As someone who appreciates the hustle, I’ve seen how several side gig opportunities can perfectly complement a teacher’s schedule.
That is why I’ve come up with this comprehensive list of the most profitable side hustle for teachers.
Check out these options and use your skills to increase your income effectively!
1. Wedding Photography
Wedding photography is an excellent side hustle for teachers, especially since many weddings occur during summer and weekends.
As a wedding photographer, you can charge clients for capturing their special day through photographs.
This involves attending the wedding, taking professional photos, and editing the images afterward.
You can also offer various packages that include different services, such as engagement shoots and full-day coverage.
Typically, wedding photographers charge anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 per wedding. This depends on their experience, location, and the services offered.
With several bookings during the summer and weekends, teachers can potentially earn an extra $10,000 to $20,000 annually.
How to Get Started as a Wedding Photographer
To get started as a wedding photographer, you need to work on your photography skills.
Be sure to also invest in a good camera and practice taking high-quality photos. Take online courses or attend workshops, too.
Another tip would be to create a portfolio of your shots. Photograph events for friends and family to showcase your work!
Next, create a professional website to display this portfolio. Platforms like WordPress make it easy to set up an attractive website.
When your website is up and running, start networking and marketing. Join wedding forums, attend bridal shows, and use social media to promote your services!
2. Event Coordination
Since we’re already talking about weddings, why not try out event coordination, too?
This side gig is especially fitting for teachers who have strong organizational skills.
As an event coordinator, you can earn money by planning and managing different events — not just weddings.
This involves coordinating with suppliers, managing budgets, and ensuring everything runs smoothly on the event day.
Event coordinators typically charge a fee based on the complexity and scale of the event. You can potentially earn between $1,500 to $5,000 per single coordination.
How to Get Started as an Event Coordinator
To be an event coordinator, gain experience through volunteering to coordinate small events for friends and family.
This will help you build a portfolio similar to wedding photographers.
Also, come up with a solid business plan. Outline your services and pricing and develop marketing strategies based on it. You can also use social media to promote your services.
You might also want to obtain a certification in event planning to enhance your credibility and skill set.
This will make you more attractive to potential clients.
3. Content Creation
Teachers can also earn money by producing videos or posts about topics they are passionate about.
I actually have teacher friends who create educational content, tutorials, and day-in-the-life vlogs.
They post their content on platforms that offer monetization, like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Of course, the more engaging their content, the more followers they attract, which translates to higher earnings.
If you do the same, you can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, depending on your following and engagement rates.
Successful YouTubers and influencers often make upwards of $5,000 to $10,000 per month!
How to Get Started with Content Creation
To get started, choose a niche that you are passionate about and knowledgeable in.
Then, invest in basic equipment such as a good camera, microphone, and lighting to ensure your content will be high-quality.
Since you’re also busy teaching, create a content plan so you can start posting regularly on your chosen platform without compromising your teaching career.
When you’ve already uploaded videos, try to engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages.
Also, promote your content across different social media platforms to gain visibility.
4. Sports Officiating
Sports officiating is a great side hustle for teachers who enjoy sports!
You can earn extra income by officiating sports events, especially during weekends.
To give you a picture, sports officials earn money by officiating games for various sports leagues, including school, community, and amateur leagues.
This involves ensuring that games are played fairly and according to the rules.
Sports officials can earn between $30 to $100 per game, depending on the level and type of sport.
You can officiate multiple games over weekends and holidays to earn more.
How to Get Started as a Sports Official
If you want to officiate games, contact local sports leagues and schools to inquire about officiating opportunities.
To ensure you have the necessary and updated knowledge about the sport, complete any required training or certification programs the sport requires. This will also help you gain more invites as an officiant.
It’s also best to connect with other sports officials who can help you find more sports side gigs.
5. Seasonal Work
Working as a lifeguard, camp counselor, amusement park attendant, or in similar seasonal roles during the summer can be a great way for teachers to earn extra money, too.
These positions often require specific skills or certifications, such as lifeguard training or first aid certification.
Although it requires training, seasonal workers can earn between $10 to $20 per hour.
With full-time work during the summer, you can potentially earn an additional $3,000 to $6,000.
How to Get Started with Seasonal Work
To get started, search for seasonal job openings in your area.
Websites like Indeed, local community boards, and school bulletin boards are great places to look for opportunities.
Prioritize obtaining any necessary certifications, such as lifeguard training or first aid certification. Also, try to apply early, as these positions can fill up quickly.
6. Tour Guide
Working as a tour guide, especially on historical or cultural sites, can be a fun side hustle for teachers who enjoy sharing knowledge.
You can earn money by providing tourist groups with engaging and informative commentary about the sites they’re visiting.
However, to do this, you would need a deep understanding of the history and significance of the sites you’re touring in.
Tour guides can earn between $15 to $30 per hour, depending on the location and type of tour.
That means if you are consistently working every weekend or in the summer, you can take home $2,000 to $5,000 per year.
How to Get Started as a Tour Guide
To be a tour guide, your first agenda should be to identify local historical or cultural sites that offer guided tours.
Contact these sites to inquire about job opportunities and any required training or certifications.
Once you’ve identified these sites, make it a point to learn more about the history and significance of the sites you will be guiding.
Similarly, practice public speaking skills to make your tours more engaging.
Enroll in public speaking masterclasses such as TED’s Official Public Speaking Course or watch YouTube videos online.
7. Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is a very flexible side hustle for teachers.
You can earn money as a freelance writer by creating content for various clients, such as articles, blog posts, technical content, or even books while maintaining full-time employment as a teacher.
Pro Tip: I personally use Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer to connect with clients and secure writing gigs.
You can negotiate your rates and even choose a per-word payment basis through these platforms.
Generally, freelance writers can earn between $20 to $100 per hour. If you’re a skilled writer, this is definitely one of the side hustles you should consider.
How to Get Started as a Freelance Writer
The first step to being a freelance writer is creating a profile on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.
On your profile, highlight your writing skills and any relevant experience.
You should also build a portfolio by writing sample articles that showcase your abilities. Upload these articles on a drive and share the link with potential clients.
As you gain experience, you can command higher rates and attract more clients.
You would no longer need to send multiple applications, as clients will start reaching out to you directly.
8. Door Dashing
If you own a car, Door Dashing is another excellent way to earn money on weekends or during school breaks.
By delivering food through DoorDash, you can work flexible hours that fit around your teaching schedule.
On average, DoorDash drivers make between $15 to $25 per hour, including tips.
This side hustle can add up to a significant income boost, especially if you are available during peak hours.
How to Get Started with Door Dashing
First off, sign up on the DoorDash website or app. You’ll need to provide some basic information, including your driver’s license and insurance details.
Once approved, you can start accepting delivery requests in your area.
It’s best if you familiarize yourself with your local area to find better delivery routes.
Additionally, consider working during peak times, such as lunch and dinner hours, to increase your income.
9. Bartending
Teachers who want to put their mixology and interpersonal skills to use will excel as bartenders.
Bartenders earn not only a base wage but also tips from customers! This is definitely a great side hustle if you’re looking for weekend gigs.
Depending on the establishment, you can earn between $20 to $50 per hour, including tips.
You also get to work in a lively atmosphere, which is definitely a bonus.
How to Get Started with Bartending
To begin bartending, take a bartending course to learn the basics. Many local community colleges and vocational schools offer such courses.
Once trained, look for part-time positions at local bars, restaurants, or event venues. You can also search online for job openings.
Note: In the U.S., some states require licenses or permits for bartenders. Here are a few states where a bartending license is required:
- Washington: Mandatory Alcohol Server Training Permit
- Arizona: Arizona Alcohol Seller and Server Certification
- Nevada: Alcohol Education Card
- Oregon: Oregon Liquor Control Commission Permit
- New Mexico: Alcohol Server Permit
- Alaska: Alaska Alcohol Seller Certification
10. Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties, and they earn a commission on each transaction.
I know of a few teachers who initially started as a part-time real estate agent and then transitioned to full-time because they found it really profitable.
Of course, the potential earnings vary widely depending on the market and the success of the transactions they’ve completed.
To give you an idea, successful real estate agents can earn anywhere from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000 annually. Some even go over these numbers.
How to Get Started as a Real Estate Agent
To be a real estate agent, you need to complete the required real estate courses and pass a licensing exam.
The specific requirements vary by state, so check with your local real estate commission for details.
After obtaining your license, join a reputable real estate brokerage to gain access to further training.
Start part-time while you gain experience and then increase your involvement as you become more confident in the field.
11. Online Curriculum Writing
If you want to make use of your expertise in educational content creation, you can also try online curriculum writing as a side hustle.
You can create and sell lesson plans, educational resources, and full curriculum packages to educational platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers and Etsy. You can even set your prices.
As for the earnings, it can vary widely. Some teachers make a few hundred dollars a month, while others with highly popular content can earn several thousand dollars.
How to Get Started with Online Curriculum Writing
Identify the subjects and grade levels you have expertise in and create high-quality, engaging lesson plans or resources.
Once you’ve come up with the materials, upload them to platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers or Etsy.
You can then promote your materials through social media and educational forums to reach a wider audience!
12. Self-Publishing
Self-publishing allows teachers to write and publish their own books.
Some of the teachers I’m acquainted with have tried their hand at this side hustle, and it turned out to be profitable for them.
Some of the books they self-published include educational guides, children’s books, and novels.
They earn royalties from sales of their books on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
If you find this an interesting side gig, note that your earnings would depend on the price of your book and its popularity.
How to Get Started with Self-Publishing
To start self-publishing, write your book and ensure it is well-edited and formatted. It’s also helpful if you can create a compelling cover for it.
Once your book is ready, sign up for a self-publishing platform like Amazon KDP and upload it.
You can then promote your book through social media, blogs, and book review sites to attract readers and generate sales.
13. Fitness Instruction
Fitness instruction is meant for teachers who are into health and wellness.
If you’re a fitness buff, you can teach classes like yoga, Pilates, or aerobics at local gyms or even online in your free time.
Through this side hustle, you can earn between $20 to $50 per hour, but this still depends on the location and type of class you’re facilitating.
If you gain a loyal following, you can earn even more through private sessions.
How to Get Started as a Fitness Instructor
To be a fitness instructor, get certified in the fitness discipline you are interested in.
Many organizations, like the American Council on Exercise (ACE) or Yoga Alliance, offer certification programs.
Once certified, promote your classes through social media to build a client base.
You can also look for opportunities to teach classes at local gyms.
14. Driving Instructor
Becoming a driving instructor is also an option for teachers looking for a side gig.
If you’re confident in your driving skills, start looking for new drivers who are looking for instructors.
You can teach them the rules of the road and safe driving practices until they’re more independent to obtain their driver’s license.
Through this side job, you can charge between $30 to $60 per hour. But you can also earn a steady hourly rate if you work for established driving schools.
If you want to earn more, offer private lessons and set your own fees.
How to Get Started as a Driving Instructor
First, check your state’s requirements for driving instructors, as you may need specific certifications or licenses.
Make sure to complete any mandatory training or certification programs.
Once you are state-certified, you can work with a driving school or offer private lessons.
Utilize your network of friends and family to find clients. Don’t forget to advertise your services through online platforms, too.
15. Translation Services
For teachers fluent in multiple languages, offering translation services can be a profitable side hustle.
This involves translating documents, websites, and other content from one language to another.
Translators are quite in demand across various industries, including education, business, healthcare, and legal sectors so you’re not going to run out of clients.
Typically, translators earn between $25 to $50 per hour or more. If you land a client in the legal or medical field, you can even get a higher rate.
How to Get Started in Translation Services?
Being a translator requires language knowledge and writing skills.
Assuming you are already fluent in multiple languages, the next step is to hone your writing style. You can enroll in online writing courses to improve your technique.
It’s also helpful to create a portfolio of your translation work, as this will be the basis for clients to hire you.
To find a steady flow of clients, I suggest using the freelance platforms I’ve mentioned earlier, such as Upwork and Fiverr.
16. House Sitting
House sitting is a low-effort side hustle you can add to your list.
All you have to do is take care of homeowners’ properties while they are away. Some may also request that you water their plants, feed their pets, or collect their mail.
This job offers the benefit of a quiet environment, so if you want to catch up on grading or lesson planning, you definitely can!
Some teachers even enjoy some much-needed relaxation time through this gig.
House sitters usually earn between $25 to $45 per day. But long-term house-sitting gigs can very well provide a steady income.
How to Get Started in House Sitting
To take house-sitting gigs and find clients, create a profile on house-sitting websites.
Websites like Nomador and MindMyHouse allow you to create a sitter profile highlighting your experience, skills, and references.
Start by house sitting for friends, family, or neighbors to gain experience and positive references.
Of course, you should look for house-sitting opportunities that match your schedule and preferences.
After a successful house sit, ask the homeowners to provide a reference on your profile, which will help you secure future assignments!
How Can I Balance a Side Hustle with Teaching?
Juggling a side hustle alongside teaching can really test your time management skills.
From what I’ve seen, a great starting point is using digital tools like Google Calendar. This can help you neatly lay out your teaching responsibilities alongside your side hustle tasks.
It’s also wise to utilize any available time — think weekends, holidays, and school breaks — for the more demanding tasks related to your side hustle.
And as your side hustle starts to grow, it might be worth considering outsourcing some of the more routine tasks.
This can free you up to focus on the most crucial aspects of both your jobs.
Outsourcing will also help you find time for rest and relaxation, which is essential to maintain your enthusiasm for your teaching career and your side hustles.
Do you know of any side hustles that would be suitable for teachers? Share your suggestions in the comments below, and let’s keep the discussion going!
