Side hustles from home: 25 ideas to make extra money

Side hustles from home offer a flexible way to earn extra money without disrupting your full-time job. Whether you want to monetize a hobby, explore online opportunities, or start a business with minimal costs, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll cover 25 side hustles with their potential earnings and quick tips to help you get started.

Most profitable side hustles from home

1. Start an online store

Starting an online store allows you to sell products you create or source from suppliers. The most popular ways to monetize are through direct sales, reselling, and dropshipping, and a mature eCommerce store can earn $20,000-110,000 monthly revenue.

How to start: To launch an online store, find your niche, decide on products you want to see, and find the eCommerce platform that suits your needs. Hostinger eCommerce Website Builder offers easy setup, customizable templates, and no transaction fees – so you can keep all your profits.

2. Become an influencer

As an influencer, you can earn money through brand deals, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. Influencer earnings can range from a few hundred dollars to over $10,000/post. On TikTok, the earnings range from $15,000 to $25,000. On YouTube, top-earning influencers make $105,000/year.

How to start: Choose a niche and define your target audience. After you’ve built your reach and following, think about monetization strategies. For example, if you want to make money as a fitness influencer, focus on building your brand, offering online coaching, and organizing fitness events.

3. Offer digital marketing services

Digital marketing is a great side hustle opportunity, with the industry set to hit $1.3 trillion by 2033. Popular digital marketing side hustles include social media management, content writing, SEO consulting, and graphic design services. On average, digital marketers earn $25/hour.

How to start: Choose a focus area. Develop your skills and build a portfolio. Market yourself to potential clients through networking and online platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.

4. Do voice-over work

Voice-over work involves recording narration for various media, such as commercials, documentaries, and audiobooks. Entry-level voice actors can earn $48/hour, but the overall earnings range from $20 to $500/hour.

How to start: Purchase a microphone, headphones, and recording software like Audacity, and consider soundproofing your recording room for better quality. Then, look for your first voice-over gigs on platforms like Voices.com or Voice123.

5. Launch a YouTube channel

A YouTube channel lets you share your passions and earn money through ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or merchandise. With enough traction, it can become a reliable source of passive income, as the top creators with 1 million subscribers earn roughly $930,000 a year.

How to start: Find your niche and start a YouTube channel. Use quality equipment, such as a good camera, microphone, and editing software. Once you have the foundation in place, promote your videos and connect with your audience to grow your following.

Online side hustles from home

6. Start print-on-demand business

A print-on-demand (POD) business is a simple side hustle you can start from home. It is ideal for creative individuals, artists, or anyone looking to monetize their designs without significant upfront investment. Platforms like Redbubble or Printify take care of everything from printing to shipping. POD businesses can earn between $1,000 and $9,000/month.

How to start: Once you’ve selected a POD platform, focus on creating high-quality designs that appeal to your target audience. To effectively showcase your creations, promote your designs on social media platforms or integrate them into an online store. For more tips, check out our guide on starting a print-on-demand business.

7. Get into blogging

If you’ve got a knack for writing and want to make money blogging, consider displaying ads on your blog, writing sponsored content, and selling products like eBooks or courses. Successful bloggers can earn between $250,000-1,000,000/month.

How to start: Pick a niche you’re passionate about and choose a blogging platform to get started. Aim to get 10,000 page views monthly to open your way for monetization. While writing, aim to create helpful, engaging content and optimize it for search engines. Read more about it in our guide about writing blog posts.

8. Become an affiliate marketer

Affiliate marketing lets you earn commissions by promoting products or services. Programs like Instagram affiliate make it easy to share affiliate links and reach buyers. Depending on your audience and niche, earnings range from $100 to $1,000/month.

How to start: Find your affiliate niche, create your website, and join an affiliate network. Start writing quality content and promoting your links on social media.

9. Sell courses online

Selling courses online is an excellent opportunity for educators, professionals, and experts who want to share their knowledge and expertise with a global audience through platforms like Udemy and Teachable or their own website. Depending on the course’s subject and popularity, you can earn between $1,000 and $10,000/month.

How to start: Choose your target students and course topics. Create your course and choose your platform. Promote through social media, email marketing, or collaborating with other creators to help sell your courses.

10. Start a podcast

Podcasting is a great way to turn your storytelling skills into a profitable side hustle. As you grow your audience, you can monetize through premium content, ads, or merchandise. With 10,000 downloads, podcasters can earn between $500 and $900/month, while top creators bring in up to $30 million a year.

How to start: Find a niche you’re passionate about. Invest in a good microphone and recording software like Adobe Audition or GarageBand and join hosting platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Check out our article on starting a podcast to learn more.

Quick side hustle ideas from home

11. Sell unused items

Selling unused items is a quick way to earn money from home while decluttering your space. You can sell clothes, home decor, electronics, and more. Profits depend on the number of items you sell and their prices. In general, it’s safe to set 50-75% of their original prices.

How to start: Sort and price your items. Sell your items directly to friends and colleagues for quick earnings. Alternatively, you can plan a garage sale or open a booth at a local flea market. Online, you can sell your items on Etsy or Facebook Marketplace.

12. Take surveys online

Online surveys are a simple side hustle to earn extra cash. Your earnings depend on how many surveys you complete, with each paying between 50 cents and $5 on average. By staying consistent, you can increase your income to $50–$150 a month.

How to start: Sign up for reputable survey websites such as Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or Pinecone Research. Keep in mind that some platforms require you to be over a certain age or have specific demographics, so read the guidelines carefully before signing up.

13. Sell digital products

Selling digital products like eBooks, templates, or printables is a scalable side hustle with high-profit margins and minimal ongoing costs. Successful sellers can earn $1,000-2,000/month, depending on the product and target audience.

How to start: Create your products using tools like Canva, then list them on a third-party marketplace like Etsy or set up your own eCommerce store using platforms like Hostinger eCommerce builder. For additional tips and in-depth strategies on selling digital products, check out our guide for more tips on selling digital products.

14. User testing

User testing is a straightforward way to earn money by providing feedback on websites, apps, and products. Testers typically earn $3-$30/test, with each session lasting 5-60 minutes.

How to start: Sign up on platforms like UserTesting, TryMyUI, or Testbirds. Complete a sample test to qualify, and start accepting paid opportunities.

15. Join paid focus groups

Participating in paid focus groups lets you share opinions on products or services while earning money. Focus group participants can earn $1-$350/group, depending on the duration and topic.

How to start: Register on websites like Respondent or FocusGroup.com. Look for focus groups that match your interests or demographic to secure invites.

Side hustles with low startup cost

16. Become a virtual assistant

Becoming a virtual assistant is a low-cost side hustle that lets you help businesses with tasks like email management, scheduling, or data entry. Virtual assistants can earn $11–$$33/hour, with top performers making $5,000/month.

How to start: Create a profile on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Highlight your organizational skills and start applying for part-time or freelance opportunities.

17. Become a transcriber or translator

Transcription and translation work are excellent low-cost side hustles if you have strong typing or language skills. Transcribers can earn $9-$30/hour, while translators earn $15-$44/hour.

How to start: Join platforms like Rev, GoTranscript, or ProZ. Complete any required tests, and start accepting projects suited to your expertise.

18. Online tutoring

Online tutoring allows you to reach more students globally and offers flexible hours. Depending on the subject, grade level, and experience, online tutors can make $12-$22/hour.

How to start: Choose the subjects you’re confident in teaching and create an online presence through platforms like Chegg, TutorMe, or VIPKid.

19. Deliver food or packages

Delivering items like food or packages is a simple way to earn extra cash, especially if you already own a vehicle. Drivers for platforms like Amazon Flex or DoorDash typically earn $17-$24/hour, with opportunities to earn tips on top of that.

How to start: Sign up for platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Amazon Flex, and follow their onboarding process. Once approved, you can start accepting delivery requests and earn extra income on your own schedule.

20. Dog walking

Dog walking is a great side hustle for animal lovers. Offer different services like daily walks, group walks, or training walks. You can even add pet transportation to your offerings. Earnings depend on location, clients, and services. Many dog walkers earn $14-$22/hour.

How to start: Promote your services on platforms like Rover or Care.com. Get certified through organizations like the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters to stand out and attract more clients.

Creative side hustles

21. Sell stock photography

Selling stock photography allows photographers to monetize their work by licensing images for websites, marketing, and publications. Depending on the platform, photographers can earn $20-$700/photo.

How to start: Create a strong portfolio of marketable photos and upload them to reputable stock photography websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock.

22. Sell crochet items

Selling crochet items can be an interesting choice for those with a passion for crafting. You can sell your crochet products through online marketplaces or an eCommerce store. Crochet items can earn up to $1,000/month as a side hustle.

How to start: Create a few unique, high-quality pieces to showcase your style and skills. Then, set up an online shop on platforms like Etsy or use social media to market your products and reach potential customers.

Check out our guide on how to start a crochet business to learn more tips.

23. Sell paintings

Selling paintings is one of the top ways of making money as an artist. Whether selling on your website or marketplaces, earnings depend on sales and how you price your art. The average range is between $43,000 and 46,000/year, but successful artists can earn up to $22,000/month.

How to start: Begin by creating a portfolio of your work. Sell your paintings online through your own website or platforms like Etsy, Society6, or Redbubble. Another option is participating in local art shows and events to showcase and sell your artwork directly to customers.

24. Make candles

Candle-making is an exciting and creative way to turn your passion into a business. Sell your creations on online platforms like Etsy or offline at local markets. Depending on your approach, this side hustle can earn $462,000/year – as proven by Francisco Rivera.

How to start: Begin by identifying your target audience to ensure your products meet their needs and preferences. Then, after establishing your initial inventory, build your online store or join established marketplaces. For a more in-depth exploration of each step and additional tips, read our guide on how to start a candle business.

25. Sell handmade crafts

Selling handmade crafts offers a creative outlet for showcasing your unique talents and craftsmanship while earning $20,000-60,000 annually. This depends on the type of crafts you make and how you market them.

How to start: Choose one of the profitable items to make and sell based on your skills and experience and set up an online store or sell at local markets and events. Don’t forget to promote your products on social media to reach a wider audience. Learn more tips by reading our article on starting a craft business.

Key steps to start a side hustle from home

By taking these steps, you’ll be ready to start your side hustle journey.

1. Identify your skills and strengths

Determine what you’re good at and what makes you stand out. This will help you figure out how to offer value in your business or freelance work.

2. Research your market and set goals

Examine your target audience and competitors to understand demand. Set clear, realistic goals to help you stay focused.

3. Estimate costs and funding

Calculate how much money you’ll need to start and run your business. Consider whether you’ll need external funding or if you can self-fund.

4. Set your pricing strategy

Decide on rates based on the value you provide, your costs, and market standards, but make sure your pricing is competitive yet sustainable. If needed, check out this article on pricing your products to learn more.

5. Understand legal and tax requirements

Learn about any licenses, permits, tax obligations, or business registrations you might need. This helps ensure you’re operating within the law.

6. Prep necessary tools and equipment

Make a list of everything you’ll need to perform your work efficiently. This could include software, hardware, or other industry-specific tools.

7. Organize your schedule and time commitment

Plan your work hours and ensure you can balance your business with your personal life. Time management is key to staying on track.

8. Build your online presence

Your side hustle can reach a wider audience through a website and social media. This allows potential customers to learn more about your business and services.

How much money can I make from side hustles

Earnings from side hustles can vary widely based on the type of work, time invested, and market demand. For example, a freelance writer may earn $25-150 for a 500-word article, while an online tutor can make $12-22/hour.

Here are the key factors to consider when figuring out how much you can make:

• Time commitment. How many hours per week can you dedicate to your side hustle?
• Pricing strategy. How much can you charge based on your skill set and market demand?
• Market demand. Is there enough interest in your service or product to drive consistent sales?
• Operational costs. What are the essential costs (tools, software, marketing) involved in running your side hustle?
• Sales volume. How many customers or sales do you need to reach your financial goals?

Let’s say you become a virtual assistant and work 10 hours a week, charging $25/hour (a common rate for entry-level virtual assistants). Here’s your earning potential:

• Weekly income: 10 hours x $25 = $250
• Monthly income: $250 x 4 = $1,000

So, with 10 hours of work each week, you could make about $1,000 a month.

Conclusion

Whether you’re drawn to scalable ventures like launching an online store or building an influencer brand, or prefer quick-start options such as selling unused items or participating in paid focus groups, there’s a side hustle that fits your lifestyle.

No matter your goals – be it earning extra income, gaining flexibility, or building a pathway to a full-time career – starting a side hustle from home can help you achieve them. Choose a side hustle that aligns with your strengths and passions, and take the first step toward financial independence and personal growth today!

Side hustles from home FAQ