As a full-time truck driver who’s been on the road for over a decade, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to make ends meet, especially when unexpected expenses pop up. That’s why I’ve spent years experimenting with various side hustles to supplement my income during my downtime. I’ve tried everything from online gigs I could manage from my cab to hands-on work during my home time. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered which side hustles are truly beginner-friendly and which ones can actually put some extra cash in your pocket without burning you out.
In this article, I’m excited to share 15 side hustle ideas based on the Side Hustle Database that I’ve either personally tried or have seen fellow drivers succeed with. These aren’t get-rich-quick schemes or complicated business ventures. Instead, they’re practical, accessible ways for anyone – whether you’re on the road like me or working a 9-to-5 – to start earning some additional income. I’ve focused on options that are flexible, require minimal upfront investment, and can be started with skills you probably already have.
1. Brand Ambassador
Being a brand ambassador involves representing and promoting a company’s products or services. Brand ambassadors are typically passionate about the brand they represent and use their influence to increase brand awareness and drive sales. This role often involves social media promotion, attending events, and engaging with potential customers.
The earning potential for brand ambassadors can vary widely depending on the brand, the ambassador’s influence, and the scope of work. Some brand ambassadors earn a few hundred dollars per month, while others with large followings can earn thousands. On average, brand ambassadors can expect to earn between $1,000 to $5,000 per month.
How to Get Started
- Build a strong social media presence across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
- Engage with brands you genuinely like and use
- Create high-quality content showcasing products or services
- Network with other influencers and attend industry events
- Apply for brand ambassador programs or reach out to companies directly
- Be prepared to showcase your engagement rates and audience demographics
2. Car Washing and Detailing
Offering car washing and detailing services is a practical side hustle that requires minimal initial investment. This service involves cleaning both the exterior and interior of vehicles, often going beyond a basic wash to include waxing, polishing, and deep cleaning of upholstery and carpets.
The earning potential for car washing and detailing can be quite lucrative. According to Side Hustles Database, basic car washes might earn $20-$40 per vehicle, while full detailing services can range from $100 to $300 or more, depending on the size of the vehicle and the extent of the service. With efficient work, it’s possible to earn $100-$200 per day or more.
How to Get Started
- Invest in basic car cleaning supplies and equipment
- Learn proper detailing techniques through online tutorials or courses
- Set competitive prices based on your local market
- Create a social media presence to showcase your work
- Offer mobile services to differentiate yourself
- Consider getting insured to protect against potential damages
- Build a client base through word-of-mouth referrals and local advertising
3. Paid Online Surveys
Participating in paid online surveys involves sharing your opinions on various products, services, or topics in exchange for compensation. Companies and market research firms use these surveys to gather consumer insights.
The earning potential for online surveys is generally lower compared to other side hustles. Most surveys pay between $0.50 to $5, with some higher-paying surveys offering $10 to $20. Dedicated survey takers might earn $50 to $100 per month, though this can vary based on qualification rates and time invested.
How to Get Started
- Sign up for reputable survey sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or Vindale Research
- Create profiles on multiple platforms to increase survey opportunities
- Be honest in your profile to ensure you qualify for relevant surveys
- Set aside dedicated time each day or week for completing surveys
- Cash out rewards promptly when available
- Be wary of scams and only use legitimate survey sites
- Consider using a separate email address for survey-related communications
4. Babysitting and Child Care
Babysitting and child care involve looking after children when their parents or regular caregivers are unavailable. This can include supervising activities, preparing meals, helping with homework, and ensuring the children’s safety and well-being.
The earning potential for babysitting can be quite good, especially for experienced sitters or those with special skills. Rates typically range from $15 to $25 per hour, with higher rates in urban areas or for caring for multiple children. Overnight or holiday rates can be even higher.
How to Get Started
- Gain experience by babysitting for family and friends
- Obtain CPR and First Aid certifications
- Consider taking child development courses or getting relevant qualifications
- Create profiles on babysitting websites like Care.com or Sittercity
- Network with local parents through community groups or social media
- Set competitive rates based on your experience and local market
- Be prepared to undergo background checks
- Develop a list of fun activities and games to engage children
- Always prioritize safety and follow parents’ instructions carefully
5. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting other companies’ products or services and earning a commission for each sale made through your unique referral link. This can be done through various channels such as blogs, social media, YouTube videos, or email newsletters. Successful affiliate marketers often create content that provides value to their audience while naturally incorporating product recommendations.
The earning potential in affiliate marketing can vary widely. Beginners might earn a few hundred dollars per month, while experienced marketers with large audiences can earn thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars monthly. Commission rates typically range from 5% to 30%, depending on the product and affiliate program.
How to Get Started
- Choose a niche that aligns with your interests and expertise
- Create a blog, YouTube channel, or build a strong social media presence
- Produce high-quality content that provides value to your audience
- Research and join reputable affiliate programs in your niche
- Learn about SEO and digital marketing strategies
- Disclose affiliate relationships to maintain transparency with your audience
- Track your performance and optimize your strategies based on data
- Network with other affiliate marketers to learn best practices
Learn more about how to make money with Affiliate marketing here.
6. Neighborhood Tours
Giving tours of your neighborhood involves showcasing local attractions, history, culture, and hidden gems to visitors or even locals. This can include food tours, historical walks, art tours, or themed experiences unique to your area. It’s an excellent way to share your local knowledge and passion for your community while earning money.
The earning potential for neighborhood tours can be quite good, especially in popular tourist destinations or areas with rich history or culture. Tour guides can typically charge between $20 to $100 per person, depending on the length and nature of the tour. With a group of 10-15 people, you could earn $200 to $1500 per tour.
How to Get Started
- Research your neighborhood’s history, attractions, and unique features
- Develop a compelling tour itinerary with interesting stops and stories
- Consider getting certified as a tour guide if required in your area
- Create a website or social media presence to promote your tours
- List your tours on platforms like Airbnb Experiences or TripAdvisor
- Network with local businesses and tourist information centers
- Invest in liability insurance to protect yourself
- Practice your presentation skills and public speaking
- Gather feedback and continuously improve your tour experience
7. Selling Photography
Selling photography involves creating and marketing your photographic work to various buyers. This can include stock photography, fine art prints, event photography, or selling digital downloads. The key is to develop a unique style and find the right market for your work.
The earning potential in photography can vary greatly depending on your niche, skill level, and marketing efforts. Stock photographers might earn a few hundred dollars per month, while successful event or commercial photographers can earn several thousand dollars per project. Fine art photographers can potentially earn even more per piece, but sales may be less frequent.
How to Get Started
- Develop your photography skills through practice and possibly formal education
- Invest in quality equipment (camera, lenses, editing software)
- Define your niche (e.g., landscape, portrait, street photography)
- Build a strong portfolio showcasing your best work
- Create a professional website to display your portfolio
- List your photos on stock photography websites like Shutterstock or Getty Images
- Participate in local art fairs or exhibitions to sell prints
- Network with potential clients (e.g., wedding planners, local businesses)
- Use social media to showcase your work and attract clients
- Learn about licensing and pricing your work appropriately
8. IRL or Online Tutoring
Tutoring, either in real life (IRL) or online, involves providing one-on-one or small group instruction in a specific subject area. This can range from academic subjects like math or science to skills like music or language learning. Tutors help students understand complex concepts, prepare for exams, or develop new skills.
The earning potential for tutoring can be quite good, especially for specialized subjects or test preparation. Rates typically range from $20 to $100 per hour, with online tutors often charging on the lower end and in-person tutors or those with advanced degrees charging higher rates. Experienced tutors in high-demand subjects can earn $1000 or more per week.
How to Get Started
- Identify the subjects or skills you’re qualified to teach
- Obtain any necessary certifications or credentials
- Create a compelling profile highlighting your expertise and experience
- Sign up for online tutoring platforms like VIPKid, Chegg, or TutorMe
- Advertise your services locally through schools, libraries, or community centers
- Develop a structured teaching approach and prepare lesson materials
- Set competitive rates based on your qualifications and local market
- Consider specializing in test preparation (e.g., SAT, GRE) for higher rates
- Gather testimonials from satisfied students to build credibility
- Continuously update your knowledge and teaching methods
9. Digital Marketing Services
Offering digital marketing services involves helping businesses improve their online presence and reach their target audience. This can include social media management, content creation, search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and website optimization. As businesses increasingly focus on their digital presence, the demand for skilled digital marketers continues to grow.
The earning potential for digital marketing services can be substantial. Freelance digital marketers can charge anywhere from $50 to $200 per hour, depending on their expertise and the specific services offered. For project-based work, rates can range from $500 to $5000 or more. Experienced digital marketers working with multiple clients can earn $5000 to $10000 or more per month.
How to Get Started
- Develop skills in various digital marketing areas through online courses and certifications
- Choose a specialization (e.g., SEO, social media, content marketing)
- Create a portfolio showcasing your skills and successful campaigns
- Set up a professional website highlighting your services
- Network with small business owners and attend local business events
- Offer initial services at a discounted rate to build a client base
- Use freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find clients
- Stay updated with the latest digital marketing trends and tools
- Consider partnering with other freelancers to offer comprehensive services
10. Refereeing
Refereeing involves officiating sports games at various levels, from youth leagues to professional matches. Referees are responsible for enforcing game rules, ensuring fair play, and managing the overall flow of the game. This side hustle is ideal for sports enthusiasts who have a deep understanding of the rules and can remain impartial under pressure.
The earning potential for referees varies depending on the sport, level of competition, and location. Youth league referees might earn $20 to $50 per game, while high school referees can make $50 to $100 per game. College and professional referees earn significantly more, with some professional sports referees earning six-figure salaries annually. However, most referees start at lower levels and work their way up.
How to Get Started
- Choose a sport you’re passionate about and knowledgeable in
- Study the rules and regulations of the sport thoroughly
- Attend referee training courses and obtain necessary certifications
- Start officiating at youth or amateur levels to gain experience
- Join local sports officiating associations
- Invest in proper referee equipment and uniforms
- Build a reputation for fairness and professionalism
- Network with other referees and sports organizations
- Consider specializing in a particular sport or level of play
- Stay physically fit to keep up with the demands of the game
11. Creating and Selling Handmade Goods
Creating and selling handmade goods involves crafting unique items and selling them to consumers. This can include jewelry, clothing, home decor, art, or any other handcrafted products. The appeal of handmade goods lies in their uniqueness, quality, and the personal touch they offer compared to mass-produced items.
The earning potential for selling handmade goods can vary widely depending on the type of products, their perceived value, and your ability to market them effectively. Some crafters earn a few hundred dollars per month as a hobby, while others turn it into a full-time business earning thousands. Successful artisans can potentially earn $2000 to $5000 or more per month, especially when combining online and in-person sales channels.
How to Get Started
- Identify your craft skills and decide on the products you want to create
- Research market demand and pricing for similar handmade items
- Invest in quality materials and tools for your craft
- Create a collection of products to sell
- Set up an online store on platforms like Etsy or Shopify
- Take high-quality photos of your products
- Develop a unique brand identity and story
- Use social media to showcase your work and engage with potential customers
- Participate in local craft fairs and markets
- Consider offering custom or personalized items to increase value
12. Online Courses and Coaching
Creating and selling online courses or offering coaching services allows you to share your expertise with others while generating income. This can cover a wide range of topics, from professional skills like marketing or programming to personal development areas like fitness or nutrition. Online courses are typically pre-recorded, while coaching often involves live, one-on-one or group sessions.
The earning potential for online courses and coaching can be significant. Online course creators can earn anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars per month, depending on the course price, number of students, and marketing efforts. For coaching, rates typically range from $50 to $500 per hour, with experienced coaches in high-demand fields potentially earning more.
How to Get Started
- Identify your area of expertise and target audience
- Research market demand for your chosen topic
- Develop a comprehensive curriculum or coaching program
- For courses: Record high-quality video content and create supporting materials
- For coaching: Set up a scheduling system and video conferencing tools
- Choose a platform to host your course (e.g., Teachable, Udemy) or coaching sessions
- Create a professional website to market your services
- Develop a strong social media presence to attract students or clients
- Offer a free mini-course or consultation to build your audience
- Gather testimonials and case studies to build credibility
- Continuously update your content and skills to stay relevant
13. Designing and Selling T-Shirts
Designing and selling t-shirts involves creating unique designs and selling them on various platforms or through your own online store. This side hustle combines creativity with entrepreneurship, allowing you to express your artistic ideas while potentially reaching a global market. T-shirt designs can range from simple text-based concepts to complex illustrations, catering to various niches and interests.
The earning potential for t-shirt design can vary widely. Successful designers can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month. On platforms like Merch by Amazon or Redbubble, you might earn $2-$5 per shirt sold. With your own online store and marketing efforts, you could potentially earn $10-$20 per shirt. Top sellers on these platforms report earning $10,000 or more per month, though this level of success is not typical.
How to Get Started
- Develop your design skills using software like Adobe Illustrator or free alternatives
- Research popular t-shirt trends and identify your target niche
- Create a collection of unique designs
- Choose a platform to sell your designs (e.g., Merch by Amazon, Redbubble, Teespring)
- Learn about t-shirt printing methods and quality
- Set up your own online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce
- Use social media to showcase your designs and build a following
- Consider collaborating with influencers or brands to expand your reach
- Continuously create new designs to keep your offerings fresh
- Analyze sales data to understand which designs perform best
14. Selling Print-on-Demand (POD) Products
Print-on-Demand (POD) is a business model where you design custom products that are printed and shipped only when a customer places an order. This can include a wide range of items beyond t-shirts, such as mugs, phone cases, posters, notebooks, and even home decor items. POD eliminates the need for inventory management and upfront production costs, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs.
The earning potential for POD products can be significant, especially if you can create designs that resonate with specific niches. Earnings can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per month. Profit margins typically range from 20% to 30% of the sale price, but can be higher for certain products. Successful POD sellers report earning $1,000 to $10,000 or more per month, though this requires consistent effort in design creation and marketing.
How to Get Started
- Choose a niche or theme for your products
- Create designs using graphic design software
- Select a POD platform (e.g., Printful, Printify, Gooten)
- Set up an online store or use existing marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon
- Learn about product specifications and printing techniques
- Price your products competitively while ensuring a profit
- Create high-quality mockups of your products for marketing
- Develop a strong brand identity
- Use social media and content marketing to drive traffic to your store
- Continuously test new designs and product types
- Monitor trends and seasonal demands to inform your product offerings
15. Freelance Writing or Proofreading
Freelance writing involves creating written content for various clients, which can include blog posts, articles, website copy, marketing materials, or even books. Proofreading, on the other hand, focuses on reviewing and correcting written content for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency. Both services are in high demand as businesses and individuals seek to produce high-quality, error-free content.
The earning potential for freelance writing and proofreading can be substantial, especially as you gain experience and specialize in specific niches. Beginner freelance writers might earn $0.03 to $0.10 per word, while experienced writers can command $0.20 to $1 per word or more. Proofreaders typically charge $10 to $45 per hour, with rates increasing based on expertise and the complexity of the material. Full-time freelancers in these fields can potentially earn $2,000 to $10,000 or more per month.
How to Get Started
- Assess your writing or proofreading skills and identify areas for improvement
- Choose a niche or specialization (e.g., technical writing, academic proofreading)
- Create a portfolio showcasing your best work
- Set up a professional website highlighting your services
- Join freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or ProBlogger
- Network with potential clients through LinkedIn and industry events
- Offer initial services at competitive rates to build a client base
- Continuously improve your skills through courses and practice
- Invest in necessary tools (e.g., grammar checkers, style guides)
- Stay updated on industry trends and best practices
- Consider obtaining relevant certifications to boost credibility
- Develop a system for managing projects and meeting deadlines