9+ Best Side Hustles: Ranked & Reviewed [2023]

Do you have skills that your current day job is not taking advantage of?

Or, are you simply looking for new ways to generate an income for your travel fund, shopping budget, or savings?

Maybe you should be considering starting your own side hustle!

A side hustle is a job that is done outside of your main source of income. Side hustles usually involve using your skills and interests to make money, which can complement the pitfalls of your main job.

Side hustles are popular among all types; entrepreneurs, full-time parents, college students, and more are jumping on the side hustle bandwagon.

In this article, we’ll explore a variety of side hustles that might inspire you to get your own started. Most importantly, there is truly a side hustle for everyone. Let’s jump right into it!

Best Side Hustles: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed]

As you compare the best side hustles, you should consider a few top choices. Every side hustle and every hustler is a bit different. However, the following gigs are fantastic for people who want to start making an extra income.

1. Become a Freelance Writer – Our Pick

Working as a freelance writer can be an amazing side hustle. If you’re good at writing, this gig is relatively easy, and you can do it on your own time.

Companies That Offer Freelance Writer Work

If you can go through a few companies to help you get your first few projects.

• Upwork: On Upwork, you can find writing gigs and send proposals to the gigs that interest you. If a client wants to hire you, they’ll send a message, and you can communicate, negotiate pay and deadlines, and submit your work through the portal.
• Fiverr: Fiverr lets freelancers list their services. You can optimize your gig listing to show up in search results so that clients decide to buy from you. If you get into Fiverr Pro, you can charge more for your services.
• Freelancer: Another freelance platform for writers is Freelancer, and it works similarly to Upwork. You can apply to gigs that suit your interests and skills.

Pros of Becoming a Freelance Writer

• Flexibility: One of the most significant advantages is that you have a flexible schedule. As long as you meet your deadlines, you can work in the morning, evening, or at night, so it’s easy to fit into your busy schedule.
• Project-Based Pay: Many freelance writing gigs pay per word or project. As you gain experience, you can become more efficient and earn more without having to work more.
• Multiple Types of Writing: You can specialize in writing blog posts, copy, or other types of written content.

Cons of Becoming a Freelance Writer

• Inconsistent Income: You may not always have work coming in, which means you may not earn money regularly. That can make it hard to rely on your side hustle income as part of your budget.
• Low-Paying Projects: Some clients pay a penny per word or even less. At that rate, even the most efficient writer can’t expect to make a ton of money per hour.
• Not Passive: Freelance writing requires you to continue to write for clients to keep getting paid. That also makes it hard to scale your income without raising your rates and finding clients who are willing to pay more.

How Much You Can Make With Freelance Writing?

The average freelance writer can expect to make anywhere from $15 to $40 per hour. Your exact rate depends on the type of writing you do and how much research is involved.

Conclusion: Should You Choose To Become a Freelance Writer?

You should become a freelance writer if you enjoy writing and are already good at it. While you can learn, you may not make much money per hour if you’re slow.

2. Transcribe Recordings & Text – Runner-Up

If you’re good at listening, you may want to find some transcription jobs. This side hustle can be very lucrative, especially as you get faster.

Companies That Offer Transcription Work

Consider the following companies to become a transcriber.

• ScribeAmerica: Get a remote job transcribing medical information and data. You can help doctors take and record notes for each of their patients.
• SpeakWrite: If you’re interested in the legal field, you can become a legal transcriptionist. This company also offers work in the fields of finance and insurance.
• TranscribeMe: You can transcribe audio from meetings, interviews, and other encounters. If you speak another language, you can also translate.

Pros of Transcribing Recordings & Text

• Variety: You can work for multiple companies to transcribe different types of audio. That way, every recording is different.
• Flexible: This gig allows you to work at your own pace and on your schedule. You can fit it into your current schedule.
• Learn New Things: As you listen to recordings, you may learn new things about the medical or legal world.

Cons of Transcribing Recordings & Text

• Requires Quiet: You need a distraction-free, quiet space so that you can listen to the audio and transcribe it accordingly.
• May Involve Repetition: Especially as a beginner, you can expect to listen over and over to ensure you accurately transcribe the file. That can increase the amount of time a project takes.
• Difficult Terminology: Medical and legal transcription may require you to transcribe terms that are difficult to spell. You should have some dictionaries on hand to find the right spelling.

How Much You Can Make Transcribing Recordings & Text

Beginner transcriptionists can expect to make about $15 to $25 per hour. As you gain experience, you could earn an hourly rate of $30.

If you charge per minute of audio, you could make even more if you’re fast at transcribing.

Conclusion: Should You Choose Transcribing Recordings & Text?

You should go into transcription if you’re good at listening. It also helps to have a quiet space to do your work.

3. Ridesharing & Food Delivery – Also Great

If you want to do a side hustle that involves getting out of the house, consider food delivery or ridesharing. You can deliver food and passengers to their destination, and you can explore your city.

Of all of the real-world side hustles, ridesharing and food delivery are fantastic options for maintaining your independence and making great tips!

As long as your transportation is in order, signing up and starting is easy!

Usually, there is an app to be downloaded, but registration can take as little as 30 minutes. You will most likely be able to start moving on the same day that you register.

Companies That Offer Delivery to Food & Passengers

Prior to starting your ridesharing or food delivery business, you might want to consider which apps or services (such as Uber or DoorDash) are the most popular in your area.

The easiest way to start delivering food or driving passengers is with an app or two. You can even combine apps to increase your earning potential.

• Uber/Uber Eats: Uber lets you drive people from place to place, but you can deliver food with Uber Eats. You’ll need a car in good condition, a license, and to meet other requirements.
• DoorDash: DoorDash is probably the most popular food delivery app. When you join, you can schedule your shifts. You’ll earn a base rate for each delivery and any tips customers give.
• Lyft: Lyft is another rideshare app that lets you pick up passengers. You can drive people to work, school, or the airport.

Pros of Delivering Food & Passengers

• Explore the City: You can learn about restaurants and neighborhoods you never knew existed. Then, you can try those places on your own time.
• Meet New People: If you’re an extrovert, you can chat with your passengers on the drive. You can learn about their lives and even make new friends.
• Make Good Tips: As a driver, you could make a good amount from tips. That can help increase your earning potential.

Cons of Delivering Food & Passengers

• Evenings and Weekends: The best time to drive to make a higher hourly rate is in the evenings and on weekends. If you want that time off, driving isn’t the best side hustle.
• Car Maintenance: You’ll need to spend more on gas and car maintenance. While you can write those off as expenses, they can still cut into your profits.
• Wait Time: You may waste a lot of time waiting at restaurants or in traffic, which can decrease your hourly rate.

How Much You Can Make Delivering Food & Passengers

The average hourly rate for delivery drivers is about $23 to $24 per hour. Of course, earnings can vary based on the time of day you work, any tips you get, and where you live and work.

Conclusion: Should You Choose to Deliver Food & Passengers?

You should deliver food and passengers if you like getting out of the house. It’s a good option if you like interacting with other people and exploring new parts of your city.

Additionally, you will need constant access to a vehicle while you are on the job (as well as a driver’s license, of course).

Notable Mentions: Notable Mentions: Other Top Side Hustles To Check Out

If none of the previous side hustle ideas appeal to you, there are more options. You can choose a side hustle that’s cheap to start and easy to scale.

On the other hand, you can also invest more money into a potentially more lucrative gig. Consider the following gigs and businesses you can start outside of work.

1. Rent Your Home & Vehicles

Renting a house or your car can be an excellent way to make extra cash. You can use your current assets or invest in new ones to rent out, depending on how much money you currently have.

Why Is Renting Your Home & Vehicles a Great Option?

Renting your house is worth it because you can make some money when you head out of town. You can also make sure your house is occupied to help ward off thieves.

If you rarely use your car, you can rent it out to help pay for gas, maintenance, and insurance.

Drawbacks to Renting Your Home & Vehicles

The most significant drawback to renting your home or car is the renter damaging it. In the case of a car, they could also steal it and refuse to return it.

You also may need to pay for more insurance coverage, and you could have months with zero bookings.

How Much You Can Make Renting Your Home & Vehicles

If you rent your home through Airbnb, you can expect to make about $13,800 per year. Your earnings will depend on where you live, how much you charge, and how many days or nights your home or vehicle is booked out.

2. Tutor Students & Teach Online

This one’s for college students! Depending on your focus in college, it can feel like lectures are pointless at times.

However, if you study a subject that is challenging and feels equipped to teach the material to others, you might want to explore online tutoring or teaching.

Subjects like chemistry, engineering, and math are truly a struggle for many students, so having a point of contact for explanations and study help is a game-changer.

Additionally, many professors have teaching assistant positions (especially if you are a graduate student), and some of them are online.

Why Is Tutoring Students & Teaching Online a Great Option?

Tutoring and teaching online is an excellent option because you can work wherever. As long as you have an internet connection, you can use a video chat tool.

You can also offer private or small group sessions based on what you teach, which could help increase your earnings.

Drawbacks to Tutoring Students & Teaching Online

Probably the most obvious drawback to teaching online is that technology can fail. You or your students could have a poor internet connection, which makes it hard to teach or learn. If you teach young kids, you can also struggle to keep them engaged over video chat.

How Much You Can Make With Tutoring Students & Teaching Online

The average tutor makes about $23.50 per hour. Your exact earning potential depends on where you live, what you teach, and your credentials.

It also depends on if you teach private students or small groups because you can make more teaching a few people at once. If you use a tutoring platform, you’ll need to consider any fees they take out.

3. Sell Physical & Digital Goods

Another amazing way to make some extra money is to sell physical and digital goods.

Physical products include things like clothing, books, and technology. Digital goods cover things like eBooks, courses, and other downloads.

Why Is Selling Physical & Digital Goods a Great Option?

Selling products is an excellent way to make money because you have a flexible schedule.

If you sell digital items, it can become passive. All you do is make the product once, and you can sell it over and over.

Drawbacks to Selling Physical & Digital Goods

You have to choose and produce the right product before you make any money. That means you need plenty of time and cash to get this sort of side hustle up and running.

If you choose physical products, you also need to have space for inventory and time to ship the items.

How Much You Can Make With Selling Physical & Digital Goods

The average profit margin for physical product sales is about 10%. However, you can make much more from digital products, sometimes as much as hundreds or thousands of dollars per sale.

As long as you choose the right product to sell, your income potential is unlimited.

4. Creating a Blog & Doing Affiliate Marketing

Blogging is a fun side hustle that involves crafting content to be published on a website about a range of topics. This could be food, fashion, travel – whatever interests you!

Bloggers can make extra money by running advertisements on their websites, which generate income as people visit the site or click on the ad prompt.

Like bloggers, affiliate marketers promote products that are in alignment with their brand or the content of their online presence.

Affiliate marketing goes beyond blogging, however, as creators on video and visual platforms (such as Instagram and TikTok) are massive contributors to the global affiliate network.

Why Is Creating a Blog a Great Option?

Starting a blog is an amazing side hustle because you get to control what content you create. You can choose a profitable niche and start posting articles regularly. Once you start getting traffic, you can monetize with ads and affiliate links, so it can become very passive.

Drawbacks to Creating a Blog

Creating a blog that you use to make money isn’t free, so you need to pay for a domain and hosting. You also need to be willing to work on your blog for at least a year before you make any money from it.

Once you start making money, you might not make that much, so you need to be patient.

How Much You Can Make by Creating a Blog

Some bloggers make nothing or very little from their blogs. However, others can make six or seven figures a year.

On average, bloggers make about $50,000 per year. Your income potential depends on how much traffic you get, your blog topic, and how you monetize it.

5. Become an Influencer

If you like creating written and video content, you may want to become an influencer.

You can build a following on social media or your website. Then, you’ll use your following to generate income.

Why Is Becoming an Influencer a Great Option?

Being an influencer is an excellent choice because you can be creative with your content. Plus, your income will usually increase along with the size and engagement of your audience.

You can choose a topic you enjoy, and you can start creating content in that niche for free.

Drawbacks to Becoming an Influencer

Similar to starting a blog, you can’t expect to make much money as a new influencer. You need to spend months or years growing an audience.

Even then, you need to post new content consistently to maintain your following and income. You also have to stay on top of trends and algorithm updates to make sure your content is engaging.

How Much You Can Make With Becoming an Influencer

Sponsored posts are going to pay the most, and you can make about $1 for every 100 followers you have.

That means an influencer with 10,000 followers will make about $100 per post. But you can also make money from affiliate links, ads, and merch.

6. Give Tours & Other Experiences

Plenty of the top side hustles don’t require an audience. You can give tours and other experiences to tourists when they visit your city. It’s a great way to get out of your house and interact with your community.

Why Is Giving Tours & Other Experiences a Great Option?

Giving tours allows you to show visitors what there is to do where you live. It can be a particularly good choice for people in areas with a lot of tourists. However, you can also give tours to new residents, college students, and locals.

Drawbacks to Giving Tours & Other Experiences

Giving tours and other experiences requires you to work on a set schedule. You can’t just decide you want to work when you have extra time. You’ll probably need to work evenings, weekends, and perhaps on major holidays.

How Much You Can Make by Giving Tours & Other Experiences

Tour guides make about $22 per hour on average.

Your income will depend on where you live, how long the tour is, and if you work for a company or start your own tour guide business. Of course, your income will also vary based on how many hours you work.

Even More Best Side Hustle Options To Check Out

If none of the previous side hustle ideas appeal to you, there are more options. You can choose a side hustle that’s cheap to start and easy to scale.

On the other hand, you can also invest more money into a potentially more lucrative gig. Consider the following gigs and businesses you can start outside of work.

Online Side Hustles

Online side hustles are a novel way to make extra cash via the internet.

As most people live their lives online to some degree, it is easy to create a far-reaching customer base with online side hustles while working from home. Here are a few gigs that might interest you:

1. Freelancing

Freelancing is a broad term that encompasses jobs that provide services to multiple clients, such as writing, translating, editing, and consulting. Freelancers are self-employed and can choose to take on as many clients or projects as they want.

If you are highly skilled in your profession (such as engineering, architecture, or marketing), freelancing can easily exist alongside your main job.

2. E-commerce and Dropshipping

E-commerce and dropshipping are becoming increasingly well-known in the side hustle community, and they can be very lucrative.

Essentially, you are selling a product that you do not keep readily in stock, and then reaching out to a company that does sell the product once an order has been placed with you.

Then, you would make the difference between what you paid for the product and what you sold the product for.

A website and knowledge of SEO are highly necessary for an e-commerce business so that customers can find you and shop easily!

Real-World Side Hustles

If you’d rather work your business in person, real-world side hustles might be a better option for you:

1. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If you’re an animal lover, you might thrive in a pet-sitting or dog-walking position.

Lots of people own pets and need a caring person to look after them while they’re at work or on vacation.

As long as you keep a consistent inventory of food, treats, and toys, you’ll be a hit with your furry clients in no time!

2. House Cleaning or Organizing Services

Although many people do not like cleaning, some of you reading this article find it relaxing.

If you’re a person who is naturally gifted at cleaning or organizing, your skills can potentially transfer into a successful side hustle.

The most challenging part about starting a cleaning or organizing service is marketing.

If you have any family friends or colleagues who might be interested in your service, it is recommended that you take them on as clients first. Do a great job, and word of mouth can take you far!

3. Personal Shopping or Styling

Are you a lover of shopping and all things fashion? If so, personal shopping and styling are growing in popularity.

Many influencers on social media have become popular for styling the closets of people who have a specific aesthetic vision for their wardrobe.

Being a personal shopper means working with people of varying budgets to help them make the most of their money and sense of style.

Plus, styling someone in an outfit that they feel confident in is a very rewarding experience!

Investment and Passive Income Hustles

Passive income can be really handy when it comes to making money beyond your day job.

If you find that you don’t have the time for the side hustles we’ve mentioned so far, you may want to consider some passive streams of income:

1. Real Estate

Real estate investing may require capital upfront in order to begin making money, but this side hustle can prove to be a terrific way to generate passive income.

Whether you buy, flip, and sell a home, or you buy a building and rent it to tenants, the housing market has ample potential for making money beyond your 9-to-5.

2. Stock Market or Cryptocurrency Trading

Stock market and cryptocurrency trading are adrenaline-heavy side hustles. While trading stocks and crypto can be exciting, the volatility of both markets can make it difficult to keep your money.

Therefore, it is recommended that you research pivotal market trends in each industry that you invest in.

Also, if you begin trading for others, you will be required to take one or more state licensing exams.

3. Peer-to-Peer Lending

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending provides average people with the ability to take out loans and avoid a bank. However, loans often come with interest, which is where P2P lending can provide a passive income to lenders.

Skill or Hobby-based Hustles

These side hustles are where creative people can shine. Artists, musicians, craftspeople, and more are needed for a variety of jobs. Although there are multiple creative outlets that can be turned into a side hustle, think about the ones below!

1. Photography or Videography Services

We live in a digital world where people check in on each other through shared photos and videos of various events.

If you are skilled in photography or videography, your skills are needed in so many different ways.

Photographers and videographers can capture special moments such as weddings, births, anniversaries, and more.

Also, with the rise in influencer-based jobs, people have a constant need for high-quality photos and videos for their social media sites!

2. Crafting and Selling Handmade Items

People are moving away from shopping at big corporations, which has increased the interest in handmade items.

There are many websites that you can partner with as a crafter to sell your items such as Etsy or Redbubble.

3. Offering Workshops or Classes (e.g., Cooking, Pottery, Dance)

If you have a knack for teaching and are also well-versed in DIY activities, you might be the perfect candidate for running a workshop.

Similarly, if you have a skill that is sought after by many (such as yoga, singing, cooking, and more), hosting classes on those subjects can provide a fun activity for your community while earning you some extra income!

Criteria To Look for in Top Side Hustles

When comparing the top side hustles, you may find they all sound appealing. However, the best choice for you may not be the same as for someone else. Consider the following aspects when choosing your ideal side hustle.

1. Flexibility

First, you should consider when, where, and how you’ll do the work for your side hustle.

Some gigs require a set schedule, such as tutoring, while others are more flexible, such as blogging. If you have a lot going on, you may need to start with a more flexible gig.

2. Costs

You also need to think about how much it will cost to start and maintain your side hustle. Some expenses you might incur include gas and car maintenance, website hosting, or product inventory.

Pro Tip: Offset sunk costs like fuel with gas apps that pay you back. If you have to spend the money anyways, you might as well save while doing it.

3. Income Potential

Of course, your income potential is also an important factor to look at. Consider the average salary for side hustlers. You should also think about how quickly you can expect to get paid since some paths, like blogging and influencing, don’t pay at all for a few months.

4. Your Skills and Interests

Don’t forget to determine what you’re good at and what you like doing. Knowing those things is particularly important before you start a blog since you’ll have to do a lot of work for free.

Even if you want to tutor, you should know what subjects you’re best at and can help others with.

5. Future Goals

Finally, you might want to think about whether your side hustle will remain a side gig.

If you want to turn it into a full-time business, you’ll need to choose something that can scale. Then, you’ll be able to meet your future income and lifestyle goals, or you can choose a better side hustle.

Frequently Asked Questions

The top side hustles can help you increase your income to pay bills or save for the future. If you still have questions about these hustles, here’s what you should know.

Wrapping Up

Have you thought about which side hustle might suit your current work-life balance? You may have to try several side hustles before you decide which one to stick with.

Remember to think beyond your skills and consider what you truly enjoy doing. There is no pressure with a side hustle; this means that you have the freedom to choose a side hustle that is completely different from your line of work.

Whatever the right choice is for you, enjoy your new side hustle and the extra income that comes with it!

Other Jobs Relevant to Top Side Hustles

As you look at the top side hustles, you may wonder what other options you have.

If you don’t want to start your own thing, you may look at side jobs. Many side jobs are different from side hustles but offer similar benefits.

Consider the following gigs.

• Same Day Pay Jobs: If you need money immediately, look for jobs with same-day pay. Then, you won’t have to wait weeks or months to earn your first dollar outside of work.
• Best Gig Jobs: The best gig jobs offer just as much flexibility as a side hustle. However, they may provide more consistent work and income, and they pay per task rather than per hour.
• Freelance Jobs: Some people only work freelance jobs and earn a full-time income doing it. You can freelance as a side hustle as well, and you generally have more control over when and where you do your work.