Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
In the modern work landscape, side hustles have become a popular option for professionals at every stage in their careers.
Side hustles are jobs taken on in addition to a primary role — often in a part-time or freelance capacity — to supplement your income. And side jobs that pay well can also help you explore a potential career change or build experience so you can reach your next career goal.
Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or simply seeking a secondary income stream, discovering high-paying side jobs can be both lucrative and empowering.
Before you dive into our list of side hustle jobs, set realistic expectations for your side hustle job search.
A few high-paying side jobs offer hourly rates over $30, $40, or $50. Others, especially those requiring less experience or expertise, generally offer lower pay.
When you’re analyzing high-paying side hustles and ways to make money from home, ensure you’re considering it in the context of the industry and comparable roles.
It’s worth noting that side hustles with lower median pay, such as social media management, affiliate marketing, or virtual admin roles, are often easier to find when you have little or no work experience. By creatively reframing your experience, you might find that you can get your foot in the door with nothing more than a list of your transferable skills.
On the other hand, the highest-paying side jobs will require credentials similar to full-time roles.
With that in mind, consider the following list to find the highest-paying side hustles that fit your skills and career goals.
Account managers have the opportunity to leverage their skills in customer service, sales, and relationship-building.
Focus on managing client accounts, ensuring customer satisfaction, and upselling products or services — a flexible yet engaging way to enhance income and build your network.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $43.57 per hour with an average career growth projection.
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As an adjunct professor, your responsibilities include planning lessons, delivering lectures, and assessing student performance.
A master’s or doctoral degree in the relevant subject area and a passion for education and mentorship are typically required.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $38.87 per hour with a career growth projection of 8% (faster than average)
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As a bookkeeper, you’re entrusted with organizing and managing financial records and transactions.
Your tasks span from handling bank reconciliations to generating detailed financial reports. You play a crucial role in helping businesses streamline their financial management.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $22.05 per hour with a career growth projection of 6% (slower than average)
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You directly address and resolve technical issues for users when you work in computer support. You’re hands-on, providing essential assistance and making sure their computer systems are running smoothly and effectively.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $28.68 per hour with a career growth projection of 5% (faster than average)
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With expertise in a particular area, consultants typically work with an organization to provide guidance, review processes, and improve performance.
Of the high-paying jobs in consulting, IT often offers some of the highest pay.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $45.81 per hour with a career growth projection of 10% (much faster than average)
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Content writing is a versatile field offering opportunities to express and monetize your writing skills.
Writers can specialize in various niches, from grant writers to medical writers. With an increasing demand for digital content, skilled writers can easily find a side hustle that pays well.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $35.17 per hour with a career growth projection of 4% (as fast as average)
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Immerse yourself in the world of words as a copy editor. Your keen eye for detail and passion for grammar will elevate the quality of written content.
You’re the last line of defense against errors, proofreading each piece to ensure it’s polished, precise, and ready to publish.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $35.14 per hour with a career growth projection of 4% (slower than average)
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You’ll be the voice that customers associate with a brand.
Your knack for communication and problem-solving helps answer questions, resolve issues, and ensure customers walk away with a positive experience.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $18.16 per hour with a career growth projection of 5% (slower than average)
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In event jobs, every day is different. You’re pulling together corporate gatherings, intimate marketing functions, or large festivals, ensuring every detail is spot-on.
Your touch turns ordinary into unforgettable, ensuring each event, regardless of its scale, is executed flawlessly.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $25.27 per hour with a career growth projection of 8% (faster than average)
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If you’re proficient in design software, such as Photoshop, this might be the perfect side hustle that pays well.
You’ll focus on creating visual content for a range of media, from digital to print. Your tasks include designing marketing materials, websites, and brand assets.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $27.88 per hour with a career growth projection of 3% (as fast as average)
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Human service jobs involve providing support and assistance to individuals and communities in need.
Professionals in this field work in various settings, addressing issues related to health, housing, and social welfare, requiring strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $18.52 per hour with a career growth projection of 9% (much faster than average)
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This role involves typing audio recordings of legal proceedings into written text. Accuracy, attention to detail, and a strong grasp of legal terminology are key skills.
You’ll discover that this is a side hustle that pays well, as it’s an essential part of the legal process.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $30.56 per hour with a career growth projection of 3% (as fast as average)
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As a market researcher, you collect and analyze data to help businesses understand their markets.
Your tasks may include conducting surveys, analyzing consumer behavior, and interpreting data to provide insights that influence business decisions, requiring skills in analysis and communication.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $32.80 per hour with a career growth projection of 13% (much faster than average)
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In this role, you’re tasked with translating health care services into universal medical codes. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential.
While this isn’t one of the highest-paying side hustles, there is a shorter learning curve than many other fields. Along the way, you’ll gain skills in billing, statistics, and research, which you can apply to many industries.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $22.69 per hour with a career growth projection of 8% (faster than average)
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As a photographer, your primary duty is capturing high-quality images for a variety of uses, from commercial advertising to real estate.
Technical expertise in operating camera equipment, a creative eye, and editing skills are essential to produce visual content that meets clients’ specific needs and aesthetics.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $19.31 per hour with a career growth projection of 4% (as fast as average)
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Project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They manage the details, including scope, time, and budget constraints.
Essential skills include leadership, communication, and problem-solving to ensure projects align with organizational goals and are delivered effectively and efficiently.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $45.85 per hour with a career growth projection of 6% (faster than average)
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Recruiters work in HR and focus on identifying, attracting, and hiring top talent for open positions within organizations.
Responsibilities include screening candidates, conducting interviews, and managing the hiring process. Strong communication, evaluation, and negotiation skills are crucial in matching the right candidates with suitable roles.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $30.88 per hour with a career growth projection of 6% (faster than average)
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Social workers play a pivotal role in supporting individuals and communities facing a range of challenges. Responsibilities often include case management, counseling, and advocacy.
Knowledge of social work theories, ethical practices, and legal regulations is essential, as is the ability to empathize and provide solutions.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $26.61 per hour with a career growth projection of 7% (faster than average)
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Software developers are tasked with designing, testing, and maintaining applications and systems. Critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and proficiency in programming languages are key.
Their work involves collaborating with other IT professionals to develop software solutions that meet both user needs and system requirements efficiently.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $59.71 per hour with a career growth projection of 25% (much faster than average)
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Technical writers create clear, concise documents to communicate complex information easily.
In this role, you’ll produce manuals, guides, and FAQs, requiring an in-depth understanding of the subject matter, excellent writing skills, and the ability to translate technical jargon into accessible language.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $38.44 per hour with a career growth projection of 7% (faster than average)
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Translators convert written material from one language to another, ensuring that translations accurately reflect the original content.
Proficiency in at least two languages, strong writing skills, and cultural knowledge are essential.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $25.79 per hour with a career growth projection of 4% (as fast as average)
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As a travel agent, you’re equipped with the expertise to plan and book travel arrangements for clients. Your tasks include researching destinations, booking accommodations, and offering tailored travel advice.
Knowledge of the travel industry and excellent customer service skills are helpful to meet clients’ specific needs and preferences.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $22.31 per hour with a career growth projection of 3% (as fast as average)
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Tutors provide personalized educational support to help students understand complex subjects, improve grades, or prepare for exams.
Proficiency in a specific subject, strong communication skills, and patience are crucial for this role.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $21.55 per hour with a career growth projection of 3% (as fast as average)
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Another side hustle that pays well, video editors are tasked with assembling raw footage and transforming it into a finished product.
Essential skills include proficiency with editing software, a keen eye for detail, and creative flair. Create engaging and visually appealing videos aligned with specific goals and audiences.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $30.01 per hour with a career growth projection of 7% (faster than average)
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Web designers create and design websites, focusing on both the aesthetic and functional aspects.
A combination of SEO and design skills, along with proficiency in coding languages like Ruby on Rails and WordPress is crucial. Their work ensures that websites are user-friendly, visually pleasing, and aligned with client objectives.
Side hustle outlook: Median pay of $38.81 per hour with a career growth projection of 16% (much faster than average)
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