Are you looking to make some extra cash on the side? You’re not alone. I’ve been exploring the world of side hustles for years, and I’m excited to share some beginner-friendly options that could help pad your wallet.
Why Start a Side Hustle in 2025?
Did you know that about 34% of Americans currently have a side hustle? And nearly 24% are planning to start one soon. These numbers aren’t surprising when you consider how side hustles can transform your financial situation.
When I first started my side hustle journey, I was just looking for a way to pay off some debt. But what I discovered was so much more valuable – financial freedom, new skills, and a chance to pursue my passions outside my day job.
Side hustles aren’t just for emergencies anymore. They’re becoming a smart financial strategy for people of all ages, especially millennials and Gen Z. In fact, 50% of millennials and a whopping 70% of Gen Z are interested in turning their projects into money-making ventures.
In this post, I’ll share some of the best side hustles for beginners that you can start right away, even with little to no experience.
10 Best Side Hustles for Beginners
1. Sell Items Online (E-commerce)
E-commerce is the leading category among side hustlers, and it’s easy to see why. You can start selling stuff online with minimal investment.
Here are some ways to get started:
- Sell unwanted items from your home on Facebook Marketplace or eBay
- Create handmade crafts to sell on Etsy
- Find items at thrift stores to flip for profit
- Start a dropshipping store where you sell products without holding inventory
I started by simply selling old books and clothes I no longer needed. Within the first month, I made an extra $300 without much effort.
2. Freelance Writing
If you enjoy writing, freelancing can be a perfect side hustle from home. Content is king in the digital world, and businesses always need blog posts, articles, and social media copy.
To get started:
- Create a simple portfolio (even with sample pieces you write specifically as examples)
- Join platforms like Upwork or Fiverr
- Reach out to small businesses or blogs in topics you’re knowledgeable about
Freelance writing can earn you anywhere from $25 to $500+ per article depending on your experience and the client.
3. Food Delivery Driver
Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub make it easy to earn money delivering food on your own schedule.
The benefits include:
- Immediate payments
- Flexible hours (work whenever you have free time)
- No special skills required
- Potential to earn tips on top of delivery fees
When I tried food delivery for a month, I averaged about $18-25 per hour during dinner rushes.
4. Virtual Assistant
Being a virtual assistant (VA) is one of the most profitable side hustles for beginners with basic computer skills.
Common VA tasks include:
- Managing emails and calendars
- Data entry
- Social media scheduling
- Customer service
- Basic bookkeeping
Many VAs start at $15-20 per hour and can eventually earn $25-50+ per hour with specialized skills. The best part? This is a completely online side hustle you can do from anywhere.
5. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
If you love animals, this is an enjoyable way to make extra money.
Ways to find clients:
- Sign up with apps like Rover or Wag
- Post flyers in your neighborhood
- Tell friends and family you’re available
I started walking dogs on weekends and now make an extra $200-300 per month just walking pups in my neighborhood.
6. Tutoring
Tutoring is a fantastic beginner side job if you’re knowledgeable in any subject.
Popular tutoring options:
- Academic subjects (math, science, language arts)
- Test prep (SAT, ACT, GRE)
- Music lessons
- Language learning
- Computer skills
You can tutor online through platforms like VIPKid or Chegg, or find local students. Rates typically range from $20-50 per hour depending on the subject and your expertise.
7. Rent Out Your Space or Items
Got extra space or items you don’t use all the time? Renting them out can be one of the most passive side hustles.
What you can rent:
- A spare room on Airbnb
- Your car on Turo
- Parking spaces through SpotHero
- Photography equipment on FatLlama
- Storage space in your garage or basement
This requires minimal time commitment and can generate significant income based on what you’re renting out.
8. Survey Taking and User Testing
While not the highest-paying option, online surveys and user testing are among the easiest side hustles to start now.
Legitimate platforms include:
- UserTesting ($10 per test, each taking 15-20 minutes)
- Respondent.io (pays $100+ for specialized interviews)
- Swagbucks (for smaller tasks and surveys)
- Pinecone Research (consistent, reliable surveys)
I use these in my downtime—like while watching TV or waiting at appointments—to earn an extra $100-200 monthly.
9. Social Media Management
If you understand how social platforms work, many small businesses would love your help managing their presence.
Basic services you can offer:
- Creating and scheduling posts
- Responding to comments and messages
- Basic graphic design using Canva
- Reporting on performance
You can charge $300-500 monthly per client even as a beginner, making this one of the more profitable side hustles from home.
10. Print-on-Demand Products
Create designs that get printed on t-shirts, mugs, posters, and more—only when someone orders them.
How it works:
- Upload your designs to sites like Printify, Printful, or Redbubble
- The platform handles printing, shipping, and customer service
- You earn a commission on each sale
This is a true passive income stream once your designs are uploaded. I’ve earned over $200 monthly from designs I created years ago.
How Much Can You Earn From Side Hustles?
The income potential from side hustles varies widely, but the numbers are encouraging:
- The median monthly income from side hustles is around $1,122 for those spending about 12 hours per week
- The overall average is about $686 per month
- Side hustlers typically spend 5-20 hours weekly on their business
- Those earning over $500 monthly usually commit at least 5 hours per week
I started with just 5 hours per week and was making about $400 monthly within three months. As you gain experience, your earning potential grows significantly.
Tips for Starting Your Side Hustle
Start small: Don’t quit your day job or invest huge amounts. Test the waters first.
Use what you already have: Skills, equipment, or space you already own can become income sources.
Be consistent: Even just 1 hour a day can lead to significant progress over time.
Track your income and expenses: Keep receipts and records for tax purposes.
Set clear goals: Know what you’re working toward, whether it’s debt payment, savings, or eventually going full-time.