As a college student who’s been there and done that when it comes to side hustles, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to balance studies with the need to make some extra cash. Over the past few years, I’ve tried my hand at everything from dog walking to freelance writing, and I’ve learned a thing or two about what works (and what doesn’t) for students looking to earn on the side.
Let’s face it – college isn’t cheap, and sometimes financial aid and part-time jobs just don’t cut it. That’s where side hustles come in. They’re flexible, often fun, and can be a great way to gain some real-world experience while padding your wallet. Whether you’re looking to cover your textbook costs, save up for spring break, or just have a little more spending money, there’s likely a side hustle out there that’s perfect for you.
In this article, I’ll share 15 side hustle ideas based on the Side Hustle Database that I’ve either tried myself or seen work well for my fellow students. These are gigs that are particularly suitable for beginners – no advanced skills or huge time commitments required.
1. Becoming a Brand Ambassador
Brand ambassadors represent companies and promote their products or services through various channels, including social media, events, and word-of-mouth marketing. This role involves creating content, engaging with potential customers, and embodying the brand’s values and image.
Brand ambassador earnings can vary widely, ranging from $20 to $100+ per hour or $1,000 to $5,000+ per month. Some high-profile brand ambassadors can earn six-figure salaries annually. Compensation often includes a mix of base pay, commissions, and free products.
How to Get Started:
- Build a strong social media presence
- Engage with brands you genuinely like and use
- Create a portfolio showcasing your personal brand
- Network within your industry of interest
- Apply for brand ambassador programs or reach out to companies directly
- Develop skills in content creation, public speaking, and networking
2. Monetize a YouTube Channel
Creating and monetizing a YouTube channel involves producing engaging video content, building an audience, and leveraging various revenue streams available on the platform. Successful YouTubers can turn their passion into a profitable venture.
YouTube earnings can range from a few dollars to millions per year. According to Side Hustles Database, YouTubers earn $3 to $5 per 1,000 video views through ads. Additional income can come from sponsorships, merchandise sales, and channel memberships. Top YouTubers can earn millions annually.
How to Get Started:
- Choose a niche or topic for your channel
- Create high-quality, engaging content consistently
- Optimize your videos for search and discoverability
- Engage with your audience through comments and community posts
- Meet YouTube’s Partner Program requirements (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours)
- Explore multiple revenue streams (ads, sponsorships, merchandise)
3. Give Tours of Your Neighborhood
Offering local tours allows you to share your knowledge and passion for your area with visitors. This can include historical walks, food tours, or showcasing hidden gems in your neighborhood.
Tour guides can earn anywhere from $50 to $300+ per tour, depending on the length, type, and location of the tour. With regular bookings, this can translate to $1,000 to $5,000+ per month, especially during peak tourist seasons.
How to Get Started:
- Research your area’s history, culture, and unique attractions
- Develop engaging tour routes and scripts
- Create a website or use existing tour platforms to list your services
- Obtain necessary permits or certifications (if required in your area)
- Market your tours through social media and local businesses
- Gather positive reviews to build credibility
4. Mow Lawns and Do Other Landscaping Tasks
Lawn care and landscaping services involve maintaining and beautifying outdoor spaces for homeowners and businesses. This can include mowing, trimming, planting, and general yard maintenance.
Lawn care businesses can earn $25 to $50 per hour for basic services, with potential earnings of $200 to $1,000+ per week. As you expand and offer more specialized services, earnings can increase significantly. Some successful lawn care businesses can make $200,000 or more annually.
How to Get Started:
- Invest in basic lawn care equipment (mower, trimmer, blower)
- Determine your service offerings and pricing
- Create a simple business plan and budget
- Market your services locally through flyers, social media, and word-of-mouth
- Provide excellent customer service to build a loyal client base
- Consider expanding your skills to offer additional landscaping services
5. Get Sponsorships on Social Media
Social media sponsorships involve partnering with brands to promote their products or services on your social media platforms. This can include creating sponsored posts, stories, or videos featuring the brand’s offerings. Influencers with engaged followers across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube are particularly well-suited for this side hustle.
Earnings from social media sponsorships can vary widely based on follower count, engagement rate, and niche. Micro-influencers (1,000-100,000 followers) can earn $100-$500 per post, while those with larger followings can command $1,000-$10,000+ per sponsored content piece. Some top influencers earn millions annually through sponsorships.
How to Get Started:
- Choose a niche and consistently create high-quality content
- Build a engaged following on one or more social media platforms
- Develop a unique personal brand and aesthetic
- Engage with your audience regularly
- Use hashtags and collaborate with other creators to increase visibility
- Join influencer marketing platforms to connect with brands
- Create a media kit showcasing your audience demographics and engagement rates
6. Resell Used or Vintage Goods
Reselling involves purchasing used or vintage items at low prices from sources like thrift stores, garage sales, or estate sales, and then selling them for a profit on platforms like eBay, Etsy, or Poshmark. This side hustle requires a good eye for valuable items and knowledge of market trends.
Resellers can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month. Experienced resellers with a keen eye for valuable items can potentially earn $5,000-$10,000+ per month. Profits depend on factors like item sourcing, market demand, and sales volume.
How to Get Started:
- Research popular and profitable items in your chosen niche (e.g., vintage clothing, collectibles, electronics)
- Learn to identify valuable items and authenticate brands
- Source inventory from thrift stores, yard sales, and online marketplaces
- Create accounts on selling platforms like eBay, Etsy, or Poshmark
- Take high-quality photos and write detailed item descriptions
- Price items competitively based on market research
- Package and ship items promptly and securely
7. IT Consulting
IT consulting involves providing expert advice and services to businesses on their technology needs. This can include areas such as network security, software development, cloud computing, and data management. IT consultants help organizations optimize their technology infrastructure and solve complex technical problems.
IT consultants can earn significant income, with rates typically ranging from $50 to $250+ per hour, depending on expertise and project complexity. Full-time IT consultants can earn $70,000 to $150,000+ annually, while those doing it as a side hustle can potentially earn $1,000 to $5,000+ per month, depending on the number of clients and projects.
How to Get Started:
- Gain relevant IT certifications in your area of expertise
- Build a strong portfolio of IT projects and case studies
- Create a professional website showcasing your services and expertise
- Network with businesses and attend industry events
- Join online freelancing platforms specializing in IT projects
- Offer initial consultations or small projects to build client relationships
- Continuously update your skills to stay current with technology trends
8. Become a Transcriber or Translator
Transcription involves converting audio or video content into written text, while translation involves converting text from one language to another. Both services are in high demand across various industries, including legal, medical, and entertainment sectors.
Transcriptionists typically earn $5 to $20 per audio hour, which translates to about $0.50 to $2 per 6-minute file. However, it’s important to note that one audio hour can take 3-4 hours to transcribe, affecting the actual hourly rate. Translators can earn more, with rates ranging from $0.06 to $0.14 per word, or $25 to $100+ per hour for more specialized work.
How to Get Started:
- Develop strong language skills and typing speed (aim for at least 60 words per minute)
- Invest in necessary equipment (computer, headphones, foot pedal for transcription)
- Complete online courses or certifications in transcription or translation
- Practice with free online resources to improve your skills
- Create accounts on freelance platforms or apply to transcription/translation companies
- Take and pass qualification tests for various platforms
- Start with smaller projects to build your reputation and portfolio
9. Start a Blog or Newsletter
Starting a blog or newsletter involves creating and sharing content on a specific topic or niche. This can be done through a website (blog) or email (newsletter). The key is to provide valuable, engaging content that attracts and retains an audience. Over time, you can monetize your platform through various methods.
Earnings can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars per month to six or seven figures annually for top bloggers. Newsletter writers can earn from $1,000 to $500,000+ per year, depending on subscriber count and monetization strategies. Most bloggers and newsletter writers start earning a modest income after 6-12 months of consistent effort.
How to Get Started:
- Choose a niche or topic you’re passionate about
- Set up a website (for blogs) or email service provider (for newsletters)
- Create a content strategy and publishing schedule
- Produce high-quality, valuable content consistently
- Build an audience through social media, SEO, and networking
- Implement monetization strategies (ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, products)
Learn more about how to make money with blogging here.
10. Design and Sell Your Own T-Shirts
This side hustle involves creating unique t-shirt designs and selling them online. With print-on-demand services, you can design shirts without holding inventory, reducing upfront costs and risks. Success in this field often comes from targeting specific niches or creating trendy, eye-catching designs.
T-shirt businesses can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month. Some successful t-shirt entrepreneurs report earning $10,000 to $100,000+ annually. Profit margins typically range from 20% to 35% per shirt, depending on pricing and production costs.
How to Get Started:
- Research popular t-shirt niches and trends
- Create unique designs using graphic design software
- Choose a print-on-demand platform (e.g., Printify, Printful)
- Set up an online store (e.g., Shopify, Etsy)
- Price your products competitively
- Market your t-shirts through social media and targeted advertising
11. Offer Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Services
Pet sitting and dog walking services cater to pet owners who need help caring for their animals. This can include daily walks, overnight stays, feeding, and playtime. It’s an ideal side hustle for animal lovers who enjoy flexible schedules and active work.
Pet sitters and dog walkers can earn between $15 to $50 per hour, depending on location and services offered. Full-time pet sitters can make $25,000 to $50,000 annually, while part-time sitters can earn $10,000 to $25,000 per year as a side hustle. Some successful pet care businesses report earning up to $100,000 annually.
How to Get Started:
- Gain experience with pets (if you don’t already have it)
- Consider getting certified in pet first aid
- Create a business plan and set your rates
- Register your business and obtain necessary licenses
- Set up profiles on pet sitting platforms (e.g., Rover, Wag!)
- Market your services locally through flyers and social media
- Build a client base through excellent service and word-of-mouth referrals
12. Become a Rideshare Driver
Rideshare driving involves using your personal vehicle to transport passengers who request rides through apps like Uber or Lyft. This side hustle offers flexibility in terms of working hours and can be a good way to earn extra income, especially during peak times or in busy urban areas.
Rideshare drivers typically earn between $15 to $25 per hour before expenses. Earnings can vary widely based on location, time of day, and number of hours worked. Some full-time drivers report earning $30,000 to $50,000 annually, while part-time drivers might make $100 to $300 per week. Top earners in prime locations can make $1,000 to $2,000 per week.
How to Get Started:
- Meet the minimum requirements (age, driving experience, vehicle standards)
- Sign up as a driver on Uber, Lyft, or both
- Complete the background check and vehicle inspection
- Download the driver app and complete any required training
- Start accepting ride requests and learn peak hours in your area
- Track your expenses for tax purposes
- Consider strategies to maximize earnings (e.g., driving during surge pricing)
13. Offer Services Like Car Washing and Detailing
Car washing and detailing involves cleaning and restoring vehicles to near-showroom condition. This service can range from basic exterior washes to comprehensive interior and exterior detailing. It’s a hands-on job that requires attention to detail and can be satisfying for those who enjoy working with cars.
Car detailing can be quite lucrative. Basic car washes might earn $20-$40 per vehicle, while full detailing services can range from $100 to $300+ per vehicle, depending on the size and condition of the car. With efficient work, you could potentially earn $500-$1000+ per week working part-time. Some successful mobile detailing businesses report annual revenues of $50,000 to $100,000+.
How to Get Started:
- Research car detailing techniques and best practices
- Invest in quality cleaning supplies and equipment
- Decide whether to offer mobile services or operate from a fixed location
- Set competitive pricing based on your local market
- Create a business plan and obtain necessary licenses
- Market your services through social media, local ads, and word-of-mouth
- Consider offering package deals or loyalty programs to attract repeat customers
14. Start a Podcast
Podcasting involves creating audio content on specific topics or themes and distributing it to listeners through various platforms. It’s a medium that allows for creative expression, sharing expertise, and building a community around shared interests.
Podcast earnings can vary widely. Many podcasts start with little to no income, but successful ones can generate significant revenue. Once established, podcasts can earn through sponsorships ($18-$50 per 1000 listeners), listener donations, merchandise sales, and premium content. Top podcasters can earn six or seven figures annually, while more modest successes might bring in $500-$5000 per month.
How to Get Started:
- Choose a niche or topic for your podcast
- Plan your content and episode structure
- Invest in basic recording equipment (microphone, headphones, editing software)
- Record and edit your first few episodes
- Choose a hosting platform for your podcast
- Create cover art and write compelling descriptions
- Submit your podcast to major directories (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.)
- Promote your podcast through social media and networking
15. Do Makeup for Special Events
Special event makeup involves applying makeup for occasions such as weddings, proms, photo shoots, and other formal events. This service requires skill in makeup application, an understanding of different skin types and tones, and the ability to create looks that photograph well and last throughout an event.
Makeup artists for special events can earn a significant income, especially during peak seasons. Rates typically range from $50 to $300+ per client, depending on the event type, location, and the artist’s experience. Wedding makeup often commands higher rates, with bridal makeup packages ranging from $150 to $600+. Full-time makeup artists can earn between $30,000 to $100,000+ annually, while part-time artists doing it as a side hustle might earn $10,000 to $30,000+ per year.
How to Get Started:
- Develop your makeup skills through practice and training
- Build a portfolio of your work (before and after photos)
- Invest in high-quality, professional makeup products
- Create a business plan and set your rates
- Set up a professional website or social media presence to showcase your work
- Network with wedding planners, photographers, and event coordinators
- Offer trials for potential clients to build trust and secure bookings
- Consider getting certified or taking advanced courses in makeup artistry