Side hustles are nothing new. People have used them for centuries to make ends meet, explore hobbies and passions, or pivot their careers. Some of the highest-paying side hustles have even helped folks quit their 9-to-5s to run their own business. 

In today’s world, they’ve become a lifeline for many looking to keep up with a rising cost of living and plan for the future. Half of Americans report having a side hustle, according to a 2025 survey by MarketWatch. But we all know that when you already work full-time, it’s hard to juggle another job on top of that just to survive, let alone keep your mental health in check while doing so.

How do you start a side hustle that won’t burn you out? 

Start where you are with what you have. The best side hustles shouldn’t be expensive to start, nor have high barriers to entry. Prioritize what will give you the highest return for your time spent, in both money and fulfillment. You want to focus on legitimate side hustles that 1) pay well, 2) fit your skills and needs, and 3) are flexible. 

Also keep in mind that you probably don’t want to take on another full-time job on top of the one you have now. Stick to options that only require a part-time commitment. 

Let’s dive into some of the top-paying side hustles we’ve found and where to find them.

Key points:

• Some of the highest-paying side hustles include freelance writing and editing, becoming a notary public, and small business automation.
• The top side hustles pay as much as $150 an hour, $2,000 a project, and $10,000 a month or more. 
• You can use platforms like Fiverr, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook Communities (as well as several side gig apps) to connect with other professionals and find gigs.

12 Highest-Paying Side Hustles (No Burnout Included) 

Here’s a sneak peek into our side hustle conversation on our podcast, Two Cents: 

We’ve identified these top side hustle ideas using salary data from the past 3+ years of Salary Transparent Street interviews, data we’ve collected in our Salary Database, and wage data from various career resources like Glassdoor.

Many of these high-earning side hustles require working as a freelancer. Not all, but many. They typically charge hourly or by project and set aside money for taxes instead of earning a paycheck as a W-2 employee. Keep this in mind when looking at any side hustle-related pay data.

You can find more transparent pay data by searching for any of the below side jobs in our Salary Database. Don’t forget to join and add yours too!

1. Freelance Writing and Editing ($25-$100/hr)

Average hourly wage: $25 - $100 an hour 

Freelance writers and editors get paid to create content for countless mediums. The most popular type of content with a high demand for them right now is web content and social media content, but many businesses are also increasing the demand for documentation and content.

They make money by charging clients for blog posts, long-form articles and guides, website copy, social media posts, video scripts, podcast scripts, and most things you read online. Copywriters specifically have one of the highest-paying creative jobs.

Freelance writers can also become ghostwriters, writers who get paid to write content without credit or as someone else (like a CEO's LinkedIn posts). We interviewed a ghostwriter that makes $200,000 a year!

Don’t sound the AI alarm yet. Writer’s won’t cease to exist because of word-generating algorithms. This field thrives on human creativity and perspective, something AI cannot replicate.

How to get started: As a freelance writer myself, I created a blog that many clients were able to find me through. When you’re starting from scratch, try publishing some work on a free site like LinkedIn, Medium, Substack, or your own blog. Also, look for courses to help you with your craft, such as these writing courses.

Where to find gigs: List your services on marketplaces like Fiverr, write content on Substack and charge subscribers, or look for writing gigs and open calls for writers on job sites like LinkedIn, Freelance Writing Jobs, and our own Salary Transparent Job Board.

2. Virtual Assistant ($20-$40/hr)

Average hourly wage: $20 - $40 an hour

Virtual assistants (VAs) have a similar demand to freelance writers and editors, in which they’re the glue that holds many online business operations together. They offer a variety of services depending on the VA’s speciality, such as social media content creation and management, marketing, email and scheduling management, editing and site support, and even business management. 

VAs get paid pretty well too. We found a part-time VA in our Salary Database making $48,000 a year with only a high school degree!

While AI is an apparent threat in this area, there are ways to position yourself as a VA with high income skills that AI can’t replicate. Show clients how your strategic thinking and human touch are packaged in your customized services and how that outweighs any simple task completion bot. 

How to get started: Choose a niche (like inbox management, social media, or customer support), then build a simple portfolio using Canva or Notion. Taking helpful courses that focus on social media and how to use Canva can also be helpful. Follow established VAs on social media to learn the ropes and start networking in entrepreneur-focused Facebook groups or Reddit threads.

Where to find gigs: Use facebook groups to find jobs (search for “virtual assistant jobs”, follow other successful virtual assistants online on sites like Linkedin or Instagram, or pitch directly to small business owners, creators, or startups on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Reddit. Use our free Market Research Guide to help set your market rate.

3. User Testing and Market Research Panels ($40 - $150/session)

Average hourly wage: $40 - $150 a session

If you didn’t think you could get paid for your opinion online, think again. And no, I’m not talking about surveys. I’m talking about user testing and market research panels. User testing usually involves a user (you) testing out a website, application, or product. It’s actually one of the highest-paying tech jobs available and a great side hustle to get your feet wet with if you want to eventually get into tech.

Market research panels are a little different and involve getting paid to give your opinion on something. User testing is actually one of the highest-paying tech jobs available and a great side hustle to get your feet wet with if you want to eventually get into tech. 

How to get started: Create an account on any user testing and market research panel websites you can find. Google terms like “Is UserTesting.com a legit site to get paid for user testing” to make sure the sites you find are legitimate. 

Where to find gigs: Use testing sites like UserTesting, UserFeel, and TryMata to find testing opportunities. Usually these require passing a small test before you can start accepting tests. For market research panels, Respondent is a great app to get started on with many opportunities paying $50 or more.

4. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking ($20-$40/walk and $50-$150/day)

Average hourly wage: $20 - $40 per walk and $50 - $150 per day

If you love animals, this is one of the most fun and low-barrier side hustles to get into – and it can be surprisingly lucrative. Pet sitters care for animals while their owners are away, either by visiting the home daily or staying overnight. Dog walkers, on the other hand, offer shorter walks on a recurring or on-demand basis.

You can run your own business locally or use apps like Rover and Wag to get started quickly. Some successful pet care pros even earn six figures annually, like this dog walker we interviewed who makes $100,000 a year with this side hustle.

How to get started: Create a profile on pet-sitting apps like Rover or Wag, making sure to include your experience, availability, and any certifications (like pet CPR). Start by offering competitive rates and asking friends or family for reviews to build credibility.

Where to find gigs: Use apps like Rover, Wag, and Meowtel.You can also post flyers at local vet offices, pet stores, restaurants, or in neighborhood Facebook groups. Word of mouth spreads quickly in pet parent communities. Once you get one happy client, more will follow.

5. Online Course Creation/Teach a Skill ($500-$10K/month)

Average hourly wage: $500 - $10,000 a month

Online instructors create and sell courses on platforms like Gumroad and Udemy. Topics range from software tutorials and creative skills to business how-tos and mindset coaching. Some even contract with companies to design employee training programs as freelance curriculum creators.

Courses can be video-based, text-based, or a mix of both. Once you build them, they can become a long-term passive income stream. Even niche skills like spreadsheet tricks, pet care, AI how-tos, or resume writing can sell well if packaged the right way.

How to get started: List out 2 to 3 topics you’re confident in teaching, then validate your ideas by searching for similar courses on platforms like Udemy. Choose one to start with, outline your content, and record short videos using tools like Loom or Canva. Also look for online resources that can be helpful in learning how to be an effective teacher.

Where to find gigs: Use platforms like Teachable, Gumroad, and Udemy to host and sell your own course. To contract out your skills, look on LinkedIn, Fiverr, or pitch course creation services directly to small businesses, online coaches, or education startups. CodeAdvantage is a platform that often hires online instructors skilled in coding for up to $40 an hour. We found one of their instructors in our Salary Database making $48,000 a year!

6. Notary Public ($75-$200/signing)

Average hourly wage: $75 - $200 per signing

Notaries are licensed professionals who witness and verify signatures on legal documents like loan agreements, real estate paperwork, and business contracts. Mobile notaries in particular bring their services to clients, meeting them at homes, coffee shops, or offices.

This side hustle is especially popular with real estate professionals and legal clients, and it’s both flexible and high-paying (since this is a role appointed by a state official, it technically qualifies as a high-paying government job as well). It does require some paperwork and a state license, but once you’re certified, you can offer your services on your own terms.

How to get started: Research the notary commission requirements in your state (usually via your Secretary of State’s website or the National Notary Association). You’ll typically need to complete an application, pay a small fee, and pass a brief exam. Once approved, get a notary seal and logbook, then start offering mobile or remote services.

Where to find gigs: Sign up on notary directories like Snapdocs, NotaryRotary, and SigningOrder. You can also reach out directly to real estate agents, loan officers, law offices, and title companies in your area to build long-term relationships.

7. Voice Work/Audiobook Narration ($100-$500/project)

Average hourly wage: $100 - $500 per project

Voice actors and narrators get paid to lend their voice to audiobooks, animations, explainer videos, podcasts, ads, YouTube channels, and more. It’s a side hustle that thrives on personality and tone, and one where your voice becomes your business card.

You don’t need a professional studio to start, but sound quality matters. With basic equipment (like a good USB mic and free audio editing software), you can begin auditioning for projects from home, even in a closet with blankets for soundproofing.

How to get started: Start by listening to popular narrators and voiceover reels on platforms like Audible. Then record a demo reel using a basic script (you can find samples online) and edit it using free tools like Audacity. Some basic acting classes can also help you get familiar with voice acting.

Where to find gigs: Post your reel and apply to jobs on ACX.com (Amazon's Audiobook Exchange), Findaway Voices by Spotify, and Voices.com. You can also find freelance voiceover gigs on Fiverr, Upwork, and in podcast or indie author communities on Reddit and Facebook.

Less Saturated Side Hustles to Explore

The above side hustles are great areas to explore. However, there are other great side hustle opportunities available that are much less saturated and may provide a lower barrier of entry to get started.

8. Podcast Notes Writer ($30-$150/episode)

Average hourly wage: $30 - $150 per episode

Podcast notes writers get paid to listen to episodes and turn them into compelling, SEO-friendly summaries (search engine optimization), timestamps, guest bios, and social media captions. Good show notes boost a podcast’s visibility and listener engagement, making this role in high demand, especially with business and educational podcasts.

This is a great gig if you’re a strong writer, love podcasts, and have a knack for summarizing information clearly and quickly. Don’t be discouraged by AI in this field because it can’t replace the perspective that is required for a podcast notes writer. AI doesn’t know their subject matter well enough nor the audience it’s designed to reach.

How to get started: Choose a few favorite podcasts in your niche (like entrepreneurship, wellness, or tech) and write 1 to 2 sample episode summaries to build a mini portfolio. Use tools such as Google Docs or Notion for formatting show notes (utilize the built-in AI in them as well!). Bonus if you know how to optimize for SEO or create content repurposing templates.

Where to find gigs: Pitch podcasters directly via Instagram, LinkedIn, or their website contact forms. You can also search freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Facebook groups for podcasters are another great place to network and find leads.

9. Digital Decluttering Coach ($25-$150/hr)

Average hourly wage: $25 to $150 an hour

A digital decluttering coach helps individuals or small businesses clean up and organize their digital lives, including chaotic inboxes, file folder systems, cloud storage, password management, or even photo libraries.

If you're someone who loves digital organization and helping others simplify their online life, this is a niche side hustle with growing demand. It blends tech-savviness with personal productivity, and it’s often done fully remote, unlike in-person organizers that declutter your closet, kitchen, etc.

How to get started: Decide on 2 to 3 services to specialize in, such as email management, digital file organization, password vault setup, etc. Create a portfolio (you can even use a case study from cleaning your own digital life), and offer free or discounted sessions to get testimonials. Bizway has a great article on digital decluttering service ideas to help you define your niche. 

Where to find gigs: Promote your services on LinkedIn, Facebook groups for productivity and organization, or offer sessions on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and TaskRabbit (under virtual tasks). You can also pitch yourself as a productivity assistant or digital organizer to online coaches, solopreneurs, or small teams who are drowning in clutter.

10. Help Small Businesses Set Up Automations ($50-$150/hr)

Average hourly wage: $50 - $150 an hour

People who help businesses set up automations are typically called automation coaches, business operations consultations, or something similar. They automate tasks like email marketing and sales funnels and is a great side hustle for folks who love tech, AI, and setting up efficient business automations.

As one of the top jobs of the future, this area has a lot of opportunity for growth, even as just a side hustle.

How to get started: Pick 1 to 2 automation tools to learn well. Zapier is a great beginner-friendly platform. Practice building automations for your own workflows, or offer free help to a friend’s business to build a case study. Post your projects with before/after transformations on LinkedIn and follow automation experts to see how they position their services.

Where to find gigs: Pitch yourself directly to solopreneurs, startups, and small business owners who are active on LinkedIn, Instagram, or in business coaching Facebook groups. You can also find freelance automation gigs on Upwork and list your services on Fiverr or Clarity.fm under tech consulting.

11. Online Reputation Cleaner ($300-$2,000/project)

Average hourly wage: $300 to $2,000 per project

Online reputation cleaners help individuals and businesses manage or repair how they appear on the internet. That might include pushing down negative search results, removing outdated or harmful links, managing reviews, or cleaning up social media profiles. Clients range from job seekers and public-facing professionals to small and big businesses.

This is a niche but lucrative side hustle for people with a background in digital marketing, PR (public relations), or content strategy.

How to get started: Learn the basics of SEO, Google search behavior, and digital PR. Create a few sample case studies using your own online presence (like cleaning up your Google results or optimizing LinkedIn) to showcase your skills. Familiarity with tools like SEMrush and Google Alerts, or reputation monitoring software helps too.

Where to find gigs: Offer your services on LinkedIn, Fiverr, and Upwork, or pitch directly to professionals in industries where reputation matters (like law, real estate, or coaching). You can also network in PR Facebook groups and other online business communities where reputation issues often come up.

12. Digital Menu Consultant ($150-$750/project)

Average hourly wage: $50 to $750 per project

Digital menu consultants help restaurants and food businesses optimize their online and in-store menus. This may include creating digital menus for QR codes and designing visually appealing layouts. They may also include writing clear and persuasive item descriptions and improving usability for online ordering platforms in their services.

This niche is growing in popularity as more restaurants want to go digital. It’s a great opportunity for consultants who understand design, branding, and customer experience. And if you love food? It’s a win-win.

How to get started: Research popular platforms like MustHaveMenus, Canva, or GloriaFood that restaurants use to build and share digital menus. Offer to revamp a local restaurant’s menu for free or a discounted rate to build your portfolio. Use that to showcase before-and-after examples of design, layout, or upsell optimization. 

Where to find gigs: Pitch restaurant owners directly via email, Instagram, or Google Business Messages. Join local business Facebook groups or walk into independent cafés to introduce yourself. 

How to Start a Profitable Side Hustle

As you dive in head first into the world of side hustling, don’t get too far ahead of yourself just yet. That’s how you burnout. Start with what you already know or do well. Lean into skills you’ve already used at your job, in hobbies, or helping others (writing, organizing, customer service, etc.).

We actually created a free Side Hustle Quiz to help you decide what to do and how to do it. 👇

Once you have a better idea of what you want to do, start small with at least one or a few steps or actions each day.

• Validate the demand before diving in: Search job boards, Reddit threads, TikTok trends, or Google to make sure people are already paying for the service you want to offer.
• Start small, cheap, and fast: Don’t waste months building a business before you test it. Offer a low-effort version of your service to a few real clients and build from there.
• Create a simple service menu or offer: Package your offer clearly (example: “1-hour podcast notes for $75”) so potential clients know exactly what they’re buying.
• Avoid platforms that don’t respect your time: If a gig app pays you $5/hour after fees and driving time, it’s not profitable. It doesn’t matter how many jobs or flexibility it offers.
• Build a repeatable system: Once you find something that works, create templates, workflows, or automations to reduce the time you spend per client.
• Use free courses to learn how to manage a business: Building Your Freelancing Career is a great one for beginner side hustlers.

Balancing Your Side Hustle With a 9 to 5

As much as you want to make some waves as you get your side hustle started, be mindful of your current lifestyle and how you can remain grounded and balanced. This means scheduling your time for your side hustle outside of family and social obligations, as well as taking care of your health and rest. 

Don’t sell yourself short on your pay either. Prioritize gigs that pay $20/hr or more (or what best matches your market rate) and allow you to work flexible hours without sacrificing your mental health. You know yourself best – so do what feels right.

Don’t forget to browse our other resources as you start your side hustle and move to this next chapter in your working life, including finding our Salary Transparent Job Board, interview questions and answers to prepare for, pay negotiation scripts and myths, how to ask for a raise, guides to the highest-paying jobs without a college degree, and more!

Until next time, stay awesome, stay strong, and keep advocating for yourself no matter what! I’m Daniella, a former engineer who writes about tech, money, and careers, a current member of the CNET Money Expert Review Board, and side hustle expert quoted by CNBC, TIME, and Buzzfeed. I’m also the original founder of the award-winning blog and podcast for leveling up your money, career, and side hustles, I Like to Dabble and Remote Work Bestie. I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the Salary Transparent Street blog (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on Linkedin. Chat soon!

If this guide helps you land a higher-paying job, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ hello@salarytransparentstreet.com

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