Don’t have time to read? The best side hustle to start in 2021: a blog.
Did you know that ½ of Americans supplement their income? This includes post-graduate students, blue-collar workers, parents, and everyone in between. Side hustle jobs are more popular now than ever before.
It’s normal to feel skeptical about finding legitimate supplemental income. A Bankrate survey reports that 73% of people who spend an average of 12 hours per week on their side hustles earn up to $500 per month.
You want to find the best side hustles that suit your personal and professional schedules, and I’ll help you do just that. You’re likely eager to get started, but learning is a crucial first step. The first part of this post covers:
- What a side hustle is.
- How to find a side hustle.
- How to start a side hustle successfully.
From there, you can explore the best side hustle jobs. My comprehensive post has you covered from start to finish.
What Is A Side Hustle?
The term ‘side hustle’ refers to small jobs and paid tasks outside of regular 9-to-5 employment. You can think of them as modern-day ‘odd jobs’.
The best side hustle jobs are diverse, but they all share a few similar traits. The list below applies to most opportunities.
- Flexible hours – You set your own ‘schedule’ and/or don’t need a schedule.
- Flexible earnings – How much you earn is up to you.
- Supplemental income – Side hustles boost your income; they aren’t full-time gigs.
- Not an employee – You’re an independent contractor and responsible for the taxes on your earnings.
Side hustle jobs from home are usually completed online. For these flexible gigs, you need to have a few things:
- Stable Internet access.
- A laptop/computer.
- A smartphone.
- A way to get paid (PayPal, direct deposit bank account, etc.)
Some of the best side hustles involve using your car and/or require transportation. In most cases, you’ll need a valid driver’s license, insurance, and a solid driving record. Gigs that fall into this category include delivery driving and ridesharing.
Payment varies for each side hustle job. These are some common payout options/methods:
- Access your money when you’ve earned a minimum amount.
- Get paid automatically on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
- Payments are made through PayPal, bank deposits, and/or gift cards.
To learn about payment for the best side hustle jobs, make sure to research the position. This will eliminate confusion about getting paid.
How Do You Choose A Lucrative Side Hustle?
There’s not a ‘one size fits all’ best side hustle job out there. There are so many unique side gigs available, and selecting the best fit can be hard. Start by answering the three questions below before you explore side hustle ideas.
Q1. Why Do You Want A Side Hustle Job?
Why are you motivated to learn how to find a side hustle? There’s no wrong answer here – your motivation affects which of the best side hustle ideas are right for your needs.
Let’s say you want extra money to shop online. Consider side hustle jobs that pay in gift cards to stores you like. Survey apps are great for casually earning small amounts of money in your free time.
Perhaps you need to pay off some debt. Stick with side hustle ideas that pay in cash, and have high earning potential. Fortunately, a ton of the best side hustle jobs falls into this category.
Q2. How Much Time Can You Spend On Your Side Hustle Job?
Answering this question will help you narrow down how to find a side hustle, too. Some of the best side hustle jobs are 100 percent flexible. They don’t require any time commitments or schedules.
Whether you’d like a to work on the weekends, holidays, or even if you’re looking for summer jobs, time management is key.
Other side hustle jobs have set minimum required hours for you to work per week. The hours are usually pretty flexible, but scheduling may be required as well.
Decide how many hours per week you can spend on your side hustle and the time of day that you’d prefer to work. Keep these goals in mind when exploring the best side hustle ideas.
Q3. What Are Your Side Hustle Earning Goals?
How much money do you want to make? This question is similar to asking why you want to know how to start a side hustle. Your financial needs are major factors to consider when choosing the best side hustle ideas.
Many of the best side hustle jobs pay hourly rates. Casual gigs like taking surveys pay a small amount per task. You need to pick a hustle or two that will ensure you meet your earning goals. You probably won’t end up becoming a millionaire, but isn’t the point of a side hustle job to make some side income?
How To Start A Side Hustle (That’s Actually Successful)
If you want to know how to start a side hustle, there are plenty of great opportunities out there. Being your boss requires some extra planning and consideration. The steps below will help you figure out how to start a side hustle.
Step 1: Implement Your Hobbies And Skills
Enjoying your side hustle is important to stay motivated. Setting your own goals and following your schedule takes discipline. Create a list of tasks that you enjoy doing such as:
- Writing.
- Taking pictures.
- Reading.
- Socializing with others.
Consider how these tasks or hobbies relate to working skills. For example, explore blogging as a side hustle idea if you enjoy writing. A balance of work and fun is ideal for succeeding.
Step 2. Decide If You Want To Financially Invest
If you decide to learn how to start a side hustle, consider investing money in it. Spending money isn’t mandatory, but it’s beneficial in many ways. You may want to pay for:
- Hosting your website.
- Building your website.
- Home office supplies.
- Email marketing software.
These tools and services are great for long-term success, and there are many affordable options. Decide if you want to financially invest, then set a budget for your best side hustle ideas.
Step 3. Market Yourself Across The Web
When you’re developing your side hustle job, it’s important to market yourself and network online. Side hustle ideas are incredibly popular right now, so standing out is a must.
Start by brushing up your resume/portfolio if it’s relevant to your hustle. Let’s say you want to land a gig as a blogger. Make sure your CV and portfolio show off your writing-related skills and experience.
Make sure to create a free account on LinkedIn and Indeed. These platforms are great for networking, searching for gigs, and displaying your skillset. You can also adjust your profile settings to show you’re looking for temporary/contract and part-time work only.
Step 4. Create A Side Hustle Job Schedule
Your side hustle job will change your daily schedule and routine. This makes it important to plan and make time for your hustle. In the beginning, set aside time just for exploring side hustle ideas.
Once you land a gig, create a calendar solely for your hustle. Determine which days and times work best for you. Alternatively, you can set a goal to work a certain amount of hours per week.
Lastly, keep in mind that you’re adding a second job to your plate. This can cause exhaustion and burnout if you don’t plan.
Start small with a few hours in the evenings or on weekends. You can change your schedule as you adjust to your new side hustle.
Best Types Of Side Hustle Jobs: Earn an Extra $500+ a Month
Type #1. Online Tutoring
Several companies hire online tutors to teach a wide variety of subjects. There are two main categories for this great side hustle. There are positions as:
- English tutors for Chinese elementary school students. You don’t need to be able to speak Chinese, and lessons are completely mapped out for you.
- Online tutors for English-speaking students ages K-12 and university students. These platforms offer tutoring opportunities for thousands of school subjects.
For many online tutoring positions, you need to have a college degree or current college enrollment.
Diana Adjadj, a writer for Subjecto (an educational website) shares that “some require prior tutoring experience. For higher-level or professional subjects, field experience may be preferred.”
The tools you need are all provided by the company that hires you. Competitive rates make online tutoring one of the best side hustles.
1. VIPKID
VIPKID is one of the leading online tutoring companies and a lucrative side hustle. The company hires English speakers to tutor Chinese aged elementary school students in one-on-one sessions.
The platform has over 100,000 tutors and 700,000 students. Glassdoor named VIPKID one of the Top 10 Best Places To Work.
You don’t need to speak Chinese to land this position (seriously), and your lesson plans and tools are provided for you. You do need to meet some eligibility criteria. You must:
- Have a four-year university degree (any subject is fine).
- Complete a multi-step application process.
- Pass a mock video tutoring session.
- Sign a six-month contract to tutor.
Two years of teaching experience is helpful/preferred but not required. You can work as much or as little as you’d like, and you set your own flexible schedule.
VIPKID Pay Rates
VIPKID pays per 25-minute class, and the base pay rate per class is $7 to $9. This converts to base pay of $14 to $18 per hour. Exact base pay is determined by multiple factors including experience, demo lesson performance, and qualifications.
How Much Can You Make With VIPKID?
According to Glassdoor reports, VIPKID tutors earn an average of $19 to $20 per hour. This means you could earn $500 per month for 25-26 hours of work.
The average rates above are higher than the base pay rates because bonus incentives are available. VIPKID states that tutors can earn up to $15 to $22 per hour with these bonuses. You can earn them through work performance and referring new users to the platform.
VIPKID sets no limit on how much a tutor can work. This makes it a great side hustle if you’re looking for a true part-time wage.
VIPKID Payment Info
Payments are made through direct deposit or PayPal. You choose your payment frequency: weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. transferred directly to your bank account. You can also set up through PayPal.
2. Qkids
Qkids is a platform that hires English teachers to work with over 800,000 Chinese students ages 4 to 12. You teach students in one-on-one or in groups of 2 to 4 students, and classes are completed via video and audio chat.
Like VIPKID, you’ll need to meet eligibility requirements for this great side hustle. You must:
- Have a Bachelor’s degree in any area of study.
- Have a teaching license or English teaching certificate.
- Complete a multi-step application and interview.
- Commit to a six-month contract.
- Work for at least six hours (12 lessons) per week.
You set your own very flexible schedule on a weekly basis. Qkids offers multiple time slots each week, so you can easily find hours that suit you perfectly.
Qkids Pay Rates
Qkids pays a minimum of $8 per 30-minute class, which means you’ll earn $16 per hour or more. With a minimum of six hours per week, you’ll earn at least $380+ per month.
How Much Can You Make With Qkids?
Glassdoor shows that Qkids teachers average base pay of $17 per hour, so this makes earnings a minimum average of $408 per month.
To boost your earnings, aim for the bonus incentives offered by Qkids. These are the bonuses available:
- $1.00 Performance Fee per lesson based on student/family review.
- $1.00 Attendance Bonus per lesson once a minimum of 15 lessons (7.5 hours) per week are taught.
Through bonus payments, you can earn $20 per hour or $600+ per month.
This makes Qkids a solid high paying side hustle opportunity.
Qkids Payment Info
All teachers are paid via bank transfer. Payments are made on a monthly basis by the 15th of each month.
3. Chegg
Chegg is an award-winning online tutoring platform for U.S. based tutors and students. You tutor in one-on-one sessions and students range from elementary-aged to college level.
The process of becoming a tutor is pretty simple, and the requirements are fairly easy to meet. You need:
- A four-year university degree or current university enrollment.
- To fill out a basic application.
- Select the subjects you’d like to tutor in.
- If applicable, complete subject tests to show you’re qualified.
You’ll receive word about your application within seven days. This is a good college side hustle because it’s so flexible. You don’t need to follow any type of schedule and simply work in your free time.
Chegg Pay Rates
Chegg tutors are paid based on the exact number of minutes worked each week. The minimum lesson length is five minutes, and starting pay is $1.66 per five-minute increment. The rates equate to a minimum of $20 per hour.
How Much Can You Make With Chegg Tutors?
You can tutor as much or as little as you’d like, so your earning potential is largely up to you.
Glassdoor reports show that tutors earn an average of $21 per hour. Based on that average, you could earn $420 by working 20 hours per month.
This average is higher than the base pay because Chegg offers ways to earn extra money. The top five percent of tutors earn $1,000 per month. Boost your income by:
- Earning subject bonuses – some high-demand subjects pay more than base rates.
- Tutoring during peak hours – Chegg says the best times to connect with students are Thursday through Sunday from 2 to 10 PM Pacific Time.
Chegg Payment Info
Tutors are paid via PayPal on a weekly basis. Payments are automatically sent every Thursday.
4. Cambly
Cambly is a unique tutoring platform for English learners, and it’s been featured in Forbes and TechCrunch. No prior experience or qualifications are needed, so this is one of the easiest side hustles tutoring.
Instead of teaching lessons, Cambly tutors practice conversational English with students of all ages. Conversations are held in one-on-one video chats, and the platform is accessible 24/7.
The only requirement is being a native English speaker. These are the steps you take to start tutoring:
- Complete a short and simple application.
- Record a sample video for students to view.
- Fill out your tutor profile.
Your schedule is 100% flexible and you accept student calls whenever you want. You’re paid per minute, and Cambly automatically tracks your talk time for you.
Cambly Pay Rates
Cambly pays tutors a flat rate of $0.17 per minute of talk time. This equates to $10.20 per hour of talk time. This is lower than other tutoring platforms, but the work is much easier.
How Much Can You Make With Cambly?
With flat-rate earnings, the amount of money you make is up to you. If you tutor for five hours per week, you’d earn over $200 per month.
There is one helpful way to maximize your hourly earning. Cambly allows you to display reservation slots on your tutor profile. If you open reservation slots, students can book you in advance for tutoring sessions.
Cambly Payment Info
Tutors are paid weekly on Mondays through PayPal. You need a minimum account balance of $20 to get paid.
Type #2. Writing
Many of the best online side hustles are geared towards writers. If you don’t have writing experience, start by applying for content mills.
The term ‘content mill’ refers to a company or website that hires freelance writers to create content for the company’s clients. To write for these sites, you usually need to:
- Be a native English speaker.
- Have good grammar and spelling.
- Write a short sample on a given topic.
The pay is somewhat low, but the work is easy. Beginners can earn $250+ per month writing for these sites. The list of side hustles below are great options for getting started.
1. Textbroker
Textbroker is one of the most popular content writing sites, and it’s considered an easy side hustle. They hire writers – dubbed Authors – with absolutely no writing experience. Here’s how you get started:
- Fill out an Author application.
- Submit a 200+ word writing sample.
- Get approved within 1-5 business days.
There are thousands of assignments to choose from every day. New assignments are posted 24/7 and Authors can log in any time they want.
You pick the assignments you want and choose how much you want to write. It’s a 100% flexible online side hustle with unlimited earning potential.
Textbroker Pay Rates
Textbroker pays per word based on your Author star rating. Authors are assigned their initial star ratings based on their writing samples.
It’s typical for writers to begin at the 3-star level. Below is Textbroker’s minimum pay per word for each level.
- 2-star writers – 0.70 cents per word minimum
- 3-star writers – 1.0 cents per word minimum
- 4-star writers – 1.4 cents per word minimum
- 5-star writers – 5.0 cents per word minimum
This may not seem like much, but the writing gigs are simple. An average typist can easily complete 3+ assignments per hour. The exact pay per word depends on the type of assignments you choose.
How Much Can You Make With Textbroker?
Your writing speed mostly determines your earning potential. Let’s say that you can write three 350-word assignments per hour. As a 3-star Author, you’d earn $10.50+ per hour writing.
Textbroker editors regularly review your work, and your star level increases if you meet their basic guidelines. Many authors quickly become 4-star Authors. This boosts your earnings to $14.70+ per hour.
Textbroker Payment Info
Textbroker pays Authors through Payoneer twice per week. You can request a payout anytime your account balance is $10 or more. Payments are processed every Monday and Thursday.
2. Verblio
Verblio is a content writing platform used by over 3,000 writers. You don’t need any experience for this online side hustle, but you need an understanding of content marketing and SEO. To get started you need to:
- Fill out a basic application.
- Complete a writing sample.
- Pass a grammar test.
- Complete a short plagiarism training module.
The platform has thousands of clients who need diverse content like blog posts, product descriptions, and newsletters. Verblio clients span across 40+ different industries, so you have diverse topics to choose from.
There are no time commitments or schedules; you can log in and write whenever you want. The flexibility makes writing for Verblio a good side hustle from home.
Verblio Pay Rates
Verblio pay rates begin at $10.50 for 300-400 word posts. New writers start out with these shorter posts and gain access to longer assignments up to 3,000 words.
Pay for longer projects is based on the size of the jobs. All pay rates are listed next to assignments, so you know exactly how much you’ll earn before you begin writing.
How Much Can You Make With Verblio?
How much you earn depends on how much work you complete. If you can write two 300-400 word posts per hour, you’ll earn $21.00 per hour writing.
When you write more at Verblio, you gain points that let you access higher-paying work and more assignments. Getting five-star feedback on your work increases your opportunities and earning potential, too.
Verblio Payment Info
Verblio pays via PayPal every Monday, and you must submit an invoice to get paid. There is no minimum or maximum invoice amount.
3. Crowd Content
Crowd Content is another popular platform and online side hustle. More than 5,000 writers use the platform to create content. Writing experience isn’t mandatory, but it can help your application stand out. Here’s how to begin:
- Create a writer account.
- Answer a few questions about your background/experience.
- Submit a short writing sample.
When you’re hired, you apply for writing gigs by submitting short 50+ word samples. Over 6,000 clients use Crowd Content for blog posts, articles, product descriptions, and more. There are many topics to choose from, so you can pick the ones that interest you.
Crowd Content Pay Rates
You’re given a rating between one and four stars based on the quality of your application. The base earnings for each star level are listed below:
- 1-star – 1.2 cents per word minimum
- 2-star – 2.0 cents per word minimum
- 3-star – 4.4 cents per word minimum
- 4-star – 6.6 per word minimum
The length of each assignment varies greatly. Shorter projects vary between 150 to 200 words and many articles are 700 to 900 words.
How Much Can You Make With Crowd Content?
How much you earn is based on your Quality Level (star rating) and how much writing you complete. Many writers start out at the 2-star level. If you complete two 300-word assignments at this level in an hour, you’ll earn at least $12.00 per hour.
To boost your earnings with this side hustle, you’ll need to raise your Quality Level. You can do this by:
- Receiving positive ratings from clients.
- Maintaining a good turnaround time (meeting deadlines quickly).
Some client assignments pay more than others, too. Submit your short samples/applications to clients with well-paying projects to earn more money.
Crowd Content Payment Info
All payments are made every Tuesday and Friday to your PayPal account. If you’ve earned at least $10, your payment is automatically sent to your PayPal account. If you don’t meet the threshold, your earnings roll over to the next payday.
4. BKA Content
BKA Content is a US-based content mill and great online side hustle opportunity. Like other content platforms, you choose the articles you want to write from a list of available topics. Most assignments are short articles and blog posts.
BKA Content has a few more requirements than the content mills above. However, it’s fairly easy to meet the criteria.
- You must be able to write at least 1,000 words per week
- You complete a short quiz on punctuation and grammar.
- You fill out a short application after the quiz.
When you apply, you choose a writing position to apply for. ‘SEO Content Writer’ and ‘Web Content Writer’ are two popular options suitable for new writers.
BKA Content Pay Rates
‘SEO Content Writer’ and ‘Web Content Writer’ positions start with a base pay of 1.5 cents per word. Pay ranges from 1.5 to 5 cents per word based on your quality level. Most assignments these positions are 310 words; you earn $4.65 per article when starting out.
How Much Can You Make With BKA Content?
BKA Content states that their writers average $8 to $14 per hour when starting out. After completing training, their writers average $12 to $18 an hour.
There’s no limit on how much anyone can write, so your earning potential is up to you. To boost your earnings, you can increase your quality level. Your level rises when you produce high-quality work.
If you have writing experience, you may consider applying for one of BKA Content’s other writing positions. They have a higher starting pay per word. Here are two examples:
- ‘Product Description Writers’ earn 2.15 cents per word and typically earn $14 to $21 per hour.
- ‘Legal Content Writers’ earn 3.0 cents per word and earn $15 to $25 per hour on average.
Payment Info
BKA Content pays writers every two weeks via PayPal.
Type #3. Virtual Assistant
If you’re looking for a profitable side hustle and work well with computers, consider becoming a part-time virtual assistant. You work as an online personal assistant and help clients with tasks like:
- Writing emails
- Making and accepting. phone calls.
- Scheduling appointments.
- Posting social media updates.
Virtual assistant gigs are great online side hustles that have the potential to be part-time and full-time jobs from home. You don’t always need experience for this gig, but the requirements vary with each platform/company.
To get started, you really just need a computer and a wifi connection.
Explore the virtual assistant gigs below – ranging from casual side hustles to hourly positions – and see what’s right for you.
1. Time Etc.
Time Etc is one of the leading virtual assistant companies. The platform connects businesses and individuals with remote virtual assistants. Over 500 people work as Time Etc virtual assistants and it’s well-known as a flexible and family-friendly role.
You don’t need prior experience as a virtual assistant to work for Time Etc, and they offer unlimited support and guidance. They do have general requirements for their applicants. You must:
- Be able to dedicate 2-3 hours to work every weekday.
- Have availability during standard working hours.
- Have 5+ years of general work experience.
When you work for Time Etc, your duties vary based on client needs, but examples of common tasks include:
- formatting and typing documents
- making travel arrangements
- managing calendars
- arranging meetings and appointments
- making telephone calls
- updating social media
If this sounds like a good fit for you, Time Etc may be a very lucrative side hustle for part-time income.
Time Etc Pay Rates
Time Etc pay rates start at $11 per hour. According to the company, the average earnings are $12.22 per hour.
How Much Can You Make With Time Etc?
Time Etc states that their average virtual assistants earn $476 per month. They work an average of 39 hours per month or 9-10 hours per work. The company also states that ‘the more you do, the more you earn’, so you have control over your earning potential.
Payment Info
Workers are paid every month. Time Etc has virtual assistants submit an invoice for their work at the end of each month.
2. Fancy Hands
Fancy Hands is another popular virtual assistant platform, but it’s a bit different than other opportunities. Clients typically use Fancy Hands for small one-time tasks.
Work is available 24/7 and there are no hourly requirements or schedules. Fancy Hands pays per task versus paying per hour.
You don’t need any prior experience to apply for this virtual assistant role. Fancy Hands simply states that they seek out self-starters with strong written communication skills.
Applying takes less than an hour, and you’ll complete an easy aptitude test. You may complete the following tasks depending on client needs:
- Making phone calls.
- Scheduling appointments
- Researching prices for products/services.
- Finding hotels that meet certain criteria.
- Data entry work.
If you want a 100% flexible virtual assistant gig, then Fancy Hands is a great side hustle to make extra money.
Fancy Hands Pay Rates
The pay per task starts at $3 to $7, and the rates go up from there. Some tasks only take 5-10 minutes to complete, and others may take 30 minutes or longer.
How Much Can You Make With Fancy Hands?
How much you earn depends on how many tasks you complete and how quickly you complete them. The company states that there is room for growth and increased pay per task.
According to Glassdoor, the average Fancy Hands worker earns $9 to $11 per hour. Based on those earning reports, you could work 10 hours each week and earn $360 to $440 per month.
Fancy Hands Payment Info
Fancy Hands pays every other week on Tuesday through Dwolla (similar to PayPal).
3. Belay
Belay is an award-winning work company that provides virtual solutions to clients. They hire skilled workers as professional virtual assistants. Duties for this gig include:
- Maintain appointments/calendars.
- Email management.
- Prepare spreadsheets and presentations.
- Social media management.
- Data entry tasks.
- Make travel arrangements
- Event planning and coordination.
This role is ideal if you’re looking for a side hustle that operates as a true part-time job. To work for Belay, you need to meet these requirements:
- Available Monday through Friday during normal business hours.
- Be able to work a minimum of 20 hours per week.
- Complete an interview and skills assessment.
Belay states that a Bachelor’s degree and experience with remote work are preferred but not required. The interview process consists of two phone/video interviews and usually takes 1-2 weeks to complete.
Belay Pay Rates
Belay does not disclose pay rates until the interview process begins. According to Glassdoor reports, pay averages $18 per hour and ranges from $16 to $20 per hour. Your exact pay per hour varies based on experience, hours worked, and other factors.
How Much Can You Make With Belay?
Belay is a lucrative side hustle even if you only work the minimum 20 hours per week. Based on the pay rates above, you could earn $320 to $400 per week. Hours are flexible, and Belay provides opportunities to work 40+ hours per week.
Belay Payment Info
Belay pays via direct deposit, but the frequency of payment is not publicly disclosed.
Type #4. Transcription
Transcription gigs are widely considered some of the best side hustle jobs online. You earn money by transcribing audio and video into text. No experience is required to get started.
Platforms hire you once you complete an application and a short test. The test consists of transcribing a short audio clip into clear, accurate text. It’s a simple and straightforward process.
The amount of work you do is entirely up to you. You log into the platforms and choose from the transcription tasks available. You can complete tasks and earn money whenever you feel like it.
These jobs typically pay a set amount per minute of audio transcription. Pay rates vary with each platform, but it’s typical to earn $250+ per month transcribing. The more you work, the more you earn.
1. Rev
Rev is a transcription service that hires freelancers to work from home. Over 50,000 workers – dubbed Revvers – listen to audio and video and type is being said.
This is an easy side hustle and no experience is required. To get started, you’ll need to:
- Sign up and fill out an application.
- Take a 20-question grammar.
- Submit a short test transcript.
The entire process takes less than an hour to complete, and applications are approved within a few days. You can also apply as a captioner, and the process is very similar.
Rev lets you work when you want and there are no hourly requirements. There are hundreds of projects for Revvers to complete each day. You can choose from a variety of interviews, podcasts, lectures, and more to transcribe.
Pay Rates
The range of pay for Rev’s Transcriptionist is $0.30 to $1.10 per audio/video minute. The range of pay for a Captioner is $0.54 to $1.10 per audio/video minute.
How Much Can You Make?
Rev lists potential earnings on their application pages. Transcriptionists earn an average of $254 per month and captioners earn an average of $240 per month.
Their top workers earn $1,495 per month for transcription and captioners earn $1,570 per month. It’s clear that this online side hustle has great potential – how much you earn is entirely up to you.
Payment Info
Rev pays workers every Monday via PayPal. There’s no minimum threshold you have to meet to receive payment.
2. TranscribeMe
TranscibeMe is a platform that offers transcription, speech recognition, and translation services to their clients. This easy side hustle is very similar to Rev. You don’t need experience, but you do need to:
- Create an account.
- Read the full writer FAQ section.
- Complete an English language exam.
Once you complete the exam, you will hear from TranscribeMe within 12 business days. Then you can access the list of assignments. TranscribeMe is completely flexible, so you can work however much you want to with this online side hustle.
Pay Rates
Earnings for TranscribeMe workers start at $15-$22 per audio hour. Assignments consist of transcribing short 2 to 4-minute audio clips. Some assignments are up to 8 minutes long, but these are less common.
How Much Can You Make?
TranscribeMe reports that their transcriptionists earn an average of $250 per month. The top transcriptions earn an average of $2,200 per month.
How much you earn is largely based on how much work you complete. If you want to make more money, there are a few things you can do:
- Develop your skills and gain access to higher-paying projects.
- Apply for specific higher-paying transcription positions.
These higher-paying positions offer rates of $23 to $50 per audio hour. You can read about the requirements for them at the link above.
Payment Info
TranscribeMe pays via PayPal every week on Thursday. You can request and withdraw payment once your account balance reaches $20.
3. GoTranscript
GoTranscript is one of the world’s largest online transcription and translation companies. The platform has been featured in Forbes and caters to over 20,000 clients.
This transcriptionist job is among the easiest side hustles online. You don’t need experience to work for the company. Good English skills are required, and you can apply by following the steps below.
- Create a worker account.
- Read GoTranscript’s transcription guidelines.
- Transcribe a video clip to show your accuracy and English skills.
Once your application is approved, you can freely choose which assignments to complete. There’s a steady stream of work available and the options are diverse.
Pay Rates
GoTranscript pays transcriptionists up to $0.60 per audio or video minute.
How Much Can You Make?
The average GoTranscript worker earns $150 per month. The platform’s Top monthly workers earn $1,215 per month. Like other transcription gigs, your earning potential is largely up to you.
If you want to earn more money, GonTranscript offers a few opportunities for this. Bonuses are given for performance. Editing positions are also available, and the pay rates are higher for editors.
Payment Info
GoTranscript offers weekly payouts on Fridays via PayPal or Payoneer. There is no minimum account balance to meet in order to get paid.
Type #5. Delivery Driving
Delivery driving jobs aren’t anything new, but they’ve become some of the best side hustles. Unlike traditional delivery driving positions, side jobs don’t make you commit to one employer or a set schedule.
Modern delivery driver gigs let you work whenever you want. You can deliver a few hours per week or make money daily; it’s 100% up to you. You can even mix and match delivery driving side hustles to boost your earnings.
1. Grubhub
Grubhub is a popular food ordering and delivery platform that connects diners with local restaurants. Over 65,000 people work as delivery drivers for Grubhub, and it’s well-known for being one of the easiest side hustles.
No delivery driving experience is required to get hired, and you don’t even have to pass an interview process. You need to meet these simple requirements to apply:
- Be 19+ years of age.
- Have a smartphone with iOS 11 or higher or an Android with 5.0 or higher.
- Have a data plan for your phone.
- Have a valid driver’s license for 2+ years.
- Have auto insurance.
If you meet these requirements, you can complete the quick and easy application process. You provide your basic information, vehicle information proof of insurance, and proof of valid driver’s license.
Before you start driving, you’ll watch a few videos with tips for new drivers. Then you can start earning money making deliveries on a completely flexible schedule.
Grubhub Pay Rates
Grubhub calculates earnings based on time, mileage, and tips. The pay per minute and pay per mile varies depending on your location.
Before you accept an offer, you’ll see how much it pays. Drivers always keep 100% of the tips earned from this side hustle job.
How Much Can You Make With Grubhub?
According to Glassdoor, Grubhub drivers earn an average of $12 per hour. Indeed data reports that drivers earn an average of $17.06 per hour.
Your earnings depend on how frequently you decide to work. Based on Glassdoor’s data, you could earn $300 per month or more by working 25 hours each month.
Grubhub offers a few opportunities to maximize your pay. You can schedule delivery blocks by setting a flexible schedule. Working on a schedule helps you receive more orders and boosts your earnings.
Grubhub also has a Recognition Program that rewards driver performance. The image above shows the perks of the program. You can get priority access to block scheduling, catering orders, and more.
Grubhub Payment Info
Drivers can choose from two Grubhub payment options. The Instant Cash Out feature allows you to withdraw earnings every 24 hours. Otherwise, driver payments are sent each Thursday via direct deposit.
2. Postmates
Postmates is a delivery service platform and is widely considered one of the top side hustles. You don’t need delivery driving experience to get started. These are the basic requirements for applicants:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Have access to an insured vehicle.
- Have a valid driver’s license.
If you meet the criteria, then you can start the quick application process. Here’s what to expect:
- Upload proof of identity.
- Provide your name, address, and contact information.
- Provide your vehicle type and driver’s license number.
Once your application is approved, Postmates mails you a free delivery bag and prepaid card. The whole process is pretty quick, and many drivers start earning money within a week. There are no time commitments; just turn on the Postmates driver app when you feel like working.
Postmates Pay Rates
Postmates uses a set formula to determine pay rates for their drivers.
Rate Per Pickup + Rate Per Dropoff + Rate Per Minute + Rate Per Mile = Delivery Earnings
The rate per minute is money you earn for time spent waiting in stores for pickups. The rate per mile is based on the distance between delivery pickup and drop-off locations.
The exact rates vary based on your location. The images above show rates for two different cities. You can find the exact rates for your location on the Driver Fleet Support page.
How Much Can You Make With Postmates?
Postmates drivers are paid per delivery. According to Glassdoor, the average driver earns
$11 to $12 per hour. Reports from Salary.com show average earnings of $16 per hour.
Based on these reports, you can work 20 hours per month and earn $220 to $320 per month. Postmates offers bonuses and incentives including:
- Bonus Per Delivery – A bonus for every delivery you accept within a specified time frame and complete within the time frame.
- Crushers – A bonus when you complete a certain number of deliveries within a set time period.
- Invites – A bonus for inviting friends to become Postmates drivers (invitees must meet a minimum number of deliveries).
Lastly, you can drive during ‘Blitz hours’ to earn more money. These are hours when deliveries are in high-demand, so the pay per delivery is increased.
Postmates Payment Info
Postmates lets you cash out instantly whenever you want, or you can get weekly direct deposits.
3. Shipt
Shipt is a subscription-based grocery delivery service. The service hires workers to grocery shop and then deliver the items to members.
Shipt is frequently mentioned on top side hustles lists. When you apply to be a shopper, make sure you meet their criteria. You need to:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Have a reliable vehicle (1997 model or newer).
- Have valid car insurance.
- Have a valid driver’s license.
- Have an iOS 10 or newer or Android 5.1 or newer phone.
- Have an insulated cooler bag.
- Be able to lift 40+ pounds.
The application is simple and consists of providing basic information and proof of insurance/driver’s license. You’ll receive an email confirmation within 24 to 48 hours. The gig is 100% flexible with scheduling; you work when you want to.
Shipt Pay Rates
Shipt shoppers are paid per order they complete. Before you accept an order offer, you will see the estimated pay rate for the order. It takes an average of one hour to complete an order. According to Shipt, a shopper can earn up to $22 per order.
How Much Can You Make With Shipt?
A recent Shipt blog post states that shoppers earn $16 to $22 per hour on average.
Indeed reports list average earnings of $21.98 per hour.
Based on the average rates, you can earn $320 to $440 per month by working 20 hours each month. This makes Shipt a fairly lucrative side hustle.
Shipt Payment Info
Shipt pays shoppers via direct deposit weekly on Fridays.
Start Grinding Your Side Hustle
Now you know exactly how to find a side hustle and how to start a side hustle using your ideas. The tips above will help you earn as much as possible and meet your income goals.
If you follow the advice given, I’m confident you’ll find the best side hustle job that perfectly suits you.
Leave a comment about your favorite side hustle and what else you’re trying out. Or if you’ve got any other side hustle ideas!
One Response
Wonderful side hustle roundup for those who to earn money online. Thanks for sharing these great thoughts and ideas!