25 Best Side Hustles to Make Extra Money in 2026

Looking for ways to boost your income? These 25 side hustles can help you earn extra cash on your own schedule, from home or anywhere.

Side hustles have become a mainstream part of modern financial life. Whether you want to pay off debt, save for a big purchase, build an emergency fund, or simply enjoy some extra spending money, a well-chosen side hustle can transform your financial situation. In this guide, we break down 25 of the best side hustles for 2026, covering a wide range of skills, time commitments, and earning potentials.

Why Everyone Needs a Side Hustle in 2026

The cost of living continues to rise, and relying on a single income source has become increasingly risky. A side hustle provides financial cushion, allows you to explore new interests, and can even grow into a full-time business over time. Studies show that over 40 percent of Americans now have at least one side hustle, and the average side hustler earns an additional $1,100 per month.

The beauty of side hustles is their flexibility. You can work on them during evenings, weekends, or any free time you have. With the internet and modern technology, most side hustles can be managed entirely from your phone or laptop.

Online Side Hustles

1. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing remains one of the most accessible side hustles. Businesses, blogs, and publications constantly need fresh content. Rates range from $0.05 to $1.00 per word depending on your experience and niche. Beginners can start by writing for content mills and quickly move to higher-paying clients.

2. Virtual Assistance

Companies and entrepreneurs are willing to pay $15 to $35 per hour for virtual assistants who can manage emails, schedule appointments, handle social media, and perform various administrative tasks. This is an ideal side hustle if you are organized and reliable.

3. Online Tutoring

If you have expertise in academic subjects, test preparation, or skills like music or coding, online tutoring platforms like Wyzant, Tutor.com, and Preply connect you with students willing to pay $20 to $80 per hour.

4. Social Media Management

Small businesses know they need a social media presence but often lack the time or knowledge to maintain one. As a social media manager, you can charge $300 to $1,500 per month per client to create content, schedule posts, and engage with followers.

5. Graphic Design

With tools like Canva, Figma, and Adobe Creative Suite, graphic designers can create logos, social media graphics, marketing materials, and more. Freelance designers typically charge $25 to $100 per hour depending on their skill level.

6. Website Development

Even basic website development skills are valuable. Many small businesses need simple WordPress or Shopify sites. You can charge $500 to $5,000 per website depending on complexity, and the work can be done entirely from home.

7. Online Surveys and Microtasks

While not the most lucrative, survey sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Amazon Mechanical Turk can earn you $50 to $300 per month in your spare time. These work best as a supplement to other side hustles.

8. Selling Digital Products on Etsy

Etsy is not just for handmade crafts. Digital products like printable planners, wall art, resume templates, and SVG files for crafters sell well on the platform. Successful Etsy shops for digital products can earn $500 to $10,000 per month.

Creative Side Hustles

9. Photography

Event photography, portrait sessions, product photography, and stock photography all offer earning potential. Weekend event photographers can earn $200 to $2,000 per event, and product photographers charge $25 to $200 per product.

10. Video Editing

The demand for video content has never been higher. YouTubers, businesses, and content creators need editors who can turn raw footage into polished videos. Rates range from $30 to $150 per hour or $100 to $1,000 per video.

11. Podcasting

Starting a podcast has low upfront costs and can be monetized through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and listener donations once you build an audience. Popular niche podcasts with 5,000 to 10,000 downloads per episode can earn $500 to $2,000 per episode in sponsorship revenue.

12. Creating YouTube Content

YouTube offers multiple revenue streams including ad revenue, sponsorships, affiliate links, and merchandise. While building an audience takes time, channels in profitable niches like finance, tech, and education can eventually earn full-time incomes.

13. Selling Handmade Products

If you are crafty, platforms like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and local craft fairs provide outlets for selling handmade jewelry, candles, soap, pottery, and other crafted goods. Profit margins vary widely but can be substantial for unique, high-quality items.

Service-Based Side Hustles

14. Dog Walking and Pet Sitting

Apps like Rover and Wag connect pet sitters and dog walkers with pet owners. Dog walkers earn $15 to $25 per 30-minute walk, and overnight pet sitting can pay $50 to $100 per night.

15. House Cleaning

Cleaning services are always in demand. You can start with just basic supplies and charge $25 to $50 per hour. Many cleaners build a roster of recurring weekly or biweekly clients for steady income.

16. Lawn Care and Landscaping

Seasonal but profitable, lawn care services can earn $30 to $80 per lawn. In warmer months, a full Saturday of mowing can easily bring in $200 to $500. Snow removal in winter provides an off-season income opportunity.

17. Personal Training

Certified personal trainers can earn $30 to $100 per session. With the rise of virtual fitness, you can train clients over video calls, expanding your reach beyond your local area.

18. Moving and Hauling Services

If you have a truck or access to one, offering local moving and hauling services can be very profitable. Rates of $50 to $100 per hour are common, and weekends are typically the busiest times.

Tech-Savvy Side Hustles

19. App Testing

Companies pay users to test their apps and websites for bugs and usability issues. Platforms like UserTesting, Testbirds, and TryMyUI pay $10 to $60 per test, with each test taking 15 to 60 minutes.

20. Data Entry

Data entry work is straightforward and can be done from anywhere. While pay is typically $12 to $20 per hour, it requires minimal skills and can be done during spare moments throughout the day.

21. SEO Consulting

If you understand search engine optimization, small businesses will pay handsomely for your expertise. SEO consultants charge $75 to $200 per hour or $500 to $2,000 per month for ongoing retainer work.

22. Email Marketing

Setting up and managing email marketing campaigns for small businesses is a high-value side hustle. Email marketers charge $300 to $1,000 per month per client for designing campaigns, writing copy, and analyzing results.

Investment and Resale Side Hustles

23. Reselling and Flipping

Buying items at thrift stores, garage sales, and online auctions and reselling them for a profit is a proven side hustle. Many resellers focus on specific categories like vintage clothing, electronics, books, or sneakers. Successful resellers earn $500 to $5,000 per month.

24. Real Estate Wholesaling

Real estate wholesaling involves finding discounted properties and connecting sellers with buyers for a finder's fee. While it requires learning the real estate market and building a network, successful wholesalers can earn $5,000 to $20,000 per deal.

25. Creating and Selling Online Courses

Packaging your expertise into an online course is both a side hustle and a passive income strategy. Platforms like Teachable, Kajabi, and Podia make it easy to create and sell courses. Pricing ranges from $29 to $999 depending on the depth and niche, with top creators earning $10,000 or more per month.

How to Choose the Right Side Hustle

With so many options available, choosing the right side hustle comes down to three factors. First, consider your skills and interests. The best side hustles leverage what you are already good at or enjoy doing. Second, evaluate the time commitment. Some side hustles require consistent weekly hours while others allow for sporadic effort. Third, consider the earning potential relative to the effort required. Some hustles pay well but demand significant skill development, while others offer quick but lower returns.

Start with one side hustle, give it your full attention for at least three months, and evaluate the results. If it is working, optimize and scale it. If it is not, try something different. The important thing is to take action and start generating additional income today.