your ultimate guide to the 12 best jobs for side hustlers and entrepreneurs in 2025.

Businesses need more content than ever but don’t always have time to create it. That’s where AI content creators step in. They take existing materials—like blog posts, videos, or media interviews—and use AI tools such as ChatGPT, Jasper, or Claude. These tools help generate fresh content for social media, newsletters, and websites.

Businesses are willing to pay for someone who can repackage their content into engaging posts and captions across different platforms. Since AI does the heavy lifting, this requires only familiarity with AI tools, making it ideal for side hustlers. Interestingly, AI content creators on Upwork charge up to $200 per hour, making it one of the highest-paying side hustles for 2025.

Podcasting is growing fast. According to eMarketer, 141 million Americans are projected to listen in 2025, up from 135.4 million in 2024. However many podcasters need help with booking guests, editing audio and video, and promoting episodes.

Many podcasters post video versions on YouTube, increasing the need for video editing skills. If you know audio editing, guest outreach, or content repurposing, you can offer services as a podcast manager or producer. Podcast assistants on Fiverr charge up to $500 per project, making this a great gig for those who enjoy media production.

Graphic design doesn’t have to mean client work. If you have an eye for visual design, you can create social media templates, website layouts, or presentation slides and sell them on sites like Etsy or Canva.

Businesses are producing more online content than ever, and buying templates makes their job easier. There is a huge demand for Instagram post templates, TikTok thumbnails, and LinkedIn carousels. One social media template pack on Etsy sells for $72, showing how designers can earn passive income with the right strategy.

If you understand social media marketing, SEO or paid advertising, you can start a side hustle helping businesses grow their online presence. Companies are outsourcing digital marketing more than ever. Many small business owners don’t have time to run their own campaigns.

Freelancers in this space often start with managing social media accounts, writing SEO-optimized blog posts, or running Facebook and Google ads. Since businesses pay for results, digital marketers earn $50,000 to $75,000 per year. Some charge $100 per hour for high-level consulting, making it one of the best jobs for side hustlers.

According to Grand View Research, the short rental market is projected to grow 11.4% from 2025 to 2030, increasing demand for Airbnb and Vrbo property management.

Short-term rental managers handle guest communication, scheduling cleaners, and ensuring smooth operations—either remotely or in person. Many property owners pay a percentage of bookings or an hourly rate (as high as $35 per hour in South Florida, according to Rewers).

This is a great side hustle for those who are organized, good with people, and interested in real estate.

Small businesses need help managing their books, but many can’t afford full-time accountants. If you know accounts payable, tax preparation, or QuickBooks, bookkeeping can be a great side hustle.

Freelance bookkeepers can start with a few small business clients and scale as demand grows. Since this work is always needed, bookkeepers can earn $42,000 to $52,000 per year, with higher earnings for those specializing in tax prep.

With businesses needing constant content, writing remains a profitable side hustle. If you enjoy writing blogs, website copy, or marketing emails, you can start small and grow your client base over time.

Many copywriters find work through Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn, with rates ranging from $30 to $100 per hour making it one of the best jobs for side hustlers. AI is making writing faster, but human creativity is still in demand—especially for persuasive sales copy and brand storytelling.

Sales roles offer unlimited earning potential, making them one of the best side hustles for those who are persuasive and driven. Many companies pay commission-based income, meaning you earn based on what you sell.

Opportunities range from retail and SaaS sales to insurance and real estate. Earnings vary widely, but top performers can make $56,000 to $68,000 per year—or much more in commission-heavy roles.

With e-commerce and supply chain jobs booming, those with experience in inventory management or logistics can take on side gigs as warehouse supervisors. Some companies offer contract work or flexible hours, allowing professionals to earn extra income.

Warehouse supervisors typically earn $55,000 to $75,000 per year, and those who consult on efficiency improvements can charge even higher rates.

Many licensed electricians take on independent projects outside their day jobs, offering services like home wiring, panel upgrades, and appliance installations. This work requires proper licensing, but independent contractors often earn $60,000 to $66,000 per year, with even higher rates for specialized work, making it one of the best jobs for side hustlers.

For finance professionals, tax preparation is a high-demand seasonal side hustle. With knowledge of tax laws, deductions, and financial planning, tax preparers can earn anywhere from $50 to $500 per client during tax season, making it one of the best jobs for side hustlers.

Many start by helping friends and family with their taxes before expanding their client base through referrals. Certifications like the Enrolled Agent (EA) credential can boost credibility, allowing tax preparers to charge higher rates. Since tax season peaks between January and April, this hustle allows for significant earnings without year-round commitment.

Side hustles aren’t limited to online work—many skilled tradespeople turn their expertise into lucrative independent businesses. Electricians, HVAC specialists, and equipment repair technicians often take on independent jobs outside their full-time roles.

With the growing demand for machinery maintenance and electrical repairs, those with specialized skills can build a strong client base. Field service technicians typically earn $26 to $34 per hour, but independent contractors can charge significantly more. Many start with weekend or after-hours gigs and eventually transition into self-employment.

The rise of side hustles isn’t just about making extra money—it’s changing how people think about careers. Whether you’re leveraging AI, tapping into digital marketing, or offering services in finance, sales, or design, there are more ways than ever to create flexible income streams in 2025.

The key? Start small, test the market, and scale as you grow. Whether you want financial independence, new skills, or a path to full-time entrepreneurship, the right side hustle can get you there.

want to learn more? find out:

• the highest paying jobs in Canada in 2025
• the trending job skills employers are looking for in 2025

Need tips on finding a job that suits you?

Subscribe to our candidate newsletter and stay updated on potential positions and related opportunities by following us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

To ensure you make the most of your career, look at our related articles to learn about potential roles and salary negotiation tips. These articles include:

• jobs you didn't know paid over $100K per year
• salary negotiation tips and tricks you need to try
• things you can negotiate in a job offer that aren't your base salary

Make sure your resume is up-to-date. Then share it with us to connect with a recruiter and be matched with job opportunities that works for you.