In today's unpredictable economy, relying on just one source of income may not be enough for many. Whether you're looking to boost your savings, pay off credit card debt, or achieve a financial goal, picking up a second job can be a great way to earn some extra cash.
The key is to find something you like—or at least feel comfortable doing—and can balance with your primary job. Use a skill you have, like writing and coding, and try freelancing. Or maybe even turn a passion into a side hustle—if you love dogs, why not work as a dog sitter? The possibilities are endless.
To make your search a little bit easier, here are 16 good second job ideas for you.
Good second job ideas for extra money
In the first part of the list, you'll find on-site and in-person jobs. We've included ideas for both traditional and flexible second jobs, catering to those with busy schedules as well as those who can commit to a part-time activity.
1. Babysitter
You know the deal: babysitters typically look after children and help them with their basic needs while their parents are out. Your responsibilities might involve feeding, bathing, playing, and helping with homework.
If you enjoy spending time with kids and are patient, caring, and responsible, babysitting could be a great way to make extra cash. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the average pay for child care workers is $14.60 per hour.
2. Pet sitter
If you have a stronger bond with pets than with children, pet sitting is an extra job that might work well for you. Like babysitting, pet sitting consists of taking care of pets when their owners are away. You'll either have to sleep at the owner's home or visit one or more times daily to feed, play with, and clean up after the pets. Pet sitting platforms like Rover and PetBacker allow you to set your own schedule and prices.
3. Bartender or waiter
Bartending or waiting tables are popular side income jobs—and full-time jobs for many—thanks to the flexible schedules these jobs offer. Bartenders and servers typically greet customers, take orders, serve food and drinks, handle bills, and take payments. The main difference is that bartenders mix drinks, while waiters send orders to the kitchen. The average pay for bartenders is $15.15 per hour and waiters make on average $15.36 per hour.
4. Delivery driver
Delivery drivers are in high demand right now. If you've got a license for a truck or motorcycle and don't mind carrying some boxes around, this could be a good second job. You could work for food companies, e-commerce businesses, or both. Depending on the company, you will be able to make your own schedule. The average pay for delivery truck drivers and driver workers is $19.21 per hour.
6. Rideshare driver
Rideshare driving is one of the best second jobs for full-time workers who don't need a huge amount of extra cash or a steady second income. Working with platforms like Uber and Lyft lets you set your own schedule and adjust the number of rides you take based on your financial needs and goals.
7. House cleaner
House cleaning isn't for the faint-hearted. You'll tackle all kinds of surfaces, from bathtubs to toilets, and tidy up your clients' messes. However, it's the type of side job that you can take on weekends—plus, depending on your location and clients' budgets, it can pay quite well. According to the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median hourly wage for maids and housekeeping cleaners is $16.66.
8. Handyperson
Do you know how to hang shelves, assemble furniture, or repair appliances? You can leverage these skills to earn extra money working as a handyperson in your spare time. Basic tasks don't require specialized skills, but more complex jobs involving plumbing and electrical work might require licensing, depending on state laws. The average salary for general maintenance and repair workers is $22.45 per hour.
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9. DJ
To work as a DJ, you need a passion for music and proficiency with DJ equipment. It's also important to be versatile and adaptable, able to adjust your repertoire to different crowds and events whether you're playing at nightclubs or wedding parties. Payment amount may vary according to the client, but you can expect an average pay of $20.94 per hour, according to the OOH.
10. Photographer
Being a photographer is a full-time job for many, but it's also one of the best side careers for those looking to earn extra income. You'll need a good eye for photography, proficiency with professional cameras, and strong image editing skills. Most photographers use their own equipment, so you might need to make an investment upfront.
You can photograph weddings, engagements, business products, sporting events, and more. Self-employed photographers typically set their own prices, adjusting based on the event, hours worked, and location. But if you need a benchmark to get started, the average pay for this occupation is $19.60 per hour.
Side jobs from home to make extra money
There are also many second job ideas that let you work from home and make money online. These are ideal for full-time workers with limited spare time or energy for on-site duties. That doesn't mean they are all easy, though—some require a lot of intellectual effort, but the financial returns can be worth it.
11. Online tutor
People turn to the internet every day to learn something new, and tutoring online has proven to be a great way to make extra cash. Earnings depend on the platform you choose, work hours, and subject, but if you can stick to a weekly schedule, you can make a decent amount. For instance, language tutors on italki charge from $10 to 80$ per hour.
12. Virtual assistant
Virtual assistants handle all kinds of administrative tasks, like scheduling meetings and appointments, booking hotel reservations and flights, answering emails, and data entry. If you're thinking about this as a side job, make sure your tech skills, time management, and organization are on point.
13. Freelance writer
If you have good writing skills, freelance writing is another great side job. You can take on as many clients as you can handle and increase your earnings by offering different writing services. For instance, you could be a ghost writer, copywriter, content writer, and SEO writer—as long as you have all the necessary skills for each, of course.
14. Freelance designer
Like writers, freelance designers can offer a range of services, from developing a brand's visual identity to creating social media posts. This second job idea works best for creatives who already have the skills to produce high-quality work.
15. Web developer
Tech jobs like web development are also great for making extra cash from home. Simply put, you'd be building and maintaining websites. To do that, you'll need to be skilled in multiple coding languages, including Java, C++, and HTML. Soft skills like time management, communication, and problem-solving are also fundamental. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the average pay for web developers is $44.59 per hour.
16. Fitness instructor
If you have a passion for exercising, becoming a fitness instructor could be the perfect side job for you—and yes, you can do it from home by offering personalized fitness programs for sale. Typically, fitness instructors don't need a college degree, but depending on your specialty and state laws, some basic certifications and training might be required.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE), the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), the Nation Personal Training Association (NPTA) are great resources for information on the certifications and skills needed. The median pay for fitness instructors is $22.35 per hour, but to sell fitness programs you can set your price.
FAQs
Is it OK to work a second job?
There's no legal impediment to working two jobs in the U.S. However, some companies have policies against it, so it's important to check your contract. “Make sure that your company’s own policies do not prohibit a side hustle,” said Peter Rahbar, employment attorney and workplace legal expert. “If the side hustle does not compete, conflict or interfere with your main job, it most likely will not be an issue.”
How to get a side job?
Depending on the type of side job you're looking for, you can find it on traditional job platforms (like right here on The Muse, hi!), freelance websites, and even on LinkedIn. To uncover opportunities that might not be listed on these websites, try reaching out to your network.
Read this next: This Is How People Land Jobs That Are Never (Ever) Posted
How to make extra income while working full-time?
The best side jobs for full-time workers are often those you can do remotely, on weekends, or with flexible hours. Examples include virtual assistant, freelance writer, rideshare driver, pet sitter, handyperson, and online tutor.