As a relationship manager who has dabbled in various side hustles over the years, I’ve learned firsthand that finding the right way to earn extra income can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for a big purchase, or simply have some additional spending money, a side hustle can be a great solution. I’ve tried everything from freelance writing to dog walking, and I understand the importance of finding a gig that fits your skills, schedule, and financial goals.

In this article, I’ll share 15 side hustle ideas based on the Side Hustle Database that I believe are particularly well-suited for beginners. These are opportunities I’ve either tried myself or have seen friends and colleagues succeed with. They range from low-commitment options you can start today to more involved ventures that could potentially grow into full-time businesses. Whether you’re a creative type, tech-savvy, or just looking for a straightforward way to earn some extra cash, there’s likely an idea here that will resonate with you.

1. Give Tours of Your Neighborhood

Offering tours of your neighborhood is a great way to share your local knowledge and passion for your area while earning extra income. This side hustle involves creating and leading walking or biking tours that showcase the history, culture, food, or unique aspects of your neighborhood or city. You can cater to tourists, new residents, or even locals looking to learn more about their area.

The earning potential for neighborhood tours can vary widely depending on your location, the type of tour offered, and your marketing efforts. According to Side Hustles Database, tour guides can earn between $15 to $30 per hour. For a 2-hour tour with 10 participants paying $25 each, you could earn $250 before expenses. With multiple tours per week, this could translate to a significant side income.

How to Get Started

1. Research your area’s history, attractions, and unique features
2. Develop a compelling tour route and script
3. Set your pricing and tour duration
4. Create a website or social media presence to promote your tours
5. Partner with local businesses or tourism boards for cross-promotion
6. Consider getting liability insurance
7. Start with friends and family for practice and feedback
8. Gradually expand your offerings and marketing efforts

2. Offer Services Like Car Washing and Detailing

Car washing and detailing is a service-based side hustle that involves cleaning and maintaining vehicles to a high standard. This can range from basic exterior washes to full interior and exterior detailing services. It’s a flexible business that can be done mobile (at the customer’s location) or from a fixed location.

The earning potential for car washing and detailing can be substantial. Basic car washes might earn $20-$40 per vehicle, while full detailing services can command $100-$300 or more. A skilled detailer working full-time could potentially earn upwards of $100,000 per year. However, as a side hustle, earnings will depend on the time invested and services offered.

How to Get Started

1. Invest in quality cleaning supplies and equipment
2. Learn proper detailing techniques through online resources or courses
3. Decide whether to offer mobile services or operate from a fixed location
4. Set your service menu and pricing
5. Create a simple booking system for appointments
6. Promote your services on social media and local community groups
7. Consider offering package deals or loyalty programs
8. Continuously improve your skills and expand your service offerings

3. Do Makeup for Special Events

Offering makeup services for special events like weddings, proms, or photoshoots is a creative and potentially lucrative side hustle. This involves applying makeup to clients to enhance their appearance for important occasions. It requires skill in makeup application, knowledge of different skin types and tones, and the ability to work under pressure.

Makeup artists can earn a significant income, especially for weddings and other high-end events. Rates can range from $50 to $300 or more per client, depending on the event type, location, and your experience level. For a wedding with a bride and three bridesmaids, you could potentially earn $400-$1200 for a few hours of work.

How to Get Started

1. Develop your makeup skills through practice and online tutorials
2. Invest in a professional makeup kit with quality products
3. Build a portfolio by doing makeup for friends and family
4. Create social media accounts to showcase your work
5. Network with wedding planners, photographers, and event coordinators
6. Consider getting certified or taking professional courses
7. Set your rates and create service packages
8. Establish a booking and payment system

4. Resell Used or Vintage Goods

Reselling used or vintage goods involves finding valuable items at thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces and selling them for a profit. This side hustle requires a good eye for quality, knowledge of market trends, and skills in cleaning, repairing, or upcycling items.

The earning potential for reselling can vary greatly depending on the items you sell and your ability to source good deals. Successful resellers can earn anywhere from $20 to $100+ per hour. Some full-time resellers report annual incomes of $50,000 to $150,000 or more. However, as a side hustle, earnings will depend on the time invested and your expertise in finding and selling valuable items.

How to Get Started

1. Research popular and valuable vintage or used items in your area of interest
2. Start visiting thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales to source items
3. Learn how to authenticate and value items in your niche
4. Set up accounts on selling platforms like eBay, Etsy, or Facebook Marketplace
5. Invest in basic photography equipment to showcase your items
6. Learn about shipping and packaging to ensure safe delivery
7. Start small and reinvest profits to grow your inventory
8. Network with other resellers and join online communities for tips and support

5. Mow Lawns and Do Other Landscaping Tasks

Lawn mowing and landscaping services offer a great opportunity for a side hustle, especially during spring and summer months. This business involves maintaining residential and commercial properties by mowing lawns, trimming hedges, planting flowers, and performing other outdoor maintenance tasks. It’s a physically demanding job that requires minimal initial investment and can be scaled as your client base grows.

The earning potential for lawn care and landscaping services can be substantial. On average, you can charge $30 to $80 per lawn, depending on the size and location. For more complex landscaping tasks, rates can range from $50 to $100 per hour. A dedicated side hustler could potentially earn $500 to $1,000 per week during peak seasons.

How to Get Started

1. Invest in basic lawn care equipment (mower, trimmer, leaf blower)
2. Research local regulations and obtain necessary permits
3. Set your service menu and competitive pricing
4. Create flyers and business cards to distribute in your neighborhood
5. Utilize social media and local online forums to advertise your services
6. Start with friends, family, and neighbors to build a client base
7. Consider offering package deals for regular maintenance
8. Gradually expand your services and invest in more specialized equipment

6. Refereeing

Refereeing is an excellent side hustle for sports enthusiasts. It involves officiating various sports events, from youth leagues to adult recreational games. As a referee, you’ll be responsible for enforcing game rules, managing player conduct, and ensuring fair play. This side hustle requires a deep understanding of the sport, good physical fitness, and strong decision-making skills.

The earning potential for referees varies depending on the sport, level of competition, and your experience. On average, referees can earn $30 to $70 per game for youth sports, while high school and college games can pay $50 to $150 or more per game. Professional referees can earn significantly more. As a side hustle, you could potentially earn $200 to $500 per weekend during sports seasons.

How to Get Started

1. Choose a sport you’re passionate about and knowledgeable in
2. Research the requirements for becoming a certified referee in your chosen sport
3. Attend training sessions and pass certification exams
4. Purchase necessary equipment (whistle, uniform, etc.)
5. Join local referee associations to network and find opportunities
6. Start with lower-level games to gain experience
7. Continuously study rules and improve your skills
8. Gradually work your way up to higher-level competitions

7. Selling Old Clothes

Selling old clothes is a great way to declutter your wardrobe while making extra money. This side hustle involves sorting through your unused or unwanted clothing items, determining their value, and selling them through various online platforms or local consignment shops. It’s an eco-friendly option that allows you to recycle fashion and potentially earn from items you no longer use.

The earning potential from selling old clothes can vary widely depending on the brands, condition, and demand for the items you’re selling. On average, you might earn $5 to $50 per item, with designer or vintage pieces potentially fetching much more. While not typically a full-time income, dedicated sellers who source additional inventory could potentially earn $500 to $1,000 per month.

How to Get Started

1. Sort through your wardrobe and identify items to sell
2. Research the current market value of your items
3. Clean and repair clothes as needed
4. Take high-quality photos of each item
5. Choose selling platforms (e.g., Poshmark, ThredUp, Depop, or local consignment shops)
6. Create detailed listings with accurate descriptions
7. Price items competitively based on condition and brand
8. Package and ship items promptly upon sale

8. Sell Your Photography

Selling photography is an excellent side hustle for those with a passion for capturing images. This can involve selling stock photos, prints, or offering photography services for events or portraits. With the rise of digital platforms, there are numerous ways to monetize your photography skills, from online marketplaces to social media platforms.

The earning potential for selling photography varies greatly depending on your niche, skill level, and marketing efforts. Stock photographers might earn $0.25 to $0.45 per image download, with popular images potentially generating hundreds of downloads. Event photographers can charge $100 to $300 per hour, while portrait sessions might range from $150 to $500. Successful photographers can potentially earn several thousand dollars per month as a side hustle.

How to Get Started

1. Invest in quality camera equipment and editing software
2. Develop your photography skills through practice and online tutorials
3. Choose a niche (e.g., landscapes, portraits, events)
4. Create a portfolio website to showcase your work
5. Sign up for stock photography websites (e.g., Shutterstock, Adobe Stock)
6. Utilize social media platforms to promote your work
7. Network with local businesses and event planners for potential gigs
8. Consider offering mini-sessions or package deals to attract clients

9. Deliver Groceries and Other Items

Delivering groceries and other items has become an increasingly popular side hustle, especially with the rise of on-demand delivery services. This job involves picking up orders from stores or restaurants and delivering them directly to customers’ homes or offices. It offers flexibility in terms of working hours and can be a great way to earn extra income while exploring your local area.

The earning potential for delivery drivers can vary depending on the platform used, location, and hours worked. On average, drivers can earn $15 to $25 per hour, including tips. Some experienced drivers report earning up to $30 per hour during peak times or in high-demand areas. Working 15-20 hours per week could potentially yield $300 to $500 in extra income.

How to Get Started

1. Choose a delivery platform (e.g., Instacart, DoorDash, Uber Eats)
2. Sign up as a driver and complete the application process
3. Ensure you meet the requirements (age, valid driver’s license, insurance)
4. Download the app and complete any necessary training
5. Invest in a reliable vehicle or bicycle, depending on your delivery method
6. Get familiar with your local area and popular delivery locations
7. Start with a few hours to learn the ropes and optimize your earnings
8. Consider working during peak hours to maximize your income

10. Get Paid to Test Apps and Websites

User testing is a crucial part of app and website development, and companies are willing to pay for valuable feedback. This side hustle involves testing apps or websites for usability, functionality, and user experience. You’ll typically be asked to perform specific tasks, voice your thoughts aloud, and provide written feedback or participate in short video calls to discuss your experience.

The earning potential for app and website testing can be quite good for the time invested. Most tests pay between $10 to $60 per test, with the average test taking 15-20 minutes to complete. Some specialized tests or longer sessions can pay up to $100 or more. While it’s not typically enough for a full-time income, dedicated testers could potentially earn $200 to $500 per month as a side hustle.

How to Get Started

1. Sign up for user testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting, TestBirds, Testio)
2. Complete your profile and any qualifying tests
3. Ensure you have a reliable internet connection and computer or smartphone
4. Install any necessary testing software or apps
5. Check regularly for available tests that match your demographics
6. Practice giving clear, constructive feedback
7. Complete tests promptly and thoroughly to maintain a good rating
8. Consider specializing in a particular type of testing to increase your opportunities

11. Become a Freelance Writer or Proofreader

Freelance writing and proofreading offer flexible opportunities to earn money using your language skills. Writers create content for websites, blogs, magazines, and businesses, while proofreaders review and correct written material for grammar, spelling, and clarity. This side hustle can be done remotely and often allows you to choose projects that align with your interests and expertise.

The earning potential for freelance writers and proofreaders can vary widely based on experience, niche, and client base. Beginning writers might earn $0.03 to $0.10 per word, while experienced writers can command $0.20 to $1 per word or more. Proofreaders typically earn $20 to $50 per hour. With consistent work, it’s possible to earn $1,000 to $5,000 or more per month as a side hustle, with potential for full-time income as you build your client base.

How to Get Started

1. Identify your niche or areas of expertise
2. Create a portfolio of writing samples or proofread documents
3. Set up profiles on freelance platforms (e.g., Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com)
4. Create a professional website to showcase your skills and services
5. Network with other writers and join professional associations
6. Start with smaller projects to build your reputation and reviews
7. Continuously improve your skills through courses or workshops
8. Gradually increase your rates as you gain experience and positive feedback

12. Create and Sell Your Own Handmade Goods

Creating and selling handmade goods is a rewarding side hustle that allows you to turn your crafting hobby into a profitable venture. This can include a wide range of products such as jewelry, clothing, home decor, art prints, or specialty food items. With the rise of online marketplaces dedicated to handmade goods, it’s easier than ever to reach potential customers worldwide.

The earning potential for selling handmade goods can vary greatly depending on the type of products, materials costs, time invested, and your marketing efforts. Some successful crafters report earning $500 to $5,000 per month, with potential for much more as the business grows. Profit margins can range from 20% to 60% or higher, depending on the product and pricing strategy.

How to Get Started

1. Choose a product category that aligns with your skills and interests
2. Research market demand and competition for your chosen products
3. Develop your unique designs or recipes
4. Source quality materials and tools
5. Create a brand identity and packaging design
6. Set up an online shop on platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or your own website
7. Take high-quality photos of your products
8. Price your items competitively, factoring in materials, labor, and profit margin
9. Promote your products on social media and consider influencer collaborations
10. Continuously refine your products based on customer feedback

13. Start a Podcast

Starting a podcast has become an increasingly popular side hustle, allowing individuals to share their knowledge, stories, or interests with a global audience. Podcasting involves creating audio content on specific topics, which can range from educational discussions to entertainment and storytelling. This medium offers flexibility in terms of production schedule and content creation, making it an attractive option for those looking to build an audience and potentially monetize their passion.

The earning potential for podcasts can vary widely depending on audience size, niche, and monetization strategies. While many podcasts start with little to no income, established podcasts can earn through various methods:

• Sponsorships: $18 to $50 per 1,000 listeners
• Affiliate marketing: Commissions vary, typically 5% to 30% of sales
• Merchandise: Profit margins of 20% to 50%
• Patreon or subscription models: $2 to $10 per subscriber per month

Successful podcasters can potentially earn anywhere from $500 to $10,000 or more per month, with top podcasts earning significantly higher amounts.

How to Get Started

1. Choose a niche or topic for your podcast
2. Develop a unique concept and format for your show
3. Invest in basic podcasting equipment (microphone, headphones, recording software)
4. Plan and outline your first few episodes
5. Record and edit your episodes
6. Choose a podcast hosting platform (e.g., Libsyn, Buzzsprout, Anchor)
7. Create cover art and write compelling descriptions for your podcast
8. Submit your podcast to major directories (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts)
9. Promote your podcast on social media and relevant online communities
10. Consistently produce quality content and engage with your audience

Learn more about how to make money with podcasting here.

14. Become an Affiliate Marketer

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy where individuals earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products or services. As an affiliate marketer, you recommend products through various channels such as blogs, social media, or email newsletters. When someone makes a purchase through your unique affiliate link, you earn a percentage of the sale. This side hustle can be particularly appealing as it doesn’t require creating your own products or handling customer service.

The earning potential in affiliate marketing can be substantial, but it varies greatly depending on factors such as niche, audience size, and marketing skills. Commissions typically range from 5% to 30%, with some programs offering higher rates. Earnings can start small, perhaps $50 to $100 per month, but experienced affiliate marketers can earn anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more per month. Top affiliates in competitive niches have been known to earn six or seven-figure incomes annually.

How to Get Started

1. Choose a niche that aligns with your interests and has profit potential
2. Research affiliate programs in your chosen niche
3. Create a website or blog to host your content
4. Produce high-quality content that provides value to your audience
5. Sign up for affiliate programs (e.g., Amazon Associates, ShareASale, CJ Affiliate)
6. Learn about SEO and implement strategies to increase organic traffic
7. Build an email list to engage with your audience
8. Develop a strong social media presence to expand your reach
9. Experiment with different marketing strategies (e.g., product reviews, comparisons)
10. Track your performance and optimize your campaigns based on data

15. Offer Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Services

Pet sitting and dog walking services cater to pet owners who need assistance caring for their animals. This side hustle involves looking after pets in their homes or your own, providing feeding, playtime, and exercise. Dog walking services focus specifically on taking dogs for walks, which is especially valuable for owners who work long hours or are unable to provide regular exercise for their pets. This business allows animal lovers to turn their passion into a profitable venture while enjoying flexible working hours.

The earning potential for pet sitting and dog walking can be quite good, especially in urban areas with high pet ownership rates. Rates typically range from:

• Dog walking: $15 to $25 per 30-minute walk
• Pet sitting: $25 to $50 per day for in-home visits
• Overnight pet sitting: $50 to $100 per night

Working part-time, you could potentially earn $500 to $1,500 per month. Full-time pet sitters and dog walkers in high-demand areas have reported earning $2,000 to $5,000 or more per month.

How to Get Started

1. Research local pet care regulations and obtain any necessary licenses
2. Decide on the specific services you’ll offer (e.g., dog walking, in-home pet sitting, boarding)
3. Set your rates based on local market prices and your experience
4. Create a business name and logo
5. Develop a website or social media presence to showcase your services
6. Sign up for pet care platforms (e.g., Rover, Wag) to find initial clients
7. Invest in basic supplies (leashes, treats, waste bags)
8. Consider getting pet first aid certification
9. Network with local veterinarians and pet stores for referrals
10. Provide excellent service to build a loyal client base and positive reviews