Here’s how to make money with a side gig and how long it will take to see the extra income.
The sting of inflation may have you pondering how to make some extra income. If you have the time and energy, you can put your skills and passions to work with a side hustle.
NerdWallet rounded up 25 real ways to make money at home, online or out and about. For each potential side job, we list details like what it takes to get started, age requirements and how fast you can get paid. While most people want to make money fast, don’t discount the “slow” gigs, as they may pay more in the long run.
Can I make money online?
Yes, you can make money online. In fact, making money online is an incredibly popular way to earn some extra income or even make a full-time living. According to Pew Research, approximately 1 in 6 Americans have earned money from online gig platforms.
Is making money online fast?
If you are wondering how to make money online, it is important for you to stay away from get-rich-quick schemes. For example, there are some people who may recommend online business ideas that claim you can make money from home overnight.
Even though there are lots of ways to earn money online, you need to keep your wits about you, as people who promise that you can make millions of dollars in just a few days are probably trying to take advantage of you. Instead, it is important to focus on legitimate ways to make money, such as social media content creation.
Even though you do need to be careful as you are looking for ways to make passive income from home, there are plenty of amazing ideas out there.
If you are wondering how to make money online, you need to focus on what you are already good at. You have talents that a lot of other people would love to have, and you need to lean on them if you would like to make money online.
Making money online is the sweet spot people look for in the gig economy. Whether you aspire to be a six-figure social media influencer or are just looking to supplement your regular income with some online side jobs, we've found some viable options.
1. Pick up freelance work online
Make money online through websites such as Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer.com. These sites offer opportunities to do a variety of freelance jobs, such as writing, programming, design, marketing, data entry and being a virtual assistant. Fluent in a second language? Check sites such as Gengo or Blend Express, or drum up business through a site of your own. No matter what freelancing you do, keep track of the going rate for the kind of work you provide so you know what to charge.
A recent report from Freelancer.com found that creative writing jobs had the fastest growth in listings on its site in the second quarter of 2023, up 58%. And although generative artificial intelligence (AI) is being used more for content creation, it can’t fully do the work of human writers. Companies are looking for writers who know how to edit AI content and who have at least a basic understanding of search engine optimization — learning or beefing up SEO skills could be a lucrative side hustle. Some freelancers are charging $100 an hour or more for their freelance writing services.
Total time: It can take a while to get your first gig. Setup: 24-48 hours. How easy to start: Easy, if you have the expertise. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by site.
Payment varies by site. On Upwork the timeline for receiving earnings depends on the type of payment. Hourly contracts have a weekly billing cycle and you can withdraw funds 10 days later. Fixed-price contracts have a five-day waiting period. Project catalog contracts allow payment withdrawal after five days. And bonus payments also become available after five days. In each case, a client has to review your work. On Fiverr, you're paid when the work order is complete, but you can't withdraw funds for 14 days. (The waiting time is shorter for those in the Top Rated Sellers and Fiverr Studio Member ranks.)
Some sites require you to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Another way to make money from home is on sites like UserTesting.com. You get paid for your thoughts on how well — or not so well — certain websites and apps work. You’ll have to complete a short test to be accepted, and then you’ll be paid depending on the test type.
Total time: Approval time can vary. Setup: Less than an hour. How easy to start: Easy, if you have the tech gear and complete a sample test. Age threshold: 18+. How fast you'll get paid: Seven days.
You will start receiving testing opportunities after your application is approved.
The timeline for approval can vary.
Payment amounts vary based on the length of the tests. You get paid seven days after completing a website or app test via PayPal.
You need a computer, internet connection and microphone.
Mobile app testers also need an Android or iOS mobile phone or tablet.
Some sites might have language requirements.
3. Learn to use AI tools
The use of generative artificial intelligence is on the rise. A recent report from PwC estimates that the North American economy will see a $3.7 trillion impact by 2030, thanks to the AI market.
So there’s no better time to learn how to make money by using AI tools. Some AI-related side hustles include:
Integrating AI tools as a freelancer, to help you create digital products or to edit AI content for a client.
Improving your advertising, marketing efforts, and management of your existing small business.
Teaching others to use AI tools.
Total time: Depends on demand. Setup: Around 24-48 hours if using a site like Upwork or Freelancer.com. How easy to start: If you’re already familiar with AI tools, it will be easier to get started. Age threshold: 16+ for Freelancer.com and 18 for Upwork. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by client or the number of products you sell and your chosen platform.
You’ll need to meet the requirements of the freelance gig site you choose.
Payment will depend on your client and the site’s terms and conditions.
4. Take surveys for money
You can make money from home by taking online surveys but don’t expect to earn a lot. Survey sites don’t typically offer a big payoff, and many sites are more useful for earning gift cards than cash. Some of the more popular survey sites include Swagbucks and Survey Junkie. Read our analysis of survey sites to find out which one is best suited for you.
Total time: It will take a while. Setup: Just minutes. How easy to start: Very. Just register and begin. Age threshold: 13 to 18+. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by site.
The time it takes to get paid depends on the survey site and how much time you dedicate to taking surveys.
Some sites let you cash out only after you hit a minimum earnings threshold.
Other survey sites issue points, which can be redeemed for cash (via PayPal) or gift cards.
Individual surveys may have specific requirements. Don't be surprised if you are disqualified from a survey without much explanation.
5. Make money from your blog with affiliate links
If you’re a blogger who gets decent traffic, you could make money by joining an affiliate network. Affiliates (that’s you) get paid when someone clicks through from the website to the partner site and buys something there. Some bloggers make a lot of money this way, particularly those who do affiliate marketing full-time. Read more about affiliate marketing and other ways bloggers can make money.
Total time: It can take quite a while to build an audience. Setup: With blog templates, building a site is easy. How easy to start: While getting started can be easy, creating regular content may be another matter. Age threshold: Any. How fast you'll get paid: A month or two, on average.
Then, you need to apply for and be approved by an affiliate marketing network like CJ Affiliate, ShareASale, FlexOffers, Rakuten Advertising, or Amazon Associates.
Payment schedules and thresholds vary by affiliate network but expect to wait at least a month or two for your first paycheck.
Amazon Associates pays out earnings 60 days after the end of the calendar month in which they were earned.
ShareASale disburses earnings monthly.
6. Sell your wares on Etsy
Have a penchant for woodworking, jewelry-making, embroidery or pottery? Sell your crafts on Etsy, the go-to site for artisans selling home goods, art, and knickknacks. According to Etsy, the company has 95 million active buyers and grossed over $13 billion in merchandise sales in 2022. Learn more about how to make money on Etsy.
Total time: It might take quite a while for customers to find you. Setup: Can be quite involved. How easy to start: Leaning toward "hard" on the difficulty meter. Age threshold: 13+. How fast you'll get paid: From the next day to seven days after a sale.
The prep work before you open up shop is more time-consuming. You need merchandise to sell, photos and descriptions to post, a name for your shop and a business plan to help you succeed. Once that’s done, you’ll still need to find customers. Depending on what you’re selling, that could take weeks, which is why you should expect the overall time for this gig to be slow.
Once you sell an item, payment is deposited into your Etsy Payments account first, then to your bank account depending on your desired deposit schedule.
You need to have all the necessary rights to the merchandise sold in your shop.
7. Self-publish an e-book
Writing a good book is tough, but the internet makes it easy to bring it to market. If you’re a writer who can churn out pages, you can use Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing to sell your books(s) on the Kindle store. It’s free to publish a book, and you can earn up to 70% of each sale in royalties. Write your book, enter a clear description and the details to be displayed and upload your manuscript. Set the price and see if it sells.
Total time: How fast can you type? We don’t have to tell you writing a book can be a slog. Setup: Quick and easy on KDP once the book is ready. How easy to start: Just start writing. Age threshold: 18+. How fast you’ll get paid: Monthly, after you meet the $100 threshold.
Choose one of two royalty options: 70% or 35%. You’ll have to price your book between $2.99 and $9.99 if you select the 70% option. You can go higher when you pick 35%.
Proper formatting is important. Amazon says most Microsoft Word documents convert to e-books easily, but other formats are supported.
8. Get advertising revenue from your blog or YouTube channel
Turn your cat videos into cash videos. If your YouTube videos or blog posts draw a big audience, you may be able to make money from advertising. YouTube sets 1,000 subscribers as the benchmark for applying for the YouTube Partner Program. YouTube Partners then get access to monetizing features, including a share of ad revenue. You can also use Google’s AdSense, the same ad platform on YouTube, to put relevant ads on your blog or website for earning potential. Read more about how to make money on YouTube and Google AdSense.
Total time: It can take several weeks to get up and running. Setup: Fairly easy. How easy to start: Depends on how good you are at producing interesting videos. Age threshold: 18+. How fast you'll get paid: Could take a long while to earn the first payout; then monthly.
You can use AdSense on a website or blog with fewer eligibility requirements.
Allow at least two months for ad revenue to start trickling in.
You need to earn at least $100 before you're eligible for a payout.
Once you hit the $100 threshold, earnings are issued between the 21st and 26th of the month.
For YouTube, you need more than 1,000 subscribers.
You must be at least 18.
9. Become an Instagram influencer
Companies are using Instagram influencers — people with large, dedicated followings on the platform — to rep their products. You can get in on the action by applying for opportunities via a marketing platform like Open Influence or Aspire, or by contacting the brands you want to work with. Read more about how to make money on Instagram. (You can also make money on TikTok this way.)
Total time: You'll need to stick with it. Setup: Quick and easy. How easy to start: Not that easy. Read: Must build following to gain influence. Age threshold: 13+. How fast you'll get paid: Varies on partnerships.
Once you have the numbers, you'll need to find paid opportunities. You can do this via affiliate networks or by pitching brands you want to work with.
The time to receive your payment will depend on the terms of your agreement, but affiliate networks typically pay out earnings the month after a campaign is completed.
You'll also need to meet the requirements of any affiliate network.
10. Monetize your Twitch channel
Gaming could be a way to make money from home if you have a steady following on Twitch, the go-to site for gamers. Streamers can receive donations from viewers and even get a share of subscription and ad revenue if they reach Affiliate or Partner status. Learn more about how to make money on Twitch.
Total time: This can be a long game. Setup: Quick and easy. How easy to start: Easy to start; takes a while to build a following. Age threshold: 13+. How fast you'll get paid: Monthly.
You may be able to withdraw donation revenue rather quickly, depending on the payout method.
Subscription and ad revenue earned as a Twitch Partner or Affiliate is paid out around the 15th of every month, and you must have a balance of at least $50 for most payout methods (it's $100 for wire transfers).
11. Sell your photography
Turn your photographs into cash via sites like Fine Art America, which lets you upload your images to sell as prints, T-shirts, phone cases and more. Other marketplaces for photographers include SmugMug, 500px and PhotoShelter. Some sites require a subscription but may provide features ranging from cloud storage to password-protected galleries and a customized website.
Total time: Buyers need to find you — and like your work. Setup: Just a few hours. How easy to start: If you have a library of photos, you're on the way. Age threshold: Any. How fast you'll get paid: Depends on your sales platform.
Payment varies widely depending on the site.
Fine Art America: Payment is issued after the 30-day return window expires. Sent on the 15th of each month.
PhotoShelter: Payment issued at time of sale to your chosen payment method (PayPal, Stripe, etc.).
SmugMug: You can request payment be issued the following month if you have a balance of at least $5.
How to make money from home
Some side hustles don't even require you to leave the house. Or if they do, it might just be a short walk around the block with a furry friend. Working from home requires a little creativity and a stick-to-it spirit. Here are some excellent ideas for side gigs from home:
12. Become a dog walker with Rover or Wag
Love dogs? Choose dog walking as a beginner's way to make money. Apps like Wag and Rover offer on-demand dog walking, so you can pick up walks when your schedule allows. If you have space (and your landlord’s permission, if you rent), you could offer overnight dog boarding. Read the fine print if you sign up for these services
Total time: Building a client base may take some time. Setup: Can take a few weeks to be approved. How easy to start: Love pets? You're good to go. Age threshold: 18+. How fast you'll get paid: Two days to a week.
The application process for Wag takes about two weeks and you must pass a background check and pet care quiz.
If you want to pet-sit, you’ll need an apartment or house that allows pets.
You’ll have to pass a background check.
13. Sell unused gift cards
Make extra money by selling unused or partially used gift cards on a site like CardCash or GiftCash. These websites say they will pay you up to 92% of the card’s value. On CardCash, you can also trade in your card for one you’ll use. Read more about what to do with unwanted gift cards.
Total time: In minutes if your gift card is for a popular store. Setup: Easy. How easy to start: The more gift cards you have to sell, the better. Age threshold: Old enough to have a credit card. How fast you'll get paid: At least 1-2 days.
You can sell gift cards at kiosks and participating retail locations to get cash the same day, or try to sell it online. The latter takes longer, but you may get a better offer for your gift card.
Gift cards with expiration dates aren't eligible.
14. List your spare bedroom on Airbnb
Renting out your home or spare bedroom on vacation rental sites is another way to make extra money. Be prepared to spend some money to clean and keep up the property, replace home goods and pay toward service fees. And scrutinize your rental agreement before you get started.
Total time: Demand drives success, and that depends on your location. Setup: A listing can be created and live in hours. How easy to start: If you have a place to rent, it's a simple process. Age threshold: 18+. How fast you'll get paid: About one day.
Payment is typically disbursed about 24 hours after your guest’s scheduled check-in time, but processing time for that payment depends on the payout method.
How to make money offline
There's online and at-home ways to make extra money — and then there's a third alternative: offline. This version of the gig economy may require more work, but the upside can be substantial. Since there’s no escaping the internet these days, some of these offline methods do have online components:
15. Sell your gently used clothes
Selling clothes you no longer wear is a quick way to make some money. Start with local consignment shops to make money quicker or use sites like ThredUp and Poshmark to find buyers. If you go the online route, be sure to take clear, well-lit photos of your pieces and research similar items to set competitive prices. Get tips on how to sell your clothing.
Total time: Varies by sales channel.
Setup: Easy and fast. You can simply go to a consignment shop or fill a box with clothes and send it in. How easy to start: Easy. Cleaning out the closet may be the hardest part. Age threshold: Any. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by sales channel.Fast: A brick-and-mortar consignment store like Plato's Closet will give you cash on the spot.
Medium: Other in-person and online consignment shops pay you when your items sell, or when they receive and inspect your items. Either way, allow at least a month for your payout.
Items will go through various inspections before being accepted. For example, ThredUp checks items for pilling, fading, shrinkage, missing parts (like buttons) and stains.
16. Trade in old phones, electronics for cash
Have an old phone, iPad, laptop or gaming system lying around? Sell it on a site like Swappa or Gazelle. Check out Amazon’s trade-in program, which pays participants in Amazon gift cards — and eBay, too. If you’re in a rush, try an ecoATM kiosk, which offers cash on the spot for your device.
Total time: Lots of options, so your time spent will vary. Setup: A breeze. How easy to start: Easy, especially if your phone is in good shape. Age threshold: Any. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by where you sell.
Selling to reseller (Gazelle): Answer a few questions online for an instant quote. Then send in your device and get paid once the company confirms its condition is as described.
Selling directly: When you get paid depends on how quickly your phone or device sells. Once the item sells, payment is fast.
Cell phones: You need to verify the phone is not stolen or under a repayment plan.
17. Get a babysitting gig
Everyone from college students to recent retirees can make money by watching other people’s children. Word-of-mouth referrals from friends and family are still a great way to get started, but you can also create a profile for free on Care.com or Sittercity to expand your reach. Note any specialized skills, such as CPR certifications, to make yourself more marketable.
Total time: Online setup takes minutes; neighborhood referrals may take a while. Setup: Just minutes. How easy to start: Getting the word out is the main thing. Age threshold: Very young if you're using referrals. 18+ online. How fast you'll get paid: When the parents come home.
You typically get paid when you complete your gig.
Must complete a background check.
18. Rent out your car
City-dwellers often don’t use their cars for days or weeks at a time. That idle time can translate to extra money with services like Getaround and Turo, which let you rent out your car by the hour or day. You take home the majority of those earnings, while Getaround or Turo takes a cut for protecting your car while it’s being rented.
Total time: Demand for your car will depend on the local market. Setup: It takes about a half hour to set up an account. How easy to start: With an appropriate vehicle, it's easy. Age threshold: A valid driver's license and 21+. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by site.
Turo initiates payment within three hours of the end of the rental, but you can expect it to take a few days for your bank to process the deposit. (This is the case for all trips after the first one, which takes a few days for Turo to send.)
Getaround rental earnings accrue monthly and are paid out on the 15th of the following month. Payments are made via check or PayPal.
Your car must meet certain requirements (make/model/year/mileage) and satisfy maintenance and safety standards.
You should have a current, valid driver's license.
You must meet the site’s age requirement, which is commonly 21 years old.
19. Sign up for TaskRabbit
If you actually enjoy putting together Ikea furniture or standing in long lines, you may be cut out for doing tasks for others. Websites like TaskRabbit can connect you with people who need help with a variety of things, such as moving, cleaning, delivery and handyman services. The site also offers several virtual and online tasks, such as helping with a research project or data entry. Read about how to get started on TaskRabbit.
Total time: Local demand for your skills will determine the time you spend. Setup: A couple of hours, then some time for approval. How easy to start: Easy, though you'll need to do some research. Age threshold: 18+. How fast you'll get paid: A few days after a job.
Once approved, you need to pay a $25 fee, so you may first want to research your market and the value of your skills to determine if that fee is worth it to you.
You're paid after the task is completed through direct deposit. Payment typically takes a few days to appear in your account.
Prospective Taskers must also pass a background check.
20. Become a private tutor
Parlay your math, science, foreign-language or test-prep expertise into a lucrative side gig by becoming a private tutor. You can tutor people online or in-person. What you charge can depend on your experience, expertise and what’s in demand. To get started, see what types of tutors are needed on Craigslist or create a profile on sites like Tutor.com or Care.com. You can also advertise your services at local schools and community centers.
Total time: Varies by subject matter. Some companies might require a minimum availability per week (e.g., Tutor.com requires 5 hours). Setup: Can be a bit involved. How easy to start: Students will have to find you, and that might take a while. Age threshold: Any. How fast you'll get paid: Usually pretty fast; often right away.
If you haven't tutored before, you'll want to allow for time to prep so students feel like they're getting the most out of their time with you.
How quickly you get paid depends on whether you tutor via a platform or in-person; either way, it likely won't take long.
Educational requirements might apply. Some tutors might be required to be currently enrolled in a 4-year university or have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year university.
21. Drive for Uber, Lyft
Join Uber or Lyft (or both) and make money by driving passengers around. Just don’t forget to factor in gas and maintenance costs. You need an eligible car in good condition and must agree to a background check and a review of your driving history. Learn how to become an Uber driver or how to earn with Lyft.
Total time: Depends on your market demand. Setup: A few weeks. How easy to start: Not difficult, but you'll need the right type of vehicle. Age threshold: Licensed to drive in your locality with one year of licensed driving experience (or three years if you're under age 25). How fast you'll get paid: Very fast. Either instantly or within days.
Lyft and Uber can pay you instantly through a debit card or transfer earnings to your bank account pretty quickly.
Let your car insurance company know of your plans before you start driving.
22. Make deliveries for Amazon, Uber Eats
Take advantage of the growing delivery trend and sign up for a service like Instacart, Uber Eats, Postmates, DoorDash or Amazon Flex. You get paid per delivery, in most cases, and can even earn tips. A car isn’t always required — Postmates and, in some cities, DoorDash, lets you use a bike or scooter to make deliveries. However, a background check is almost always part of the deal. Learn more about how to get started with Amazon Flex, Uber Eats and Instacart.
Total time: Depends on your market demand. Setup: About a week. How easy to start: Easy, if you have dependable transportation. Age threshold: 21+. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by vendor.
Payments from these services also vary, but are generally issued weekly or quicker.
A smartphone is necessary to accept and process jobs.
Each delivery service has a minimum age requirement, but it varies by service.
23. Find work as a housesitter
If you’re willing to watch someone’s home — and maybe feed the pets, water the plants and take out the garbage — become a housesitter. Tap your personal network for referrals or try out HouseSitter.com, which connects homeowners with housesitters. People often make $25 to $45 a day, according to the company’s website.
Total time: Depends on your market demand. Setup: Minutes — or more if you try to drum up business by referrals. How easy to start: That can depend on the need in your area. Age threshold: Varies by site. How fast you'll get paid: At the end of a gig.
You typically get paid by the homeowner when you complete your gig.
24. Sign up to be a mystery shopper
Businesses often want to know how they’re performing from a customer’s perspective. Sign up to be their eyes and ears. You can apply online via sites like IntelliShop, BestMark and Sinclair Customer Metrics. Just beware of scams and do thorough research before signing on.
Total time: Varies by site. Setup: Applying takes little time, but approval can take a while. How easy to start: Relatively easy if you have required transportation and tech. Age threshold: May vary by site, but typically 18+. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by company.
Payout timing varies by company. BestMark, for example, issues payments monthly.
Depending on the service, you may need reliable transportation and internet access.
25. Put your drone to work
The market for drones is expanding. Companies hire out work like aerial inspection, photography and land mapping. So if you’re already a drone enthusiast, why not make extra money with your aircraft? You need to pass a test to become a drone pilot and register your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration. Then, you can apply for flying gigs. Learn how to make money with drones.
Total time: Depends on demand. Setup: You'll need to make time to pass a test. And then find clients. How easy to start: If you already have a drone, you're likely qualified. Age threshold: 16+. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by company.
You also need to find clients.
Payment will depend on your client.
To do this legitimately, you’ll need a certificate that involves passing an aeronautical knowledge test.
A background check is also needed.
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