27 Best side hustles to earn up to US$374k+/year: Find your perfect flexible gig

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In today’s dynamic gig economy, the quest for a flexible, rewarding side hustle has never been more attainable. Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer, a creative entrepreneur, or someone eager to monetise spare time, opportunities abound to transform your skills, passions, and resources into meaningful income.

From freelance writing and virtual assistance to content creation, local services, and scalable digital ventures, the modern workforce offers endless pathways to financial growth. But with so many options, where do you begin? Enter ZipRecruiter—the ultimate platform to discover vetted, high-potential side hustles tailored to your expertise. This comprehensive guide explores 27 proven opportunities, complete with earnings insights and tools, empowering you to unlock your potential. Ready to turn ambition into action? Your perfect side hustle awaits.

Leveraging skills & services

(Require expertise, tools, or labour you already have)

1. Freelance Writing/Editing/Proofreading: Write blogs, edit manuscripts, or proofread documents

This role involves creating original written content like blog posts or articles, refining existing manuscripts for clarity and flow, or meticulously checking documents for grammatical errors, typos, and punctuation mistakes. Essential skills include a strong command of grammar and style, excellent attention to detail, research abilities, and adaptability to different tones and topics; subject matter expertise can be a significant advantage. Primarily requiring a computer with word processing software and internet access, experience is often demonstrated through a portfolio of work.

Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Reedsy.

Earnings: 

US$25–180+ per hour
US$100–720+ daily (part-time, 4 hours)
US$200–1,440+ daily (full-time, 8 hours)
US$1,000–7,200+ weekly (full-time, 40 hours)
US$4,300–31,100+ monthly (full-time, 173 hours)
US$52,000–374,400+ annually (full-time)

2. Virtual Assistant (VA): Manage emails, schedules, or social media for clients

A Virtual Assistant provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely, handling tasks such as email management, scheduling appointments, making phone calls, managing social media accounts, or data entry.

Key skills include strong organisation, excellent communication, time management, tech-savviness, and proficiency in common office software (like Microsoft Office or Google Suite) and potentially specific platforms relevant to the client’s needs (e.g., CRM software). Necessary tools are a reliable computer, high-speed internet, and relevant software subscriptions; experience requirements vary widely depending on the client’s needs, from entry-level tasks to specialised support.

Platforms: Belay, Upwork.

Earnings: 

US$18–60+ per hour
US$72–240+ daily (part-time)
US$144–480+ daily (full-time)
US$720–2,400+ weekly (full-time)
US$3,100–10,400+ monthly (full-time)
US$37,400–124,800+ annually (full-time)

 3. Social Media Manager: Create content, grow accounts, and strategise for businesses

This position involves developing and implementing social media strategies for businesses, which includes creating engaging content (text, images, video), scheduling posts, monitoring analytics, interacting with followers, and growing the client’s online presence across various platforms.

Required skills include strong writing and communication, creativity, understanding of social media trends and analytics, strategic thinking, and proficiency with design tools like Canva and scheduling platforms like Buffer. Besides these tools, a computer and internet access are essential; experience demonstrated through a portfolio or case studies showing successful account growth is often necessary. Earnings are frequently client-based.

Tools: Canva, Buffer.

Earnings: 

US$240–1,200+ per month per client, leading to an annual income of US$2,880–14,400+ per client, with overall income depending on the number of clients managed.

4. Graphic Design: Design logos, marketing materials, or merch

Graphic designers create visual concepts, by hand or using computer software, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers, developing layouts and production designs for logos, websites, marketing materials, advertisements, brochures, or merchandise.

This requires creativity, a strong understanding of design principles (typography, colour theory, layout), proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Figma, or Canva, and good communication skills to understand client needs.

A powerful computer, design software, and often a portfolio showcasing previous work are necessary; experience level can range from junior to senior designer roles. Earnings are often project-based, typically ranging from US$60-600+ per project, making hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and annual income highly variable depending on project frequency, scope, and speed.

Tools: Canva, Figma, Adobe.

Earnings: US$60-600+/project.

5. Online Tutoring: Teach academic subjects, languages, or test prep (O levels, A levels, SAT, etc.)

This role involves providing academic instruction, language learning, or test preparation support (like SAT or ACT) to students via online platforms. Essential skills include deep knowledge of the subject matter being taught, strong communication and explanation abilities, patience, adaptability to different learning styles, and basic tech-savviness for using online teaching tools.

Tools needed are a computer with a stable internet connection, webcam, microphone, and familiarity with tutoring platforms like Tutorful or Preply, or video conferencing software like Zoom; experience often involves having relevant academic qualifications or prior teaching/tutoring experience.

Platforms: Tutorful, Preply.

Earnings: 

US$18–96+ per hour
US$72–384+ daily (part-time)
US$144–768+ daily (full-time)
US$720–3,840+ weekly (full-time)
US$3,100–16,600+ monthly (full-time)
US$37,400–199,700+ annually (full-time), though hours can be less consistent than standard full-time work

6. Consulting: Advise businesses in your niche (marketing, finance, HR)

Consultants provide expert advice and solutions to businesses or individuals within their specific area of expertise, such as marketing strategy, financial planning, human resources management, or IT infrastructure.

This demands deep knowledge and experience in a particular niche, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication and presentation abilities, and the capacity to understand client needs and develop actionable recommendations. Tools often include presentation software, data analysis tools, and communication platforms; significant professional experience and a proven track record in the chosen field are usually required.

Earnings: 

US$60–360+ per hour
US$240–1,440+ daily (part-time)
US$480–2,880+ daily (full-time)
US$2,400–14,400+ weekly (full-time)
US$10,400–62,300+ monthly (full-time)
US$124,800–748,800+ annually (full-time)

7. Transcription Services: Convert audio/video to text

Transcription involves listening to audio or video recordings and accurately converting the spoken content into written text format. Key skills needed are excellent listening comprehension, fast and accurate typing speed, strong grammar and punctuation, attention to detail, and the ability to handle various accents or audio qualities.

Necessary tools include a computer, reliable internet, good quality headphones, and potentially transcription software and a foot pedal (though not always required initially); experience often involves passing accuracy tests for platforms like Rev or TranscribeMe.

Platforms: Rev, TranscribeMe.

Earnings: 

US$18-36+/hour

US$72–144+ daily (part-time)

US$144–288+ daily (full-time)
weekly earnings of US$720–1,440+ (full-time)
monthly income of US$3,100–6,200+ (full-time)
annual earnings of US$37,400–74,900+ (full-time)

8. Translation Services: Translate documents or media for bilingual clients.

Translators convert written documents, audio, or video content from one language to another while preserving the original meaning, context, and tone. This requires fluency in at least two languages (native or near-native proficiency), excellent writing skills in the target language, cultural understanding of both language contexts, attention to detail, and potentially specialised knowledge for technical, legal, or medical translation.

A computer and internet connection are essential, while translation memory software can increase efficiency; experience often involves demonstrating fluency through tests or certifications, and building a portfolio or using platforms like Gengo or ProZ.

Platforms: Gengo, ProZ.

Earnings: 

US$24–60+ per hour

US$96–240+ daily (part-time)

US$192–480+ daily (full-time)
weekly earnings of US$960–2,400+ (full-time)
monthly income of US$4,200–10,400+ (full-time)
annual income of US$49,900–124,800+ (full-time)

9. Voiceover Work/Narration: Record voiceovers for ads, audiobooks, or AI training

This job entails recording one’s voice for various media, including commercials, audiobooks, corporate videos, animations, video games, or AI training data. Required skills include clear diction, excellent vocal control (tone, pitch, pace), the ability to interpret scripts and convey appropriate emotion or style, and sometimes acting ability.

Essential tools are a quality microphone, recording software (DAW), headphones, and a quiet recording space (often a home studio setup); experience is demonstrated through a professional demo reel showcasing vocal range and quality, accessible via platforms like Voices.com or ACX. Earnings are typically project-based, ranging from US$60-360+ per project (or sometimes per finished hour for audiobooks), making standardised hourly or daily rates highly variable depending on the project’s scope and the artist’s efficiency and reputation.

Platforms: Voices.com, ACX.

Earnings: US$60-360+/project.

10. Bookkeeping: Manage finances for small businesses

Bookkeepers maintain accurate records of financial transactions for small businesses or individuals, including managing accounts payable and receivable, reconciling bank statements, and preparing financial reports.

This requires strong attention to detail, organisation, numeracy, integrity, and proficiency with accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero, along with a basic understanding of accounting principles. A computer with the necessary software is the primary tool; while formal certification isn’t always mandatory, knowledge of bookkeeping practices and software is essential, often gained through experience or courses.

Tools: QuickBooks, Xero.

Earnings: US$24-72+/hour

US$24–72+ per hour

US$96–288+ (part-time)

 US$192–576+ (full-time)
weekly earnings of US$960–2,880+ (full-time)
monthly income of US$4,200–12,500+ (full-time)
annual income of US$49,900–149,800+ (full-time)

11. Resume/CV Writing: Craft resumes and LinkedIn profiles.

This service involves crafting, editing, and optimising resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles to help clients secure job interviews. Skills needed include excellent writing and editing abilities, a strong understanding of recruitment processes, keyword optimisation for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), the ability to effectively highlight a client’s skills and achievements, and good client communication.

A computer with word processing software is the main tool; experience often comes from a background in HR, recruiting, career counseling, or professional writing, demonstrated through strong sample work or client testimonials. Earnings are usually package-based, ranging from US$60-360+ per package (e.g., resume only, resume + cover letter, full package), making hourly and daily rates dependent on the writer’s speed and the complexity of each client’s needs

Earnings: US$60-360+/package.

12. Freelance Coding/Web Development: Build websites or apps

Freelance developers design, build, test, and maintain websites and web applications for clients, working on front-end (user interface), back-end (server logic), or full-stack development. Required skills include proficiency in relevant programming languages (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, PHP), knowledge of frameworks and databases, problem-solving abilities, logical thinking, and version control using tools like Git.

Essential tools include a computer, code editor (like VS Code), development environments, and potentially subscriptions to hosting or deployment services; a strong portfolio showcasing completed projects is crucial for experience, often found via platforms like Toptal or Upwork.

Platforms: Toptal, Upwork.

Earnings: 

US$36-180+/hour

US$144–720+ (part-time)

US$288–1,440+ (full-time)
weekly earnings of US$1,440–7,200+ (full-time)
monthly income of US$6,200–31,100+ (full-time)
annual income of US$74,900–374,400+ (full-time)

13. Event Planning: Organise weddings, parties, or corporate events.

Event planners coordinate all aspects of events such as weddings, corporate functions, parties, or fundraisers, including budgeting, venue selection, vendor management, scheduling, logistics, and on-site execution. Key skills are exceptional organisation, meticulous planning, strong negotiation and budgeting abilities, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to problem-solve under pressure.

Tools include planning software, spreadsheets, communication tools, and a network of reliable vendors; experience is often gained through assisting senior planners or building a portfolio of successfully managed events. Earnings are typically per event, ranging from US$600-6k+, making hourly, daily, and other time-based income highly variable based on the scale and duration of event planning activities.

Earnings: US$600-6k+/event.