How to make money as a stay-at-home mom: 30 Ideas

1. Start a print-on-demand business

One of the quickest ways to launch a business and generate passive income is by opening an online store and selling print-on-demand products – like custom t-shirts with your own designs.

With Printify, start designing high-quality apparel and accessories with no upfront costs. Our Print Provider network handles all the production and shipping for you.

Whether you want to design your own hoodies, custom candles, or personalized backpacks, this business model offers a flexible way to generate extra income – and it can even grow into a full-time job.

Getting started is easy:

1. Register. Sign up for a free Printify account.
2. Choose a product. Select items from our extensive Catalog of 1,300 popular products.
3. Apply designs. Upload images or graphics to items with our free Product Creator. Not feeling artsy? Hire a freelancer on Fiverr to bring your ideas to life.
4. Save and publish. Printify integrates with major eCommerce platforms like Etsy, Shopify, eBay, and WooCommerce to automate product listings and order fulfillment.

Check out our featured success story of a thriving seller who turned a simple Etsy shop into a full-time job on her own schedule with Printify!

2. Try affiliate marketing

Do you have your own blog or a buzzing social media presence? Affiliate marketing is an excellent way to work from home without a traditional job.

You’ll promote products or services to your audience using a unique affiliate link. When someone purchases through your link, you earn a commission.

Find programs that match your interests to make the promotions more authentic. One great opportunity is the Printify Affiliate Program. Sign up, share info about Print on Demand with your followers, and earn a 5% commission on any sales from your referrals.

3. Do remote data entry

Data entry is one of the most accessible and flexible income options for stay-at-home moms.

The work typically involves inputting, organizing, and maintaining information in digital formats, and it doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree or much training.

As more businesses outsource administrative tasks, remote data entry roles are becoming increasingly common. The simplicity of this work makes it an ideal starting point for moms re-entering the workforce or exploring remote work opportunities.

Begin by building your skills and creating a professional profile on freelance platforms to find the best flexible jobs for data entry tasks, such as Upwork, Freelancer, or FlexJobs.

4. Become a digital marketing specialist

Build your digital marketing skills and step into one of the most in-demand, fast-growing fields today. 

Start by taking online courses on social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising to learn the fundamentals. 

Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer comprehensive courses to help you build expertise.

Once you’ve gained confidence in your skills, offer your services to small businesses or startups looking to grow their online presence. Specializing in social media platform management or email marketing can help you stand out in the digital market.

5. Sell an online course

Help those who want or need to learn from home. Providing eLearning courses lets busy parents earn money online with minimal investment. Choose a relevant and captivating topic and prepare a clear list of subjects to define and showcase in a structured presentation format. 

Platforms like Skillshare and Teachable are priceless resources for starting your job search, honing your expertise, or discovering the latest learning trends.

Since courses are created once and sold repeatedly, they’re an excellent way to earn passive income.

6. Become a virtual tutor

Tutoring is a fantastic way for stay-at-home moms to earn money while keeping a flexible schedule and sharing their knowledge. Before getting started, take some time to strengthen your expertise through online courses, books, or video tutorials.

Choose a niche, for instance, algebra for high schoolers, test prep for college entrance exams, foreign languages for professions, or advanced vocations. The more specific your area of expertise, the easier it is to stand out and attract your ideal students.

Scout for opportunities on sites like Chegg and Wyzant to connect with students worldwide. As a stay-at-home parent, you can choose your own hours and set competitive rates, making tutoring a great long-term income source for more money.

7. Give babysitting a go

Consider babysitting for other family members or parents – your own child can already provide the needed credibility and experience.

Check Healthline for babysitting tips and insights. Organize your schedule and establish clear communication with parents. Start with familiar faces, and as you gain confidence, advertise locally through parenting networks or post online for a tangible way to start earning.

8. Sell items you don’t need

Decluttering is a great way to make money as a stay-at-home mom. It only takes a few hours to pocket cash by selling items you no longer use while creating a more organized and peaceful home environment. 

Kids outgrow things quickly, leaving behind lightly used treasures perfect for resale. Start with your kids’ outgrown baby gear, then consider other items like toys and car seats. 

Yard sales, online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, plus niche platforms like Depop for trendy fashion, are just some of the many avenues stay-at-home moms can use to turn clutter into cash.

9. Flip items

Find used items in thrift stores, flea markets, yard sales, or online via sites like Craigslist, OfferUp, and Vinted. Fix any damage, add a fresh coat of paint, or upcycle them to increase value.

Flipping finds is a legitimate way to earn – one UK seller made over £260 in 24 hours on Vinted by reselling items bought for just a few pounds. And with the US resale market projected to hit $61 billion by 2026, it’s clear just how much money can be made from this side hustle.

10. Start a pet-sitting business

Starting a pet daycare is like babysitting, but for animal lovers. It’s super fun and has huge profit potential.

Here’s how to make money as a stay-at-home mom with a pet-sitting business:

• Specify what you can offer and what supplies you need from the owners.
• Create a routine, set rules, and keep the pet owners updated. 
• Spend time making a safe, clean, and calming living space for the pets.
• If possible, offer outdoor areas for play and exercise. 
• Understand each pet’s needs, from diet to their favorite toys.

Begin with friends and family pets to get the hang of things before expanding to the broader community. Once you have the experience, check local job boards and websites like TrustedHousesitters and Rover. With a few loyal customers, you’ll make a substantial income.

11. Become a virtual assistant

Become a remote administrative professional supporting clients with various tasks while managing your household responsibilities. Virtual assistants often manage schedules, appointments, and social media accounts or do data entry, travel planning, and project coordination. 

This role lets you put your organizational and multitasking skills to work, providing valuable support to businesses and entrepreneurs – all from the comfort of home.

Before taking the plunge, research and learn as much as possible about the industry you plan to join. This will help you better understand the opportunities and challenges you may face when juggling this side hustle.

Look for fully remote work opportunities on sites like remote.co.

12. Monetize your craft skills

Whether you’re into knitting, crocheting, or modeling clay, there’s a way for you to make money using your existing craft skills on your own time. This is perhaps one of the most flexible jobs on this list since you don’t need to set any sort of schedule – just work on your art when inspiration strikes. 

Want to polish up your skills first? There are a ton of free educational videos on YouTube, so you won’t have to spend anything on courses. 

Then, generate income by selling handmade goods online in an Etsy shop or your own website

13. Become an influencer

If you’re active on TikTok, Pinterest, or Instagram, consider becoming a social media influencer – a flexible, part-time job that works well for stay-at-home moms. Focus on a niche like parenting, kids’ products, or family budgeting, and post authentic, helpful content that people want to share.

One great example is Jasmine Taylor, a former stay-at-home mom who started posting her budgeting journey on TikTok. Her videos resonated so strongly that she turned them into a full business, Baddies and Budgets, which now generates over $1 million a year.

14. Try freelance writing

Freelance writing is a fantastic option for stay-at-home work if you have a knack for storytelling or clear communication. Write blog posts, articles, marketing copy, or even ghostwrite books.

Become a freelance writer by first identifying your niche – parenting, wellness, life coach advice, technology, or another area of interest – and build a small portfolio showcasing your skills. 

Platforms like Upwork and ProBlogger’s job board offer many opportunities for beginner freelance writers, but as you gain traction, consider creating your own site.

Keep an eye on deadlines and craft compelling content tailored to clients’ needs. Over time, you’ll establish long-term contracts and increase your rates as your reputation grows.

15. Become a customer support agent

Customer support jobs are highly flexible, making them ideal for balancing work with family responsibilities. Many companies hire remote customer service agents to handle phone, email, or live chat inquiries.

Look for opportunities on job boards like We Work Remotely or FlexJobs. This role is a great fit for those with a calm demeanor, good communication skills, and a knack for problem-solving.

Employers usually provide training and let you choose shifts that align with your schedule. This is a dependable way to earn a steady income without leaving your own home.

16. Complete online surveys

Online surveys offer a simple and flexible way to make money in your spare time. While not a full-time income source, surveys are a low-effort way to supplement earnings during your kids’ school hours or naptime.

Companies pay for consumer opinions to improve their products and services, and many platforms let you participate on your own schedule.  Popular platforms include Survey Junkie, UserTesting, and Swagbucks, which pay in cash or gift cards. 

To maximize your earnings, sign up for multiple platforms and dedicate a little time daily to completing surveys or testing products.

17. Become a remote recruiter

If you have strong interpersonal skills and a keen eye for talent, becoming a remote recruiter could be your calling. Recruiters help companies find and hire qualified candidates by sourcing resumes, conducting interviews, and managing the hiring process.

Many remote recruiters work part-time or freelance, making it easier to manage your family responsibilities while earning money online. Explore platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed for flexible job opportunities.

A background in HR or related experience is helpful but not always necessary.

18. Do transcribing work

Transcription is a straightforward way to earn from home, especially if you have good listening and typing skills. Transcribers listen to audio recordings and convert them into written text, often for industries like media, legal, healthcare, or even proofreading AI transcribing interpreters.

Begin with platforms like Rev, TranscribeMe, or GoTranscript, which provide beginner-friendly transcription tasks. Accuracy and attention to detail are key, and you can increase your rates as you gain experience.

Transcription is particularly suited for stay-at-home moms. It’s quiet and lets you earn money while remaining available for your family.

19. Participate in market testing and research

Market testing and research offer unique ways to earn money from the comfort of your home. Companies and organizations rely on consumer feedback to refine their products and services, creating various opportunities for stay-at-home moms.

• Website testing: Test websites for usability and functionality, providing valuable feedback on design and navigation. Platforms like UserTesting or job boards such as Indeed and Glassdoor frequently list opportunities for focus groups and testing.
• Research studies: Universities and research organizations often pay participants for studies ranging from consumer habits to health-related studies. Reach out to local universities or browse online research portals for openings.

20. Become a stock photographer or videographer

Are you passionate about photography and videography? Turn your creativity into cash by selling stock visuals. This job requires an eye for composition, lighting skills, and knowledge of current trends and demand.

Sell your visuals to businesses or individuals for diverse uses, from marketing to entertainment. Shutterstock, Getty Images, or iStock can link you with buyers. 

This is true passive income: take photos and videos once and reap the benefits for years.

21. Become a blogger

Blogging, regardless of whether you’re an influencer or affiliate, is a very versatile way to generate extra income from the comfort of your home. You only need a knack for storytelling and experience in a popular niche, such as cooking, crafting, parenting, or other hobbies or skills.

To start, pick a niche you’re passionate about and create a blog using platforms like WordPress or Wix, which don’t require advanced tech skills to set up. Consistent, high-quality content is key to growing your audience, so plan a posting schedule that fits your family’s routine.

As your blog gains traction, set up subscription tiers that require readers to pay a monthly fee to access more exclusive content. Monetize your blog further by selling ad space or doing product reviews for brands that align with your audience’s interests.

22. Work as a freelance content creator

With flexible hours and the ability to work from home, freelance content creation offers stay-at-home moms a great way to earn money across industries like marketing, education, and publishing. Businesses increasingly prioritize digital content, and the demand for people with good writing skills or unique creators is only growing.

Start by identifying your strengths – whether you write blog posts, craft social media copy, or script videos. You can find gigs on remote job boards or even reach out directly to creators.

Elna Cain, a stay-at-home mom, began with a $2 freelance writing gig and scaled it into a profitable business, charging $300 per project. Her journey shows what’s possible with persistence and niche focus.

The freelance economy is booming – freelancers contributed $1.3 trillion to the US economy in 2023, with writers earning an average of $30-$40 per hour.

23. Teach a language you’re fluent in

If you’re fluent in multiple languages, online language tutoring is a rewarding way to earn from home. With global demand for language learning on the rise, platforms like VIPKid and iTalki make it easy to connect with students eager to learn.

Sign up with a language tutoring platform and create a detailed profile showcasing your expertise. While a teaching degree isn’t always required, certifications for teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) can increase your credibility and attract more students. 

You’ll also need a quiet workspace and a reliable internet connection for virtual lessons, so try to schedule them when your kids are at school or napping.

24. Take jobs proofreading or editing

With the rise of online publishing, there’s a growing demand for professionals who can perform quality assurance for different types of content and meet high standards every time.

Proofreading and editing are excellent options for stay-at-home moms with a keen eye for detail.

These roles involve refining written content for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy, not unlike checking your kids’ school essays and offering creative assistance when needed.

Build a profile on freelance platforms like Freelancer or ProBlogger, or reach out directly to small businesses and writers needing editing services. 

No formal qualifications are required, but strong language skills and familiarity with editing tools like Grammarly can be a huge plus.

25. Work as a private bookkeeper

Bookkeeping offers a stable income and flexibility, making it an excellent fit for stay-at-home moms with experience in finance. Small businesses and entrepreneurs often outsource bookkeeping – tracking expenses, reconciling accounts, and preparing financial records.

Learn bookkeeping through online courses on sites like QuickBooks or Coursera. Once you’re confident in your skills with basic accounting software knowledge and attention to detail, advertise your services through local business groups or freelance platforms.

26. Become a social media manager

Social media management is an engaging and creative job for moms who have an active social media presence. Modern businesses rely on social media as their main source of marketing,  creating a high demand for skilled managers to create content, engage followers, and analyze campaign performance.

Managers are often tasked with running multiple social media accounts to attract potential clients through different channels. This usually requires a few hours per day per social media app, depending on the level of engagement required and the size of the business following.

Learn the basics of social media marketing through free or paid online courses. Tools like Hootsuite and Buffer can streamline your workflow. 

Build a portfolio by managing accounts for local businesses or friends. Once you’ve got some experience under your belt, start pitching your services.

27. Get commissions as a graphic designer

If you have a creative streak and an eye for design, graphic design offers a flexible way to earn income from home. Many businesses and individuals need logos, marketing materials, and social media graphics, making it a high-demand field for commission-based work.

Get familiar with tools like Canva or advanced software like Adobe Creative Suite. Create a portfolio showcasing your work, even if it’s just mock-ups or personal projects.

Websites like Dribbble and Behance are excellent for networking and finding freelance gigs.

28. Provide translating services

Translation work is a fantastic alternative for bilingual stay-at-home moms who aren’t into language tutoring. Businesses and individuals often need documents, websites, and other content translated accurately into different languages. Translators are especially in demand in legal, healthcare, and education.

Identify your niche and create a portfolio of translation samples. Freelance platforms like Proz or TranslatorsCafe connect you with potential clients. 

While formal certification isn’t always necessary, demonstrating your language proficiency and cultural knowledge can give you a competitive edge.

Translators enjoy flexible hours since projects are usually given with clear deadlines at least a few days in advance.

29. Start an event planning service

Event planning is a great way to combine organization and creativity. Whether virtual corporate events, birthday parties, or weddings, event planners help clients bring their visions to life – perfect for detail-oriented moms who enjoy managing schedules, budgets, and logistics.

Create a portfolio with examples of events you’ve organized (even personal ones). Network with local vendors and market your services through social media or community boards. Platforms like HoneyBook can help streamline client communications and project management.

30. Become a remote interior designer

Have an eye for design? Use it to earn some extra money!

Create functional and aesthetically pleasing interiors for homes and offices. Virtual consultations let you work from home and assist people with layouts, color schemes, and decor choices.

Start by taking online courses or gaining certifications in interior design to increase your credibility. Practice creating mock designs or offering discounted services to friends and family to build your portfolio.

Promote your expertise on platforms like Houzz or through social media, where clients can find and connect with you.