With rising living costs and financial goals to achieve, many people are turning to side hustles to bring in extra income. Whether you want to pay off debt, save for a big purchase, or just have extra cash for fun, side hustles offer flexibility and financial freedom.

The best part? There are side hustles for every skill set and schedule. From online work to hands-on gigs, this guide will explore the best ways to make money on the side this year.

Why Side Hustles Are a Smart Choice

Side hustles can be a game-changer for your finances. Here’s why they’re worth considering:

• Extra Income: Supplement your main salary and improve your financial security.
• Flexible Work: Choose when and how you work, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
• Skill Growth: Gain new skills that could lead to career advancements or full-time self-employment.
• Debt Reduction: Use side hustle earnings to pay off debt faster.
• Savings Boost: Build an emergency fund or save for future goals.

Now, let’s dive into some of the best side hustles you can start today.

1. Freelancing

Freelancing is one of the most popular side hustles because it allows you to monetize your skills. If you’re good at writing, graphic design, marketing, programming, or video editing, you can find freelance gigs online.

How to Get Started:

• Sign up on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.
• Build a portfolio showcasing your work.
• Set competitive rates and start applying for jobs.

Freelancing can eventually turn into a full-time career if you build a solid client base.

Potential Earnings: $20 to $100 per hour, depending on your skills.

2. Online Tutoring

If you have expertise in a subject, online tutoring is one of the best side hustles to make extra cash. There’s high demand for tutors in math, science, English, and even test prep for SAT, ACT, and GRE exams.

How to Get Started:

• Apply to platforms like TutorMe, Wyzant, or Chegg Tutors.
• Offer private tutoring sessions on social media or through local networks.
• Specialize in a niche subject for higher pay.

Potential Earnings: $15 to $60 per hour, depending on your subject expertise.

3. Selling Printables on Etsy

If you enjoy graphic design, selling digital products like planners, calendars, and worksheets on Etsy can be a lucrative side hustle. Once you create a product, you can sell it over and over without any extra work.

How to Get Started:

• Use Canva or Adobe Illustrator to design digital printables.
• Set up an Etsy shop and upload your products.
• Promote your store on Pinterest and social media.

Potential Earnings: $500 to $5,000 per month, depending on demand and marketing.

4. Driving for Rideshare or Delivery Apps

If you have a car and some free time, driving for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Instacart is one of the easiest side hustles to start. You control your hours and can work whenever it fits your schedule.

How to Get Started:

• Sign up on a rideshare or delivery app.
• Complete the background check and vehicle inspection.
• Start accepting ride or delivery requests.

Potential Earnings: $15 to $30 per hour, plus tips.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a great passive income side hustle where you earn commissions by promoting products online. If you have a blog, YouTube channel, or large social media following, this can be very profitable.

How to Get Started:

• Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or CJ Affiliate.
• Promote products through blog posts, social media, or YouTube videos.
• Earn commissions when people purchase through your referral link.

Potential Earnings: $100 to $10,000+ per month, depending on traffic and conversions.

6. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

Love animals? Pet sitting and dog walking are fun side hustles that don’t require any special skills. People are willing to pay good money to have someone look after their pets while they’re away.

How to Get Started:

• Sign up on Rover or Wag! to find clients.
• Offer services in your neighborhood through word of mouth.
• Set competitive rates and provide excellent service to get repeat customers.

Potential Earnings: $15 to $40 per hour.

7. Renting Out Your Extra Space

If you have a spare room, garage, or even an unused car, you can rent it out for extra income.

How to Get Started:

• List a spare room on Airbnb.
• Rent out storage space on Neighbor.com.
• Rent out your car on Turo.

Potential Earnings: $500 to $3,000 per month, depending on location and demand.

8. Selling Handmade Products

If you enjoy crafts, selling handmade items on Etsy or local markets can be a rewarding side hustle. Popular items include:

• Jewelry
• Candles
• Home decor
• Custom T-shirts

How to Get Started:

• Create unique, high-quality products.
• Set up an Etsy shop or sell through Instagram.
• Promote your items through social media.

Potential Earnings: $500 to $5,000 per month, depending on product demand.

9. Starting a YouTube Channel

If you love creating content, starting a YouTube channel can become a profitable side hustle. You can make money through ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

How to Get Started:

• Choose a niche (tech reviews, personal finance, fitness, etc.).
• Create high-quality videos and post consistently.
• Monetize your channel with ads and sponsorships once you gain followers.

Potential Earnings: $500 to $50,000+ per month, depending on views and engagement.

10. Mystery Shopping

Mystery shopping allows you to get paid for visiting stores, restaurants, and hotels while evaluating customer service.

How to Get Started:

• Sign up with companies like BestMark, Secret Shopper, or Market Force.
• Follow the assignment guidelines and submit reports.
• Get paid for your time and reimbursed for purchases.

Potential Earnings: $10 to $50 per shop.

Final Thoughts

Side hustles are a great way to increase your income, achieve financial goals, and gain new skills. Whether you prefer working online, offering services, or selling products, there’s a side hustle for everyone.

The key is to start today—choose a side hustle that fits your schedule and interests, and take action. Over time, your efforts can turn into a significant income stream.

Are you currently working on side hustles? Share your experiences in the comments below!