5 Side Jobs that Generate Extra Income

Summer is upon us and everyone wants some extra income to put towards their summer fun. Whether you are taking a vacation, staying local for a staycation, or just want to pay off your debt, having more money will certainly help! You might have already hosted a blowout yard sale, so what else can you do to make some extra cash? One common answer to this question is getting a part-time job. But for those of us who work full-time, this isn’t always a realistic option. What’s better than a part-time job? A side job. Side jobs like the ones we are about to show you have several perks.

The advantages of side jobs:

  • Less of a time commitment
  • Higher hourly pay in most cases
  • Can be more “fun”

So you can work less, make more money, and do something fun. Sounds like a good idea right? Here is our creative list of side job ideas. We’ve tried to include something for everyone, but if you know of better side jobs, let us know in the comments below!

Be a tutor

The pros: Tutors come in all shapes and sizes and work with all different age groups and subjects. If you like kids, pick a subject that you enjoy and teach kids anywhere from k-12. If you prefer working with adults, you can help people prepare for their GED or can teach foreign language. If you’re already a teacher, this side job will be a breeze, and you might qualify to make even more money from a formal program (such as a GED program).

Even if it’s your first time, tutoring is a rewarding experience and there is a lot of information online (worksheets, guides, etc.) that will make it easy for you.

The cons: It can be difficult to become a tutor at first if you don’t have any contacts. If you sign up as a contractor to work with a tutoring agency, you will make a little less money per hour (the agency will take some “off the top”) and you may have to travel a ways from your home.

Also, hours for tutoring as a side job might be limited (since many kids aren’t home until the evening). You may only get to tutor 2-4 hours per week.

The extra income: Tutors can generally expect to make about $20 per hour. More complicated subjects earn more (college level physics, for example), as do music lessons. If you have to travel a ways from home, be sure to account for the transportation costs.

Be a sports official

The pros: If you love sports and want to stay active, being a referee or umpire might be a great side job for you. The schedule can be flexible; you might be able to work weeknights or weekends.

The cons: Well, there is always the chance you will get booed at by thousands of fans. Aside from that, there aren’t many cons here, as long as your schedule allows for it and your body can handle the extra exercise.

The extra income: Three things determine the pay for officials: geographic location, level of competition, and the sport. The higher the level of competition, the greater the pay. But it takes a while to move up in the ranks. Also, keep in mind that officials in the South tend to have the lowest pay, while the West Coast and Northeast offer higher levels of compensation. In most cases, the average sports official can expect to make around $50 per game.

Be a freelance artist

The pros: Unleash some creative energy and get paid for it with this side job. This can be rewarding and can help you refine your skills while also bringing in some extra dough.

The cons: Freelance photography, graphic design, and other art can be time consuming. You don’t want to overextend yourself if you already have a full-time job. Know your limits.

The extra income: You can expect to make, on average, between $20 and $30 per hour as a freelance artist working as a side job.

Be a repairman or repairwoman

The pros: You can put your skills and technical knowledge to use with this side job idea. If you like doing repairs, this will be “fun” for you and can also save friends, family, and neighbors, the added expenses that someone else might charge.

The cons: Repairs can be time-intensive, and this might be a problem if you already have a full-time job. If you can do repairs on the weekend, this shouldn’t be an issue.

The extra income: The extra income you will make from this side job really depends on what you’re working on and the type of repair. Many mechanics charge more than $20 per hour for their labor. If you do a good job, you might bring in a similar pay. Just keep in mind that friends and family might be expecting you to cut them a deal.

Some other ideas for side jobs

There are many other great side jobs out there. A pet sitting business, a baking or catering business, personal training, landscaping, and many similar ideas would make great side jobs. The bottom line when it comes to side jobs is this: Find something you enjoy doing, find people you can do it for, and charge a reasonable price. If you follow these steps, you can begin to generate extra income from a side job, and you will likely have fun doing it.

For more information about making more money (or spending less) and to speak with a professional to get free advice about your budget, check out our budget and credit counseling service.

Thomas Bright is a longstanding Clearpoint blogger and student loan repayment aficionado who hopes that his writing can simplify complex subjects. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him hiking, running or reading philosophy. You can follow him on Twitter.

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