9 Side Hustle Ideas to Earn Extra Money

Updated August 2026


Whether you work full-time or are between jobs, a side hustle is a simple way to put your free time toward extra cash. Side hustles are active income; you earn money by putting in the time yourself, unlike passive income sources such as rental property or investments. Here are nine ideas to help turn your spare time into extra pay.

Use Your Car

  • Rideshare (Uber or Lyft): Driving for a rideshare service is a flexible way to earn extra money. Uber drivers earn a median of about $21 an hour, and Lyft drivers earn about $19 an hour, before expenses like gas and maintenance.

  • Food Delivery (DoorDash, Grubhub, Instacart): If you'd rather not share your car with passengers, food delivery is another option. Drivers on these platforms typically earn between $12 and $20 an hour before expenses, depending on the platform and location.

Earn Money Doing What You Love

  • Dog Walking and Pet Sitting: Apps like Rover and Wag let you walk dogs or watch pets while owners are away. Rover workers average around $17 an hour for dog walking, and full-time pet sitters can earn between $1,500 and $3,000 a month. It's also a nice way to meet new pets along the way.

  • Coaching: If you played a sport in high school or college, local schools and rec centers often need part-time coaches on weekends or after school.

  • Tutoring: If you're strong in a subject like math, science, or grammar, you may be able to find local students who need tutoring, including test-prep help for the ACT or SAT.

Sell Your Stuff

  • Consignment: Selling gently used or unworn clothes to a consignment shop is a simple way to clear out your closet and earn some money.

  • Electronics and Furniture: Many electronics stores buy back used phones and devices. Marketplaces like OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace are also popular places to sell older electronics and furniture.

  • Arts and Crafts: If you make jewelry, art, or other handmade goods, sites like Etsy and Society6 let you sell your work directly to buyers.

Cash In on Your Skills

  • TaskRabbit: Apps like TaskRabbit connect you with people who need help with tasks like moving, assembly, or home repairs, so you can earn money using skills you already have.

Need supplies to kickstart your new side gig? Whether it’s tools, craft supplies, or pet must-haves, Perpay lets you pay over time for what’s needed to kickstart your side hustle. 

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