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Given the state of today's economy, a growing number of people have turned to weekend jobs or side jobs to make money and boost their income. In fact, about a third of Americans have an extra job on the side. Some people do this to make ends meet and avoid financial hardship. Others do it so they can reach their financial goals, from building up savings to preparing for a financial emergency. Whatever the reason, side gigs can be helpful for those who need additional income.
But for people who already have a full-time job, it’s hard to find the time to make extra cash. That’s where online side hustles come in. These side gigs don’t require a major time commitment but can help in a big way. With that in mind, here are some of the best second job ideas you can do in your spare time.
Consider your current skillset and experience if you're looking to make extra cash
What Are Weekend Jobs?
Weekend jobs are employment opportunities that typically require you to work during the weekends, either as your primary form of employment or in addition to a regular weekday job. These jobs are particularly appealing to those who are looking to supplement their income, have weekday commitments (like school or a primary job), or prefer a work schedule that is outside the typical Monday-to-Friday routine.
Typical weekend jobs include:
- Part-Time Nature: Most weekend jobs are part-time, allowing individuals to balance other responsibilities or jobs during the week.
- Flexibility: They often offer flexible hours, making them suitable for students, parents, or anyone looking to earn extra income without committing to a full-time position.
- Variety of Fields: Weekend jobs can be found in various sectors including retail, hospitality, healthcare, customer service, and more.
- Potential for Tips or Commissions: Some weekend jobs, especially in service industries, offer the potential to earn tips or commissions, which can significantly increase your earnings.
- Skill Development: They can be a great way to gain experience and develop skills in a particular field without the commitment of a full-time position.
Best 10 Weekend Jobs to Boost Your Income
- Food Delivery and Rideshare Services
- Freelancer
- Online Course Creator
- Website Designer
- Airbnb Host
- Social Media Manager
- Online Teacher or Tutor
- Pet sitter
- Video Editor
- Virtual Assistant
So, what are the highest paying side jobs? Well, it depends on your skill set and interests. Here are the top 10 side jobs to make money, many of which can be done online.
1. Food Delivery and Rideshare Services
Deliver food or drive people to destinations using Uber, DoorDash, or Instacart. You'll need a reliable vehicle, a valid driver's license, and a clean driving record. This job is ideal for those who enjoy driving and interacting with different people.
- Average Salary: $15 - $25/hour
- Flexibility: High
- Skills Needed: Safe driving, navigation, time management, customer service.
Food delivery and rideshare services are two of the most popular weekend jobs out there. They’re flexible and can be done on a schedule that works for you. They also don’t have high requirements. In most cases, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a clean driving record, a valid driver’s license, and reliable transportation.
These side gigs can pay between $15 and $25 an hour. Say you work 10 hours every weekend at $15 an hour. In a month, you could make roughly $600.
Popular services include Uber, DoorDash, and Instacart.
2. Freelancer
Offer your specialized skills on a project basis through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Medium. This role is perfect for individuals with a specific skill set looking for flexible work and diverse projects.
- Average Salary: Varies by field
- Flexibility: High
- Skills Needed: Depending on the field: writing and research for writers; design software proficiency for graphic designers; coding and technical skills for web developers.
A freelancer is someone who uses a specific skill set to earn money working for themselves or with clients they choose. Unlike traditional workers, they do not work for a specific company.
There are many types of freelancers, including writers, graphic designers, web developers, and accountants. The earning potential depends on several factors, including the type of work, experience level, and the platform.
For example, freelance graphic designers on Upwork typically make up to $45 an hour. Freelance writers on the platform can earn between $30 and $40 an hour. Meanwhile, website developers may make $50 to $60 an hour.
There are many platforms where you can get started freelancing, such as Fiverr, Medium, and Upwork.
3. Online Course Creator
Create and sell educational content on platforms like Udemy or Coursera. This role requires a deep understanding of a subject and the ability to convey information effectively. It's suitable for experts who enjoy teaching and content
- Average Salary: $100 - $500/course
- Flexibility: Medium
- Skills Needed: Expertise in a specific subject, content creation, video production, and editing.
Websites like Udemy and Coursera let experienced or skilled individuals create and sell online courses. Topics can be on virtually anything, from digital marketing to programming to foreign languages.
These courses can take weeks or months to create, but they can bring in a decent side income. Course creators can potentially earn between $100 and $500 per course they sell. The platform will typically take a percentage from the profits, though. One way to combat this is to set up a professional website or platform and sell the course from there.
4. Website Designer
Design visually appealing and user-friendly websites for businesses or individuals. This role is ideal for creative individuals with a keen eye for design and a basic understanding of web development.
- Average Salary: $15 - $30/hour on platforms like Upwork
- Flexibility: High
- Skills Needed: Proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles, basic knowledge of HTML/CSS.
Website designers primarily work on the front end of websites for businesses. They are typically responsible for making the site look cohesive and appealing to the user. This includes things like color, graphics, and general layout. Website designers on Fiverr can make over $100 per WordPress website. Those on Upwork make $15 to $30 an hour.
5. Airbnb Host
Rent out a spare room or property on Airbnb. Successful hosts are welcoming, responsive, and attentive to their guests' needs. This role suits individuals with space to spare and a knack for hospitality.
- Average Salary: Around $9,000/year
- Flexibility: Low to Medium
- Skills Needed: Hospitality, property management, marketing, customer service.
Airbnb is a highly popular online marketplace that lets homeowners rent out or share their homes with guests or tourists. The average Airbnb host makes around $9,000 a year. If you have a spare room or second property, consider listing it on the platform for a fee. When pricing it, see what others in the area are listing their homes or rooms for.
6. Social Media Manager
Manage a company's or individual's social media presence. This involves creating content, engaging with the audience, and analyzing performance. Ideal for those with marketing skills and a deep understanding of social media trends.
- Average Salary: $30 - $100/hour
- Flexibility: High
- Skills Needed: Proficiency in social media platforms, content creation, marketing strategy, analytics, and communication.
Social media managers are another great online side hustle that can bring in between $30 and $100 an hour on Upwork. Say you work 10 hours on the weekends at $65. That’s a potential extra income of $650 every week, or roughly $2,600 a month.
Social media managers typically work remotely and manage a company’s social presence online. Getting into the field does require a few specialized skills, such as communications, social media, and marketing. It also helps to have a solid online presence and following.
7. Online Teacher or Tutor
Teach or tutor students in a subject you're knowledgeable about using platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or Upwork. This role is perfect for individuals who are knowledgeable in a specific area and enjoy teaching others.
- Average Salary: $18 - $20/hour
- Flexibility: High
- Skills Needed: Expertise in a specific subject, communication, patience, and instructional skills.
For anyone who enjoys working with and educating others, an online teacher or tutor may be the way to go. Tutors typically make $18 to $20 an hour and can set their hours, making this the perfect online side hustle. They can teach virtually anything they’re skilled at, including foreign languages, music, and fitness. Popular platforms to go through are Udemy, Coursera, and Upwork.
8. Pet sitter
Take care of pets while their owners are away, using platforms like Rover. Services can include feeding, walking, and providing companionship. Ideal for animal lovers who are responsible and attentive.
- Average Salary: $60 - $120/day
- Flexibility: Medium
- Skills Needed: Animal care, reliability, attention to detail.
Whether you have pets of your own or simply love taking care of them, pet sitting is another lucrative side job. To become one, set up an account and profile on a platform like Rover. From there, choose the types of services you’re willing to do. This can be anything from dog-walking to hosting pets in your home while the owner is away. How much you can charge depends on things like the pet, service, and location. Many pet sitters earn $60 to $120 a day and can set their schedules.
9. Video Editor
Edit raw footage into polished videos for clients. This role requires a good eye for storytelling and technical proficiency in video editing software. Suitable for creative individuals with a passion for video production.
- Average Salary: $500 - $1,000/project
- Flexibility: Medium
- Skills Needed: Proficiency in video editing software, storytelling, attention to detail, and creativity.
Freelance video editors can earn around $500 to $1,000 per project, depending on the size and budget. According to Glassdoor, they also have an average salary of $46,145 with an earning potential of $85,714. For some, this side job could become a full-time career.
The skills needed to be a video editor can be rather broad and robust. Expect to know how to edit raw footage, use special effects and video editing software, and be technically proficient. If you’re starting out, set up a profile on Fiverr or Upwork to find clients.
10. Virtual Assistant
Provide administrative support to businesses or entrepreneurs remotely. Tasks can include managing emails, scheduling, and data entry. This role is perfect for organized, detail-oriented individuals with strong communication skills.
- Average Salary: $18 - $35/hour
- Flexibility: High
- Skills Needed: Organization, communication, time management, proficiency in office software.
Virtual assistants can make $18 to $35, depending on experience, location, and skill level. They mainly work remotely and can often set their own hours. Typically, they perform various administrative duties like correspondence, calendar organization, and planning travel or meetings for a client or small business. Upwork and Freelancer.com are two of the best platforms to get started.
Reduce your debt
Having an additional source of income can help you tackle existing debt. In 2021, Experian conducted a survey that showed the total consumer debt was $15.31 trillion. This breaks down to $96,371 per person (including mortgage balances).
Weekend jobs, from online side hustles to in-person gigs, can help reduce your debt and keep you from accruing more. The extra cash can also bridge any financial gap you have between your regular income and bills. Even if the second job doesn’t provide enough income to replace your full-time employment, it could lessen the financial burden.
Besides helping with debt, the additional income could help you prepare for other costs, such as:
- Rent or other cost-of-living increases
- Interest hikes (on debts with variable interest rates)
- Saving up for big-ticket items such as a honeymoon, computer, or car
- Preparing for or supplementing your retirement income
- Investing
- Family planning
Conclusion
From online side hustles to weekend jobs online, there are many side jobs you can do to make extra money. These are usually flexible and can work with your schedule, so they don’t interfere with your regular employment.
If you’re looking for ways to make extra money in your spare time, consider your current skillset and experience level. Many of these side gigs, such as pet-sitting or ridesharing, are easy to get into. Others require more specialized skills, such as website design/development or social media marketing.
Whatever the case, these side jobs can boost or supplement your income. This can help you cover unexpected expenses, reach your financial goals, and get a better handle on debt.
Before getting started with one of these second job ideas, consider your situation and financial needs. At the same time, try to cultivate a good sense of work-life balance to avoid potential burnout. And, finally, keep your options open. Sometimes, these side gigs can become lucrative enough to replace your full-time income.
FAQs
What is a good side hustle?
What makes a good side hustle is somewhat relative. For some, it could be the ease of getting into it or how flexible it is. For others, it could be the growth potential or the sense of satisfaction it provides. When choosing one, consider your financial and personal goals, as well as what you’re willing to commit to. Whatever else, a good side gig should fit into your life without majorly disrupting your work-life balance.
How do you charge side work?
Most side gig workers charge based on the type of work, experience level, required skills, and geographic location. If you’re going through a platform like Fiverr or Rover, it might take a percentage of your earnings. Consider any fees when setting your rates to ensure you’re bringing in enough to make it worthwhile.
How much should I charge for my time?
This depends on the type of work. For project-based work, charge an amount that makes it worthwhile on an hourly rate. As an example, say you’re designing a website that’s going to take 4 hours. If you charge $100 for that website, the hourly rate breaks down to $25. Ask yourself if that’s enough for your financial needs based on the value you’re offering. If not, consider charging more. Consider what the competition is charging, though.
How much should I ask as a freelancer?
It depends on the niche you’re in and your experience level. A mid-level freelance graphic designer, for example, can make around $45 an hour. A new graphic designer with a limited portfolio and connections might only charge $20 or $25 an hour. Some freelancers charge by the project or hour. Others work by contract or on a retainer basis, which can also affect their rates.
Article Topics
Debt Consolidation
Angela Mae is a personal finance writer specializing in loans, debt management, investing, retirement planning, and financial literacy. She comes from a journalistic background and pulls from hands-on experience and deep-dive research to breathe life into her stories. Her goal is to help others achieve financial stability and independence. When not writing, she can be found traveling, honing her yoga skills, hiking, or exploring new means of healthy, sustainable living.
