With the ongoing pandemic, more people are choosing to work from home. 89% admit they would rather work from home, even after the crisis ends. For those who want to make extra money, explore new opportunities and enjoy the freedom and flexibility it provides, we’ve gathered a list of ways to make money from home.
In this article we’ll talk about 20 creative ways to make money from home, and compare the pros, cons, and average rates. Keep reading to learn more about how to make more money in the comfort of your own home.
20 Ways to make money from home
Whether you’re looking for a side-hustle or a full-time job, there are plenty of ways to earn from home. Enjoy the flexibility and independence with one or more of our suggestions. Browse the list and find the best way to make money on your own terms.
1. Print On Demand (POD)
POD is one of the easiest and safest business models for working from home. Selling on demand means customizing white label products and fulfilling orders one by one.
Sell apparel, accessories, home decor items, or products for pets. The options are endless. Choose the best product for your business, customize it, and list it on your online store. POD is that simple.
Average Rate: The average profit in POD depends on your pricing strategy, customized products, and the sold quantity. For example, by selling a single item, the profit would be somewhere between $5-$8 per sale.
Pros of POD:
- No Investment. Selecting, customizing, and listing products online is 100% free. Pay for order fulfillment only after making a sale.
- No Inventory. Every order is printed, packaged, and shipped by the print provider. There is no need to keep stock.
- No Experience Needed. POD is one of the most beginner-friendly business models, with a simple and easy setup. Just sign up and start designing.
- Global Shipping. Partner with print providers around the world and appeal to all customer bases.
- Product Scope. Printify’s Catalog offers over 500+ white label products to choose and customize.
- Excellent Support. Merchant support agents will provide help and guidance for your online store, 24/7.
Cons of POD:
- Split Responsibility. While the merchant is fully responsible for product design, advertising, and sales, order fulfillment lies on the print provider’s shoulders.
- Limited Control Over Product Quality. Merchants take no part in product printing and order fulfillment. They order samples and trust the print providers for the quality of each end product they sell online.
- Longer Fulfillment. Since there is no stock of already made products, the fulfillment of a dropshipping order takes longer.
2. Online surveys
When searching for new ways to make money from home, paid surveys are a good option for those who need some extra income. Take part in market research and provide valuable insight into people’s needs and wants.
Paid online surveys are a great tool for measuring public opinion with a little financial encouragement. Participating in paid surveys gives people the opportunity to share their views, values, and opinions while getting paid.
Average Rate: Rates differ depending on the offer, volume, and topic of the survey. On average, people can earn from a couple of cents to as much as $50 per survey. For example, survey sites like Branded Surveys offer a point system. Collect points by doing surveys and exchange them for money, gift cards, and more.
Pros:
- No Experience Needed. Anyone can take surveys on any topic.
- Guaranteed Income. Earn money without spending money.
- Express Your Opinion. Have your voice heard on multiple topics and contribute to research.
- Flexibility. Online surveys can be taken anytime.
Cons:
- Possible Online Scams. Many fake sites offer a ridiculous amount of money per survey, just to attract subscribers and their data.
- Low Pay. As mentioned above, most surveys only pay a couple of cents or dollars. This won’t be a good option for those looking for a steady income.
- Restricted Access to Surveys. Every subscriber will not always qualify for the survey. On some occasions, you might get rejected during the screening process.
3. Online courses
If you have what it takes to lead a class of people and provide the necessary knowledge and information, teaching online courses is the perfect way to make money online. With the right education and teaching ability, this can generate great income while working from home.
Teach languages, music, drawing, science, workshops, self-care classes, business management, and more.
Average Rate: Online instructors and teachers make on average between $10 – $40 per hour depending on their level of qualification. For specific courses and classes, most online teachers make around $1-2K per course.
Pros:
- Flexible Schedule. Teach online in the mornings, afternoons, or evenings. Convenience is key to teaching online.
- Work From Anywhere. As long as there is an internet connection.
- Lesson Plans and Materials Provided. Most teaching companies, such as VIPKID or Magic Ears, provide their teachers and online instructors with everything necessary.
- Meet Global Students. Online teachers get to meet students from all over the world.
Cons:
- The Internet is Not Always Your Friend. Relying only on the internet can be stressful. It is the only way to connect with students and do actual work.
- Strict Cancellation Policies. Most companies expect a teacher to finish a class they’ve started.
- No Benefits. Online teachers can be robbed of multiple benefits, such as health insurance or retirement plans.
- Physically Demanding. When teaching online, all processes, including teaching, grading, checking, and providing feedback, are done on a computer.
4. Product testing
Testing products is a fun way to earn money. Testers have the opportunity to enjoy new products, video games, merchandise, and more, before it’s up for sale. They also have the chance to voice their opinion in product making.
Sites like NCP, UserTesting, and SheSpeaks offer money and free products to test, from skincare to website testing. Earn money by enjoying free stuff and giving useful feedback.
Average Rate: It depends on the site, the specific product to test, as well as the brand or client’s budget. Product testers earn anywhere from $10-$40 per hour.
Pros:
- Free Products. Get free items, website access, video games, and more.
- Rewarding Work. Give useful feedback to improve the quality of products and services.
- No Risk. No need to invest anything or risk losing something. Get products for free and earn by giving feedback.
Cons:
- Repetitive Work. Sometimes a lot of similar products or services need to be tested and reviewed.
- Tedious Process. Clicking through an enormous amount of emails and offers.
- Scam Concern. There is no way of knowing whether the offer is legitimate or just another way of getting your data.
5. Blogging
Starting a blog is an excellent way to make money from home. Spend time writing on interesting topics, or provide others with useful information on a daily basis. Start small and expand the blog by advertising, attracting sponsors, and more.
Ideas for blogs: Family Blog, Cooking Blog, Travel Blog, Life Advice Blog, Self-Help Blog.
Get cheap web hosting and domain, such as Namecheap, and get started.
Average Rate: Blogging income depends on experience, size of the audience, traffic, and what is being written. Generate income by including advertising on your blog or joining an affiliate program. On average, bloggers earn around $13 per hour. However, sponsorships and affiliate programs can generate a greater income.
Pros:
- Minimal Investment. Just set up a web page and you’re good to go.
- Opportunities For Growth. What starts as a small blog can grow into a million-dollar business.
- Create a Community. Find people who think alike and help others.
Cons:
- Time Consuming. Regular updates, new posts, deals, marketing strategies.
- Open to Criticism. There will always be haters and negative feedback.
- Technical Issues. Your brand and business can suffer from unexpected technical issues.
6. Life coaching
If you have the proper qualifications and abilities to make the lives of others better, becoming a life coach is a great opportunity to make money from home.
Life coaches help their clients improve relationships, everyday lives, and careers. Consult and coach people from home, inspire them, and earn money at the same time.
Average Rate: It depends on your qualification and years of experience. The average hourly pay for a Life Coach is $31.46.
Pros:
- Flexibility. Start your life coaching business any time or place.
- Rewarding Work. Improve other’s lives and careers.
- No Overhead Expenses. When starting a life-coaching business, no special premises, equipment, or extra costs will be needed.
Cons:
- Customer Search. When starting out, it can be hard to find clients who will trust you with their lives.
- High Competition. Life coaching is thriving. It is a $2.85 billion global industry of professional coaches.
- Expensive Certification. Quality courses and certificates take a lot of time and money. Quality life coach certification programs cost between $1000 and $10,000.
7. Hosting a podcast
If you enjoy talking and providing insight on multiple topics, hosting a podcast can be a great way to make money at home. Decide on a niche, provide engaging content, and attract an audience.
Use online tools like SPI for a free tutorial on how to launch a podcast. Study the guide and launch your podcast on the most popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and others. For video podcasts, stream on Twitch or YouTube.
Average Rate: The rate differs in terms of audience, sponsorship deals, and more. However, the average hourly earnings for podcasters are between $30-$45.
Pros:
- Exclusive Audience. Podcast enthusiasts will listen during work breaks, commutes, or workouts. Attention is focused on the content.
- Brand Loyalty. Listeners are not distracted by competitors. If they like your content, they will stay loyal to the brand.
- Convenience. Host the podcast however and whenever is convenient for you. Listeners can tune in live or download the episode later.
Cons:
- Finding an Audience. This is one of the biggest challenges. Podcasts need to be advertised properly, and entertaining or educational enough to attract traffic.
- Time Consuming. Creating and editing podcasts takes a lot of time and effort.
- Copyright, Copyright, Copyright. Legal trouble lurks around every corner if a podcast plays copyrighted material.
8. Streaming games
Similar to podcasts, video game streaming is becoming more popular as an easy way to make money from home. Live video game streaming is broadcasting yourself playing games, to a live audience.
Stream on the most popular streaming sites like Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook, and attract viewers. Why play alone when you can play for an audience?
Average Rate: Expert gaming streamers earn between $3000 and $5000 per month, streaming 40 hours a week. Average streamers earn around $3.50 per 1,000 views. To start earning money on Twitch, for example, streamers need at least 500 regular viewers.
Pros:
- Real-Time Audience. Engage with people on live streams.
- Flexible Schedule. Make money online with your own schedule.
- Growth Opportunities. From a beginner to a famous and successful streamer.
Cons:
- Attracting Viewers. Research popular streaming games to attract the first audience. Once it’s established, only then go off the grid with personal preferences.
- Can’t Escape Criticism. With fame and an open platform, the haters will rise.
- Connection is Key. This time it’s the internet connection. The entire business depends on it.
- Physically Demanding. Streaming for hours on the computer can impact your health.
9. Social media manager
Many big and small businesses need help with social media and paid advertising. If you understand the platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn, this is a way to make money from home by helping companies grow.
Social Media Managers help businesses manage their accounts and increase paid traffic. Take a course on social media marketing, expand your knowledge, and get to work.
Average Rate: The pay typically ranges between $14 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, qualification, and the client.
Pros:
- Make a Difference. Help a brand grow by becoming a part of its story.
- Creative Freedom. Let the creative ideas flow while still being on-brand.
- Expand Your Skill set. Learn and improve creative writing skills and more.
Cons:
- High-Stress Job. Business owners add pressure for you to deliver success.
- Ever-Changing Platforms. Keeping up with the latest trends and changes in the social media industry.
- Social Media Never Stops. This position requires attention to detail 24/7.
- Negativity. While a lot of positive people comment and interact with posts, so do the negative internet trolls.
10. Selling photos
For the skillful photographers out there, making money from home can be easily achieved by selling digital artwork. Create an online portfolio with all your best work and start selling stock photos to earn extra money.
Websites like iStockPhoto are always looking for contributors, who get paid a royalty every time one of their photos is purchased. Study the guide to selling stock photography and make money with personal art.
Average Rate: Royalty-free stock photos can sell for between $0.30 and $100 per sale. For selling under an extended license, artists can earn up to $500 per sale.
Pros:
- International Reach. A wide client base all over the world.
- Learn What to Shoot. Follow trends and learn what photos are in demand.
- Build Your Portfolio. Get free advertising for your work without building a website.
- Easy Passive Income. If photography is your hobby, earn passive income by simply listing your artwork online.
- Clients Find You. No need to look or interact with customers. They will find what they need.
Cons:
- Low Prices. This is mostly a side-job option.
- Strict Requirements. Microstock platforms require high-quality photos.
11. Making and selling music
Earn money with music-making. A good side hustle not only means selling beats and samples, but lyrics as well. Many famous artists buy ready-made song lyrics and beats to make their own songs. Turn your musical talents into profits while working from home.
Market and license beats, samples, and lyrics, and submit work to music blogs, or stream on sites like Spotify.
Average Rate: On most beat sites the average offer from an artist will range from $10 to $50.
Pros:
- Worldwide Market. Musicians around the world buy ready-made beats.
- Earn With Hobbies. Make extra money by doing what you love.
- Gain Popularity. Artists may give public exposure for the work.
- Growth Opportunities. Start by leasing or selling beats and grow to be a rockstar yourself.
Cons:
- Low Start-up Profit. Income depends on the number of beats or songs sold.
- Time Consuming. Writing, composing, and creating beats for others takes time and effort.
- Reputation is Key. Heavy self-promotion and advertising are needed to attract an audience.
12. Remote tech support
If you’re somewhat skilled in the world of IT, consider offering help to those in need. Tech support maintains, repairs, and manages IT systems. Make money from home by remotely resolving issues in regards to network, hardware, and software.
Search for companies that hire remote tech support specialists on platforms such as SimplyHired, FlexJobs, or LinkedIn, and get in on the profits from home.
Average Rate: Tech support specialists earn anywhere from $10 to $30 per hour, the average being around $20 per hour.
Pros:
- Minimal Distraction. Remote work provides privacy.
- Highly Convenient. Help customers around the world from the comfort of your home.
- Vast Selection of Tools. Support tools allow computer technicians to work outside of normal business hours without an on-site presence.
Cons:
- Internet-Dependent. Work can only be done with a working computer and the internet.
- Not Everything Can Be Done Remotely. Diagnosis of a hardware problem may still require a technician on-site.
- Rude Customers. This is still customer service, so be prepared for rude interactions.
13. Virtual assistant
If you’re a well-organized and responsible person, use those traits to make money by becoming a virtual assistant. Provide technical or creative support, perform administrative tasks, schedule appointments, manage emails, phone calls, and more.
Study this guide on how to become a virtual assistant, build a portfolio, market yourself on sites such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Indeed, and make money from home.
Average Rate: It depends on the tasks. Basic virtual assistants earn around $10-$20 per hour. Assistants dealing with marketing or financial tasks charge up to $40-$75 per hour.
Pros:
- Choose Your Services. Offer a wide range or specific tasks for clients.
- Low Start-up Costs. Use free tools such as Typeform, Calendly, Lastpass, Hellosign, Zoom, Google Drive, or Trello, for new virtual assistants.
- Flexibility. Work from home at a convenient time for you.
- High Earning Potential. With more tasks comes bigger pay.
Cons:
- Finding Clients is Not Always Easy. Finding paying customers when starting a business can be tricky.
- Productivity is Key. Working from home can be distracting in terms of finding motivation.
- No Benefits. No paid vacations, health insurance, or retirement plans.
14. Selling digital art
Any artwork can be sold as a digital with the right tools and approach. Turn your paintings, sketches, pictures, and drawings into digital masterpieces in only a few simple steps.
Sell the artwork as-is online, or turn it into a personal brand and merchandise by adding it to a wide range of white-label products. Put your art on t-shirts, candles, posters, mugs, and more.
Average Rate: Every artist can calculate their own price, depending on the quality, volume, and time it took to create.
Pros:
- Cost-Effective. Sell artwork once or reproduce it in multiple copies, ways, and forms.
- Possibilities to Grow as an Artist. Gain an audience by advertising your work and attracting a larger client base.
- Earn With a Hobby. Make money from home by doing what you love.
- Low Start-up Costs. All you need is a good scanner or camera to convert physical artwork into digital arte.
Cons:
- Technical Skills. Professionals need photoshop and other tools to make the best of the artwork.
- Low Starting Prices. Before gaining an audience and popularity, the artwork might not sell for very much.
15. Website management
If you’re familiar with WordPress, plugins, updates, and have some technical savvy, earn money from home by managing websites. Small local businesses often don’t have the time or skills to do it themselves.
Average Rate: The average wage for a website manager in the US is $60 per hour.
Pros:
- High Income Rate. This is a good option for a full-time job.
- Time Management. Webmasters can work their own schedule.
- Helping Businesses Grow. Help local small businesses represent themselves and grow.
Cons:
- Working Overtime. Freelancers especially need extra time to complete tasks.
- Physically Demanding. Many hours working on a computer.
- Repetitive Work. Thousands of trials and errors need to be done to make sure the website runs perfectly.
16. Virtual bookkeeper
Bookkeeping is one of the most profitable professions in the world. Work from home documenting financial accounts, managing daily transactions, income, and overall cash flow for small business owners or sole proprietors.
Average Rate: With little to no experience bookkeepers can still charge around $60 per hour. Gain more clients, experience, and skills and earn up to $100 per hour.
Pros:
- High Demand. Entrepreneurs don’t have the time or skills to hire bookkeepers.
- Multiple Clients. On average, bookkeepers need a couple of hours per month per client, leading to multiple clients and monthly income.
- Flexibility. Work from anywhere at any time with one or more clients, as long as the job gets done.
Cons:
- No Benefits. Virtual bookkeepers don’t get paid for sick days, vacations, and other job benefits.
- Technology Dependency. A computer, bookkeeping tools, and an internet connection are required.
- Need for Clients. A starting virtual bookkeeper needs to find clients willing to trust their data and financial information to them.
17. Freelance copywriter
Freelance writing is a fantastic way to make money from home. Let the creativity flow and write for multiple clients, companies, services, and more. Get paid to write about various topics and enjoy the freedom this work provides.
Average Rate: Freelance copywriters usually charge . anywhere from $0.02 to $1 per word, depending on experience, qualifications, and difficulty.
Pros:
- Inexplicable Freedom. Freelance writers can work from anywhere.
- Variety of Topics. Write about different interesting topics and learn new information.
- No Special Equipment. All that writers need is a computer.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Income. Some days can be loaded with tasks, some can be empty.
- Stress. Be prepared for rushed deadlines and days of heavy workloads.
- Freelancers don’t get paid vacation, sick days, or retirement plans.
18. Online tasks
Sell services to different companies that need assistance online. Sites like SwagBucks, TaskRabbit, and UpWork reward people for taking surveys, watching specific videos, shopping online, and more. Earn fees and gift cards by doing tasks online.
Average Rate: Taskers set their own rates per hour or per task, which usually varies from $17 to $80 per hour, depending on the location, job type, and other criteria.
Pros:
- Individual Rates. Set them per hour or per task.
- Flexibility. Work from anywhere. All the task needs is a computer/phone.
- Easy Income. These tasks are usually not time-consuming or difficult.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Income. Sometimes the number of tasks or the pay is not high.
- Zero Benefits. No insurance, paid vacation, sick days, or retirement plans.
- Work Mixes With Leisure. Spending time on the phone or computer watching videos can become tiring, interfering with leisure activities.
19. Remote consultant
Help others in your field by consulting people and businesses remotely. Tools like Clarity allow people to sign up, listing specific skills, while others book paid calls or consultations on certain topics. Earn money from home by simply giving advice.
Average Rate: Remote consultants earn on average $44 per hour. But rates differ depending on the field, experience, and qualification.
Pros:
- Build a Network. Gain positive feedback from clients and build a network.
- Continuous Training. Learn new skills and improve existing ones.
- No Start-up Costs. Join a consulting site or offer services privately.
Cons:
- Dealing With Stress. Pressure from customers and different projects can be high.
- Punctuality. Consultants need to be on-time and available to the clients.
- Confidence is Key. Consultants need to be sure of their advice and confident about the outcome.
20. Translation services
Translation services are a great way to earn money from home. Offer multiple language pairs and translation offices will gladly provide a freelancing contract for cooperation.
Translate documents, videos, press releases, and all kinds of projects. Offer services to different online sites, such as TransPerfect, Rev, or LionBridge, or reach out to local translation offices. Translators are always in demand.
Average Rate: Like writers, translators charge mostly per word, page, or project. On average, translation costs around $0.15 per word.
Pros:
- Variety. Work with different projects, topics, and types of texts.
- Absolute Freedom. Remote translators can work from anywhere and whenever they want.
- Constant Growth. Learn new topics, words, terms, and information in general.
Cons:
- Low Income. Some days can be packed with work, some can be empty. And projects often don’t pay well.
- Stressful Deadlines. Demanding clients can add extra pressure.
- Tiring Work. Staring at a computer screen all day can be exhausting.
Conclusion
With a little bit of creativity, experience, and in most cases a computer, there are plenty of ways to cultivate income from home.
From part-time jobs and side hustles to a full-fledged career. Get inspired and strive for a better future in the comfort of your own home.
