Buzz
You know the grind is relentless, but how do you get it moving? Besides my primary role guiding you through personal finance here at Mytour, I’m also grinding. Every year, I count on extra income from humor writing, copy editing, voice-over work, and even pet-sitting gigs or two.
It's tough to predict how much extra income you can earn from a side hustle, as payments fluctuate widely based on your skills, location, and time availability. It’s also worth noting that some of the highest-paying side hustles require significant upfront investment, especially if you’re looking to launch a small business. Likewise, many 'be your own boss' hustles require initial wealth, like owning property to become a profitable Airbnb host.
Fortunately, many side hustles require minimal to no initial investment. Let's explore some of the most promising side gigs today, how you can start, and what you can reasonably expect from them.
Note: All average hourly pay estimates are sourced from Payscale; learn more about how they crowdsource and validate salary data here.
Online side hustles with minimal starting costs
As stated by Side Hustle Nation, the most popular ways to earn extra income are primarily done online (a trend that only grew during the pandemic).
Virtual Assistant
If you have experience with office administrative tasks, you can turn that into freelance virtual assistant (VA) work.
What you'll be doing: A virtual assistant generally handles administrative tasks like managing emails, scheduling appointments, and organizing calendars. More experienced VAs may also assist with customer support, data entry, social media management, and various other remote office tasks.
What you can gain: VAs have the flexibility to set their own schedule, rates, and choose the clients they work with. The average hourly pay for a Virtual Assistant is $17.
Pro tip: Create a profile that highlights your strengths and check out freelance platforms like FlexJobs and Upwork for opportunities.
Audio and video transcription
What you'll be doing: You'll need basic typing skills and some tech know-how, usually working one to three hours per gig (though this can vary widely).
What you can earn: Transcribing typically pays around $15 per hour.
Pro tip: You don’t need much to excel at audio and video transcription, but having high-speed internet and a great pair of headphones will certainly help.
Editorial services
Many people need an extra pair of eyes on their writing, whether it’s for web content, research papers, business presentations, legal documents, and more.
What you’ll be doing: Proofreading expertise—and evidence of your editorial experience—are necessary to secure gigs on freelancing platforms like Fiverr, FlexJobs, and Upwork.
What you can earn: On Fiverr, a fully completed project typically brings in $50–$75. On Upwork, most writers charge between $0.01 and $0.40 per word.
Pro tip: With so many freelancers competing for high-paying proofreading gigs, it's important to differentiate yourself. Use your social media platforms to build your brand and gather positive reviews and testimonials.
E-commerce
What you'll need to do: This involves several hours of market research, creating high-quality photos, writing product descriptions, interacting with customers, and handling the packaging and shipping of items.
What you can earn: Your earnings will depend on the products you sell, but you have complete flexibility over what, how much, and when you decide to sell.
Tip: Exceptional customer service can elevate you to a top seller, but a single negative review could unfairly harm your sales potential. Here are some of the best platforms to sell your pre-loved items.
Online surveys
Examples: Compensated research studies, online focus groups, anything listed on Survey Junkie.
What you put into it: Minimal effort! Most surveys are quick, taking around 20 minutes, and require little to no significant effort.
What you can get out of it: Not much! Expect around $2-5 per hour. These are simple tasks you can complete during your free time, offering a small income boost.
Tip: Never pay any fees to join a survey-taking site. If they ask for money, it’s a definite sign of a scam.
In-person side hustles with minimal upfront costs
Check out some of the quirky jobs you can explore in the real world.
Dog walking
What’s required: For dog walking, it's best to have some experience with animals (and a love for them) along with the energy and motivation to get your steps in.
What you can expect to earn: According to HomeGuide, dog walkers can charge varying rates based on the type of pet care and the clientele you cater to, as detailed below:
Basic dog walking services: $10 for a 30-minute walk
Intermediate dog walking services: $20 for a 30-minute walk
Premium dog walking services: $35 or more for a 30-minute walk
As with any side hustle, how you market your services and your business's adaptability will influence how much you can take home—this is, of course, after dog walking apps deduct their share of your earnings.
Tip: To find dependable clients in your area, I recommend creating an account with Rover. Once you're established, consider pitching the idea to build your business directly with clients, outside of the app.
Professional organizing
What’s involved: You’ll need excellent organizational skills and the ability to travel to your clients. There’s a lot you can offer, from organizing offices to garages and kitchens, each requiring distinct methods of re-arranging and decluttering. It’s also a good idea to revisit Marie Kondo’s principles.
What you can earn: Professional organizers or consultants typically make about $20 to $25 an hour.
Mobile notary services
What’s required: Before you begin traveling to clients' homes or offices to notarize documents, make sure you meet your state’s criteria for becoming a Mobile Notary. The application cost can range from $40 to $50, which exceeds the expected $20, but it’s worth it due to the reliability and high potential earnings of this role.
What you can earn: Notaries typically charge between $75 and $200 per appointment.
Tip: Your marketing approach is crucial in determining the success of your business. Once you've set up your mobile notary services, think about expanding your range to include services like I-9 verification and apostille processing.
Highly specialized side jobs
Examples: Editing resumes, providing voice-over services, cleaning vehicle interiors, sharpening knives, removing pet waste, writing for dating apps—you get the idea.
What you put into it: A particular skill set. It all depends on what expertise you bring to the table.
What you can get out of it: Earnings can vary widely. As an online tutor in a specialized subject, you might make around $20 per hour, but if you’re a seasoned graphic designer, your rates can reach several hundred dollars per project.
Tip: Consider what makes you unique and get creative with the services you offer. Build a profile that highlights your expertise and explore freelance platforms like Editorr, FlexJobs, and Upwork.
