on how to make more money will diversify your income and help you cover more expenses. You can save more money for the next vacation, your retirement, or any other cost. The amount you can earn from these side gigs can vary widely based on your efforts, skills, and the time you invest.

More money will provide you with more opportunities. Give some of these tips a try and focus on the ones that ultimately generate the best results for you!

FAQ

Before you learn how to make money as a content creator, you’ll probably have to try a few strategies. 

And if you need to tackle upfront expenses to become a content creator, MoneyLion can help you explore a wide variety of credit card options tailored to different needs and preferences. 

What is a content creator?

A content creator is anyone who creates content. By internet standards, content can be anything from blog posts, videos, podcasts and tutorials to social media posts and ebooks. 

Influencers, brand ambassadors, photographers, vloggers, streamers, designers, writers, and artists are all content creators. 

How much money do content creators make?

Content creation can be a lucrative career path. The earning potential depends on the type of content, its reach, its value, and the platform.

For example, the Forbes Top Creator list included 50 creators who collectively earned $700 million in 2023. 

How to make money as a content creator in 15 ways

If you have an online presence and are ready to take the plunge, there are many ways to market your content. You could start content creation as a side gig and later take it up full-time when you start earning enough to leave your 9-to-5 job. 

1. Start affiliate marketing

In affiliate marketing, you earn a commission for promoting or selling someone else’s products on your platform. When one of your followers clicks on your unique referral link and buys the product, you get a cut of the sale. 

On average, the affiliate commission rate can range from 5% to 30%, depending on the company and product category. The more followers you have, the more potential buyers you can reach. 

2. Produce user-generated content (UGC)

Brands are increasingly using user-generated content to boost their products’ credibility. As a UGC creator, you get paid to create content that promotes a brand’s product or service. Your content could be a review, a tutorial, an unboxing, or simply incorporating the product into your feed. 

UGC creators make $116,600 a year on average. 

3. Partner with brands for sponsored posts

If you have a decent following, brands can pay you for sponsored posts. The good news is you don’t need to have a following of millions. Micro-influencers, or those with 10,000-50,000 followers, are hot commodities for brands. 

Sponsored post rates depend on your engagement rate. If you have a highly engaged audience, you can charge more. 

4. Create and sell digital products

You can also sell digital products to your audience. Some of these include: 

• Templates
• Ebooks
• Courses
• Fonts and graphics
• Stock photos 

The digital products should be related to your niche. For example, if you have a food-related TikTok account, you can sell an ebook of your favorite recipes or a template for meal planning. 

5. Launch a membership site or exclusive content platform 

Many content creators make money through gated or exclusive content. For example, you can create a membership site where your followers pay a monthly or yearly fee for access to exclusive content, like personalized coaching. 

If you don’t want to create a site of your own, use Patreon. Offer exclusive benefits, like early access, to your Patreon supporters. 

6. Create a YouTube channel and monetize it

Creating and monetizing a YouTube channel is a bit time-consuming, so it’s not for quick earnings. But it’s worth it in the long run. Use YouTube for long-form content. For example, if you share quick makeup tutorials on Instagram or TikTok, create detailed videos and product reviews on YouTube. 

You can monetize your channel through:

• Ads
• Sponsorships
• Affiliate marketing 

Since YouTube can help expand your audience, you’ll also get more buyers for your digital products. 

7. Write an ebook or publish an ebook

If your followers trust your expertise in an area, write an ebook on the subject. For example, as a fitness guru on Instagram, you can write a fitness guide. Publish your ebook on Amazon or sell it through your own website. You can also offer a free chapter as a lead magnet to get people interested in your ebook. 

8. Offer consulting, coaching, or freelancing services 

Again, your expertise comes into play. As a fitness guru, you can offer virtual coaching or create personalized workout plans for your followers. If you’re an artist, offer graphic design or illustration services. Similarly, finance-related content creators can offer consultations to small businesses or individuals. 

Use Zoom or Skype for online consultations and Fiverr for freelancing services. 

9. Land speaking opportunities 

If you’re an established influencer in your niche, you can land speaking opportunities at events or conferences. Dr. Mike on YouTube is a good example. He shares medical knowledge and has been a keynote speaker at various events.

Even if these opportunities are not paid, they can increase your reach, ultimately bringing in potential customers and brand deals. 

10. Launch a podcast and monetize it

You can also launch a podcast discussing topics related to your niche. For instance, a food blogger can start a podcast discussing recipes, international cuisines, cooking tips, and interviewing other food bloggers. 

Monetize your podcast by partnering with relevant brands and running ads. Popular platforms to host a podcast are Spotify, RedCircle, Apple Podcasts, Fusebox, and Buzzsprout. 

11. Create and sell merchandise 

Many big-name influencers have their own merchandise, such as clothing and accessories, with their brand or catchphrase printed on them. You can create items like mugs, t-shirts, caps, bags, and phone cases. Create limited-edition runs to generate urgent hype. 

12. Host in-person or virtual workshops and seminars for a fee

If you have a skill set that others would like to learn, organize in-person or virtual workshops to teach your followers for a fee. These workshops could be a one-time event or recurring. An example would be a travel blogger offering a photography workshop. You can use vFairs or Hopin to host these events. 

13. Pitch guest blog post ideas

Content creators popular in their niches can get paid for guest blogging, too. For example, if you’re a Twitch streamer with a large following, you could get paid to write a guest blog post about the latest gaming title for a popular gaming website. 

14. License your content 

As an artist or photographer, you can make money by licensing your content for commercial use. Sell your content to companies for marketing purposes or advertisements.  

Take note that licensing your content can incur costs such as legal fees for drafting licensing agreements, as well as potential revenue lost if the license agreement restricts your ability to sell the same content to others. 

15. Collaborate with other content creators

Work with other creators in your domain to expand your following. You can collaborate on projects such as joint videos or podcasts. If you have the resources, create merchandise or a product together and split the profits. 

Make money with content creation

You might have guessed that you can make money as a content creator in many ways. You can be an influencer, an affiliate marketer, a YouTuber, an author, and so much more. 

It may not be possible to make money through every channel, and that’s okay. Try different strategies and narrow down what works best for you. Then, focus on growing that content niche to make the most out of it. 

FAQ

Why should you do side hustles as a teen?

Having a side hustle as a teen is important for so many reasons. It is an opportunity to gain work experience and develop skills. You’ll have the chance to earn extra money for personal expenses or savings. And, you can turn some side hustles into a business or profession that you can pursue while in college or instead of college. A side hustle can be a launchpad for your future self, whether in the same career or in helping to build your skills and experiences as you prepare to pursue another career.

15 best side hustles for teens

If you’re ready to start earning more this year, consider the following:

1. Online surveys

Online surveys ask a few questions or require a more in-depth questionnaire. You can participate in online surveys and get paid for sharing your opinions and feedback. Some paid surveys pay very little, but this can be a way to make extra money even in your free time. Consider options like SwagBucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars. Most paid surveys are worth $0.25 to $5.00, but doing more can help to build your income.

PRO TIP! Create additional income by doing surveys and playing games.

2. Data entry jobs

Data entry is a side hustle that you can easily do from home. You could provide data entry services to businesses or organizations remotely. While it can be repetitive, you can easily do data entry from a laptop, tablet or even from your phone. You can find jobs for data entry through sites like FlexJobs. Data entry pay varies by location, but the average salary in California is $18 per hour. You can also build up data entry jobs that you can continue while you’re in college. 

3. Testing Games

Game developers need people to test their new games for glitches. According to a TikTok video from Mark Setlock, you could make up to $36 per hour playing video games. To get started, go to Playtestcloud.com and click the “Become a tester” button in the upper right-hand corner.

4. Content creation

From blogging and vlogging to building your social media following, making your own content online could become a lucrative side hustle as you build an audience. You can also consider creating a podcast, writing an ebook, or creating paid content for businesses. 

If you build your own platform, you can generate revenue through ads, affiliate marketing, product promotion, and other sponsorship. While there are no guaranteed returns, starting to generate revenue in your late teens could help you pay for college or launch a full-time career. 

5. Sell online

Etsy, eBay, Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Unsplash are just a few sites where you can sell items online. You can sell through e-commerce or social media platforms and sell stock photography. Consider reselling items online, creating your own art, pottery, or photography, or building an online business that sells unique items in a niche you’re interested in.

Setting up an online shop is fast, and it could become a consistent revenue stream for you during your teenage years and beyond. 

6. Tutoring services

Just because you’re still in school doesn’t mean you’re not ready to help others. Instead of tutoring in school, there are now opportunities to get paid to tutor younger students online. Online tutoring jobs average $19 an hour, but you can find jobs paying up to $20 an hour or more. This is another income stream you could  build as a teen while at college or as a career. 

7. Become a freelancer

There are so many ways to work online from home these days. These include becoming a writer, graphic designer, video editor, social media manager, web designer, web developer, coder, advertiser, or content creation specialist. 

You’ll need to build a portfolio, polish your resume, practice interviewing for jobs, and start looking for jobs. You can talk to friends and family to see if your real-life connections can help you land a few jobs and positive reviews to build your freelance reputation. 

8. Buying unclaimed mail

If you want an “out of the box” side hustle, consider buying other people’s lost or unclaimed mail. You’ll get to keep what’s inside and can resell it for a profit. You can see Mark Setlock’s TikTok, where he bought a box of unclaimed mail for $99.95 and was able to resell it for $218, making $118 in profit in about an hour’s work. While returns vary based on shipments, this could be a lucrative side hustle. 

9. Organize garage sales

Many people have thousands of dollars worth of stuff in their homes or garages, but organizing it and selling it is too much of a hassle for them. That’s where you come in. You can offer a service that organizes garage sales. Of course, they’ll need to tell you what to sell, but then you can set up tables, price items, and manage the garage sale on the big day. 

This side hustle can fit into your schedule when you have free time, such as over the summer. How much you make depends on how you negotiate with the item’s owner. You can charge by the hour or charge a percentage of sales. 

10. Photography or videography services

If you’re interested in art or are good with your phone’s camera, that could be enough to launch a side hustle. And if you’ve studied photography and have access to a professional camera, then you’ve got the tools you need to launch a photography or videography business. 

Over time, this could become a full-time career, but you can start by charging minimal fees to family and friends to build your reputation and professional experience. 

11. Reselling golf balls

Here’s a creative idea you can try from Mark Setlock on TikTok: If you live near a golf course, you can offer to collect the balls from the ponds or woods for free. Supplies cost around $11. Then, you can wash and organize them by brand and resell them on Marketplace. 

To do this side hustle, it’s a good idea to set up an LLC to protect yourself and make your business more professional. You could make up to $100 an hour or more. 

12. Pet sitting 

You can offer pet-sitting services in your community. You can set up a professional pet-sitting business with a website or just advertise on local social media groups and post flyers on community bulletin boards. Responsibilities and compensation vary by job, but you could have set fees based on the type of pet and the amount of time you’ll need to spend each day caring for them.

13. Babysitting

Creating a babysitting service is one of the oldest side hustles for teens. Parents always need good help. If you can show up on time or early and take good care of kids, ideally making it fun, your services can be in high demand. You can get CPR certification to increase parents’ confidence. 

You can also get together with friends to create a professional babysitting service inspired by the Babysitters Club. Or, for a bigger experience, you can consider a summer nannying job where you live with a family for a month or more and take care of the children during set hours. 

14. Seasonal Work

In another practical TikTok, Mark Setlock suggests buying leaf blowers and going door to door in your neighborhood, charging $50 per yard to clean the leaves. You could make up to $100 per hour. There are also other seasonal opportunities you can consider, from shoveling snow in winter to lifeguarding in summer. 

If you focus on yard work, you can offer a different service each season: leaf blowing and shoveling in fall and winter, weeding in summer, and garden bed prep or planting in spring. 

15. Become a retail or food service crew

Working retail or food service is another classic teen side hustle. While you might only make minimum wage, it can give you valuable experience working in various environments and with colleagues. You can start building your resume, earning some money, and gaining valuable skills in customer service and responsibility. 

Tips on how to start a side hustle for teens

With so many side hustles to choose from, you’ll want to narrow it down. Here are some tips on how to start a side hustle.

• Identify your skills and interests: What do you love to do and what are you great at? Can you turn that into a side hustle, a course, or teach others?
• Set up a budget: You’ll want to be realistic about startup costs. It can be a good idea to start with a lower-cost side hustle and save up before making a big business investment. 
• Determine your target market: What need are you fulfilling? Whose life will you make easier? How can you make their life better? That’s your target audience or target market. 
• Create a marketing plan: Your plan and your business are unique. Will you post local flyers? Spread the word through friends and family. You can also consider advertising online or joining online marketplaces. 
• Establish an online presence: Building your professional or business social media presence can serve as a marketing tool for your business. 
• Start small and gradually scale up: Businesses take time to build. Start with small goals, and as you achieve them, scale your side hustle. With time, you might even be able to hire an employee or bring a friend into the business. 
• Seek guidance from parents or mentors: Your parents or others in your community can help you create and implement a realistic plan. They can also point out possible holes in your side hustle plan and give you ideas to maximize success. 
• Stay committed and dedicated to your side hustle: It can take time to build certain businesses. While some may start to turn a profit right away, others (like content creation) can take time to gain traction. But persistence pays off. Keep learning, refining what you do, and consider finding new opportunities for growth in your side hustle.  

Should you start a side hustle? 

As a teen, you can build valuable skills, gain business experience, and create opportunities that will help carry you into the next phase of life. Making extra money that could jumpstart long-term savings or help pay for college is a bonus. Whether you start one side hustle or several, don’t be afraid to try new things and expand your skills. You may be surprised to find something you love that could become a business or long-term career. 

Want more ideas? You can learn how to get money fast without a loan, find tips for making more money, or how to get $1,000 quickly. 

FAQ 

Estimates suggest that between 55% to 63% of Americans are currently living paycheck to paycheck. If you’re like a lot of other people, then you’ve likely found yourself in a bind and need money today.

The good news is there are plenty of legitimate ways to get the money you need quickly. In this article, we’ll explore 11 different strategies for raising cash on short notice.

How can I get money now? 12 top options 

If you find yourself in a cash crunch and need funds quickly, there are many legitimate ways to get money today. From exploring financing opportunities to earning extra income, here are the top 11 options for getting cash now:

1. Cash advances

Some apps offer cash advances that allow you to access part of your upcoming paycheck at an earlier date without having to take out a loan. 

If you need your money sooner, MoneyLion’s Instacash^SM cash advance product provides you access seamlessly and fast. . You can receive up to $500 with Instacash^SM with no interest, no credit check, and no mandatory fees. If you need the funds within minutes, there is an optional Turbo delivery for a small fee depending on the amount. MoneyLion is here to help you get in control of your finances. 

Simply sign up for MoneyLion or download the app and link your bank account where you receive your paycheck to see if you qualify!

2. Credit builder loan

A credit builder loan can be a good option if you need money today and you’re looking for an accessible way to build or rebuild your credit history.

With a credit builder loan, you’ll apply for a small loan amount, typically up to $1,000. However, instead of receiving the entire loan amount upfront, funds will be placed into a secure account. You’ll then make regular payments over a set term, depending on the repayment period. In the meantime, your lender will report these payments to the major credit bureaus.

After successfully making all the payments on time and in full, you should receive the original loan amount back, minus interest and fees. 

Pro tip! Ready to cash in on your money moves? MoneyLion WOW members unlock exclusive benefits, from cashback¹ to VIP deals² and giveaways³. 

3. Consider exploring personal loans

Personal loans aren’t the most common solution for fast cash. However, many still favor them as borrowers may qualify for several thousands of dollars with repayment periods of up to several months. 

That said, lenders may take some time to review your application. It can range from a couple of business days to over a week, depending on who you work with. For the most part, online lenders tend to work fast.

If you’re curious about what types of personal loans you could qualify for, look no further than MoneyLion. MoneyLion makes it easy to compile various personalized partner offers and find the best fit for your qualifications. 

4. Borrow money from family and friends

If you’re in a bind, try talking to your family and your friends to see whether anyone is willing or able to help you out. There are certain ways you can go about borrowing money from family and friends without jeopardizing your relationship with those people.

Start by setting up a payment plan so that your family or your friends will feel confident in your promise to pay back the money you borrow from them. Having a plan in place is key. You can also offer to trade services for cash like mowing the lawn, taking care of the house, and babysitting.

5. Get a second job

Getting a second job is a great way to make money fast. The best part about this plan of action is that you won’t owe anyone money. There are many ways to get a job making money from home, so make sure to explore online opportunities. 

The great thing about side hustles is that you can usually find a job you are passionate about and turn it into your primary income stream over time. It can also be a great way to try out a new career before taking the plunge in that direction.

Need a car to get started? Drive your way to earnings with HyreCar — the perfect solution to rent a car for rideshare and delivery services.

6. List stuff you don’t need for sale online

You’re bound to have something valuable hanging around the house that you no longer want, so why not try selling it? Ask yourself, “Do I need this item?” If the answer is no, it can be a good idea to sell the item for money.

Websites like eBay or Poshmark are great places to sell your valuables quickly and safely. For instance, maybe you have some valuable comic books or vintage clothes lying around that you can put up for sale online. Just keep in mind that if you’re looking for a faster sale, marking an item at a considerable discount can work in your favor. 

7. Request a payroll advance from your employer

Some companies will provide an advance on your upcoming paycheck in cases of financial hardship or unexpected expenses. If available, it can be a great option if you need money today since most employers won’t charge interest or fees.

The downside, however, is that your next paycheck will be smaller. Make sure to talk to your boss or employer to understand if it’s a possibility for your situation. 

8. Pawn or sell valuables

Take jewelry, electronics, collectibles, etc. to a pawnshop for a short-term loan using them as collateral. Or simply sell items outright. Pawnshops will typically lend you a portion of an item’s resale value which you can then pay back with interest to retrieve your item. This allows you to get cash quickly while still maintaining ownership if you repay the loan. The downside is losing the item if you default on payments.

9. Look for community and assistance programs

Local churches, nonprofits, and charitable organizations sometimes have emergency cash assistance funds available. These programs may provide small grants or interest-free loans to community members experiencing temporary financial hardship due to job loss, medical bills, or other unexpected circumstances. 

The amounts tend to be limited, usually no more than a few hundred dollars, but can help cover basic needs like rent, utilities, or groceries during a crisis.

To find local assistance options, you can call 211 or visit 211.org which connects people with health, crisis, and disaster support resources in their area. Another option is contacting local churches or religious organizations or The Salvation Army to ask about cash assistance and other forms of help. 

10. Earn quick cash on a gig or freelance app

Consider signing up to do rideshare driving, food/package delivery, freelance tasks, moving help, repair work, and more to earn money instantly on apps like Uber, DoorDash, Fiverr, Taskrabbit, Instacart, etc. The gig economy has made it incredibly easy to start making money right away by putting your existing skills and assets to work. 

You can drive using your personal vehicle, do deliveries by bike or car, rent out a room through Airbnb, or take on micro-gigs and odd jobs through labor apps and websites.

The beauty of these platforms is you can typically sign up and start accepting paid work shortly after. There’s flexibility to work as little or as much as needed around your schedule. 

11. Become a dog or cat sitter

Love animals? You can make a decent side income by providing dog-walking or cat-sitting services. This is ideal if you live in a close-knit community because then you can go door-to-door offering your services to neighbors. Plus, if you’re good at what you do, you could get hired regularly, turning your dog walking and sitting skills into another ongoing income stream for you.

12. Change your cell phone plan

Sometimes, simple adjustments to your regular monthly expenses will save you the most money in the end. Call your phone service provider and ask about changing your cell phone plan.

Inquire about any discounts or deals, too. You’ll be surprised to learn about the massive savings you can achieve by simply changing your cell phone plan, which will free up money that you can put toward other expenses or purchases.

If you’re looking to switch, check out TruConnect — enjoy unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data, plus get anAndroid^SM smartphone, all at no cost if you qualify!

Best practices to keep in mind if you need money today

If you’re in a bind and need money right now, and decide to take out a financial product, you’ll want to be mindful of the following best practices. 

1. Beware of predatory lenders 

While a financial crunch can feel desperate, it’s crucial to avoid the trap of predatory lenders. These lenders take advantage of people’s circumstances by charging outrageous interest rates and burying excessive fees in the fine print. 

Payday loans, car title loans, and similar offers can quickly lead to an endless cycle of debt that could wreak havoc on your finances over the long run. 

Several red flags could indicate whether a lender may be engaging in predatory lending practices. First, be wary of any lender that is not fully transparent about fees and interest rates upfront or that buries excessive fees in dense legalese. 

Another telltale sign is lenders that pressure unscrupulous sales tactics or that make the loan process seem unnaturally easy without proof of income or ability to repay. 

Overall, make sure to only work with reputable lenders backed by credible institutions. A little online research can go a long way in helping you safeguard your finances. 

2. Only borrow what you need

It can be tempting to take out a larger loan than strictly necessary, but avoiding that temptation may be able to save you money – or even headaches down the line. 

Practicing discipline to borrow only what you need can help prevent the situation from snowballing into unmanageable debt. A small loan today is far easier to pay back quickly compared to an oversized one you’ll be chipping away at for months.

3. Read the terms and conditions carefully

No matter what type of financing product you pursue, be sure to thoroughly read through all the terms and conditions before signing any agreement. The fine print can contain details about additional fees, penalties for late payments, requirements for collateral, rules around early payoff, and other crucial information. 

Taking the time to understand exactly what you’re committing to can help avoid unpleasant surprises and hidden costs down the road. Don’t just skim – carefully review all the disclosures so you know precisely what you’re getting into. And don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Get money for what matters most

There are many ways to get money if you need it today, but it’s important you pick the option that’s best for you. Let MoneyLion help you get money for what matters most. 

FAQ

Are you ready to earn money online? You don’t have to quit your job or give up other responsibilities. Read on for the best ideas for how to make money online this year. 

Find side gigs designed around your time.

50 ways to make money online in 2024

While there are no easy ways to make money, you could build multiple online income streams with some creativity and persistence. If you’re looking to boost your income, get money fast without a loan, or make $1,000 quickly, here are 50 easy ways to make money online and put more in your pocket this year.

1. Start a blog

Create a blog around a specific niche and monetize it through advertising, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing. Maybe you’re thinking, “How can I make money?” Write a blog about that. While a blog usually takes time to build traffic and monetize, if you’re passionate about writing, it can be a source of long-term income, especially if you choose a specific niche such as making money for students or money-making for retirees. 

2. Write a book

If you have more to say than can fit in a blog or you’ve got a fun story to tell, try writing a book and then publish and monetize it through sites like Barnes & Noble Press or Amazon. You don’t have to write a full book. Consider a short guide or small book to get started. 

3. Play games

Some apps like the Earn App will give you money just for playing games or listening to music. Rewarded Play, Swagbucks, or Bingo Cash are other options. And new options emerge regularly, so it’s worth checking these opportunities. 

4. YouTube channel

Create and monetize a YouTube channel by publishing videos on various topics and earning money through ads and sponsorships. While this takes time and dedication, it can become a passive income stream over time. To get started, follow successful channels in the niche you’re pursuing, and consider making your own version of some of their popular videos. 

5. Online surveys

Participate in online surveys and get paid for sharing your opinions and feedback. Some paid surveys pay very little, but this can be a way to make extra money even while riding public transport or waiting for your children. Consider options like SwagBucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars.

PRO TIP! Create additional income by doing surveys and playing games with KashKick

6. Focus groups

Participate in market research studies or focus groups and get paid for sharing your opinions through Respondent. You can also get paid to moderate and facilitate online focus group discussions for market research. Focusgroups.org is a good starting point for finding paid opportunities. 

7. Freelance writing

Offer your writing services to clients and get paid for creating content like articles, blog posts or copywriting. Check out who’s hiring on sites like Freelancer.com, Upwork, or Fiver. You can also offer select service packages for writing specializations, like creating a market package for small businesses or helping high school students edit and refine their college application essays. 

8. Become a mock juror

Attorneys sometimes need to test how their cases will play out in a jury. This is a fulfilling option for law students or anyone interested in learning more about the legal system. Sign up to get paid as a mock juror through platforms like EJury and Online Verdict.

9. Teach online classes

You can teach fitness or cooking classes over Zoom, turning your passion into a way to earn money. For example, you can get paid to host online classes over the platform Festi. But there are so many more options out there. You can teach English online, offer math tutoring for elementary-aged students, or get paid to teach anything else. 

You’ll need to build a following if you’re marketing your classes independently, but many established platforms are hiring teachers who could start earning $10 to $50 or more per hour. 

10. Virtual assistant

Provide administrative support to individuals or businesses remotely, handling tasks like email management, scheduling or data entry. Sites like 24/7 Virtual Assistants and FancyHands give easy access to those gigs. 

11. Online tutoring

Share your knowledge and skills by tutoring students online in subjects like math, language or for test preparation. You can market yourself and get matched with students over platforms like Tutor.com and Cambly.

12. Dropshipping or print-on-demand

Start an online store without inventory by partnering with suppliers who handle product storage, packaging, and shipping. This can be a simple way to earn extra money, especially if you have an existing online presence or following. 

13. Social media management

Help businesses manage their social media accounts, create content, engage with followers, and grow their online presence. You can find gigs like that through the platform Working Not Working and traditional job listing sites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Upwork, or Fiverr. 

14. Online coaching or consulting

If you’re already a coach or consultant, this can translate into an online career. Even without coaching experience, you can take courses or gain certification to connect with people globally and help them achieve their goals. 

You can offer your expertise in areas like business, health or personal development, providing one-on-one or group coaching sessions. Websites like Kajabi help people get started.

15. Graphic design

If you’re artistic and looking for an outlet that lets you earn money for your creativity, check out sites like Fiverr, which connect you with people who need your services. You can also market your artwork on sites like Pinterest or apply for freelance graphic design jobs with companies throughout the country. You can use your design skills to create logos, marketing materials, or digital assets for clients.

16. Share your internet connection

While it may not be the safest option on the list, it requires nearly no effort. You can let people use your internet over Honey Gain. Some people earn $55 a month by doing nothing at all. 

17. Store stuff

Some people need more storage. If you have extra space, this is another possible passive income stream. You can meet with people over Neighbor.com and offer your unused space as a storage facility. How much you’ll make depends on the space, size, and location, but if it’s otherwise unused, it can help you bring in some extra each month. 

18. E-commerce store

E-commerce is booming. You can sell physical products online through platforms like Shopify, Etsy, Uncommon Goods, or Amazon. Before starting, research products that perform well, and ideally, choose a product that is in high demand with low availability to increase sales quickly. 

19. App development

Develop and sell mobile apps for smartphones or tablets. Look for someone in need of help over AirTasker.com or AppyPie. If you’re new to app development but have a web development background, software is available to make it easier than ever to learn the skills to build an app from the ground up. 

20. Podcasting

Podcasting keeps growing. It’s fun, it’s creative, and it can bring in significant advertising dollars as your podcast grows. Start a podcast, grow your audience, and monetize it through sponsorships, advertising, or crowdfunding.

21. Language translation

If you speak more than one language fluently, your skills are in high demand. Offer translation services for documents, websites, or audio/video content. Sites like Unbabel and Gengo can set you up with a translation gig. 

In addition, some countries now have a concierge translator service for businesses. In that case, you’ll be on call for set hours if the business needs translation in your registered languages. 

22. Web design

Web design can be a full-time career or a side hustle. You can create visually appealing and functional websites for individuals or businesses. If you have a graphic design background, this is an easy transition, but anyone can learn the fundamentals of design and coding necessary to be a successful web designer. 

23. Software development

While software development is a lucrative career in high demand, it can also be a way to earn extra money. You can develop and sell software or digital tools to solve specific problems or cater to niche markets. Consider unique applications of your skills or freelance opportunities posted on traditional job sites. 

24. Influencer marketing

To become an influencer, you’ll first need to build a large social media following. However, large is relative as many brands are looking to “micro-influencers” who have under 10k or 100k followers as a more affordable way to get an authentic brand promotion. 

You can collaborate with brands as an influencer to promote their products or services and earn a commission for every sale or referral made through your affiliate links.

25. Make music

If you’re a musician who was waiting for a big break – don’t wait any longer! Over the platform SongFinch, users can create music that people specifically request. Writers, producers and artists all keep their own rights to the songs and get paid for their use.  

26. Podcast editing

Audio editing is a unique, high-demand skill that can serve everyone from major companies to small home podcasters. You can offer audio editing services to podcasters to enhance the quality of their episodes or help companies build their brand reputation. As a bonus, you’ll get to hear and learn from podcasts you might not otherwise listen to.

27. Travel agent

Travel agents are a full-time career with stable demand. As a virtual travel agent, you can help individuals or businesses book flights, hotels, and vacation packages. You can also set up a specialized or concierge travel service. For example, you might offer curated family experiences or exclusive luxury travel experiences. 

28. Domain flipping

Since the inception of the Internet, buying and selling domain names has been a lucrative hobby or side hustle. You can make money online from home by buying and improving existing websites and then selling them at a higher price. For example, you can buy low-cost domains on sites like Godaddy, develop them, publish them, and “age” them before reselling them in a year or two. 

29. Web development

Web development relies heavily on coding expertise and backend functions. If you gain a reputation for highly functional, fast-loading, and well-optimized websites, you can gain good client referrals and build and customize websites for clients based on their specific needs.

30. Online advertising

Manage pay-per-click (PPC) advertising campaigns for businesses to drive traffic and generate leads. Consider specializing in a specific platform like Google Ads, Facebook, or Instagram or creating advertising funnels. You can market your online advertising service on job and freelancer sites like Upwork. 

31. Stock trading

Buy and sell stocks, commodities or currencies online to help profit from market fluctuations. Whether you choose day trading or a long-term investment strategy, gaining the tools and understanding to make informed decisions is essential. Educate yourself on individual stocks and both fundamental and technical analysis to improve your chances of success and understand risk mitigation and analysis strategies. There is no guarantee that you will make money with investing. Investing and purchasing crypto currency is always subject to risk of loss, including loss of principal.

32. Virtual events or conference organizing

Assist in planning and coordinating virtual events, conferences or webinars. Like an events planner, this can be a highly intensive full-time career. However, if you like the comfort of working from home with the skill to manage many parts coming together, this career could be a good fit. 

33. Data entry

Provide data entry services to businesses or organizations remotely. While some data entry jobs have been automated with AI, these are still in demand. Find jobs for data entry through sites like FlexJobs. 

34. Voice-over work

Of course, you’ll need a background in this career or some initial training, but using your voice can be a way to earn money at home. Use your voice to record audio for commercials, audiobooks, e-learning courses, or videos. You can also create your own e-learning courses, videos, or audiobooks and post them on your YouTube channel.

35. Online market research

Conduct research and analysis for businesses, providing insights into market trends and customer preferences. This is a highly valued career that can give businesses deeper market insights into businesses of all sizes and help drive growth. Many companies also hire market research professionals in full-time remote positions. 

36. Transcription

You can also consider transcription jobs where you transcribe meeting recordings or other audio files. Transcribe audio or video files for clients, converting spoken content into written form. Sites like Rev and TranscribeMe help you get paid for that service. 

37. Virtual tech support

Provide technical support to individuals or businesses remotely, helping them troubleshoot software or hardware issues. Apple and many other computer or phone manufacturers and tech companies offer online tech support. This is a career you could (potentially) do from anywhere in the world. 

38. Online fundraising

Fundraising can be a profitable business. You can offer your services to organizations with a percentage fee of funds raised (typically 5% to 10%). You can also organize and promote fundraising campaigns for charitable causes or personal projects.

39. Resume writing

Did you know whole companies are built around perfecting resumes? If you’re great at resume writing, consider becoming a professional resume writer. Offer professional resume writing services to job seekers, helping them craft effective resumes.

40. Website testing

Test and review websites for usability, functionality, and user experience. Sometimes, it may take as little as 10 minutes to test a website, so this is an online income option that you can fit around other responsibilities or do in your free time. 

41. Social media advertising

Related to online advertising, social media advertising is an opportunity to help companies grow organically. In this role, you’ll manage social media advertising campaigns for businesses to increase their online visibility and reach. You can build a network of influencers and other connections to match businesses with influencers and place ads to expand reach. 

42. SEO consulting

SEO is the foundation of building traction on websites, blogs, social media, and even YouTube. Through search engine optimization techniques, you can help businesses improve their website’s search engine rankings and organic traffic. In-depth SEO expertise and keyword research, plus a track record of success in helping companies rank organically, can help you turn this from a side hustle into a full-time career. 

43. Online dating consulting

If you’re great with connections and looking for a niche career, consider becoming an online dating consultant. You can provide guidance and advice to individuals seeking help with online dating profiles and strategies. While not for everyone, if this is one of your strengths, you could turn it into a side hustle or career. 

44. Event planning

Event planning for weddings, graduation parties, business conferences, and other major events remains a highly sought-after profession. You can take that profession online by planning and coordinating in-person events remotely and online. You will find locations and organize vendors, as well as coordinate logistics to pull off a seamless event. 

45. Selling photos

Take photos of beautiful scenes or generic things news stations and documentaries might want to use, then sell them online over Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Unsplash. You can also create a free sample portfolio to build your reputation. Related to this, you can sell prints of your photos.

46. Remote bookkeeping

Accounting and bookkeeping can generally be done from anywhere. If you have the skills to provide bookkeeping services, you can offer them online. Provide bookkeeping and accounting services to businesses remotely. If you want to do this either part-time or full-time, you can look for remote job postings on most job sites looking for accountants or bookkeepers. 

47. Online legal consulting

If you’re a lawyer, the days of showing up in an office in a suit could be over. There are various opportunities to offer legal services online. You can offer clients legal advice and consulting services through virtual platforms from Upwork or Fiver or apply to work with larger companies like Rocket Lawyer or LegalZoom. 

48. Virtual interior design

If you love creating beauty and renewing spaces, consider offering your services virtually. You can provide interior design services, helping clients remotely decorate and design their spaces. Depending on your location and expertise, you can also help clients with sourcing virtually. List your services on sites like Upwork and Fiverr, or establish your own company website and build a client base through social media advertising and word of mouth. 

49. Online research and fact-checking

Finding reliable information is more valuable than ever. If you’re good at researching, it could become a side hustle or a career. You can conduct research and fact-checking tasks for individuals or businesses, providing accurate information on specific topics. This work could be paid hourly, by project, or as an ongoing contract position. 

50. Virtual landscape architect

This is two-for-one. You could easily work as an architect online through another company or your own architectural firm. You could also be an online landscape architect, helping companies and individuals design beautiful outdoor spaces. 

You can list your services on sites like Upwork and Fiverr or establish your own company website and build a client base through social media advertising and word of mouth. 

Should You Work Online? 

In the age of side hustles, having multiple income streams has become necessary for many families. Your time is more valuable than ever, so while you could pursue 50 side hustles, it’s wise to consider a balance or return on time and income-generating potential to find a fit for your lifestyle.   

How to earn money online doesn’t have to be complex. You’ll need to brainstorm your skills and unique offerings and see where you could start earning right away and where you have greater opportunities in the future. 

FAQ

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about how the DoorDash service works and how to use it to pull in $500 or more weekly. For other side gig ideas, download MoneyLion and see other ways to earn more.

What is DoorDash?

DoorDash Inc. is a technology-driven food delivery service that operates in over 7,000 cities across the U.S., connecting hungry patrons with local restaurants.  

Food orders are delivered by freelance drivers known as Dashers, who only need a smartphone and a car, scooter, or bicycle to make deliveries.

What does DoorDash pay?

Dashers are paid per food order delivered. The pay can fluctuate based on the time of day, location, and number of orders.

Total payment comprises base pay for delivery, customer tips, and any regular promotions the company runs.

Earnings can be paid: 

• Weekly via direct deposit to your bank account
• Daily with a Fast Pay option that requires a bank account with a linked debit card
• Instantly through DasherDirect, a prepaid debit card you can apply for through DoorDash

How is it possible to make $500 a week with DoorDash?

DoorDash is among the jobs we’ve identified that can provide some quick cash each week. Here’s how to make $500 per week with DoorDash.

According to salary data published by Indeed, the average Dasher earns $18.13 per hour. To earn $500 per week, they would need to make deliveries for roughly four hours a day, totaling 28 hours ($18.13 x 28 = $507.64) per week.

Some drivers earn as much as $20 to $30 per hour by applying specific tips and strategies like those mentioned below.

13 tips and strategies on how to make $500 a week with DoorDash

Without further ado, here’s a baker’s dozen income-boosting tips from seasoned Dashers.

1. Take advantage of guaranteed earning incentives

DoorDash periodically notifies Dashers of upcoming guaranteed earning opportunities, such as “make 50 deliveries in the next week to guarantee $500 in earnings.”

These guarantees set a floor for what you can earn that week, provided you hit the activity target. If you earn more, you keep what you make; if you earn less, DoorDash will make up the difference to get you to the guaranteed amount.

2. Try the new earn-by-time mode

DoorDash recently introduced an option for Dashers to opt for an earn-by-time mode, with a guaranteed hourly rate for making deliveries. Drivers who choose this mode earn an hourly rate (instead of the usual base pay per delivery) plus 100% of all tips and payouts for any applicable promotions.

DoorDash assigns deliveries, and you can decline up to one assignment per hour. You must accept all the rest or shift back to earn-by-offer mode.

3. Stay informed about any promotions or bonuses

DoorDash frequently offers promotions to be on the lookout for.

The company often gives extra cash bonuses to Dashers for completing certain challenges in a specified timeframe. Such a challenge might be, “Complete 15 deliveries over the next three days for an extra $20.”

Another promotion type to be aware of is Peak Pay incentives. When these are in effect, Dashers can earn more per delivery. For example, you might be able to earn an extra $2in downtown Chicago between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

A delivery will count toward both a challenge and a peak period if they’re running concurrently.

4. Consider multi-apping

Dashers have found that signing on with similar app-based services, such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, Instacart, Amazon Flex, Walmart Spark, and ParaWorks, can make sense.

Imagine you have a delivery for DoorDash going to a certain neighborhood. At the same time, Uber Eats and Grubhub have similar requests from either the same or another nearby restaurant going to the same neighborhood.

In this scenario, you could dramatically increase your earnings by completing all three deliveries in roughly the same time it would have taken you to complete just one with DoorDash alone.

5. Find the most popular restaurants and hotspots

If you want to catch fish, go where they’re biting. If you want to make good money as a Dasher, go where the business is.

A corporate park may be bustling with lunch deliveries, while dinner will likely be hotter in residential areas. DoorDash highlights clusters of popular restaurants so you can position your delivery activities in or near a hotspot — or two, if you can get it.

6. Accept group orders

DoorDash offers the chance to deliver “batched” orders from the same restaurants for delivery as a group or in quick succession along the route to delivery for the first order. Dashers can increase their per-delivery payment by accepting these additional offers.

7. Work during peak hours and on weekends

It should come as no surprise that the high-demand periods are during the week at lunch and dinnertime and over the weekends. To be on track to make $500 per week as a Dasher, you’ll want to take full advantage of these peak times.

8. Be selective with the orders you accept

As a Dasher, there’s a definite benefit to only taking those deliveries that make the most sense for you.

Working with a restaurant where you have a good relationship, delivering to more familiar neighborhoods, and accepting larger orders with potentially higher tips are all excellent ways to be more efficient and profitable.

9. Deliver on your way home

Seasoned Dashers recommend using the trip home to get in one last delivery.

Assuming that the average order is around $30, and the average tip for delivery is in the 15% to 20% range, delivering one extra order that’s on your route home can equate to a $4.50 to $6 tip. Do that for four days and you could end up with an extra $18 to $25 per week. After four weeks, you’ll have made an additional $72 to $100.

10. Test different markets

When you’re getting started, it’s wise to try delivering in different areas at different times to learn which locations work best for you.

Make a list of places you think might be hotspots, then rotate through them over several different days and times and narrow down the zones that work best for you.  

11. Provide exceptional customer service

Tips will play a big role if you want to earn $500 per week or more routinely. To generate above-average tips, you need to provide exceptional service — be on time, smile, and offer extra touches like greeting customers by name when possible.

12. Track your income and expenses

There are two main reasons to track your income and expenses as a Dasher.

The first is to see when and where you’re making the most money. This will go a long way toward helping you pick the right hotspots to cover in the future. The second is that, as an independent contractor, you’re responsible for tracking income and expenses for tax purposes.

13. Adopt a businessman’s mindset

As a Dasher, you’re essentially in business for yourself. Apply that mentality to every decision you make and invest your time and resources to maximize earnings and minimize expenses.

Dash your way to $500 a week

When you implement the tips and strategies outlined here, you’ll be well on your way to pulling in a minimum of $500 a week with DoorDash.

Dash on!

Need a car to get started? Drive your way to earnings with HyreCar — the perfect solution to rent a car for rideshare and delivery services.

FAQ