Working on the weekends can be a deal-breaker for many, but for others, it’s the perfect opportunity to earn some extra cash or even start exploring a new career path without leaving their day job.
Whether you’re looking to boost your income, start or change careers, or simply move closer to financial independence, here's a list full of weekend job ideas for you.
Can you work on weekends if you already have a full-time job?
It's not illegal to have a second job in the U.S. However, you should check your work contract, if you have one, to ensure there are no restrictions, such as an exclusivity clause or a non-compete agreement.
“Employers can, and often do, institute policies or contract terms that would either limit or prohibit other employment,” employment attorney and workplace legal expert Peter Rahbar told The Muse when previously consulted. “This is very common for senior executives, but is also often imposed company-wide.”
Beyond these considerations, you can typically find a second job on weekends without any issues.
24 of the best weekend jobs to consider
These are some of the best weekend jobs, with descriptions and requirements—all you need to do is choose the one that best suits your current needs and skills.
Best part-time jobs for weekends
Looking to work on the weekends but still have some time for yourself? These part-time jobs to work on weekends might be for you:
1. Event photographer/videographer
An event photographer or videographer—whether hired by an agency or working as a freelancer—captures all or part of an event for posterity. This can include weddings, graduations, festivals, conversions, baptisms, baby showers, and more.
This might be an ideal fit if you’re passionate about photography or videography and eager to develop or specialize in technical skills related to photo and video settings and editing. These skills can be acquired through workshops, specialized certifications, and lots of practice.
You'll have the flexibility to set your own rates and choose the number of projects you take on each weekend.
2. Real estate agent
Real estate agents are licensed professionals who manage the purchase and sale of commercial or residential properties, earning a commission for each transaction.
To become a real estate agent, you need to pass a licensing exam. This requires taking pre-licensing courses approved by your state. You'll also need to join a real estate brokerage firm, which ensures that sales comply with legal standards and handles payment processing. Although it requires effort, it often proves worthwhile.
While your pay is commission-based, part-time or weekend real estate agents who work less than 20 hours per week can earn an average salary of up to $24,566 per year.
3. Medical scribe
This role involves assisting physicians by taking notes on each patient's medical history, entering the information into specific databases, helping prepare surgical instruments, and documenting each patient's medical findings.
Being a medical scribe requires specific professional preparation and a strong attention to detail. You should possess excellent typing skills, an interest in each patient's story, and the ability to support the physician by focusing solely on the patient's health.
4. Handyperson
A handyperson takes care of all kinds of household repairs and maintenance, like fixing plumbing issues, repairing electrical systems, and handling minor carpentry work.
If you have experience with home repairs and are familiar with basic maintenance tasks, this can be one of the best weekend part-time jobs to earn money using your existing skills. You can even get certified in different areas to offer your services with greater authority and expertise. (Here are our tips to get a blue-collar job.)
A handyperson can make between $14.84 to $35.33 per hour, depending on location, specialized skills, and project.
5. Personal trainer
If exercise is a key part of your life and you enjoy helping others on their fitness goals, becoming a fitness trainer might be a great part-time weekend job for you. Just keep in mind that having personal training certifications and specialized skills is highly recommended.
Referrals and a strong social media presence showcasing your skills can make a big difference and set you up for success. In addition to working as a personal trainer on weekends, consider selling personal training programs to boost your income.
The average rate for this position is around $22.35 per hour, but you can set your own pricing as well.
6. Tour guide
If you live in a historical or tourist area, consider becoming a weekend tour guide. You'll share interesting, informative facts about historic places with tourists eager to learn about the area's cultural heritage.
Tours are often organized by travel agencies or specialized companies, some of which offer training for entry-level guides. Strong communication skills are key for both informing and entertaining visitors. Fluency in two or more languages is also a plus.
While a high school diploma is typically the minimum requirement, some states and agencies might require a license or degree in culture or humanities. You can also become certified online. The average hourly wage for this job is about $19.37.
7. Tax preparer
In a world where the thought of filing taxes stresses thousands of people, becoming a tax preparer is a great weekend job idea if you're academically prepared for it. You can work as an independent contractor or a freelancer, helping clients understand their tax forms, complete, sign, and file them correctly, or assist with their reports.
Currently, U.S. tax preparers can earn between $14 to $47 per hour, depending on their location.
8. Bartender
Bartenders are responsible for mixing and serving alcoholic beverages in bars, restaurants, hotels, or similar establishments. In some states, a certification or specific training is required to work legally, while in others it’s a highly preferred credential. You can look for bartending schools and get certified if you’re interested to learn about mixology and bar management.
Being a bartender in the US pays an average of $15 per hour, not counting tips, bonuses, or location.
9. Rideshare driver
If you have a well-maintained car and are an excellent driver with a clean driving record, driving for a rideshare service could be a great weekend job with a flexible schedule.
You can work for companies like Uber or Lyft (after meeting their eligibility criteria) or operate as an independent contractor. Typically, your earnings as a contractor will depend on factors like location, service and booking fees, passenger demand (which often increases on weekends, holidays, and at the end of each month), and the tips you receive.
On average, a rideshare driver can earn around $16.91 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
10. Receptionist
Whether in a hotel, restaurant, place of business, or event space, the receptionist is in charge of promptly greeting and serving customers. Key qualities for this job include being quick, solution-oriented, patient, and friendly. Speaking more than one language is also a plus.
Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent experience in a related field is required. The average pay for a receptionist is $17.23 per hour.
Best weekend jobs from home
Don't have the time—or interest—to leave your home on weekends? No problem! You can still earn extra income with these work-from-home weekend jobs:
11. Content writer
Working as a contractor or freelance writer offers multiple opportunities to write about your areas of expertise, whether that's your industry or other subjects.
You can create content to persuade, inform, entertain, and educate. If you're keen on literature and storytelling, you can also work as a fiction ghostwriter, crafting micro-stories, chronicles, and even novels based on your client's request.
Set or negotiate your rates per word, milestone, project, or hour.
12. Copy editor
Copy editors review and correct written texts for grammar, syntax, spelling, and style. They ensure content conforms to specific writing standards (e.g., APA) or style guides, enhancing structure and readability without changing the subject matter. Copy editors handle texts across various platforms and subject areas.
If you have a literature-related background, equivalent experience in grammar, or proofreading skills in one or more languages, freelancing as a copy editor could be the best weekend job from home. You can manage your own schedule and set your rates by hour, word, or project.
On average, full-time copy editors earn around $36 per hour, though this can vary depending on project type, location, and demand.
13. Graphic designer
As a graphic designer, you can work on a variety of projects, including logo creation, UX/UI design, marketing materials (such as social media posts, email templates, and landing pages), and more.
This role requires specific skills, a keen attention to detail, and proficiency in design tools like Figma, Canva, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop.
If you’re passionate about design, drawing, or visual storytelling, freelancing as a graphic designer during weekends could be a great way to start your career in this field.
14. Sales representative
A sales representative does more than just sell products or services over the phone; they act as consultants.
Their responsibilities include building relationships with potential customers to find products that meet their needs, maintaining customer accounts by tracking all transactions, presenting new products to both new and existing customers, generating new leads through referrals and networking, and negotiating with customers using sales strategies to provide ideal solutions.
To become a sales representative, you can get on-the-job training, pursue online certifications, or even obtain a business degree. Successful sales reps typically have strong communication, persuasion, and customer service skills. Plus, most start in a specific industry and expand their expertise over time.
15. Social media analyst/specialist
A social media analyst or specialist does more than just create content. They can develop social media strategies or plans for brands or products, and then analyze the results.
This role is often in high demand and can be well-paying, whether full-time or part-time. To stand out, consider getting certifications. HubSpot and Hootsuite offer diverse social media certifications that can help you gain the skills needed for entry-level positions.
16. Babysitter
Babysitting typically involves taking care of children and keeping their safety while their parents are away. Although you don't need to be licensed to work as a babysitter, having a broad skill set (which can be developed through babysitting courses) and a genuine passion for caring for children are essential to thrive as one.
Depending on the hours and weekends you work, you can start earning from $14.60 per hour.
17. Virtual assistant
Being a virtual assistant offers a range of opportunities depending on your experience and your client's needs. You could work as a personal assistant, administrative assistant, interpreter/translator in meetings, or other roles.
Starting in this field is possible with little to no experience, but many recruiters prefer candidates with at least some completed education.
18. Customer service representative
As a customer service representative, you’ll handle questions, complaints, and requests from customers or users, providing effective solutions.
This job requires a high level of patience, strong communication skills, professionalism, in-depth product or service knowledge, and active listening abilities.
You’ll also need an appropriate setting, including a computer, headset with a microphone, and a reliable internet connection, all within a quiet environment at home.
You can work in shifts, with compensation either at a fixed rate or an hourly rate. In the U.S., customer service representatives typically earn around $19 per hour.
Best weekend jobs for students
Here are some fun weekend jobs you can do as a high school student with little to no experience:
19. Content moderator
Currently in high demand across many online forums, social media platforms, and official websites, a content moderator is responsible for filtering, managing, and editing conversations within a given web space.
This role is most wanted for eliminating unwanted content, bots, or spam. While the work can be repetitive, it often has a positive impact on the online community you serve. You’ll need to be proactive and detail-oriented!
As a content moderator, you can earn not only a fixed rate but also commissions, profit sharing, and tips, which can boost your monthly income.
20. Transcriptionist
If you have a keen eye for detail and can type quickly with few errors, this job might be a great fit for you.
Transcriptionists can work in various industries, converting recorded content into typed text, where speed and accuracy are highly valued.
While many rely on automated transcription software, professional transcriptionists—especially those specialized in fields like healthcare—often deliver better results and can earn more.
21. Retail sales representative
Working in retail on weekends can also provide a great first work experience. As a retail worker, you’ll gain insights into how a retail business operates, develop effective sales skills, and learn about customer service, handling transactions, and managing inventory effectively. This might be especially valuable when building your first resume.
The average hourly wage for this role, excluding commissions, is $16.19.
22. Pet sitter
If you’re a pet lover, being a pet sitter could be a great gig. As a pet sitter, you'll take care of pets while their owners are away, handling feeding, cleaning, and walks.
Pay varies depending on your responsibilities and the number of hours you work, but you can typically earn $20-30 per day. Apps like PetBacker and Rover allow you to set your own rates. With a solid client base, this weekend job can offer a good income and a bit of fun!
23. Barista
If you’re interested in the culinary industry, becoming a barista can be a great first step toward a career in this field and a perfect weekend side job.
As a barista, you’ll learn about the coffee-making process, from preparation to the many variations and unique presentations that make each cafe different.
You'll also develop customer service and memory skills, becoming more proactive in the process.
24. Personal tutor
You can help other students improve their grades in subjects you've already mastered.
Whether it's teaching basic math, a language, or effective study techniques, a personal tutor provides students with the tools and academic support they need to better understand and succeed in certain subjects.
Freelance personal tutors typically set their own rates, which can vary based on subject, experience, location, and availability.