35+ Side Business Ideas to Make Extra Money (2025)

Side business ideas to start from home

1. Be a usability tester

A usability tester gives feedback on websites, apps, or digital products by walking through tasks, narrating their thoughts, and flagging things that feel confusing or broken.

Companies often hire testers before launching features, so they’re willing to pay for your time. You can usually line up tests that fit your schedule.

How much you earn per test depends on the platform, test type (moderated versus unmoderated), length, and complexity. 

To put it in perspective, one tester on Reddit reported making more than $400 in a single month just doing these usability tests via UserTesting. That’s not every month for everyone, but it shows you can scale if you stay active and hit the right tests.

• Cost and time: $0 setup; most tests are 15 to 20 minutes or 30 to 60 minutes.
• Earnings: About $10 for 15 to 20 minutes (UserPeek); $3 to $30 per test (UserFeel); $5 to $30 per test (Trymata).
• Skills: Clear spoken feedback, ability to follow tasks, reliable device and internet.

2. Become a dropshipper

Dropshipping is an ecommerce business model where you sell products online without ever handling the inventory—suppliers ship orders directly to your customers. It’s popular because the barrier to entry is low. You don’t need to sink thousands into stock before you make a single sale.

Thomas Sleeth, founder of Dropshipping Hustle, began dropshipping as a side hustle while working full time as a disability support worker.

“I was fascinated by the business model and completely immersed myself in it and spent all my free time and even some work time learning all I could,” Thomas says.

It took Thomas about five months to start seeing consistent profits through his small side business, and he was able to quit his full-time job after roughly a year. That’s pretty typical: many dropshippers spend the first three to six months testing products, learning advertising, and tweaking their stores before revenue stabilizes.

Typical profit margins range from 10% to 30% per product, though higher margins are possible if you focus on niche products, bundle items, or add value with branding and customer service. 

For example, a $40 product might net you $8 to $12 in profit after supplier costs and fees. 

To get started with dropshipping, connect with reliable suppliers. Popular options include Shopify Collective (sell products from other Shopify brands), DropCommerce for North American suppliers, or Syncee for international sourcing. 

There are also niche, product-specific dropshipping sites, like BooksCloud for books, or Trendsi for women’s fashion. Many offer free plans so you can launch with little upfront costs. Use AI to generate ad copy or product descriptions, or identify trends to test faster

• Cost and time: Domain, storefront, and apps are typically a few hundred dollars; expect three to six months of product testing/iterations before steady results.
• Earnings: Typical 10% to 30% profit margins per product (varies by niche/brand strength).
• Skills: Product research, ad/media buying, offer/creative testing, basic store ops.

3. Rent your space

If you don’t have much time to invest in a side business idea, consider renting out space in your home through sites like Airbnb or Vrbo. In the third quarter of 2024, about 123 million people booked rentals and experiences through Airbnb. 

Depending on your location, a spare room, vacant home, or guest house can fetch upward of nearly $200 per night. Just check local regulations—some cities require short-term rental permits. You’ll also want the right insurance coverage, since standard homeowners’ policies don’t always cover guest stays.

If you have spare commercial space, platforms like Peerspace can connect you with companies looking to host photoshoots, galleries, launch events, workshops, and more. The same rules apply: confirm zoning laws and liability coverage before welcoming guests.

• Cost and time: Listing is usually free. Factor in guest communication and turnovers, plus local permits.
• Earnings: Spare rooms in many markets can earn around $200 per night (market-dependent).
• Skills: Hospitality, messaging, calendar/cleaning coordination, basic photography for listings.

4. Start affiliate marketing

If you’re a good marketer with an engaged audience, affiliate marketing can be a lucrative side business idea. It works by promoting another company’s products and earning a commission on each sale made through your referral link.

To build a successful affiliate marketing business, choose a niche you’re passionate about; it’ll be easier to create content around products you truly recommend. AI tools can help generate content outlines, product reviews, and SEO-optimized posts faster.

Next, join affiliate programs through sites like ShareASale, ClickBank, or Awin. Grab your referral links and add them to blog posts, social media, or your link in bio, and you’ll get a payout whenever someone makes a purchase.

Commission rates vary widely: 

Some programs have traffic requirements. For example, Amazon Associates requires three qualified sales in your first 180 days to stay in the program. Others, like ShareASale, don’t ask for a minimum audience size but you’ll need a functioning website or platform where you’re actively posting content. 

If you’re just starting out on social media, you can still get accepted into programs, but most brands are going to look for either consistent traffic (think a blog with at least a few thousand monthly visitors) or an engaged following (typically 1,000 or more followers with decent interaction).

• Cost and time: Less than $100 to launch (domain, site, email); ongoing content/traffic building five to 10 hours per week early on.
• Earnings: Commission rates range from 1% to 20%, depending on category; hosting signups can bring $65 or more each.
• Skills: Content creation, SEO or social promotion, tracking links, basic analytics, niche selection. 

5. Offer consultancy services

Offering consulting services means using your expertise in a particular field—such as marketing, IT, human resources, or finance—to advise or guide clients. First, define your niche and the type of clients you want to work with. Then, build a network of industry contacts who can help you secure your first few clients.

Consulting has very low side business startup costs and offers flexible hours, though you’ll want to have some overlap with standard business times in your chosen industry. Rates vary depending on your specialty, experience, and client type.

• IT and technology: For tech consultants, hourly rates can range from about $50 to $100 (for more junior roles) to $150 to $300 or more for senior or niche expertise work.
• Marketing and digital marketing: As a marketing consultant, entry or mid-level rates might be $50 to $100 per hour, while more seasoned experts or specialists could push $200 to $500 or more in certain niches.Platforms like Upwork show average marketing consultant rates between $20 and $60 per hour for more “routine” assignments.
• Management and strategy consulting: Many management consultants charge between $100 and $350 per hour depending on client size, study scope, and reputation, with some bringing in $1,000 or more an hour. 

When you’re just starting, charge conservatively (especially for small clients or local businesses), then gradually raise your rates as you get case studies and testimonials. Remember to account for non-billable time (client acquisition, planning, reporting), taxes, insurance, and possibly travel into your pricing too.

• Cost and time: Minimal (site, insurance). Start part time and batch calls during business hours.
• Earnings: IT: $50 to $300 per hour; marketing: $20 to $500 per hour; strategy: $100 to $350 or more per hour.
• Skills: Domain expertise, client discovery/scoping, presentation, documentation.

Easy side businesses to start

6. Become a virtual assistant

If you’re highly organized, you can monetize those skills by becoming a virtual assistant (VA). You’ll manage administrative tasks remotely—like scheduling appointments, arranging travel, managing emails, taking phone calls, and ordering supplies. 

The time commitment is flexible. Many VAs start with one or two small clients and dedicate five to 15 hours a week. As your reputation grows, you can scale to 20 to 30 hours a week or more. The best part: VA work often leads to recurring clients, since businesses need consistent help. 

Ariana Rodriguez started her virtual assistant business in 2021 for $2,000, which included launching a website, taking a business course, and purchasing technology. “In April, I began making $700 a month,” Ariana says. “By December I was making $6,000 a month and working a full-time job. I was able to hire a subcontractor to make the work more sustainable.”

Rates vary depending on services and experience. General administrative support in the US often ranges from $8 to $55 per hour, while specialized services like marketing, bookkeeping, or executive assistance, can command more.

Decide what services you want to specialize in offering, set up a website or LinkedIn account to promote your services, and start reaching out to business owners who might need your help. AI tools can sort inboxes, schedule meetings, and assist in drafting responses—helping you serve more clients in less time.

• Cost and time: $0 to $500 for startup tools or a simple website; start with five to 15 hours per week and scale as needed.
• Earnings: General admin: $10 to $25 per hour; specialized/executive support: $25 to $60 or more per hour, depending on niche and experience.
• Skills: Organization, inbox and calendar mastery, docs/spreadsheets, client communications.

7. Become a dog walker

Dog walking is a great side business idea that gets you some exercise outside and earns you a bit of extra cash.

Many people aren’t able to exercise their dogs during the day due to their own work schedules. Platforms like Rover and Wag can help you find clients in your area. Start by offering your dog walking services to friends and family or posting in local community groups to build referrals.

Earnings depend heavily on location, duration of walks, number of dogs, and your experience. In the US, walkers typically charge $15 to $25 for a 30-minute walk, with longer or more intensive sessions ranging from $20 to $40 per hour. Since dogs need walking every day, this can turn into a steady stream of repeat business.

• Cost and time: Less than $100 for basic supplies; schedule in 30 to 60 minute blocks plus travel time.
• Earnings: $15 to $40 per walk, depending on time and services included.
• Skills: Reliability, pet handling, route planning, basic client communications.

8. Sell thrift store finds

People donate unwanted items to thrift stores every day, and with patience, you’ll find gems worth flipping for a profit online through marketplaces like eBay and Depop.

“I originally started selling items on eBay, and my goal was to get enough additional income coming in to quit my day job so I could stay home with my children,” says Kim Hawkins, president of EventsWholesale. “I started from scratch and invested very little money—under a hundred dollars—to get started, and then I would just reinvest the profit off of what I sold.”

Kim’s business quickly expanded into more than a full-time operation. Within two years, it was generating enough income for her husband to leave his job and join her, and the venture has continued to grow steadily since. In another case study, a single thrift run of used books returned nearly $995 in expected profit.

• Cost and time: $50 to $200 starting cash for inventory; time for sourcing, cleaning, photographing, and listing.
• Earnings: Flips range widely. Consistent sellers often earn a few hundred dollars per month; some report $500 or more in active months.
• Skills: Sourcing eye, product category knowledge (books, apparel, collectibles), photography, shipping logistics.

9. Offer decluttering services

If you’ve got a knack for organization and find joy in creating calm, tidy spaces, offering decluttering services can be a surprisingly rewarding side hustle. Plenty of people feel overwhelmed by clutter and they’re willing to pay someone to step in with a fresh perspective and a practical system.

Rates for professional decluttering often run $50 to $150 per hour, depending on your experience, location, and whether you market yourself as a general helper or a more premium “professional organizer.” 

The time commitment is flexible. Jobs can be one-off projects (like organizing a wardrobe) or larger engagements that stretch over several weeks (like preparing an entire house for a move). The beauty is, many jobs lead to repeat business, because once you’ve helped someone tackle their bedroom or kitchen, they often invite you back for other rooms or seasonal refreshes.

Getting started doesn’t require much upfront investment beyond some basic supplies (think storage bins, labels, and trash bags), plus a simple website or social media presence to showcase before-and-after shots. From there, word of mouth, local community groups, or platforms like Taskrabbit can help you find your first few clients.

• Cost and time: Starter kit (bins/labels): less than $150; projects run half-day to multiday.
• Earnings: $75 to $250/hr typical range depending on market and expertise.
• Skills: Tactful client coaching, spatial planning, labeling/systems, light lifting.

Side business ideas to start for free

10. Teach a language

The online language learning market is forecast to be worth $91.6 billion by 2030, according to a report by Research and Markets. If you speak multiple languages, sharing your skills could be a lucrative side business.

Language tutoring can be done virtually or in person, either in one-on-one or small group sessions. On average, tutors can earn up to $40 per hour teaching English on the side, but your exact rate may vary depending on experience and what platform you use:

Class sizes are another factor to think about. Many online tutoring gigs are one-on-one, especially if you’re marketing yourself directly or working through platforms like Skooli. That said, group classes are becoming more common, especially on platforms like italki or Preply, where you can set your own structure. 

• Cost and time: Webcam and mic; 1:1 or small groups scheduled in 25 to 60 minute blocks.
• Earnings: $18 to $25 per hour; higher with experience or group classes.
• Skills: Proficient in a language, lesson planning, patience, clear communication.

11. Start a house- or pet-sitting business

With 94 million US households owning pets, demand for reliable sitters is high. When these pet owners travel, they often seek out someone who can take care of their pets or homes, making this the perfect side business if you like pets or low-maintenance house care. 

Pet sitting is most common for dogs and cats, but opportunities exist for birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, and more.

The average pet-sitting rates vary by location, fees taken by booking platforms (if relevant), length of stay, pet needs, and the number of pets per job. Having pet-related qualifications, such as animal first aid or animal behavior training, can help you secure premium rates. Platforms like Rover and Wag can help connect you to clients.

House sitting is another option. The rate you charge will depend on the size of the house, its location, and whether you’ll be staying overnight. Combine this with a full-time job that allows you to work remotely, and you’ll be able to earn extra income with minimal disruption to your regular job.

• Cost and time: Background checks, profiles, basic supplies under $100; bookings range overnight to multiweek.
• Earnings: Rates vary by market and pet needs; platforms like Rover and Wag take a fee.
• Skills: Trustworthiness, pet care basics, communication, reliability.

12. Become a ride-share driver

The ride-share industry is projected to grow to $185.1 billion by 2026, according to industry research. Becoming a ride-share driver is a great side business idea that can help you capture a slice of that growing market. Platforms like Uber and Lyft are a great place to start.

Earnings depend on your location and demand, but rideshare drivers in the US average about $20.43 per hour. The best part about ride-share driving is flexibility. Nights and weekends tend to be peak times, but you can also take rides during quieter hours when it suits your schedule.

• Cost and time: Car, insurance, and inspections required; you choose hours (peaks: nights/weekends).
• Earnings: Market-dependent (city, time of day, and demand); average $20.43 per hour.
• Skills: Safe driving, navigation, customer service.

13. Deliver food

People frequently use food delivery services like Uber Eats, Postmates, and DoorDash to order food to their homes or workplaces. You can become a delivery driver and get paid to transport food to hungry customers. 

Food delivery drivers earn an average of $19.60 per hour in the US. The barrier to entry to become a food delivery driver is low, which makes it a great side business idea. In most cases, you’ll only need a scooter, car, or bicycle; a driver’s license and auto insurance; and a smartphone.

• Cost and time: Vehicle or bike, insurance, phone; flexible shifts.
• Earnings: US delivery drivers average $19.60 per hour (mix of base plus tips).
• Skills: Timeliness, routing, customer service. 

Family business ideas

14. Start a home bakery

If your kitchen meets state cottage food laws (or can be adapted), a home bakery can be a family-friendly side business. You can sell cakes, cookies, bread, or specialty goods directly to neighbors, at local farmers markets, or even supply small cafés. 

In the US, regulations vary by state, but most states allow “cottage food operations.” You’ll usually need to take a food handler’s course, apply for a cottage food license or permit, and clear product labels. Remember to budget for insurance. Cottage food liability policies typically start at about $25 to $50 per month and cover things like product liability and customer claims.

The money you make will ultimately depend on what you sell, where you are, and your customer base. In the early days, you might make as little as $40 a week, but that can go up to $900 a week if you focus on products you can sell at volume or offer custom treats for birthdays and weddings. 

• Cost and time: Permits, labels, ingredients, and packaging—usually a few hundred dollars. 
• Earnings: $40 to $900 per week depending on products and volume. 
• Skills: Food safety, consistent recipes, basic labeling/compliance, simple marketing.

15. Run a weekend lawn care

If your family doesn’t mind getting outdoors and handling tools, weekend lawn care can be a smart seasonal side business. You mow, trim, edge, and maintain local yards for people who don’t have time or equipment.

Lawn care operators in the US can earn around $18.43 an hour. Startup costs (for mowers, trimmers, fuel, transport, etc.) can be around $5,000 to $8,000 (not including the vehicle). 

Because most work happens on weekends or in off-hours, it fits nicely into family schedules. One person can mow while another handles scheduling, invoicing, or route planning. As you scale clients, you can add extra services, like weed control and garden cleanup, or hire extra hands.

• Cost and time: Core gear (mower, trimmer, blower, hand tools) plus trailer will cost about $5,000 to $8,000 startup. Work weekends/after work during the growing season.
• Earnings: First-year owner-operators can earn $5,000 to $50,000 a year.
• Skills: Operating lawn equipment, route planning, upsells (edging, cleanup), reliability.

16. Launch a mobile car washing service

Car washing and detailing is another service business that can be run from a van or even a car with portable gear. You go to clients’ homes or workplaces and clean their vehicles on-site.

Rates vary by job. A basic wash and wax might run $25 to $50 depending on location and vehicle size. Meanwhile, a full interior and exterior detail might cost $120 or more (assuming a few hours of labor plus materials). 

You can divide up the roles between your family. One person might handle washing, while another handles client acquisition, and yet another deals with supplies, etc. Because the service comes to the customer, overhead is lower than a fixed location. 

Scale happens by adding more routes or offering extras, like interior shampooing or scratch removal. 

• Cost and time: Portable washers, vacuums, cleaning chemicals, towels, and water solution: typically $1,000 to $3,000 for a lean kit.
• Earnings: Common list prices: wash/wax $25 to $50; full interior/exterior detail $120 or more depending on vehicle and market.
• Skills: Detailing process, upselling add-ons (shampoo, coatings), customer service.

17. Create a neighborhood composting service

Composting is a niche but steadily growing side hustle in eco-conscious communities across the US. You basically collect organic waste like food scraps and yard clippings from your neighbors, then turn it into compost you can sell to local gardeners, farmers markets, or community gardens. Some services even offer compost back to the households who contributed.

Most small composting services in the US make money through recurring subscriptions, typically charging about $30 per household per month for pickup, depending on where you are. Startup costs are relatively low. You’re really just paying for compost bins, collection buckets, and transportation.

On top of that, you can create extra income by selling bagged compost or soil amendments once your operation matures. 

• Cost and time: Totes, buckets, bins, scales, and a vehicle for pickup routes; weekly or biweekly collection. 
• Earnings: Community programs commonly charge $10 to $30 per household per month (varies by region).
• Skills: Route logistics, odor and pest management, community outreach, basic compost science.

Side business ideas for bigger budgets

Not every side hustle can be launched with just a laptop and a few spare hours. These ideas usually require $1,000 or more in upfront equipment, supplies, or certifications. The upside is they also tend to come with higher earning potential once you get established.

18. Start a cleaning business

Offering cleaning services can be a relatively low-cost side business idea. All you’ll need is some cleaning equipment and a vehicle to transport your cleaning supplies around.

Brian Winch, founder of Cleanlots, originally started his side cleaning business for $200. “I provide a parking lot litter-cleaning service for property management companies,” he says. “My service is performed on-foot, using simple hand tools. Almost as easy to do as going for a walk. We walk the exterior property outside commercial properties and sweep up litter material into our collection tools then empty into waste bins on site.”

Eight weeks after starting his side hustle, Brian was making more money than at his full-time job, eventually grossing more than $650,000 per year.

“I started my business on the side because I wanted the security from the income of my day job to pay the bills while I gained experience growing my business,” Brian says. “The income I generated from my side hustle was invested back into it to grow.”

• Cost and time: Supplies, vacuums, PPE, basic insurance; many start under $1,000 and schedule two- to four-hour jobs.
• Earnings: Typical residential pricing $25 to $90 per hour per cleaner or $118 to $237 per visit average.
• Skills: Good workflows, attention to detail, client communications.

19. Become an event planner

From weddings and birthday parties to corporate events, taking over the organizational aspect of hosting an event can be a lucrative business venture.

Amber Sironen Massey took this approach when starting her side business, Epic Elopements. The wedding planning business handles everything from officiating, organizing vendors, and signing contracts.

“I knew I wasn’t going to be able to sustain a full income and needed more money to get the business going, so quitting my day job wasn’t an option,” Amber says. “I also wanted to make sure that I was on the right track with my market audience and that I was building traction before jumping in head first.”

Once you decide what type of events you want to specialize in, build a portfolio showcasing your past event planning work, and network with local venues, vendors, and industry professionals to establish relationships and find clients.

• Cost and time: Portfolio site, project management or invoicing tools, contracts; weekend and evening workload spikes around events. 
• Earnings: Average salary for US event planners is $24.30 per hour.
• Skills: Vendor coordination, timelines/budgets, design sense, client communications. 

20. Become a landscaper

Landscaping can be as simple as mowing lawns and trimming hedges or as involved as planting and maintaining flowers. There’s consistent demand for these services and you can build a loyal client base making it a reliable side business. Plus, it’s flexible—you can easily work around a full-time job or studies and pick up extra work when you want to boost your earnings.

The biggest upfront cost here is equipment. A reliable push mower can run between $200 and $500, while a professional-grade riding mower can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the model. String trimmers, leaf blowers, and hedge cutters will add another $100–$400 each, and you’ll also want basics like rakes, shovels, and protective gear. 

Seasonality is another important factor. In spring and summer, demand spikes for lawn mowing, planting, and yard cleanups. Fall brings steady work with leaf removal and prepping gardens for winter. 

In colder climates, some landscapers pivot to snow removal services, which can be equally profitable. In warmer regions, demand is steadier year-round but may slow slightly in the winter months. 

• Cost and time: Push mower: $200 to $500; riding mower: $1,500 to $5,000; additional tools: $100 to $400 each; flexible weekend or after-work hours.
• Earnings: Similar to lawncare but with higher-ticket installs and maintenance.
• Skills: Plant care, irrigation basics, quotes and bids, seasonal planning.

21. Sell coffee to local businesses

Selling coffee to local businesses is a simple concept but a great side business idea: You brew high-quality coffee and cold brew and deliver it fresh to local offices, cafés, or shops that want to offer their customers something unique.

As interest in local and small-batch products grows, many businesses are open to trying new suppliers. To get started, invest in some quality coffee beans, a reliable cold brew setup, and durable containers that keep the coffee fresh. Try out a few recipes to create a smooth, consistent taste, then start approaching businesses, like coworking spaces or independent stores, to offer samples to build relationships and secure accounts.

• Cost and time: Grinder, brewer or cold-brew setup, food-safe containers, delivery cooler.
• Earnings: Wholesale and office accounts typically discount from retail; build in spoilage allowance (1% to 6% depending on product).
• Skills: Consistent recipes, sanitation, route sales, simple wholesale terms.

22. Grow and sell microgreens

Microgreens—small, nutrient-packed greens like arugula, radish, and pea shoots—are really popular at the moment with health-conscious consumers, chefs, and local restaurants.

Growing them doesn’t require a lot of space, which makes it ideal for anyone who wants to start small (even in an apartment) and expand gradually as demand grows. Many microgreens are ready to harvest in just a couple of weeks, so with a bit of consistency, you can quickly create a steady product supply. 

Most microgreens growers use standard 1020 trays (roughly 10 inches by by 20 inches) filled with a shallow layer of soil or soilless media. You typically plant 10 to 15 grams of seed per tray (depending on the seed type). 

Selling microgreens can produce strong margins. Gross profit margins are often reported to be 80% or more for new farms, and established producers sometimes push 85% or more in certain crops.But when you factor in operating expenses, including rent, power, packaging, labor, and marketing, the net profit margins tend to be more modest, with many growers reporting 15% 20% net margins as a more realistic range.

• Cost and time: 1020 trays, seed (10 to 15 grams per tray), soil or media, racks, LEDs; most crops harvest in seven to 21 days.
• Earnings: Gross margins can be high, but net margins commonly 15% to 20% after operating costs; higher when selling direct to restaurants or markets.
• Skills: Clean workflow, crop scheduling, quick harvesting, food-safe handling.

Side business ideas inspired by your hobbies

23. Start a photography business

A passion for photography can become a rewarding side business. Alicia Ho of Precious Ones Photography turned her hobby into a gratifying business photographing families and children.

“The ability to get the creative juices flowing while creating heirloom artwork that will last a lifetime for families is such an incredible feeling,” she says.

To start your own photography business, decide on your niche—such as newborns, engagements, or pets—and build an online photography portfolio to showcase your work. You may also consider working with local businesses to provide brand photography, or with event managers to capture local events.

You can also sell your photos online via sites like Stocksy, Shutterstock, and Alamy, which pay photographers when their photos are commissioned, downloaded, or sold.

AI editing tools can speed up culling, retouching, and organizing large photo batches.

• Cost and time: Camera, lenses, editing software, and a simple portfolio site; bookings run one to three hours plus editing time.
• Earnings: The US median photographer wage is $20.44 per hour. Stock sites pay by license, e.g., Stocksy: 50%/75% cut; Shutterstock: 15% to 40%.
• Skills: Lighting, composition, client direction, culling and editing, delivery workflows.

24. Teach a class

Teaching is a great way to make extra money on the side while also helping other people (it’s an especially good side hustle for teachers). Whether it’s cooking, pottery, or music lessons, you can offer classes in person or online to students looking to learn something new.

There are many ways you can package up your teaching too. For example, a skilled guitarist might teach online group workshops, junior college courses, or in-person classes at a co-working space or community group.

Sites like Eventbrite and Meetup can help connect you with people looking for nearby classes, making them great marketing channels to reach potential students for your side business.

• Cost and time. Venue or virtual platform; Eventbrite and Meetup simplify ticketing and registration; factor processing/service fees into price.
• Earnings. Ticket pricing varies by category; online classes land roughly in the $17 to $35 range per student.
• Skills. Curriculum design, pacing, hands-on demos, audience engagement.

25. Sell online courses

An online course teaches people how to do something, while allowing them to tune in on their own schedule. Even niche topics can be monetized through an online course and they can be a great way to make passive income. 

There are a variety of platforms you can pick from, each with tradeoffs in features, fees, and branding:

• Thinkific is often praised as an all-around strong option with a free tier and paid plans ($36 per month for more advanced features).
• Teachable is used by many creators for its ease of use. You’ll often see plans start around $29 per month.
• LearnWorlds emphasizes interactive and engaging course features, with pricing beginning from $29 per month for more basic tiers.
• Podia offers simple course creation plus email marketing and membership tools at affordable prices starting at $33 per month. 

You can also use a course marketplace like Udemy or a video hosting service like Vimeo, Wistia, or YouTube to embed or stream lessons. 

• Cost and time: Platform fees (Thinkific, Teachable, Podia, LearnWorlds) plus video production; build once, sell many.
• Earnings: Self-paced courses: $50 to $200; premium or cohort programs: $197 to $497 or more (platform and niche dependent).
• Skills: Scripting, recording, structure, assignments, email marketing.

26. Organize people’s homes

If you’ve got an eagle eye for detail and organization, consider helping people transform their homes into functional, clutter-free spaces. This might include organizing a closet, revamping a pantry, or designing an entire room layout.

Begin by offering your services to friends and family or by posting on social media to get the word out locally. Share before and after photos to showcase your work, as visuals are powerful when it comes to organizing. AI tools can create virtual room mockups and generate marketing copy for before-and-after showcases.

• Cost and time: Bins and labels ($150 or less to start); sessions are half-day to multiday.
• Earnings: Organizers can earn up to $75 to $250 per hour, depending on market and scope.
• Skills: Gentle coaching, attention to detail, space planning. 

27. Repair and troubleshoot tech devices

Everyone uses technology of some kind, but not everyone knows how to fix their mobile phone, tablet, or computer if it breaks. This leaves a gap in the market for a tech-savvy pro to repair and maintain people’s devices so they can get back online ASAP.

You can either run this kind of side business from home and encourage people to drop off devices to you, or operate as a mobile service, where you make home visits around people’s schedules.

Focus on the types of devices you know best, whether that’s smartphones, laptops, or gaming consoles. Start by advertising your services in local groups, posting on social media, and reaching out to friends and family that might need your help.

• Cost and time: Toolkits, parts inventory, anti-static (ESD) mat; common phone repairs are 30 to 120 minutes.
• Earnings: Chain repair shops advertise screen repairs starting around $79 (device-specific).
• Skills: Diagnostics, careful disassembly and reassembly, data handling, customer communications.

28. Offer home repairs and DIY services

If you’re handy and have your own tools, why not make extra income from your DIY skills? Many homeowners need help with small jobs, maintenance tasks, and DIY projects they might not have the time, tools, or expertise to tackle on their own.

From fixing leaky faucets and patching drywall to assembling furniture and hanging shelves, there’s a never-ending list of small jobs people need done around the house.

• Cost and time: Basic tool set and transport; price per job or hourly; many small jobs one to four hours.
• Earnings: Typical $50 to $150 per hour, depending on experience/location; average project around $410.
• Skills: Carpentry, light plumbing, electrical basics, safety awareness, quoting and scope control.