Here’s how to make money with a side gig and how long it will take to see the extra income.
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The sting of inflation may have you pondering how to make some extra income. If you have the time and energy, you can put your skills and passions to work with a side hustle.
NerdWallet rounded up 25 real ways to make money at home, online or out and about. For each potential earn money online.
side job, we list details like what it takes to get started, age requirements and how fast you can get paid. While most people want to make money fast, don’t discount the “slow” gigs, as they may pay more in the long run.
How to make money online
Making money online is the sweet spot people look for in the gig economy. Whether you aspire to be a six-figure
social media influencer, or are just looking to supplement your regular income with some online side jobs, we’ve found some viable options.
1. Pick up freelance work online
Make money online through websites such as Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer.com. These sites offer opportunities to do a variety of freelance jobs, such as writing, programming
Design, marketing, data entry and being a virtual assistant. Fluent in a second language? Check sites such as Gengo or Blend Express, or drum up business through a site of your own. No matter what freelancing you do, keep track of the going rate for the kind of work you provide so you know what to charge. Learn how to get started on Upwork.
A recent report from Freelancer.com found that creative writing jobs had the fastest growth in listings on its
site in the second quarter of 2023, up 58%. And although generative artificial intelligence (AI) is being used more for content creation, it can’t fully do the work of human writers. Companies are looking for writers who know how to edit
AI content and who have at least a basic understanding of search engine optimization — learning or beefing up SEO skills could be a lucrative side hustle. Some freelancers are charging $100 an hour or more for their freelance writing services.
Total time: It can take a while to get your first gig. Setup: 24-48 hours. How easy to start: Easy, if you have the expertise. How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by site.
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2. Test websites and apps
Another way to make money from home is on sites like UserTesting.com. You get paid for your thoughts on how well — or not so well — certain websites and apps work. You’ll have to complete a short test to be accepted, then you’ll be paid depending on the test type.
Total time: Approval time can vary. Setup: Less than an hour. How easy to start: Easy, if you have the tech gear and complete a sample test. Age threshold: 18+. How fast you’ll get paid: Seven days.
3. Learn to use AI tools
The use of generative artificial intelligence is on the rise. A recent report from PwC estimates that the North American economy will see a $3.7 trillion impact by 2030, thanks to the AI market.
So there’s no better time to learn how to make money by using AI tools. Some AI-related side hustles include:
- Integrating AI tools as a freelancer, to help you create digital products or to edit AI content for a client.
- Improving your advertising, marketing efforts and management of your existing small business.
- Teaching others to use AI tools.
Total time: Depends on demand. Setup: Around 24-48 hours if using a site like Upwork or Freelancer.com. How easy to start: If you’re already familiar with AI tools, it will be easier to get started. Age threshold: 16+ for Freelancer.com and 18 for Upwork. How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by client or the number of products you sell and your chosen platform.
4. Take surveys for money
You can make money from home by taking online surveys, but don’t expect to earn a lot. Survey sites don’t typically offer a big payoff, and many sites are more useful for earning gift cards than cash. Some of the more popular survey sites include Swagbucks and Survey Junkie. Read our analysis of survey sites to find out which one is best suited for you.
Total time: It will take a while. Setup: Just minutes. How easy to start: Very. Just register and begin. Age threshold: 13 to 18+. How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by site.
5. Make money from your blog with affiliate links
If you’re a blogger who gets decent traffic, you could make money by joining an affiliate network. Affiliates (that’s you) get paid when someone clicks through from the website to the partner site and buys something there. Some bloggers make a lot of money this way, particularly those who do affiliate marketing full-time. Read more about affiliate marketing and other ways bloggers can make money.
Total time: It can take quite a while to build an audience. Setup: With blog templates, building a site is easy. How easy to start: While getting started can be easy, creating regular content may be another matter. Age threshold: Any. How fast you’ll get paid: A month or two, on average
6. Sell your wares on Etsy
Have a penchant for woodworking, jewelry-making, embroidery or pottery? Sell your crafts on Etsy, the go-to site for artisans selling home goods, art and knickknacks. According to Etsy, the company has 95 million active buyers, and grossed over $13 billion in merchandise sales in 2022. Learn more about how to make money on Etsy.
Total time: It might take quite a while for customers to find you. Setup: Can be quite involved. How easy to start: Leaning toward “hard” on the difficulty meter. Age threshold: 13+. How fast you’ll get paid: From the next day to seven days after a sale.
Become an Instagram influencer
Companies are using Instagram influencers — people with large, dedicated followings on the platform — to rep their products. You can get in on the action by applying for opportunities via a marketing platform like Open Influence or Aspire, or by contacting the brands you want to work with. Read more about how to make money on Instagram. (You can also make money on TikTok this way.)
Total time: You’ll need to stick with it. Setup: Quick and easy. How easy to start: Not that easy. Read: Must build following to gain influence. Age threshold: 13+. How fast you’ll get paid: Varies on partnerships.
How to make money from home
Some side hustles don’t even require you to leave the house. Or if they do, it might just be a short walk around the block with a furry friend. Working from home requires a little creativity and a stick-to-it spirit. Here are some excellent ideas for side gigs from homeBecome a dog walker with Rover or Wag
Love dogs? Choose dog walking as a beginner’s way to make money. Apps like Wag and Rover offer on-demand dog walking, so you can pick up walks when your schedule allows. If you have space (and your landlord’s permission, if you rent), you could offer overnight dog boarding. Read the fine print if you sign up for these services
Total time: Building a client base may take some time. Setup: Can take a few weeks to be approved. How easy to start: Love pets? You’re good to go. Age threshold: 18+. How fast you’ll get paid: Two days to a week.
How to make money offline
There’s online and at-home ways to make extra money — and then there’s a third alternative: offline. This version of the gig economy may require more work, but the upside can be substantial. Since there’s no escaping the internet these days, some of these offline methods do have online components:
15. Sell your gently used clothes
Selling clothes you no longer wear is a quick way to make some money. Start with local consignment shops to make money quicker or use sites like ThredUp and Poshmark to find buyers. If you go the online route, be sure to take clear, well-lit photos of your pieces and research similar items to set competitive prices. Get tips on
Total time: Varies by sales channel. Setup: Easy and fast. You can simply go to a consignment shop or fill a box with clothes and send it in. How easy to start: Easy. Cleaning out the closet may be the hardest part. Age threshold: Any. How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by sales channel.
Make deliveries for Amazon, Uber Eats
Take advantage of the growing delivery trend and sign up for a service like Instacart, Uber Eats, Postmates, DoorDash or Amazon Flex. You get paid per delivery, in most cases, and can even earn tips. A car isn’t always required — Postmates and, in some cities, DoorDash, lets you use a bike or scooter to make deliveries. However, a background check is almost always part of the deal. Learn more about how to get started with Amazon Flex, Uber Eats and Instacart.
Total time: Depends on your market demand. Setup: About a week. How easy to start: Easy, if you have dependable transportation. Age threshold: 21+. How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by vendor.