Over the years, I’ve explored countless ways to boost my income — some from the comfort of my couch, others by stepping out into the real world.
I’ve tried side gigs that seemed promising but didn’t quite pan out, and others that surprisingly turned into steady income streams.
There were times when balancing these with my daily responsibilities felt overwhelming, but I always found it rewarding to learn something new and stretch my comfort zone.
Now, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with you!
In this article, you’ll find 37 flexible ways to make extra money, whether you’re online, offline, or at home. Let’s start and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle!
1. Pick up Freelance Work Online
Imagine using your skills to earn income, all while staying comfortably at home. That’s the great thing about online freelancing!
Freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com offer great opportunities for talented individuals.
Online freelancing offers the flexibility to set your own schedule and pricing. Some freelancers even earn up to $100 per hour for specialized skills.
All you need to do is create a profile that highlights your expertise. Then, start by accepting smaller projects to build your reputation and work your way up to higher-paying gigs.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for long-term clients. They can provide a steady stream of income and save you the hassle of constantly hunting for new projects.
2. Test Websites and Apps
Website and app testing is a fun way to earn extra cash while helping companies improve their digital products.
Who could’ve thought that you could get paid for having a critical eye?
I recall my initial experience as a website tester, feeling anxious about needing advanced technical skills. However, I learned that companies seek feedback from average users to get honest opinions.
So, there’s no need to worry if you’re not particularly tech-savvy.
To get started, you should browse platforms like UserTesting.com, which offer opportunities to earn around $10 for a 20-minute test.
3. Design and Sell Clothing Online
Passionate about fashion? You can transform your enthusiasm into a profitable activity!
Platforms like CafePress make it easy to design and sell your own clothing and accessories online.
The process is surprisingly simple. You just have to create your designs, upload them to the platform, and CafePress takes care of the rest – from production to shipping.
While earnings can vary widely, some successful designers report making hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month.
Pro Tip: You should create designs that resonate with your target audience. Take into consideration current trends, popular catchphrases, or niche interests that people are passionate about.
4. Design and Sell Graphics Online
Do you have the talent to create eye-catching visuals? Online graphic design could be your ticket to earning money from home!
You can check out platforms like 99designs that offer a marketplace for designers to showcase their skills and connect with clients worldwide.
From logos and book covers to product labels and website designs – you can sell almost anything on these platforms.
Design marketplaces like Creative Market and Envato Elements allow you to sell pre-made templates, icon sets, and other digital assets that clients can purchase and use immediately.
As with any freelance work, your income will depend on your skills, portfolio, and the time you invest.
Pro Tip: Specializing in a particular niche will help you stand out in this field. Flex your unique style, as this can help you attract clients who appreciate specific aesthetics!
5. Become a Virtual Assistant
Undeniably, many entrepreneurs and businesses are in desperate need of additional support – virtual support, that is!
A virtual assistant can handle a range of tasks, such as managing emails, scheduling appointments, and overseeing social media accounts. You won’t find yourself bored!
Additionally, the best thing about this role is its versatility. You can often tailor your services to match your skills and interests.
Websites like Upwork and Fiverr are great places to start looking for virtual assistant gigs.
The pay rate depends on your experience and the task’s complexity. But typically, virtual assistants charge between $15 and $50 per hour.
6. Work as a Social Media Manager
In an age where online presence can make or break a business, social media managers are in high demand.
If you’re the type who can’t resist scrolling through Instagram or crafting the perfect tweet, working as a social media manager might be the most suitable role for you!
As a social media manager, you’ll be tasked to create content calendars, respond to comments, or analyze engagement metrics.
For these tasks, you’ll possibly earn from $15 to $120 per hour.
Platforms like Hootsuite and Buffer can be your best friends in this role, helping you schedule posts and manage multiple accounts efficiently.
Freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn Jobs are great places to find social media management gigs.
7. Work as a Freelance Writer
There’s a vast array of opportunities for talented writers. You can write blog posts, articles, product descriptions, and technical writing. The key step is to create a strong portfolio.
These roles are highly sought after on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer.com, and ProBlogger. You can start browsing their websites to find your first writing gigs.
Entry-level writers usually earn $0.03-$0.10 per word, while experienced professionals can command $0.50-$1.00 per word or more.
Pro Tip: If you wish to succeed as a freelance writer, it’s crucial to find your niche. Specializing can help you stand out in a crowded market.
Consider focusing on areas like pets, travel, technology, or even financial writing.
8. Proofread Books and Blog Posts
Ever noticed a typo in a book and felt a sense of satisfaction? You can now turn that eagle eye for detail into extra cash!
Proofreading is one of the excellent ways to make money from home, especially if you have the ability to spot errors.
Websites like Proofread Anywhere offer courses to help you develop your skills and find clients.
Proofreaders usually earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with some experienced professionals receiving even higher rates.
You should consider focusing on a specific niche, such as academic papers or technical documents, to attract the attention of clients.
Furthermore, don’t forget to invest in some good proofreading tools!
Software like Grammarly or AI tools like ChatGPT can be a great complement to your natural skills, helping you catch errors more quickly and consistently.
If you’re interested in proofreading jobs, take a look at my article featuring the 29 best online proofreading jobs for beginners. It’s a great resource to get started in the field!
9. Transcribe Audio Recordings
Transcription involves listening to audio files and typing out what you hear. Although it may sound simple, it requires patience and accuracy.
Companies like Rev and TranscribeMe offer opportunities for beginners to get started.
While entry-level transcriptionists might start from $0.30 to $0.60 per audio minute, experienced professionals can earn up to $1.50 per minute or more.
Note: You should consider investing in a good-quality headset and transcription software to make your transcription job much easier.
If you’re looking for more transcription job opportunities, don’t miss my article on 35 high-paying online transcription jobs.
10. Work as an Online Chat Representative
Online chat is becoming a popular choice for customer support as companies adapt to digitalization. This shift has created a window of opportunity for those looking to make money from home.
As an online chat representative, you’ll be responsible for assisting customers by addressing their inquiries and resolving issues.
Online chat representatives typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, with some experienced reps making up to $20 per hour.
You should check job postings from companies like Apple, Amazon, and LiveOps, which frequently hire for these positions.
Note: Many companies provide training for beginners, but having a background in customer service can give you an edge.
11. Work as a Mock Juror
While you might not get the chance to use the gavel, working as a mock juror allows you to remotely participate in the judicial process.
Websites like eJury and Online Verdict connect attorneys with mock jurors to help them prepare for trials.
Mock jurors generally earn between $5 and $60 per case.
To start contributing to the legal system via this gig, you’ll need to be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old.
Note: Cases can take anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours to review, offering varying levels of commitment based on the case’s complexity.
12. Start a YouTube Channel
Being passionate about a subject and comfortable in front of the camera could be your gateway to extra income and potential fame!
YouTube provides a platform to reach a global audience. All you need is engaging content and a smartphone with a decent camera.
You can concentrate on cooking, crafting, or gaming content. Just keep in mind that you need to have a unique perspective to share so that you can catch the attention of your target audience.
Earnings differ significantly, but most YouTubers make money through ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
Many YouTubers report making between $3 and $5 per 1,000 video views. Top creators can earn millions, but even smaller channels can generate a nice side income.
Note: Once you hit 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, you can apply for the YouTube Partner Program and start monetizing your videos.
After joining the program, you’ll earn money every time viewers watch ads on your videos.
13. Create and Sell Online Courses
Have you ever thought of packaging your knowledge and expertise into an online course? With platforms like Teachable and Udemy, it’s effortless to create and sell courses on virtually any topic.
If this piques your interest, you should start by identifying your niche.
Ask yourself: What unique skills or knowledge do you have that others would be willing to pay to learn?
For example:
- If you’re a graphic designer, you could create a course on “Mastering Adobe Illustrator for Beginners.”
- A fitness instructor might offer a “30-Day Home Workout Challenge for Busy Professionals.”
- A seasoned programmer could teach “Python for Data Science: From Novice to Analyst.”
Once you’ve got your topic, break it down into digestible lessons and include quizzes or projects to enhance learning.
Your earnings depend on how popular your course is and how you price it. In fact, some top instructors on Udemy report earning over $100,000 per year!
Pro Tip: Utilize social media, email marketing, and even paid ads to get your course in front of potential students. Marketing is also essential for course success.
14. Flip Domain Names for Profit
Domain flipping, the practice of buying and selling domain names for profit, has become a highly desired side hustle for many tech-savvy entrepreneurs.
In flipping domain names, you’ll only need a small budget to purchase domains and the skill to spot potentially valuable names.
You can visit websites like GoDaddy and Namecheap. These are popular platforms for buying and selling domains.
While most domain sales are modest, some can be incredibly profitable. For instance, the domain Cars.com was sold for an impressive $872 million!
Although it might take time to find the right buyer for your domains, with persistence and a bit of luck, you could turn a $10 domain purchase into a $1,000 sale or more!
Pro Tip: You should stay updated on emerging industries and trending keywords.
Research industry trends and use tools or domain marketplaces to find in-demand keywords.
15. Sell Lesson Plans Online
Your hard work creating lesson plans doesn’t have to stop at the classroom door.
Currently, there’s a growing market for high-quality educational resources, and you could cash in on your expertise.
In fact, top sellers on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers have earned over $2 million, while thousands more bring in a few hundred dollars monthly.
Keep in mind that when selling your lesson plans online, you should learn how to price your materials competitively.
Also, you should identify your strengths. Maybe you excel at creating interactive math games or have a talent for designing visually appealing infographics.
Focus on creating unique, engaging materials that solve common teaching challenges.
For example, you can develop resources that cover calculus topics like differentiation, or provide innovative assessment tools for mathematical concepts.
16. Sell Unused Gift Cards
Got a drawer full of unused gift cards? Don’t let them gather dust – turn them into cash!
There are websites that allow you to sell your unwanted gift cards, such as CardCash and GiftCash, for up to 92% of their value. You can instantly convert those unused cards into cash or credit for something you want.
All you need to do is enter the details of your gift card, get an offer, and, if you accept, ship the card to the company.
You can choose to receive payment via check, ACH deposit, or even as a more useful gift card.
While you won’t get the full face value of the card, it’s a great way to liquidate gifts you might otherwise never use. Besides, it’s much better than letting the card expire or forgetting about it entirely.
Pro Tip: Look out for discounted gift cards too! You might be able to buy them at a lower price and resell them for a small profit.
If you’re looking for easy ways to earn some free gift cards, don’t miss my article on 39 apps that give you free gift cards for completing simple tasks!
17. Start Affiliate Marketing
If you have a blog with good traffic or a social media account with a solid following, affiliate marketing could help you earn passive income.
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission when your readers make a purchase through your unique link.
Commission rates can vary widely depending on the product, industry, and affiliate program. Here’s a general overview:
- Physical products: Usually 5-15% of the sale price.
- Digital products: Often higher, ranging from 30-50% or even more.
- Services: Can vary greatly, sometimes 20-30% or a flat fee per lead.
- Amazon Associates: Generally 1-10%, with most products in the 4-6% range.
- High-ticket items: Generally lower percentage rates but higher total commissions.
Keep in mind that some programs offer tiered commission structures, where your rate increases as you generate more sales.
To get started, you simply need to join affiliate networks like CJ Affiliate, ShareASale, or Amazon Associates. Thousands of brands are looking for promoters!
Then, you can choose products that align with your niche and your audience’s interests for the best results.
18. Start a Twitch Channel
Twitch, the popular live-streaming platform, offers several ways for streamers to earn money while doing what they love.
Twitch streamers can earn through subscriptions, donations from viewers, and even a share of ad revenue.
If you wish to start monetizing, you’ll need to reach Affiliate or Partner status. Affiliates need at least 50 followers and 500 total minutes broadcast, while Partners require more substantial metrics.
There is significant earning potential with Twitch. Some top streamers make millions annually.
If you’re a beginner, don’t worry because even smaller streamers can earn a decent side income! One of my readers reported earning about $4,500 in her first year streaming on Twitch.
To achieve this, you must engage with your viewers, collaborate with other streamers, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.
19. Start Making Content on TikTok
Who would have thought that a 15-second video could turn into an income-producing option? TikTok has taken the world by storm, and content creators are cashing in on its popularity.
TikTok offers several ways to monetize your content.
Once you hit 10,000 followers and 10,000 views on your videos in the last 30 days, you can apply for the TikTok Creator Fund. This program pays creators based on views and engagement.
But that’s not all!
Many TikTokers earn through brand partnerships and sponsorships. Some top creators report earning thousands per sponsored post.
With strategy, you can also become a top earner in this platform. All that is required is for you to find your niche and create engaging, authentic content that resonates with your audience.
Pro Tip: You should focus on consistency and trends. Post regularly and participate in popular challenges. Use trending sounds and hashtags to increase your visibility.
20. Become a Content Creator on Instagram
With over a billion active users, Instagram has become a highly preferred platform for content creators and influencers.
With Instagram, you can earn through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and even selling your own products or services.
Micro-influencers (those with 1,000 to 100,000 followers) can earn anywhere from $100 to $1,000 per sponsored post, while those with larger followings can receive thousands.
You should choose a specific niche to focus on. Whether it’s fitness, fashion, or food, having a clear focus helps attract a dedicated audience.
Pro Tip: Use high-quality images, engaging captions, and relevant hashtags to increase your reach.
Moreover, don’t forget to utilize all of Instagram’s features, including Stories, Reels, and IGTV.
21. Become a Dog Walker
For animal enthusiasts, becoming a dog walker offers more than just an income – it represents the realization of a long-held passion.
And with apps like Rover and Wag!, it’s easier than ever to communicate with pet owners in need of your services. These platforms allow you to set your own rates and schedule.
You should begin by making a profile highlighting your experience with dogs.
If you don’t have professional experience, you can emphasize your love for animals and any personal pet care experience.
You may also consider getting certified in pet first aid to stand out from the competition.
Many dog walkers charge between $15 and $25 per 30-minute walk. Some even offer pet-sitting services, which can lead to additional profit!
To find more ways to turn your love for animals into a side job, read my article on the 26 best side hustles for animal lovers!
22. Work as a Babysitter
If you enjoy spending time with children, babysitting can be a flexible and satisfying way to earn extra cash.
Finding babysitting gigs has never been easier! With platforms like Care.com and Sittercity, you just have to search for potential clients.
Compensation for babysitters is paid based on location, experience, and the number of children, but ordinarily, many sitters charge between $15 and $20 per hour.
Some even earn up to $30 per hour for caring for multiple children or working late nights.
To increase your earnings, you can seek out children who need your specific skill set – maybe you’re bilingual or have experience with special needs children.
Pro Tip: Consider getting certified in CPR and first aid. It’s a great way to boost your qualifications and impress potential employers.
Many parents are willing to pay more for sitters with these qualifications.
23. List Your Spare Bedroom on Airbnb
Renting out a spare bedroom on Airbnb could be a great way to earn extra cash.
Initially, I was hesitant to try this out, but after hosting my first guests, I was thoroughly convinced of its earning potential.
In my first year, I made over $7,000 just by renting out my spare room on weekends.
Of course, earnings are heavily dependent on your location, the quality of your space, and how often you host.
If you have a cozy space to rent out, you should take high-quality photos and write a detailed, welcoming description. Be sure to set clear expectations about your space as well.
Note: You must check local regulations regarding short-term rentals. Some cities have restrictions or require permits.
24. Rent Out Your Car
Is your car sitting idle in the driveway most of the time? Let’s put it to work!
Platforms like Getaround and Turo allow you to rent out your vehicle when you’re not using it.
The income you can generate depends on your car’s make, model, and location, but many car owners report earning between $300 and $1000 per month.
In addition to this, you can rent out your car to offset or completely cover your car payments.
What you need to do is to list your car on one of the above-mentioned platforms, set your rental rates, and specify when your car is available.
Also, to give you some peace of mind, take note that most platforms provide insurance coverage for renters.
25. Sign up for TaskRabbit
Are you an expert in assembling IKEA furniture? TaskRabbit could be your path to earning extra cash!
On TaskRabbit, you can offer services ranging from home repairs and moving assistance to virtual tasks like data entry. This platform will connect you to people who need help with various tasks.
As a Tasker, you have the flexibility to set your own rates. Many Taskers on TaskRabbit earn between $20 and $45 per hour.
To get started, you just have to create a profile highlighting your skills and availability.
Also, you must set competitive rates to attract your first clients. As you establish a good reputation, you can gradually increase your rates.
26. Drive for Uber or Lyft
Driving for Uber or Lyft offers several advantages, including the flexibility to earn extra cash on your own schedule.
Pay rates depend on the location, the hours you work, and the number of rides you complete. But, many drivers report earning between $15 and $25 per hour after accounting for expenses.
To start earning, you’ll need to meet the driver requirements, which include having a valid driver’s license, insurance, and a clean driving record.
Also, your car needs to meet certain criteria regarding age and condition.
Pro Tip: You should opt to drive during peak hours or special events to maximize your earnings.
Also, keep your car clean and offer amenities like phone chargers to boost your ratings and earn more tips.
27. Make Deliveries for Amazon or Uber Eats
If you enjoy driving but prefer delivering packages to passengers, you should try making deliveries for Amazon Flex or Uber Eats.
These services offer the flexibility to work when it suits you, making them perfect for earning extra cash in your spare time.
Amazon Flex drivers typically earn from $18 to $25 per hour, while Uber Eats drivers can make around $8 to $12 per hour, plus tips.
You just need to have a reliable vehicle and a smartphone and pass a background check. For Amazon Flex, you’ll also need to be able to lift packages weighing up to 50 pounds.
28. Find Work as a House Sitter
Ever thought about getting paid to live in someone else’s house, water their plants, and look after their pets? That’s exactly what a house sitter does!
House sitters can earn anywhere from $25 to $100 per day. The pay rate varies depending on the location and duties involved.
Some gigs offer free accommodation in exchange for your services, which can be a great way to save money while traveling.
If you want to take on this role, simply create a profile on websites like HouseSitter.com or MindMyHouse.
Ensure that you highlight any relevant experience, such as pet care or home maintenance skills, so that your profile will stand out. You can also add references to further enhance your credibility.
29. Be a Mystery Shopper
Another flexible option to make extra money is to get paid to shop.
Companies hire mystery shoppers to evaluate their customer service, store conditions, and product quality.
Here’s a more natural-sounding version of your sentence:
As a mystery shopper, you’ll visit different stores, buy things, and share your thoughts on the experience. It’s a fun way to make some extra cash while checking out new businesses.
Mystery shoppers typically earn between $10 and $25 per assignment, with some high-end assignments paying up to $100.
All that’s needed is to sign up with reputable mystery shopping companies like IntelliShop, BestMark, or Sinclair Customer Metrics.
Note: Be wary of scams! Legitimate companies won’t ask you to pay a fee to join.
30. Invest in Crowdfunded Real Estate
Crowdfunded real estate platforms like Fundrise allow you to invest in property with as little as $10.
These platforms pool money from multiple investors to fund real estate projects, potentially earning returns through rental income and property appreciation.
Fundrise reports average annual returns between 8.7% and 12.4% over the past few years.
First, you should research different platforms and their investment options.
Consider factors such as minimum investment requirements, associated fees, and the types of properties included in their portfolios.
Then, you need to diversify your portfolio and only invest money you can afford to tie up for a while.
With careful research and patience, crowdfunded real estate could become a valuable part of your investment strategy.
31. Invest in Peer-to-Peer Loans
Peer-to-peer lending platforms like Prosper offer an interesting alternative for those in search of an approach to earn higher returns than a savings account.
By joining these platforms, you’ll connect directly with individual lenders, bypassing the traditional banking middleman.
Prosper reports that investors earn an average annual return of 5.7%, which is significantly higher than most savings accounts.
However, returns can differ based on the risk level of the loans you choose to fund.
Pro Tip: Like many investors, you can spread your money across multiple loans to diversify your risk and potentially increase your returns.
32. Trade Stocks and ETFs
Platforms like TD Ameritrade make it easier than ever for beginners to start investing.
With commission-free trades on many stocks and ETFs, you can start building your portfolio without breaking the bank.
While potential earnings (or losses) from stock trading can vary widely, historically, the S&P 500 has returned an average of about 10% per year.
Of course, past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.
If you wish to begin your stock market journey, start by making an account with a reputable broker and funding it with your initial investment.
You should also take advantage of educational resources offered by your broker to learn about different investment strategies.
33. Self Publish E-books
If you have a story to tell or expertise to share, self-publishing an e-book can help you earn passive income!
Platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing will help you get your word in front of millions of potential readers.
Successful authors report making thousands of dollars per month since Amazon offers royalties of up to 70% on e-book sales, depending on pricing strategy.
To start, you need to write your book and have it professionally edited. Then, you should create an eye-catching cover – it’s often the first thing potential readers see!
Also, ensure that you format your book according to the platform’s guidelines and upload it.
34. Test Products for Money
Companies are always seeking honest feedback on their latest innovations, and they’re willing to pay for it.
For instance, Ipsos I-Say offers over 7,000 product testing opportunities annually. These can range from food and cosmetics to toys and tools.
While payment varies, many testers earn between $10 and $20 per test, while seasoned product testers are paid up to $100. Simply sign up with reputable product testing companies.
Then, you have to be prepared to answer detailed questionnaires about your lifestyle and preferences. This helps companies match you with relevant products.
Note: You should always provide thorough, honest feedback. Companies value constructive criticism just as much as praise.
35. Participate in Paid Focus Groups
Paid focus groups are research sessions where companies or organizations gather a group of people to discuss their views on products, services, or marketing strategies.
As a participant, you will provide feedback that helps companies understand consumer preferences and make informed decisions.
Focus groups commonly earn between $50 and $150 for an hour of your time. Some specialized groups can pay even more, with some participants receiving up to $300 for a single session.
If you’re interested in this opportunity, you should try to check out platforms like Respondent, User Interviews, or Gauge Research.
Pro Tip: When applying for focus groups, be honest in your responses. Companies are looking for specific demographics, and misrepresenting yourself could lead to disqualification.
36. Become a Search Engine Evaluator
Search engine evaluators assess search engine results to ensure they’re relevant and high-quality.
Their role is to ensure that search engines return relevant, accurate, and useful results for users’ queries.
Companies like Appen and TELUS International hire search engine evaluators.
An evaluator typically receives compensation ranging from $12 to $15 per hour. Meanwhile, other experienced evaluators can earn up to $20 per hour.
All that is required is for you to pass a qualification test. This test can be challenging, requiring you to memorize and apply complex guidelines.
Once you’re in, you just have to maintain a high level of accuracy in your evaluations.
37. Shape AI Tools
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, there’s a growing demand for individuals to help train and refine these systems.
This emerging field offers a distinctive chance to shape the future of technology while earning extra cash.
Companies like DataAnnotation Tech, Datavio.ai, and Welocalize offer various AI-related gigs. These can include creating responses for chatbots, researching information, and evaluating data, images, videos, and audio.
Pay rates are competitive, with projects offering between $10 and $25 per hour.
If this captures your interest, you’ll often need to pass a short exam testing your writing and research skills. Once approved, you can choose from a variety of projects based on your interests and expertise.
Final Thoughts
These 37 ways to make extra money are just the tip of the iceberg. The gig economy is booming, and new opportunities pop up daily. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works for you.
Remember, the best side hustle is one you enjoy. If you’re miserable doing it, no amount of extra cash is worth the stress. Choose something that aligns with your interests and skills.
Start small. You don’t need to quit your day job or invest a ton of money upfront. Many of these options let you dip your toes in with minimal commitment.
Be patient and persistent. Building a successful side gig takes time. Keep at it, learn from your mistakes, and adjust your approach as needed.
What’s your favorite way to make extra money from this list? Have you tried any of these methods, or do you have other creative ideas to share?
Let us know in the comments – your experience could be invaluable to others looking to increase their income!