32 Side hustle ideas to try in 2025

Many people look for ways to increase their income beyond the regular 9-to-5. Side hustles can be your ticket to financial freedom – turn your passions into profit and unlock a world of creative possibilities!

This article explores the best side hustle ideas in 2025. From freelancing to selling products with Print on Demand, there’s a side hustle perfect for you, and we’re here to help you find it.

What is a side hustle?

A side hustle is a secondary activity outside a person’s main job that generates extra income. These ventures usually offer more freedom and flexibility, allowing individuals to set their own hours and work on their own terms.

Additionally, a side hustle business model allows people to pursue their passions, showcase unique talents, and enhance their skill sets. It can grow into a highly successful business and become a primary career.

Continue reading for 32 of the best side hustles to pursue in 2025.

32 Side hustle ideas to make extra cash in 2025

1. Print on Demand

Print on Demand is a fulfillment model where you sell custom-printed products like custom tote bags, t-shirts, and mugs from white-label wholesalers. You create custom designs, add listings on platforms like Etsy or Shopify, and promote your products. After you make a sale, your print provider receives the order, produces the item, and ships it directly to the customer’s address on your behalf.

If you have a knack for coming up with clever and catchy designs and aren’t shy about doing digital marketing, this is one of the best side hustle ideas from home.

Print on Demand eliminates the need for inventory, minimizing financial risk and maximizing your profit potential. Plus, it allows you to easily diversify your offerings with various designs, so you’ll never run out of things to sell.

2. Etsy side hustle

Selling handmade goods on Etsy is a fantastic side hustle, especially for creative individuals. Etsy offers a marketplace for unique, handcrafted, and vintage items, letting hobbyists reach a global audience. 

Creating an Etsy side hustle can be combined with becoming a print-on-demand seller. With low startup costs and the ability to scale, many – both artisans and entrepreneurs – have turned their Etsy stores into profitable full-time businesses focusing on quality for a niche audience.

3. Virtual bookkeeping

Virtual bookkeeping involves remotely recording, storing, managing, and tracking financial transactions for businesses. This in-demand role allows you to leverage your accounting skills or certifications to work from anywhere and build a flexible schedule. 

Accountants can also work as part-time contractors to assist individuals with tax preparation, financial organization, or the creation of financial statements. Experienced professionals may offer consulting and coaching services to help clients improve their finances or help start local businesses. 

To find virtual bookkeeping opportunities, consider exploring platforms such as Indeed, Glassdoor, Upwork, Freelancer, and Bookminders.

4. Social media management

People with a talent for creating high-performing, engaging social media posts should consider managing social media accounts as a side hustle and a fun way to make money online in their spare time. Explore the market by offering freelance services or applying for gigs through agencies.

Social media managers are responsible for an entity’s online presence on multiple channels. This usually includes developing and monitoring strategies to create content and interact with audiences by combining the parent company’s brand style and trending online topics.

As a company grows, its social media management becomes more complex. This is one of the side hustles with the value and potential to become a full-time job in the long run.

5. Content writing

Freelance writing gigs require you to gather information from various sources and make it engaging and digestible for the average reader in your target audience.

Content writers should be creative and detail-driven individuals who enjoy reading, learning, and researching. A freelance writer needs to understand SEO optimization, apply brand tones and voices, and preferably specialize in a niche that makes sense with existing skills and passions. 

Start a side hustle in writing by producing and learning daily. Enroll in free online courses and tutorials on platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Skillshare, build a blog and a portfolio, and start pitching.

6. Content editing

Content editing allows creative professionals to earn a side income from home by working on podcasts, YouTube videos, or other media content for individuals or businesses. Content editors assist with formatting, audio balancing, and general improvements to enhance content quality, especially for new creators looking to establish their brands.

Create a profile on freelance or social media platforms to advertise your services. Highlight your niche – whether it’s podcast or video editing – and clearly define your expected rates and availability.

Consider learning editing software and sharpening your creative skills. This hustle may start small, but with the right tools and techniques, you can grow a stable client base and earn a steady income from freelance content editing.

7. Online tutoring

Start a side hustle by teaching something you’re knowledgeable about as an online tutor. Offer a regular online course via conference and video chat to interact with your students or record a series of educational videos and course materials. For this hustle, initial preparation is essential.

Additional resources, like videos and eBooks, can support your online classes. Monetize your content through platforms like Patreon, Nebula, or Skillshare by offering subscriptions. WordPress users can also teach using plugins like LearnDash, LearnPress, and Sensei.

Plan your content and prepare all the courses beforehand. After the first classes, evaluate the feedback and make any necessary changes to maintain high ratings and demand.

8. Resume writing and editing services

Resume writing is a valuable side hustle for market researchers or those who enjoy crafting professional documents and want to help job seekers improve their prospects.

A well-organized, visually appealing resume can make a significant difference, and clients may need assistance with formatting, cover letters, and even LinkedIn profiles.

Use platforms like LinkedIn, Fiverr, and Upwork to find clients who need help with their resumes. Offering packages or bundled services, such as resume and cover letter edits, can increase your earnings. Resume writers typically earn between $50 and $200 per job, depending on the complexity and customization.

Build a portfolio and consider joining professional groups for resume writers to stay updated on hiring trends. With strong attention to detail and good communication, resume writing can grow from a side hustle into a valuable service with repeat clients.

9. Freelance photography

Earning as a freelance photographer is challenging but rewarding. Photographers need to balance their passion for a photography niche with business tasks like bookkeeping and marketing.

Investing in quality gear is essential but can vary by specialty. Decide if your work will be assignment or studio-based, and consider what software you’ll need. Outdoor photographers should consider insurance for expensive gear to protect against damage risks.

Create a portfolio with clear categories according to your niche, making it easier for potential clients to see your work. Use platforms like Format, Lightfolio, Pixieset, PASS, Photonesto, or ShootProof. 

Finally, flood your unique designs online, including your own website, portfolio, social media channels, and even your own online store by selling photography prints.

10. Become an affiliate marketer

Companies pay affiliate marketers to promote their products and services. Entrepreneurs, bloggers, and influencers can partner with platforms like Printify Affiliate Program, Rakuten, or Amazon to receive a unique affiliate link. When customers click on the link and make a purchase, the sale is attributed to the affiliate.

Starting an affiliate marketing business can become a convenient source of income if you have enough traffic. Affiliates earn a commission for every sale attributed to them. The cut-off point for earning commissions, when customers click the link and make a purchase, is usually 30 days. Remember to always disclose affiliate links to readers.

11. Selling handmade crafts

Selling handmade crafts at local markets, conventions, and trade shows is a great side hustle that combines creativity with the chance to earn. Focus on crafting high-quality, unique items that reflect your passion and resonate with your audience.

Engaging with customers face-to-face fosters loyalty, while showcasing your work in person maximizes sales opportunities and creates a rewarding sense of community around your hustle.

12. Graphic design services

Depending on your skills, making money online through graphic services is possible. Work on commission through ready-made platforms or via your own social media channels.

Become a designer, even if you’re using free graphic design software. Create and upload a portfolio on your own site with platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix to display your artwork and promote your graphic design experience to potential customers.

Stay up-to-date with freelancing opportunities in marketing, fashion, or web building, and network through LinkedIn or attend conventions. Showcase yourself and find clients in directories like Fiverr and Upwork.

Consider selling digital graphic designs in creative markets or stock websites like Creative Market, Gumroad, PayLoadz, Podia, or SendOwl.

13. Creating and selling digital products

Digital products include downloadable songs, videos, eBooks, templates, and software. Although they can be time-consuming to produce, they have the potential to generate passive income when sold online. Digital selling is scalable but requires a marketing strategy and a reliable platform.

To make money selling digital products, protect your work with copyrights or trademarks; streaming platforms often handle this. Consider offering entertaining or educational products, such as courses or digital art, to create a steady income through subscriptions and memberships.

14. Become a content creator

Content creation is a popular side hustle with the potential to become a full-time job. People can pursue their passions while making money online and even generating passive income. Success requires creativity, niche skills, and charisma to influence followers.

Creators often publish on multiple platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and their own websites. Monetization methods include selling shop merch, ads, affiliate marketing, subscriptions, digital product sales, and courses. It’s a time-consuming but rewarding process.

15. Offer voice-over services

Many businesses need voice-overs for projects like video ads, eLearning courses, or animated content.

Get started by creating profiles on platforms like Voices.com and Voquent, where you can audition for roles and earn between $50 to $500 per job. With just a microphone, recording software, and a makeshift studio space, you can work from home on flexible projects ranging from short advertisements to audiobooks.

To make the most of this hustle, invest in a decent microphone and consider soundproofing your recording area. With practice and a bit of marketing, voice-over work can become a reliable income source.

16. Flip thrifted goods for a profit

Flipping thrifted items is a great side hustle for those who enjoy treasure hunting and have an eye for valuable finds. Search for gently used, unique, or vintage items at local thrift shops, flea markets, or garage sales, and resell them for a profit online. With a little research, you can identify items with high resale value, such as name-brand clothing, retro home decor, or collectible items.

Multiple vendors like eBay, Poshmark, Depop, and Facebook Marketplace are popular for reselling thrifted goods. Simply photograph your items, write clear descriptions, and set competitive prices to attract buyers. Remember to include shipping fees in your prices to cover costs and ensure profitability.

17. Ridesharing

Becoming a rideshare driver is one of the most popular easy side hustles. Drive a few hours in your spare time and profit from the extra income according to your own demand and free time.

Rideshare companies exist worldwide, and many people use their services instead of investing in their own cars. Depending on your location, drive for big companies like Uber, Lyft, or Bolt, or experiment with specialized companies like Wingz, focusing on airport rides.

18. Amazon Package Delivery

Delivering packages for Amazon Flex is a side hustle where you can earn extra money applying to and choosing delivery blocks that fit your schedule.

With a straightforward sign-up process, Amazon Flex is open to drivers who own a vehicle and have some spare time for deliveries, making it flexible for easy money.

The eCommerce platform app guides you to local warehouses where you pick up and deliver packages. Payments vary by location and delivery time, so choose days and hours that work for you. Earnings typically range from $18 to $25 per hour, and direct deposits arrive quickly.

19. Food delivery

There are food delivery apps and companies all around the world – people love the comfort of receiving food at home.

Delivering food through apps is a very convenient side hustle that, similarly to ridesharing, lets you define your working hours and make money in small steps during your free time. 

Deliver food through many companies, and not only in the US – DoorDash, GrubHub, Instacart, Postmates, Thuisbezorgd, UberEats, or Wolt, to name a few.

20. Rent your car

Car rental services pay to rent your car to private individuals or car companies. Make money with your own car when it would otherwise be sitting in a parking spot or your driveway. 

The top companies to rent your car include HyreCar, Turo, Getaround, and Avail. 

Before renting, remember to check the platform for insurance coverage.

21. Grocery shopping and delivery

Another easy side hustle idea with no initial investment – shop for and deliver groceries. The convenience of food delivery is in high demand as people appreciate the time saved when receiving goods at home.

Most prominent retailers offer delivery programs and need drivers, usually requiring a background check after registration. Once approved, make your schedule in your free time.  

Platforms and apps like DoorDash,  Instacart, Postmates, and Shipt work with many large retailers.

22. Task-based work

Task-based jobs require completing individual tasks for clients instead of committing to long-term employment or regular schedules. 

These tasks include data entry, transcription, translation, social media management, content creation, market research, phone calls, and appointment scheduling. 

Payment varies widely from just a few cents to several dollars, and side hustlers are often hired as Form 1099 (independent) contractors to complete these tasks. 

Connect with task-based jobs on platforms like Amazon’s Mturk, ClickWorker, FancyHands, or SproutGigs.

23. Join a focus group or answer online surveys

Companies need to gather feedback on products, services, or market trends. Joining a focus group or answering online surveys are simple side hustles to make money. 

Focus groups often offer higher pay than surveys due to their greater time commitment and the need for more detailed responses. However, both can be effective ideas for generating extra income.

For focus groups, platforms like User Interviews and Respondent connect you with businesses looking for specific demographics or expertise.

For quicker tasks, survey platforms like Survey Junkie or Swagbucks pay for short online questionnaires.

24. Freelance on freelance marketplaces

Writers, designers, programmers, and musicians, to mention a few, can find side hustle opportunities through special company programs or freelance marketplaces such as Fiverr, Toptal, or Upwork.

After registering, getting the first assignment will be the hardest part since you’ll have zero reviews. Expand your network on LinkedIn, nurture relationships, share your profiles in the freelance marketplaces, and keep learning and improving your skills until you establish yourself.

25. Dog walking and pet sitting

Walking dogs or pet sitting can be a fun side hustle for those who love animals. It can generate a reliable return customer base, as pet owners want trustworthy professionals to watch their buddies when they’re away or busy.

The beauty of this hustle is that finding clients can be very easy with apps and platforms like PawShake, PetBacker, PetSitter.com, Rover, or Wag.

26. House cleaning

Everyone wants to live in a neat and clean home, but most people don’t have the time to maintain it and are willing to pay for cleaning services instead. 

There’s also the potential to develop consistent sales by servicing a base of returning customers, as many want a known and trusted person working inside their home. 

Make clear beforehand who will provide the cleaning products and equipment and have agreements ready, especially when using your own vacuum cleaner or other hardware. 

Be aware of quirks and special needs, such as hypo-allergenic products, memorabilia, or the placement of special items, and be strict on scheduled hours to maintain good relations.

27. Event planning

Event planning can be a successful side hustle for organized people who love the thrill and energy involved in an event. Instead of simply volunteering, don’t sell your services short.

Start by networking and developing a portfolio on social media platforms, gaining exposure and experience you can later market. After becoming comfortable in the role, treat it as all other side business ideas and charge accordingly. Factor in how much effort is needed behind the scenes, take pictures, and build a strong personal brand. 

Finally, nurture collaboration over competition and keep a healthy network to maximize your earnings.

28. Personal training

If you have the knowledge and the skillset, consider becoming a personal trainer. Teach people how to exercise safely and effectively, working in fitness centers and gyms or offering in-home and even online training.

Some trainers provide resources for weight control, including nutrition and supplements, but that’s advisable only in conjunction with a professional nutritionist. Only do this if you’re qualified.

29. Rent out free space

Ever since Airbnb‘s success, making extra income by renting your apartment, house, spare room, or real estate to vacationers is easier than ever. 

There are other platforms dedicated to the same purposes, like Agoda, Booking.com, Plum Guide, and Vrbo (previously known as HomeAway). 

It’s also possible to make a property available on multiple platforms by synchronizing a calendar via services like Apple iCal.

30. Become a transcriber

Individuals with strong language and typing skills, as well as a good ear for detail, can explore opportunities in transcription.

Sites like GoTranscript, Rev, or TranscribeMe have opportunities for short-term work transcribing audio notes, phone calls, videos, and other recordings.

31. Start a local lawn mowing and landscaping business

Mowing lawns is a classic side hustle during the warmer months and can be done informally by cleaning neighborhood lawns or through short-term jobs. Search for contractor ads on platforms like TaskEasy or TaskRabbit.

Make sure your equipment is in good condition, and maintain a strong reputation by adhering to local regulations regarding permitted mowing times and noise levels.

32. Detail cars

Detailing, car washing, and interior cleaning help restore a vehicle close to a like-new condition. It’s labor-intensive, but it can be rewarding as a side hustle if you have the skills and equipment. 

• Exterior detailing can include washing and drying, paint claying, sealing, waxing, and polishing.  
• Interior detailing includes vacuuming, glass cleaning, and deodorizing. Cleaning is done by scrubbing, brushing, and steaming, while leather parts require special cleaners. 
• Advanced detailing may include engine detailing, engine pressure cleaning, glass chip repair, headlight polishing, ceramic coating, paint correction, and applying PPFs. 

Car detailing requires skills, a detailed business plan (including the cost of supplies), and stocking supplies. The service can be offered in fixed or temporary locations or on-site. Consider all these elements when factoring costs and setting prices for your work.

FAQ

To summarize

There are endless possibilities for increasing your income outside of a traditional day job, from starting a print-on-demand side hustle to offering specialized services.

Not all side hustles and part-time jobs in the gig economy pay equally or offer the same level of fulfillment. Be creative and persistent in finding the one that works best for your financial independence. Remember, you can always count on Printify to help you create your own business.