17 Weekend Side Hustles To Boost Your Bank Account

If you’re one of the more than 80% of working Americans who get nights and weekends off, you might be itching to use that extra time to earn extra cash. The good news is that the right weekend side hustle can get you that money without eating too much into your much-needed downtime.

Whether you’re saving up for a big purchase, tackling debt, or just looking for a little financial breathing room, a few hours of hustling each weekend can quickly add up. Here are some of the best options.

What’s a side hustle?

A side hustle is a temporary or part-time way to earn extra income on top of your main job. It’s perfect for people who want some extra cash without the stress of borrowing money or managing a full-blown second job.

For many hustlers, a side gig offers a lot more flexibility than becoming formally employed with a second company, but what it looks like varies from person to person. It might be a short-term gig, a one-off project, or even a hobby you turn into a source of income.

Here are some of the advantages of side hustle jobs:

- Flexible hours. Most side hustles let you tailor your schedule around your existing commitments, whether it’s family time, errands and chores, or hobbies you do for fun.

- Variety of options. Whether you’re a social media whiz or have a knack for fixing up garage sale finds, there’s a side hustle for you. You can monetize pretty much anything, so you’ll find something to love.

- Be your own boss. Many side hustles let you set your own rates and be your own boss, giving you greater control over your workload and earnings.

- Test the waters. If you’re thinking about a career change, a weekend side hustle is a great way to test the waters of a new field or industry before taking the plunge full-time.

17 of the best weekend side hustle ideas

Ready to learn how to make money on the weekend? Here are 17 ideas to get your lucrative creative juices flowing.

1. Become a freelancer

Are you an expert wordsmith, design prodigy, or social media guru? Pick up some freelance gigs. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr make it easy to market your skills to clients needing help with short-term projects. You might not be able to charge a lot for those first few projects, but once you’ve built a solid portfolio, you may even find that your earnings start to eclipse what you’re making at your full-time job.

2. Sell your crafts

If you’re artsy or enjoy working with your hands, turn your creative skills into cash. Etsy and local craft fairs are great places to sell handmade items like soaps, jewelry, and artwork. You can even create your own website for free or at a low cost.

3. Become a virtual assistant

For organized people, becoming a virtual assistant is the perfect weekend side hustle from home. Entrepreneurs and busy professionals are always on the lookout for help with calendar management, emails, and other vital business tasks. Virtual assistant work can pay well and often comes with flexible hours — and you can usually do it all without ever leaving the house.

4. Become a brand ambassador

If you have a large social media following, consider becoming an ambassador for products and brands you love. Companies often hire influencers to promote their products at events, festivals, or online — and they might even throw in some free swag. You can also use affiliate links to earn a little bit of commission when someone buys a product from your recommendation.

5. Take paid surveys

Taking online surveys won’t make you rich, but it’s a super easy way to increase your income while relaxing on the couch. Sites like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks offer cash or gift cards in exchange for a little time spent sharing your opinion.

6. Become a mystery shopper

Companies hire mystery shoppers to evaluate customer experiences at stores, restaurants, and other businesses. It’s a fun way to get paid to go out and maybe even score free stuff. There are quite a few companies out there, so look for one in your area.

7. Give lessons

Are you a yoga instructor, Pinterest-worthy cake decorator, or Photoshop pro? Share your passion and earn some extra money by teaching a class or workshop. Check out community centers, local businesses, or online platforms to find opportunities to host a class. If you’d rather not leave the house, film and post YouTube videos sharing your expertise, which can earn you ad money and sponsorships.

8. Sell your gently used items

Turn your closet clutter into cash! Sites like Poshmark and Facebook Marketplace make it easy to sell used clothing, electronics, and household items. If you’ve got an eye for vintage treasures, thrifting and reselling is another great way to turn a quick profit.

9. Referee youth sports

Are you an athlete who loves working with kids? Many communities need referees for their youth sports leagues. It’s a great opportunity to make some money while staying active and having fun.

10. Give guided tours

If you’re a history or culture buff who knows the city inside and out, turn your knowledge into cash by leading guided tours. You can find a part-time gig with a local tour company or set up a website and social media profiles to offer tours of your own. Sites like Airbnb and GetYourGuide can also host your services.

11. Set up and break down events

Got some muscles and don’t mind the hustle? Companies and individuals often need an extra set of hands before and after events like parties, conferences, and weddings, which tend to get scheduled on weekends.

12. Teach a foreign language

If you’re fluent in another language, you’ve got a valuable skill that language learners will pay good money for. Platforms like italki connect you with people looking for online lessons, allowing you to set your own hours and earn some cash while sharing the kind of knowledge that makes the world a better, more connected place.

13. Help out with yard work

Many people love having a beautiful outdoor space but don’t have the time (or the green thumb) to keep their yard looking good. You can make some solid side cash by mowing lawns, weeding, or doing light landscaping around your neighborhood. A platform like TaskRabbit can connect you with people who need help with projects big and small.

14. Become a petsitter

If you get along great with animals, cat sitting or dog walking is the perfect weekend side hustle. Apps like Rover and Wag! make it easy to connect with area pet owners looking for everything from quick drop-in visits to overnight care.

15. Rent out your space

Websites like Airbnb allow you to rent a spare room, studio space, or even your entire home to travelers and nomads. This one depends on what you’ve got available (and if you’re renting, whether your lease allows short-term rentals), but it’s a great way to bring in extra funds during peak weekends.

16. Become a rideshare driver

If you have a clean car and enjoy meeting new people, driving for Uber or Lyft lets you set your own hours and explore your city while bringing in some extra cash.

17. Deliver food, groceries, or packages

The rise of delivery services like DoorDash and Amazon Flex has turned transporting people’s purchases from point A to point B into an accessible side gig. You just need a car and some time.

How much can you make from a weekend side hustle?

What are good side jobs paying these days? How much you earn depends on the type of side hustle you choose, the amount of time and effort you put in, and where you live. For example, Uber drivers in New York City make around $20 per hour, but in Austin, they make $17.

If you’re looking for the highest-paying options, look for jobs that require specific skills. Once you build up your client base, gigs like freelance writing or pet sitting can bring in a pretty respectable hourly rate. While something like taking surveys might not earn you quite as much, it’s an easy side job to make money without exhausting all your mental or physical energy.

Level up your side hustle game: 3 tips

Figuring out which weekend side hustle fits your skills and lifestyle best is just the first step. Follow these tips to boost your earnings and get the most out of the time you’re putting in:

1. Market yourself. A strong online presence can help you showcase your skills to attract clients or customers.

2. Track your spending. You need to report your side gig earnings to the IRS, but you can deduct many work-related expenses to lower your taxable income.

3. Invest in your skills. Online courses or workshops can help you learn new things, develop a money mindset, and get an edge over the competition.

Need extra cash today? EarnIn has you covered

Money-making apps and weekend jobs are a great way to meet your short-term financial goals. But if you need a little coverage between gigs or paydays, EarnIn’s Cash Out tool puts your money in your hands when you need it most.

Cash Out lets you access your earnings as you work — up to $100 a day or up to $750 every pay period — with no interest, no credit checks, and no mandatory fees.

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