This article will examine the 30 best side hustle ideas to earn extra cash in 2024 free to supplement your income.
How to make extra income while working full-time?
Even with a robust economy and positive indications like
growing earnings and declining inflation in 2024, a lot of Americans still have
negative expectations for their finances. According to a Bankrate survey, 63%
of Americans do not anticipate changes in their financial circumstances. Persistent
inflation, which 61% of respondents cited as a key concern, is largely to blame
for this mindset. Even while economists observe general improvements, many
people are unable to receive immediate respite because regular expenses like
food and petrol remain expensive.
Financial outlooks are also influenced by generational
disparities; younger generations, especially Gen Zers and millennials, tend to
be more optimistic than baby boomers. When people anticipate progress, their
main sources of optimism are higher income and improved spending habits. On the
other hand, people who predict a decline or stagnation in their finances in the
upcoming year are mostly concerned about inflation and stagnating salaries.
In 2024, financial planning will still be important to the
majority of Americans despite these obstacles. Many people's top priorities are
to pay off debt, which is understandable given the urgency created by
historically high-interest rates on a variety of debt types. The Gen Xers and
baby boomers have a particularly strong desire to do this. Younger generations,
on the other hand, place more value on side hustles that pay well.
Interestingly, there has been a significant surge in the
number of drivers in the gig economy in recent years, especially in
ride-hailing services like Uber
Technologies Inc (NYSE:UBER) and Lyft Inc
(NASDAQ:LYFT). Many drivers are already voicing worries about diminishing
profitability as a result of this increase in involvement. Part-time Uber
Technologies Inc (NYSE:UBER) driver Fred observed a noticeable rise in other
drivers in the waiting areas and linked this to increased rivalry for rides,
which resulted in a 25% decrease in profits.
A record 6.5 million
Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE:UBER) drivers were operating globally as of
November 2023, up 31% from the same month the previous year, according to data.
Lyft Inc. (NASDAQ:LYFT) also saw a rise in the number of drivers. The gig
economy has become more popular due to factors like inflation and a decrease in
COVID-19 concerns, which has increased competition among drivers.
Drivers' incomes have
been impacted by the shifting terrain. Rich, a seasoned driver for Uber
Technologies Inc. (NYSE:UBER), saw a significant drop in his weekly income and
said that his days of earning more than $2,000 per week are long gone. The
drivers' assertions are refuted by Uber Technologies Inc (NYSE:UBER), which
asserts that rising client demand equals the rise in driver supply.
Many people find driving for Uber Technologies Inc.
(NYSE:UBER) or Lyft Inc. (NASDAQ:LYFT) to be more fulfilling than simply having
flexible hours and extra money, even if it isn't financially profitable. Even
though driving is the primary function of their work, drivers frequently value
the social connections they make. Furthermore, driving is among the finest side
gigs to earn at least $3000 each month.
Our Approach
To create our list of
the top 30 side hustles 2024 recommended by regular
people, we looked through Reddit posts and Quora responses. We made an effort
to focus on side projects that individuals said were the most
"profitable." They were then sorted based on their expected average
salary in the US. The top 30 high-paying side gigs to launch in 2024 to earn
additional money were chosen after ranking, and they are listed below.
30. Pet Sitting:
Walking dogs is a great side gig because of the growing
popularity of travel. This summer, 40% more Americans intend to travel, which
will increase the need for pet care. Now that they are adult dogs, pandemic
puppies need to be taken care of while their owners are away. Numerous jobs,
such as house sitting, cat care, and dog walking, are available when
pet-sitting. websites like Wag! Care.com, and Rover provide chances,
paying $20 to $40 per hour for dog walkers. Additionally, by bypassing platform
costs and providing services directly to neighbors, income can be maximized.
29. Complete and Engage in Online Polls
Online survey taking
is an ideal side gig because it's flexible and takes little time to complete.
Sharing ideas and insights can be a simple way to earn additional revenue or
prizes, and it works well with a variety of schedules and responsibilities. It
is one of the daily-paying side gigs.
28. Sell Secondhand or Antique Items
A profitable side gig
is reselling vintage or used goods because it requires little start-up capital,
allows for schedule flexibility, and has the potential for large profit
margins. It allows people to use their eyes for great finds and meets the
growing need for distinctive, ecological products. It's among the greatest side
gigs to earn $2000 a month.
27. Cut grass or perform garden work
The only initial
equipment needed for this side project is a lawnmower and some gardening
supplies. Additionally, it provides flexibility, enabling people to fit work
around their current obligations. It's also a service that's always in demand,
especially in locations that experience regular growth or during the warmer
months.
26. Watching children
Because it can
strengthen ties with families and give a sense of fulfillment, this side gig
has the potential to be emotionally fulfilling. It's also a skill that's always
in demand, particularly for parents who require dependable child care. One of
the greatest side hustles that pay well for 2024 is this one.
25. Sell baked products
People can make a
profitable business out of their love of baking by selling baked products. In
addition, compared to many other enterprises, its initial expenses are quite
inexpensive, with the main investments being in ingredients and basic kitchen
equipment. Because of its flexibility, bakers can work from home and choose
their schedule. One of the best side gigs to start in 2024 for additional money
is this one, which pays well.
24. Create and Market Customized Items
This side project
uses people's creativity to its advantage by letting artists express themselves
through original designs that are suited to particular markets or hobbies. It
also requires very little initial capital, mostly digital design tools and
access to printing or manufacturing services.
23. Transcriptionist
Transcribing audio to
written text allows you to operate remotely from home or any place with
internet access. It's a reachable position with an average base income of
$46,595 that just needs attention to detail and strong language abilities—no
advanced training is needed. Consequently, it ranks among the top jobs that can
be done from home in 2023. One of the side hustles that pay well on
a monthly basis is transcription.
22. Virtual Helper
21. Creating Podcasts
Because hosts can record
episodes whenever it's convenient for them, this side gig offers flexibility.
The growing popularity of podcasting creates opportunities for crowdfunding,
sponsorships, and advertising. Additionally, the possibility of passive income
via goods sales and affiliate marketing increases podcasting's profitability.
It's one of those side hustles that pay well that get the job done.
20. Influencing on Instagram
If you're an
Instagram enthusiast, you may make money from your page and expand your
following. To monetarily support your page, you must have 10,000 or more
followers and be at least eighteen years old. Selecting a certain niche is also
encouraged.
19. Interpreter of Languages
Because of the increasing demand for language translation
that comes with increased global connection, people who are bilingual or
multilingual can take advantage of platforms like Unbabel
Inc. to offer worthwhile translation services. See Careers That Bilinguals
and Multilingual Will Excel in for additional information about positions
connected to translation.
18. Services for Personal Chefs
It takes advantage of
culinary talents for additional revenue and has cheap beginning costs.
Personalized culinary experiences, growth prospects, autonomy, and the
satisfaction of providing them all make it a multifaceted and satisfying
career. It's also one of the highest paying and most enjoyable careers.
17. Stock Photographer
With stock
photography, anyone can take and sell pictures for a variety of uses, such as
advertisements, websites, and print media. By licensing their images
repeatedly, stock photographers can make a steady income. In the digital age,
where high-quality images are constantly needed, sites like Shutterstock Inc (NYSE:SSTK) are quite
helpful. Because enthusiasts and photographers can work from home, it is a very
lucrative side business. The average income for a photographer at Shutterstock
Inc. (NYSE:SSTK) is $53,000, according to Glassdoor. It's among the most lucrative
side
hustles that pay well.
16. Provide Services for Photography
A photographer's annual salary is about $40,170. A high
school diploma is usually sufficient for admission. While any prior relevant
work experience is not required, moderate on-the-job training is frequently
provided. There were 148,900 photography positions in 2022; from 2022 to 2032,
employment is expected to expand by 4%, or 6,100 jobs. It's one of the more
lucrative side hustles that pay well.
15. Illustrator of graphics
The BLS reports that the median pay for a graphic designer
in the US is $50,710. For college students, it is also one of the
highest-paying part-time occupations. One of the best side gigs to start in
2024 for additional money online is this one side hustles that pay well.
14. Organizing Events
Event planning is a creative and organizational ability that
people can use to design a variety of events, including parties, weddings, and
business gatherings. Social media, websites dedicated to event planning, and
word-of-mouth recommendations are the main ways that event planners are hired.
Furthermore, they frequently work together with clients, venues, and vendors to
realize their vision.
13. Manager of Social Media
Positive job outlooks are predicted for managers of
advertising and promotions, which includes positions like social media
managers, by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The median pay for these professionals was $127,830 in 2022. From 2021 to 2031,
the BLS projects a growth rate of 7%, which is faster than average. It is among
the best at-home side hustles 2024.
12. Subject-Specific Instructor
If you are very good
at a subject, you may use websites like Tutorme
and FavTuto to educate people all over the
world as an online tutor. In the US, an instructor makes, on average, $52,379 a
year. It's among the greatest side gigs to earn extra money while working a
full-time job.
11. Cosmetics and Hair Design
In 2024, the demand
for makeup and hairstyling will be high due to social media influence and the
need for self-expression, making it a profitable side business. As more people
look to improve their appearance and online presence, talented artists can make
a profit by providing specialized services for special occasions, picture
shoots, and everyday looks.
10. Life Guidance
A life coach is a
qualified specialist who assists people in defining their objectives,
overcoming challenges, and developing doable strategies for their own or their
career's advancement. It's a possible side gig that one can work from home.
It's important to
remember, though, that Google is supposedly working on chatbots that can offer
life coaching. Google is stepping into the realm of personal counseling despite
caution not to rely on its current Bard chatbot for professional assistance.
Employees examine Google's coachbot's responses, which have drawn criticism for
possible errors.
9. Independent Authoring
Writing provides a
versatile and intellectually engaging means of self-expression, enabling people
to communicate their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives to a worldwide
readership. In the US, the average hourly wage for a freelance writer is
$35.50.
8. SEO Guidance
Because SEO is so in
demand in digital marketing, it's a great side business opportunity. It
enhances current employment with its flexible schedule and remote work
opportunities. It's also a financially gratifying endeavor because it can
generate passive revenue through recommendations and recurrent clients. In the
US, an SEO consultant makes, on average, $95,925 annually.
7. Senior Sports Instructor
There is an increasing need for instructors of sports including pickleball, tennis, golf, boxing, and surfing due to the aging population. platforms that link educators with students of all ages, such as TeachMe. It can be profitable to teach these games; one pickleball coach charges $141 an hour. Think of using your knowledge of these sports as a teaching tool, adjusting costs to include TeachMe.To's commission.
6. Offer an Amazon Fulfilment (FBA) Service
Sellers ship their
goods to Amazon.com, Inc. fulfillment centers via the FBA program. On behalf of
the vendors, Amazon.com, Inc. stores the goods, selects, packages, and
dispatches the orders to customers. Additionally, refunds and customer service
are handled by Amazon.com, Inc. Up until it is sold, FBA sellers are the
proprietors of the inventory. It is one of the best side gigs because it offers
this much flexibility and theoretically no upper limit to the amount of money
you might make with FBA.
5. Shopify Inc.'s Dropshipping
Dropshipping differs
from FBA-style services in that the seller does not maintain any inventory.
Rather, the seller buys the product from a third-party supplier (often a
manufacturer or wholesaler) and ships it straight to the buyer upon receiving
an order from the client. The goods are never handled by the seller in person.
As a result, opening an internet store without keeping inventory is possible.
Dropshippers can make, on average, between $1000 and $5000 per month with
minimum hours through sites such as Shopify Inc.
4. Create Handcrafted Items or Art
Handmade crafts have
a premium appeal at a time when artisanal products and authenticity are highly
prized. In addition to providing chances for creative expression, it generates
income sources outside of regular employment. This side project can be balanced
with other responsibilities and offers both financial security and fulfillment
via the love of crafts.
3. Web Design
Web development is
sometimes thought of as a full-time profession, but tasks and contracts are
more common on platforms like Upwork Inc., which makes it easier to manage
alongside other obligations. Web programming is a great side gig because there
are many freelance opportunities and you don't need a college degree to get
started. You can make up to $30 per hour doing this.
2. Partner Promotion
Affiliates that
market goods or services through affiliate marketing use a performance-based
approach, earning commissions for each sale or lead they produce. Because it
needs little initial investment, doesn't require the manufacture of a product,
and is flexible, it's a great side gig from home. People who participate in
Amazon's Affiliate Programme can earn up to $20,000 annually, making it a
highly popular program worldwide.
1. Grow a YouTube Channel's Revenue
YouTube stars in 2024 are contemporary examples of self-made celebrities who enthrall viewers with interesting, instructive, and captivating content. Even though they are first motivated more by passion than by money, popular YouTubers have access to a variety of income sources. Joining the YouTube Partner Programme to get money from ads is one strategy; other tactics include selling goods, crowdsourcing initiatives, and getting assistance from fans. Lucrative opportunities are also presented by affiliate marketing, brand partnerships, and content licensing. To begin earning revenue, producers need to fulfill certain requirements, such as having 1,000 members and 4,000 view hours in a year. In 2024, this is the greatest side hustles that pay well to start if you want some extra cash.
