Summer is filled with opportunities to eat out, travel, or just have fun. Working towards some extra dough will give you just the wiggle room to make the most of your summer. Here’s our take on the top 21 summer jobs for college students in 2024!

Find side gigs designed around your time this summer!

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Where to find good summer jobs for college students

College career centers are an excellent resource for finding summer jobs and internships. Retail, restaurants, camps, and local businesses often ramp up hiring for the summer months. Online job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn allow you to search for “summer” positions. And don’t overlook opportunities on campus! Many departments hire students for the summer to assist with projects, events, and more.

21 popular summer jobs for college students jobs

Employers always appreciate summer help, and many students have the time to provide it. Here are some of the most popular, and even high-paying summer jobs for college students.

1. Dog walker

Animal lovers can earn an average of $14.85 per hour walking dogs. Work with an established dog-walking company, or contact your local animal shelter to network with potential customers. You can also always reach out to friends and neighbors and get started through word of mouth.

2. Tour guide

Put your undergraduate education to use by working as a tour guide. Check with your local museum or historic sites for openings. Pay averages at $15.54 per hour, but you may earn more in a specialized area. 

3. Lifeguard instructor

If you have experience as a lifeguard, pass on your skills by becoming a lifeguard instructor. You’ll need to be certified in CPR, AED, and first aid and must pass a course to become an instructor. Pay varies by state, but you can expect to earn $15 per hour once certified.

4. Retail associate

Retailers look for seasonal help during the summer months. Check online job listings or keep your eyes peeled for “help wanted” signs at your local store. The average retail associate earns over $17 per hour, and some industries offer commissions based on sales.

5. Event staff

Event staff earn an average of $32.56 per hour, though hours may be limited to the event itself. Local temp agencies are a great place to find these positions, though universities may also need help with things like food, ticket sales, and parking.

6. Freelance writer

Freelance writers make anywhere from $15 to $85 per hour, depending on your education and industry niche. Websites like Fiverr or Upwork help you connect to potential clients. Set your own hours, or continue working (remotely) even during the school year.

7. Gardener

Local lawn care companies may be looking for extra summer help, or you can contact your neighbors to start a freelance business. Gardeners typically earn $18.64 per hour nationwide. If you don’t mind the hard work, you can often get up to full-time hours.

8. Tutor

Tutoring can be a great way to receive payment while giving back to your community. On average, tutors earn $16.35 per hour. You can start freelancing with parents in your area. Alternatively, you can consider becoming an online tutor through sites like tutor.com, which may give you more hours.

9. Social media coordinator

Those with experience in digital marketing might seek the position of a social media coordinator. Some companies have internship opportunities that let you gain experience and a paycheck. Career sites can help you find these roles, which offer an average salary of $24.19 per hour.

10. Camp counselor

Those who like kids and the outdoors might enjoy becoming camp counselors. The average pay is $14.98 per hour but often includes perks like free meals or lodging. Local religious organizations may have particular needs, as may the Boys and Girls Club. Hours vary but likely involve overnight trips.

11. Take online surveys

Sites like SwagBucks connect you to surveys, some of which pay up to $25 to complete. Be aware that you won’t qualify for every survey, and some rewards come in the form of gift cards. Still, it’s an easy way to earn some extra cash without leaving the couch.

12. Babysitter

Babysitters earn an average of $23.61 per hour. Hours may be limited if you only work for people you know. Advertising on sites like Care.com can help you connect to a broader network of clients. Babysitting can be a great gig, and it’s also one of the top high-paying summer jobs for college students.

13. Park ranger

If you live near a National or State Park, you could earn $21 per hour as a park ranger. While many parks require a bachelor’s degree, you may be able to find an internship, especially if you’re majoring in forestry or ecology.

14. Hotel housekeeping

Hotels see more business during the summer. Search career sites or find hotels in your community to apply. Hotel housekeepers make roughly $15.00 per hour. During the summer, you may find opportunities to work full-time.

15. Office assistant

Companies may offer internships as office assistants, though others may simply be open to summer help. Hours depend on the company, but full-time work may be available. Check with your school or college for internship opportunities or search career sites for positions that pay an average of $15.12 per hour.

16. Content creator

Creative professionals can make content for websites and social media pages. This includes freelance photography, writing, and web design. Selling stock photos on sites like iStock.com can provide passive income. Keep in mind that earnings vary widely, so be prepared to find your niche.

17. Golf caddy

Check with your local golf course for caddying opportunities. An average caddy earns $17.71 per hour, though you can often earn more from tips. Hours may vary, but caddying for multiple players can make this a lucrative summer job.

18. Ice cream scooper

Ice cream scoopers make an average of $15.00 per hour, and busy summers may make hours rise to nearly full-time. Search career sites or find local ice cream parlors to inquire about summer help.

19. Summer school teacher

While some regions may require a teaching credential, recent college graduates might consider applying through their local school board to teach summer school. You’ll work full-time and earn over $24 per hour. 

20. Food delivery driver

Drivers for services like Uber Eats or Grubhub set their own hours and make an average of $20.63 per hour before tips. By following certain strategies, such as working during the busy lunch and dinner rushes you can often earn as much or as little as you’d like.

21. Language translator

Do you speak another language? Check whether your local court or school system could use you as an interpreter, for which you make anywhere from $27 to $36 per hour. Hours may be limited based on need, but this could be a worthwhile pursuit if you live in a diverse community.

Using summer jobs as a stepping stone

Summer jobs for college students can be a stepping stone to a future career. Finding your niche is valuable in and of itself, and a summer job could provide the means to pay for your past and future education. Plus, you can’t go wrong when it comes to earning some extra side income for summer fun.

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

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 

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

15 ways to get fast money

Some of these ideas could turn into permanent side hustles, providing you with ongoing income opportunities. If you’re ready to discover these money-making secrets, read on.

By the way, MoneyLion can help you find side gigs designed around your time.

1. Take advantage of online survey sites

Did you know that you can earn money by simply sharing your opinions online? Legit survey websites pay you for completing surveys on various topics. It’s an easy and fun way to make some pocket money quickly.

2. Organize a garage sale

Declutter your space and turn unused items into cash. Organizing a garage sale allows you to sell things you no longer need, like old toys, clothes, or household items. You make fast money and create a tidier living environment.

3. Sell your gift cards

Did you know that 47% of Americans have at least one gift card they haven’t used? According to a study by CreditCards.com, the average amount of unused gift cards per person is $175. But don’t worry, you can turn those neglected gift cards into cash.

Websites like Raise act as a marketplace for gift cards. You have the power to set the discount for your card, and you can see what discounts others are offering for similar gift cards. It’s a win-win situation, but you won’t get the money until someone buys your gift card.

4. Use cashback apps

Cashback apps and receipt-scanning programs are fantastic ways to earn money while shopping for everyday items. Here are some popular cashback apps and receipt-scanning programs you can start using to save and earn money:

Rakuten: Rakuten offers cashback and coupon codes for online shopping. Shop through the app or website, and you’ll earn cashback on eligible purchases from various retailers.

Honey: Honey is a browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout when you’re shopping online. It also has a cashback feature that allows you to earn rewards for your purchases.

Ibotta: Ibotta is a popular receipt-scanning app that offers cashback on groceries, online purchases, and mobile in-app purchases. Just take a photo of your receipt and unlock rewards for qualifying products.

5. Get money from your retirement accounts

This option is a bit more serious and should be considered carefully. But if you have a retirement account, you might be able to take out a loan against it or make a hardship withdrawal if you’re facing financial difficulties. Remember that retirement savings are meant for the long term, and penalties typically apply if you’re younger than a certain age, so use this option wisely.

6. Collect money the IRS owes you

If you paid too much in taxes or qualified for certain tax credits, you could be eligible for a tax refund. To claim your money, you’ll need to file a tax return if you haven’t done so already. Check the IRS website for the current tax filing deadline and gather all the necessary documents like W-2 forms or 1099s. 

Once you submit your tax return, the IRS will process it, and if you’re owed a refund, it will send you a check or deposit the money directly into your bank account. The potential income from this method varies depending on your tax situation, but it can be a substantial sum. You can typically receive your refund within a few weeks after filing, but it might take longer during the peak tax season.

7. Offer car repair services

If you’re handy with cars and enjoy fixing things, offering car repair services can be a rewarding side hustle. Start by advertising your skills to friends, family, and neighbors, and consider creating business cards or flyers to distribute in your community. You could offer services like oil changes, brake repairs, or basic maintenance tasks.

8. Explore affiliate marketing 

Affiliate marketing is a cool way to make money by promoting products or services from other companies. You sign up as an affiliate with a company or join an affiliate marketing platform like Amazon Associates. The platform will give you special links called affiliate links and when someone clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission from the sale. You can pretty much promote the links anywhere you want, like a blog or your social media. The key is to get creative when looking for ways to make extra cash. 

9. Search for loose change

You’d be surprised how loose change can add up. Start by checking your pockets, bags, and couch cushions for spare coins. Once you’ve gathered all the loose change, take it to a coin-counting machine at a local grocery store or bank. Some machines may charge a small fee for counting, but you’ll walk away with cash in hand. 

10. Apply as a dog sitter

Love spending time with furry friends? Dog sitting might be the perfect gig for you. To get started, let your friends, family, and neighbors know you’re available to take care of their dogs when they’re away. You can also sign up on popular dog-sitting platforms like Rover or Wag to find potential clients. 

11. Become a delivery or rideshare driver

If you have a car and some spare time, becoming a delivery or rideshare driver can be a great way to earn money on your own schedule. To start, sign up with popular delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates, or rideshare platforms like Uber or Lyft. 

12. Flip free stuff

People often give away free stuff they no longer need. Keep an eye on websites like Craigslist, Freecycle, or local Facebook groups where people offer items for free. Look for items in good condition that you think you can sell for a profit. 

13. Sell stock photos

Do you enjoy photography? You can turn your hobby into a money-making venture by selling stock photos. Many websites, like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock, allow photographers to upload and sell their images to businesses, bloggers, and designers. To get started, create an account on a stock photo platform and submit your best photos. 

14. Change your cell phone plan

If you’re looking to save some money each month, consider changing your cell phone plan. Evaluate your usage and compare plans from different providers to find one that fits your needs and budget. Look for promotions, discounts, or family plans that offer better deals. By switching to a more cost-effective plan, you can potentially save a significant amount of money each month, which adds up over time.

15. Sell spare electronics

Got some old or unused electronics lying around? You can turn them into cash! Check whether there’s a demand for your items by searching on platforms like eBay or Gazelle. Take clear photos and write detailed descriptions of your electronics to attract potential buyers. You can also sell them locally through classified websites or in-person marketplaces.

Quick-cash ventures 

There you have it — 15 awesome ways to get quick cash when you need it the most. And who knows, one of these side hustles might turn into a permanent gig that brings in consistent income.

Remember, whether you’re saving for a special occasion or facing an unexpected financial challenge, there are plenty of creative and practical ways to boost your bank account without taking out a loan. The key is to explore your interests and skills, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

If you decide a loan is the right option, the key is to do your research and borrow responsibly. 

FAQ

The gender wage gap is real. And we’re here to help you do more than just deal with it, with tips on how to make more money right now.

First, let’s talk career. To make waves in your career that will up your take-home pay, you can negotiate and move (or move on). We’ll break down for you:

1. Negotiate: If you’re looking for a job, approach salary as a conversation and make the company make you an offer first. Their starting point can give you leverage you need to get the paycheck you want. If you have a job but feel you deserve a raise–ask for it! But research first. Provide a number you feel is fair and consider adding some margin on top for negotiation, and then stand by it. Let them make the next move (even if there’s an awkward silence in the room). It could be your golden ticket to the outcome you want. 
2. Move or Move on: If you’re not getting what you deserve, go after it. You could land a bigger pay day with a lateral move to a different role at the same company–up to 10% more. And if all else fails, consider moving on. Studies show that people who change jobs every 1-2 years earn 14.3% more than those who don’t. 

And don’t sleep on benefits! Benefits are a great way to get serious rewards that can help you earn or save more money, like in home office and wellness stipends or or laundry service and free meals. Money talks, but so do perks when they’re lowering your monthly bills. Find ways to level up your 9-5 right in the MoneyLion app.

Next, think beyond your 9-5. Turn your passion into a hobby that pays. Literally. You could even become a professional friend. (Yep, it’s a thing. Look it up.) 

Here are some side hustles to check out right now:

• Like to write? Flex your skills as a freelancer! Copyediting can earn you up to $20K per year–and from the comfort of your own home.

• Do you drive? Bike? Moonlight for a rideshare or delivery app and earn a second salary on the side–up to $45K.

Side hustles are a great way to get extra cash. And they could even become a second stream of regular income. 

Check out the MoneyLion app for more ways to do more with your money right now. You can even get access to playlists on careers and side hustles. It’s time to grow your dough. Start now.