Are you ready to finally make some extra money? Tired of your day job sucking the life out of you while your wallet stays as empty as ever? Whether you want to save up for something special, pay down debt, or dream of quitting your job, a side hustle can help. Here are the top 20 ways to cash in—along with a healthy dose of humor to keep things fun!

1. Dog Walking: Get Paid for Walking (With Bonus Puppy Snuggles)

What It Is: Dog walking is exactly what it sounds like: you, the designated walker, get paid to stroll around with dogs. You might also get free exercise and the occasional sloppy kiss from a good boy or girl.

How Much It Pays: $15–$30 per walk, with the chance to earn more if you’re handling multiple dogs or if the client wants you to go the extra mile (literally).

What You Need: A reliable leash, poop bags, a decent pair of shoes, and, ideally, a love for animals (especially the ones that drool).

How to Get Started: Start by signing up on apps like Rover or Wag!, or put out feelers in your local area. Offering your services on neighborhood platforms like Nextdoor can work, too. You can even start with friends and family to build up experience and references!

2. Freelance Writing: Turn Your Keyboard into a Money Machine

What It Is: As a freelance writer, you’ll get paid to create content for blogs, websites, companies, and more. Whether it’s articles, ghostwriting, or even technical writing, this side hustle is ideal if you’re quick with words and don’t mind the occasional client feedback that makes you question reality.

How Much It Pays: $30–$100 per article, and higher pay if you specialize in a niche like tech or finance. Experienced writers can charge hundreds for longer pieces.

What You Need: A computer, writing skills, and possibly a lot of caffeine.

How to Get Started: Create profiles on Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn, or reach out directly to companies that could use blog or web content. You can also check job boards like ProBlogger or Freelancer for gigs.

3. Virtual Assistant: Be the Right-Hand Person (Without Leaving Your Couch)

What It Is: Virtual assistants handle a variety of tasks, from managing emails and scheduling appointments to conducting research and organizing data. Basically, you’re a digital sidekick who keeps someone else’s life running smoothly.

How Much It Pays: $15–$30 per hour, with the potential for more if you work with multiple clients.

What You Need: A laptop, reliable internet connection, and a personality that thrives on keeping things organized.

How to Get Started: Sign up on sites like Belay or Time Etc., or offer your services on Upwork. VA gigs can be remote, so there’s flexibility in who you work with and what you handle.

4. Etsy Seller: Turn Your Crafting Skills into Cash

What It Is: If you’re creative and love making things, why not sell your handmade or vintage items on Etsy? From jewelry and candles to custom prints, if you can make it, there’s probably a market for it.

How Much It Pays: This varies widely—some sellers make a few hundred dollars monthly, while others bring in thousands.

What You Need: Supplies for your craft, an Etsy account, and a camera or smartphone for photos.

How to Get Started: Set up your Etsy shop, take good photos of your items, and start posting. Promote your products on social media and other platforms to increase visibility.

5. Pet Sitting: Live Rent-Free with Pets (Without the Commitment)

What It Is: Pet sitting involves staying at someone’s house (or having their pets stay with you) to care for them while the owner’s away. It’s a bit like house sitting, but with furry, scaly, or feathery roommates.

How Much It Pays: $20–$60 per night, depending on location and client needs.

What You Need: A genuine love for animals, basic pet care skills, and the ability to resist snooping in the client’s fridge.

How to Get Started: Register on pet-sitting platforms like Rover or PetSitter, or offer your services directly through word of mouth or community boards.

6. Online Tutoring: Teach from Your Couch, Pajamas Optional

What It Is: Share your knowledge and get paid to tutor kids or adults in subjects you’re good at. Popular subjects include math, science, and English, but you can also teach music or even yoga.

How Much It Pays: $15–$60 per hour, depending on subject and expertise.

What You Need: A webcam, reliable internet, and patience (because students may occasionally test it).

How to Get Started: Sign up with VIPKid, Wyzant, or Tutor.com, or look for students on local Facebook groups or school boards.

7. Mystery Shopper: Secretly Judge Customer Service (and Get Paid for It)

What It Is: As a mystery shopper, you’ll go to stores undercover to evaluate customer service, cleanliness, or other factors. It’s like being a spy, but with fewer gadgets.

How Much It Pays: $10–$50 per assignment, plus any perks like free food if it’s a restaurant gig.

What You Need: A good memory, stealthiness, and ideally, a poker face.

How to Get Started: Sign up on sites like BestMark, Market Force, or IntelliShop to begin receiving assignments.

8. Affiliate Marketing: Recommend Products for a Commission

What It Is: Affiliate marketing involves promoting products on a blog, social media, or website, and earning a commission when people buy through your link.

How Much It Pays: Anywhere from a few dollars to thousands monthly, depending on your audience size and the products you recommend.

What You Need: A blog, social media following, or website where you can share affiliate links.

How to Get Started: Sign up for affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or CJ Affiliate. Then start sharing links for products you genuinely love (it’s more convincing that way!).

9. Handyperson for Hire: Fix Things and Get Paid

What It Is: Use your DIY skills to make money fixing things for people who either don’t know how or don’t have time.

How Much It Pays: $20–$60 per hour, depending on the type of work.

What You Need: Basic tools and a good understanding of home repairs.

How to Get Started: Join TaskRabbit or post on neighborhood platforms like Nextdoor to start booking gigs.

10. Social Media Manager: Help Businesses Be Cool Online

What It Is: As a social media manager, you’ll handle posts, comments, and engagement for businesses or influencers, helping them grow their online presence.

How Much It Pays: $15–$50 per hour, depending on experience.

What You Need: A smartphone, laptop, and an eye for engaging content.

How to Get Started: Build a portfolio by offering your services to local businesses or friends with small businesses, then apply to bigger clients.

11. Airbnb Host: Earn Money from Your Spare Room or Apartment

What It Is: If you have an extra room or property, renting it out on Airbnb can bring in extra income, especially in popular areas.

How Much It Pays: $50–$300 per night, depending on location and the property’s charm.

What You Need: A clean, welcoming space and a good profile with appealing photos.

How to Get Started: Create an Airbnb listing, add high-quality photos, set competitive prices, and offer a welcoming experience to attract positive reviews.

12. Rent Out Your Car: Let Your Car Make Money for You

What It Is: Instead of letting your car sit in the driveway, rent it out to people who need a ride. It’s like Airbnb, but for your vehicle. Perfect for when you’re at home binge-watching shows, so you don’t need it anyway.

How Much It Pays: $30–$100 per day, depending on your car’s make and model. (Bonus if it’s fancy or eco-friendly!)

What You Need: A reliable car, good insurance, and the ability to handle seeing someone else drive your baby.

How to Get Started: Sign up on car-sharing platforms like Turo or Getaround. They’ll connect you with verified drivers, so you know who’s behind the wheel.

13. Sell Stock Photos: Make Money Off Your Snap-Happy Habit

What It Is: If you love taking photos and have a good eye for composition, you can sell stock photos to websites and people looking for unique images. Yes, your obsession with photographing coffee and sunsets could actually pay off!

How Much It Pays: Typically, $1–$5 per photo download, though high-demand images can earn more.

What You Need: A decent camera or smartphone and photo-editing software (optional but helpful).

How to Get Started: Sign up on Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock to start uploading. Your photos could be the next background image in someone’s PowerPoint presentation.

14. Delivery Driver: Earn Tips While Bringing People Their Burritos

What It Is: Deliver food, groceries, or even packages as a gig worker for companies like DoorDash, UberEats, or Instacart. It’s like being Santa, but for sushi and groceries.

How Much It Pays: $10–$25 per hour, plus tips if you’re extra fast or bring extra napkins.

What You Need: A car or bike (depending on your area) and a phone with GPS. Bonus points if you’re a people person, since you might encounter some “unique” customers.

How to Get Started: Download an app like DoorDash, Instacart, or UberEats, and complete their sign-up process. Start accepting orders and watch the tips roll in!

15. Personal Shopper: Make Money by Spending Other People’s Money

What It Is: Help people buy gifts, clothes, or groceries as a personal shopper. It’s like shopping for yourself, but with someone else’s credit card.

How Much It Pays: $15–$50 per hour, plus tips for nailing the perfect find.

What You Need: A great sense of style (or good taste in whatever you’re shopping for), a car (usually), and a phone.

How to Get Started: Sign up with platforms like Instacart or Shipt for grocery shopping, or offer your services on Fiverr if you want to help with clothes or gift shopping.

16. House Cleaning: Get Paid for Turning Messes into Sparkling Spaces

What It Is: House cleaners make people’s homes look spotless. If you find joy in scrubbing, mopping, and vacuuming, this one’s for you.

How Much It Pays: $15–$40 per hour, depending on the size of the home and how deep a clean they want.

What You Need: Basic cleaning supplies, a good work ethic, and, ideally, some heavy-duty gloves.

How to Get Started: Register on TaskRabbit or promote your services locally on social media or community boards.

17. Online Surveys: Get Paid for Giving Your Opinions (Yes, Really!)

What It Is: Believe it or not, companies will pay for your opinion on everything from snack flavors to shampoo scents. It’s a side hustle where your two cents are actually worth something!

How Much It Pays: $1–$10 per survey, with some longer or more specific surveys paying more.

What You Need: A smartphone or computer, and a strong opinion on snack flavors.

How to Get Started: Sign up with sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or Vindale Research. Just remember: don’t quit your day job for this one, unless you’re very passionate about sharing your snack preferences.

18. Become a Notary Public: Stamp Papers for Cash

What It Is: Notaries verify signatures on important documents. It’s a simple job that can bring in decent money once you’re certified.

How Much It Pays: $10–$50 per signing, with mobile notaries (who travel to clients) earning even more.

What You Need: Notary certification (requirements vary by state), a stamp, and a pen that won’t run out of ink.

How to Get Started: Check your state’s requirements to get certified. Once you’re official, let people know you’re available for mobile notary services.

19. Sell Printables on Etsy: Make Money from Digital Downloads

What It Is: Printables are digital files like planners, calendars, and art prints that people can buy and print themselves. This is great passive income if you enjoy design and don’t mind dealing with the occasional copyright infringement warning.

How Much It Pays: Anywhere from $5 to hundreds monthly, depending on how popular your designs are.

What You Need: Design software (like Canva or Adobe Illustrator), creativity, and maybe a bit of tech-savvy.

How to Get Started: Create your designs, upload them to Etsy, and start selling! You can also promote them on Pinterest, where people love free downloads and pretty things.

20. Lawn Care Services: Make Green by Trimming the Green

What It Is: Lawn care includes mowing, edging, and general yard upkeep. If you enjoy working outdoors, this side hustle lets you get some sun and money.

How Much It Pays: $20–$50 per hour or more for larger properties.

What You Need: A lawnmower, trimmer, and a willingness to endure the occasional sunburn.

How to Get Started: Offer your services to neighbors or list them on local classifieds. You can also check out Nextdoor, where people frequently look for local services.

21. Rent Out Your Stuff: Make Money from Your Unused Items

What It Is: If you have items sitting around collecting dust—think cameras, camping gear, tools—why not rent them out? Sites like Fat Llama and Loanables let you make money from items you don’t use daily.

How Much It Pays: $5–$50 per day, depending on the item’s demand and value.

What You Need: Valuable items in good condition, and a willingness to hand them over to strangers (temporarily).

How to Get Started: Sign up on rental platforms like Fat Llama, create listings for your items, and wait for renters to come knocking.

And there you have it—20 side hustles to try, laugh about, and maybe even profit from. Whether you’re ready to dive into pet-sitting or make cash from renting out your old camera, these hustles are perfect for earning a little extra on the side. Just don’t forget: when you’re the boss, you set the rules, so go out there and make some (fun) money!