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 14 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.
How 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.
2. Test websites and apps
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
6. 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.
7. 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.
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.
8. 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.
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:
9. 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.
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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
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.
14. 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.
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.
15. Fiverr
This website is a bit different than the others on the list. It is a well-known freelancing site where you are your own master. People from different parts of the globe offer their services in any area they are good at.
Look at the screenshot below, you can see people are actually selling these kinds of services over there. If you look closely you can see they have reviews as well, which means people are actually buying their services.
If you too want to try out, go ahead and create your own ‘gig’ with the services you wish to offer. People who are interested in your service will directly contact you and pay you for the same.
