With rising costs of living, many people have taken on a side hustle or are looking for ways to supplement their income. Whether you’re interested in a hands-on side hustle that is partly a passion or hobby, or hands-off passive income to ease financial stress, here are 30 ways to start earning extra money.
Side hustles that use time or skills:
1. Freelance Writing or Editing
Write articles, blog posts, or marketing copy for businesses and websites. Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to find jobs. Start by building a portfolio, even if it means offering services for free initially.
2. Rideshare driving
Sign up with a rideshare service offering rides to passengers. You control your hours and can earn more during peak periods like Friday nights, weekends or holidays. Ensure your car meets platform requirements and keep it clean for better customer ratings.
3. Food delivery
Deliver food for platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Menulog. This is a flexible option where you earn by picking up and delivering meals. Use a car, bike, or even a scooter to get started.
4. Tutoring
Help students improve in school subjects or teach skills like music or languages. In-person tutoring works well for your local area, while online platforms like Cluey Learning or TutorFinder can help you reach more students.
5. Pet sitting or dog walking
Care for pets while owners are away. Websites like Mad Paws connect you with pet owners and offering additional services like walking, grooming or training could earn you extra income.
Tip: Providing updates and photos during pet care can make your service feel more personalised and help you earn repeat clients and positive reviews.
6. Online surveys
Companies pay for consumer opinions to shape their products and services. Though earnings can be minimal, it’s an easy activity to do during downtime.
Tip: Set up a dedicated email for survey invites to stay organised and avoid cluttering your personal inbox. Make sure to stick to reputable platforms.
7. Virtual assistant
Provide administrative support remotely, such as managing emails, scheduling, or social media. Platforms like Airtasker or LinkedIn can help you find clients. Create a strong resume showcasing your organisation and tech skills.
8. Cleaning services
Offer house or office cleaning services in your local community. Cleaning requires minimal equipment, and demand is high. You could even offer a referral discount to attract more clients.
9. Gardening or lawn mowing
If you have a green thumb and enjoy the sunshine, offer gardening upkeep to those in your local area. Invest in quality equipment to save time and reduce maintenance, and offer additional services like power-washing to increase your income.
10. Photography
If you’re interested in photography and have a good eye, offer professional, event or personal photography. Start small to build your portfolio and increase word of mouth, and over time expand to higher-paying gigs.
11. Teach a skill
Skills such as music, art, or fitness are all great for teaching either one-on-one or in groups.
12. Handyman services
Whether your naturally handy or you have a trade, use the skills and tools you already have to help others with repairs, assembly, or maintenance. Offer services on Airtasker or Gumtree to as a starting point while you build your client base.
13. Sell handmade products
If your creative and enjoy making things, try creating your own jewellery, selling pottery, paintings, soaps, knitwear or crochet. You can research trending items and sell online on Etsy or at local markets.
14. Hold a garage sale or market stall
Declutter with a garage sale, or if you have quality unwanted items try selling them via Facebook Marketplace or at a local market. If you have a passion for a particular item, such as vintage clothing, make that your niche and source second-hand treasures to flip for a profit. You can even look to professional ‘flippers’ on YouTube for helpful tips and advice.
15. Event planning or coordination
If party planning is your passion, help people plan weddings, birthdays, or corporate events. Start with small events to build experience and referrals and use social media to showcase your work.
16. Fitness trainer
If you’re a certified personal trainer or instructor, offer fitness classes at local parks or gyms. Consider offering free introductory sessions to attract clients.
17. Car washing and detailing
If you have an eye for detail and enjoy a good ‘before’ and ‘after’, consider starting a car cleaning service in your area. Invest in professional-grade cleaning supplies and offer mobile services for busy clients.
18. House Sitting
Offer to caretake homes while owners are away. If the owner has pets, you could offer dog walking and dog washing services.
19. Sell old electronics
Declutter and sell unwanted gadgets, gaming devices and electronics that may have held some value over the years.
Tip: Wipe data securely and be sure to do your research so you know what to price the item at.
20. Rent out equipment
If you have large equipment that you don’t often use, or even party gear such as lawn games, rent them out to others in your local area using platforms like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.
21. Freelance consulting
If you’re an expert in a particular field, offer professional advice to individuals and business. Build credibility through a website or LinkedIn and offer retainer packages for consistent income.
Making money while you sleep
22. Rent out a room or property
If you have a spare room, consider listing it on Flatmates as a long term rental or on Airbnb for short term stays. Offer a clean, well-furnished space with amenities like Wi-Fi.
23. Sell digital products
Create eBooks, printables, or templates and sell them online through platforms like Etsy. Create items like planners or educational templates, so they continue to sell long after the initial work is done.
24. Dividend stocks
Invest in Australian dividend-paying stocks to earn regular income. Research stable Australian companies with a history of paying dividends. Reinvest your earnings to grow your income over time.
Tip: If you’re a beginner or want to start small (micro-investing) try an app like Raiz which can round up and invest your spare change.
25. Start a blog or YouTube channel
Focus on a niche you enjoy or are knowledgeable about, such as travel, health, or DIY. Monetise your content with ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links.
26. Sell stock photos or videos
Take high-quality, versatile photos or footage and upload them to platforms like Shutterstock, iStock or Adobe Stock.
Tip: Be aware of branding and trademarks in your photos. Your photos might get rejected if easily identifiable brands are included in the imagery.
27. Affiliate marketing
Promote products on a website or through social media and earn commissions for every sale made through your links. Create content with products your audience would be interested in and strategically include affiliate links to drive sales.
28. Rent out your car
Use platforms like DriveMyCar to rent your car to others when you’re not using it. Keep your vehicle clean and in good condition for better reviews.
29. License your music
If you’re a talented musician or sound engineer, sell your royalty-free music and sound effects for others to use. Submit your work to licensing libraries like AudioJungle to make it available for purchase.
30. Automated dropshipping
Start an online store without holding inventory. Third party suppliers handle the logistics such as inventory and shipping. Use platforms like Shopify to create your store and start selling to customers.
Before starting any side hustle or passive income stream, be sure to consider and research any tax implications it could have. The Australian Taxation Office requires you to declare all additional income, even from casual side gigs or hobby-based earnings. Certain expenses may be tax deductible, so keeping clear records can help you manage your obligations while maximising your returns.
Auswide Bank Ltd AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 239686. This information provides general advice only. We do not provide advice based on any consideration of your personal objectives, needs or circumstances.
