How to make money as a stay-at-home mom: 16 Ideas

Hi, moms! Are you looking for a way to work by your own rules? Do you want to squeeze in some extra entrepreneurship? Good news – we’ve got 16 ideas on how to make money as a stay-at-home mom.

And dads, feel free to stick around, too.

16 Ways how to make extra money: Stay-at-home mom edition

To answer the main question – yes, earning money as a stay-at-home mom is possible. When? During your free time or even while watching the kids. How? Below is a list of ideas – some are more involved, while others offer higher earnings.

1. Start a print-on-demand business

One of the quickest ways to start a business on your own schedule is to open an online store that sells print-on-demand products.

Signing up with Printify and adding items to your eCommerce store takes just a few minutes. Simply add eye-catching designs to your products, and Printify will handle the rest: printing, packaging, and shipping.

This can be a great way to earn extra income or even turn it into a full-time job. It’s simple:

• Register: Sign up for a free Printify account.
• Choose: In the Catalog, select goodies to customize.
• Design: Upload your designs in the Product Creator.
• Save and publish: Printify offers automated store integrations with some of the most popular sales channels: Etsy, Shopify, eBay, Walmart, and others.

With the print-on-demand business model, you’ll be free to focus on the marketing and making money part of your Etsy shop or sit back and play Scrabble with your kids.

Make it happen today!

Start selling

2. Try affiliate marketing

Got your own blog or a buzzing social media presence? Affiliate marketing could be an excellent way how to make money staying at home. You simply earn money by promoting other businesses online. Find programs that match your interests, then share a unique link with your audience.

Take the Printify Affiliate Program, for instance. Sign up, spread the word, and earn a 5% commission on sales from your referrals. Learn how to start affiliate marketing with no money and jumpstart your earnings.

3. Do data entry

Freelance data entry is a flexible and straightforward way to generate extra income from home, especially for stay-at-home moms looking to balance work and family life. This job requires minimal training and only a computer to get started. Here are several platforms where you can find data entry gigs:

1. Upwork – One of the largest freelance marketplaces, Upwork offers numerous job listings. Create a profile, showcase your skills, and bid on projects that match your expertise.
2. Fiverr – Fiverr allows you to offer your services starting at $5. Create gigs that outline your specific skills and attract clients looking for quick and affordable data entry work.
3. FlexJobs – FlexJobs specializes in remote and flexible job opportunities, including data entry positions. It’s a great platform for finding legitimate work-from-home jobs without worrying about scams.
4. Freelancer – Similar to Upwork, Freelancer lets you bid on data entry projects posted by clients worldwide. Compete with other freelancers based on your skills, experience, and pricing.
5. PeoplePerHour – This platform connects freelancers with clients looking for hourly or project-based work. Find various jobs and set your rates accordingly.

4. Become a digital marketing specialist

Harness your skills in digital marketing to become a specialist in this high-demand field. If you don’t consider yourself an expert yet, start by taking online courses in areas such as social media marketing, SEO, content marketing, and PPC advertising. 

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

Once you’ve gained the necessary knowledge, begin offering your services to small businesses or startups looking to enhance their online presence. Specializing in a niche, like social media platform management or email marketing, can help you stand out in the crowded digital market.

5. Sell an online course

Many appreciate learning from the comfort of their homes. eLearning allows busy parents to learn and earn at their convenience. To hone your expertise or discover the latest trends, platforms like Skillshare and Teachable are priceless.

Creating and selling online courses offers a chance for passive income with minimal initial investment. The secret to success lies in choosing a relevant and captivating topic. Even if you don’t have specific expertise, selecting an intriguing subject and researching it can pave the way.

6. Become a virtual tutor

Tutoring is a great example of how to make money staying home. But before jumping into tutoring, dive into courses, videos, and books to really master your subject. With so many tutors around, it’s vital to carve out your niche, whether that’s a unique language, writing skills, or algebra.

To start, scout for opportunities on sites like Chegg and Wyzant. As a stay-at-home parent, choose your own hours and set your rates, putting you in charge of your earnings.

7. Give babysitting a go

Do you love spending time with your own child? Consider babysitting for other family members or parents in need – there are likely many potential clients in your area. It’s a seamless way to earn without disrupting your routine. While there’s a load of online resources to refine your babysitting skills, experience is the best teacher – and you already have it. 

Check Healthline for babysitting insights. Organize your schedule and establish clear communication with parents. Start with familiar faces – maybe your niece or nephew? As you gain confidence, advertise locally through parenting networks or post advertisements. It’s a tangible way to earn a substantial income.

8. Sell items you don’t need

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

Kids outgrow things quickly, leaving behind lightly-used treasures perfect for resale. Start with your own baby gear, then consider other items. Yards sales, online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy, or social media – there are many avenues to turn clutter into cash.

9. Flip items

The idea behind this side hustle is easy:  find something valuable for sale cheap, and resell it for a higher price. Similarly to how you would sell items that you don’t need, find flippable items in thrift stores, flea markets, yard sales, and on Facebook Marketplace.

Often, people put things up for sale when they move or renovate their houses. Sellers looking to quickly earn extra money by getting rid of unwanted items allow you to buy those items and resell them at a higher price.

10. Open a pet daycare

Starting a pet daycare is like babysitting, but for animals. How to make money as a stay-at-home mom with a pet sitting business?

• Create a routine, set rules, and always keep pet owners updated. 
• Spend time making a safe, clean, and calming space for the pets; a spare room would be best. 
• If possible, offer outdoor areas for play and exercise. 
• Understand each pet’s needs, from diet to their favorite toys. 

The pet-sit business can increase your monthly income, and having cute pets around your living space could have additional stay-at-home mom benefits. Begin with friends and family to refine your services before expanding to the broader community. Dog walking and pet sitting is an ideal business idea for animal lovers!

11. Become a virtual assistant

Become a remote administrative professional who supports clients with various tasks, including managing schedules and appointments, while also handling your household responsibilities.

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 as an up-and-coming professional juggling a side hustle.

12. Monetize your craft skills

How can a stay-at-home mom make money with crafts? Whether you’re into knitting, crocheting, or modeling clay, there’s a craft out there for you – and a job that may offer flexible hours. 

Need to learn or enhance a skill? Find a ton of free educational videos on YouTube. Then, generate income by selling handmade goods on an online marketplace like Etsy. In the creative field, you can earn money not only by making excellent handicrafts but also in various other ways as an artist.

13. Become an influencer

If you have (or want to have) your own website or blog and a strong presence on social media platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, or Instagram, consider becoming a social media influencer. This is one of the most popular part-time jobs for moms. 

Focus on a specific niche that aligns with your interests – child care, fashion, product reviews – create high-quality and engaging content that people want to share, and most importantly, be authentic. 

Authenticity attracts followers, and with commitment, it’s possible to turn your online influence into extra cash while staying true to yourself.

14. Try remote work or freelance

Consider remote jobs to earn from home. They offer a more flexible schedule, which frees up more time to spend with your family. Try freelance writing, designing, or even being a voiceover artist. Platforms like Fiverr or Upwork are perfect for finding potential clients and gigs. 

For a more stable income, check out FlexJobs, WeWorkRemotely, and Remote.co – they offer diverse positions, from freelance writing to directors. 

15. Market testing and research

Market testing and research is a great way how to make money being a stay-at-home mom or even turn it into a full-time job. Here are three options to get you started:

• Online surveys. Sign up with trusted websites like Survey Junkie or Swagbucks to earn gift cards or cash. Be mindful of the personal information you provide.
• Website testing. Companies pay you to interact with their websites and provide feedback. Check Indeed or Glassdoor for job listings.
• Research studies. Universities and research organizations often conduct research and pay for your participation. If you’re interested, contact relevant organizations directly for more information.

16. Become a stock photographer or videographer

Passionate about photography and videography? Turn your creativity into cash by selling stock visuals. Success demands a keen sense of composition, lighting, and current trends. First, curate a portfolio to display your best work. 

Sell your visuals to businesses or individuals for diverse uses, from marketing to entertainment. Shutterstock, Getty Images, or iStock can elevate your visibility, linking you with buyers. And this is true passive income: take photos and videos once, and reap the benefits for years!

Top 15 best jobs for a stay-at-home parent

There are plenty of ways to make money as a stay-at-home mom. Below are 15 exciting jobs and average salaries based on data from Indeed.

1. Dropshipper

Average salary: Varies

Partner with platforms like Printify and let them handle production and shipping. This allows you to run an online store without worrying about inventory or fulfillment. You create your own designs or curate products, and once a sale is made, your POD partner takes care of the rest. 

This business model offers flexibility and scalability, making it a popular choice for stay-at-home parents looking to earn extra income.

2. Blogger

Average salary: $11-$33 per hour

Monetize your blog with ads, affiliate links, sponsored posts, or by selling your own products. Whether you’re sharing parenting tips, cooking recipes, or travel adventures, there are numerous ways to generate income. 

Consistent, high-quality content can attract a loyal audience, which is key to increasing your blog’s profitability.

3. Freelance content creator/transcriber

Average salary: $10-$42 per hour

As a freelance writer or transcriber, work on various projects, ranging from blog posts and articles to transcribing audio files. This job requires good language skills and attention to detail. It offers flexibility regarding working hours and the type of projects you take on, making it ideal for balancing work with parenting.

4. Tutor/teacher

Average salary: $13-$41 per hour

Share your expertise in subjects like math, science, or languages by teaching students online. Platforms like VIPKid or Chegg Tutors can help you find students from around the world. This job not only provides a decent income but also offers the satisfaction of helping others learn and grow.

5. Proofreader/editor

Average salary: $14-$34 per hour

Refine and perfect written content for clarity and coherence. As a proofreader or editor, work with authors, students, and businesses to ensure their documents are error-free and polished. This job requires a keen eye for detail and strong language skills.

6. Bookkeeper

Average salary: $32,000-$63,000 per year

Manage financial records for small businesses or individuals. Bookkeepers are essential for maintaining accurate financial statements, reconciling accounts, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. This role can be performed remotely, allowing you to work from home while managing your clients’ finances.

7. Social media manager

Average salary: $35,000-$95,000 per year

Curate social media accounts, create engaging content, and interact with followers. As a social media manager, help businesses grow their online presence and reach their target audience. This job involves creativity, strategic thinking, and an understanding of social media trends.

8. Virtual assistant

Average salary: $16-$41 per hour

Provide administrative support to businesses or entrepreneurs from the comfort of your home. Tasks may include managing emails, scheduling appointments, and handling customer inquiries. This role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask.

9. Graphic designer

Average salary: $13-$38 per hour

Create logos, brochures, websites, and more. As a graphic designer, use your creativity to bring brands to life visually. This job offers flexibility in terms of project type and work hours, making it a great option for stay-at-home parents.

10. Translator

Average salary: $14-$41 per hour

Translate documents, websites, or other content from one language to another. This job requires fluency in at least two languages and the ability to convey meaning accurately. Translators are in demand in various fields, including business, healthcare, and legal.

11. Influencer

Average salary: Varies

Rock the ‘gram: Use your social media presence to partner with brands and promote products. Influencers earn money through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and collaborations. This job allows you to monetize your personality and lifestyle while engaging with your audience.

12. Event planner

Average salary: $35,000-$91,000 per year

Plan and coordinate events, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Event planners need excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks. This job can be done remotely, especially for virtual events.

13. Interior designer

Average salary: $44,000-$111,000 per year

Create functional and aesthetically pleasing interiors for homes and offices. As an interior designer, offer virtual consultations and design services, allowing you to work from home. This job requires creativity, an eye for detail, and an understanding of design principles.

14. Photographer

Average salary: $21,000-$115,000 per year

Take photos for events, portraits, or commercial purposes. Photographers can work on a freelance basis, offering flexibility in scheduling. This job requires a good camera, editing skills, and a creative eye.

15. Research assistant

Average salary: $13-$27 per hour

Assist with academic or market research by collecting and analyzing information. Research assistants can work remotely, providing support to researchers or businesses. This job requires attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to work independently.

How do stay-at-home moms make money: Closing thoughts

As a stay-at-home parent, you can still earn money, whether through freelance writing, creating digital products, social media management, or tutoring. Sell your unwanted items on Facebook Marketplace, or get extra income with your crafts.

Start a print-on-demand business with Printify or become an affiliate – making money on your own schedule allows for more leisure time and those much-needed naps.

See what resonates and start earning on your own time, by your rules.