Whether you want to pay down your credit card debt or save money for your dream vacation, we could all use a little extra cash. Of course, finding that extra money can be a challenge when you are working 40 hours per week at your full-time job. Thankfully, there ways for you to earn an additional income while still working full-time. In fact, most side gigs can earn make an extra $500 a month easily. Here are 101 different ways for you to achieve that goal:
Make an Extra $500 a Month At Your Current Job
Since you have a full-time job, you can use that full-time gig to your advantage to make some extra cash. Because of the convenience of already knowing the job, you are already on site, you already have contact with the persons that make decisions – this is one of the best places to start.
1. Volunteer for Overtime
You’ve already spent more than enough time at work, but volunteering for overtime is one of the easiest ways to earn extra money. Often the boss is relieved to have the offer of the extra help.
2. Refer New Employees
Some places of business will offer a bonus if you refer a new employee. If you know someone who needs a job, take advantage of this referral program.
3. Customer Referral
Just like an employee referral program, some companies offer a referral compensation program if you bring in new customers.
4. Do a Job No One Else Wants
Are there any tasks or projects that no one wants to be part? Offer to complete these unwanted assignments for a fee, of course.
5. Use the Suggestion Box
If your employer pays for awesome suggestions, then put your thinking cap on and start filling that suggestion box.
Cash in On Your Skills or Hobbies
Most of us are skilled and experienced at something – or have an interest in another area, that we don’t usually get paid to do. If that’s the situation, you can finally put your talents or hobbies to work if you need some additional dough. You may be a wiz at the computer and feel that everyone knows what you know. Picture grandma. Hundreds of grandma’s are sitting in their homes wondering how to dot an Ion their new computer and these people and many others like them are willing to pay for help to learn the how-to’s.
6. Launch a Blog
No matter your interest or talent, you can write on about it on your blog and make money by selling ads.
7. eBook Publishing
Another way to make an extra extra $500 a month through your writing is to publish eBooks in either your field of expertise or whatever you’re passionate about. This goes back to #6 and you can often combine a blog and ebook, by taking all of your blogs on a certain subject and making an ebook from them.
8. Coaching or Consulting
If writing isn’t your cup of tea, you can offer your services to individuals or businesses either in person or via Skype or Google Hangouts. Some people just need someone to help push them forward. You can be this person.
9. Public Speaking
If you have an inspiring story or if you have the ability to motivate others while sharing your knowledge, public speaking is a lucrative side business where you could make anywhere from a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand dollars per gig.
10. Photography
Do you have an eye for capturing moments? Put those skills to work and start a side gig as a photographer. Instead of trying to be a jack-of-all-trades, focus on a niche like weddings. How about the first day of school photos, holiday, or class reunion photo how to’s (this could include the explanation of what will make the best memories, and how to upload to those attending).
11. Sell Pictures
Another way to make an extra $500 a month from photography is to sell your images to sites like Shutterstock. If you are artistic and unique with your photography in any way, Shutterstock (and others) will be interested in your pictures.
12. Become a Gym Instructor
Whether you’re trained as a personal trainer, yoga instructor, or weight lifter, you can find some part time work at the local gym. Again, some people just need someone with them to push or encourage them to continue their workout.
13. Become Umpire/Refer
One Ump told Business Insider, “I umpire softball/baseball games for USSSA. There’s also Little League, ASA, and others. I make $30 for an hour-and-10-minute game. Ten games in a weekend, and that’s $300. You can also maybe pick some games up after work. It’s not so bad if you, “don’t mind a little yapping in your ear.”
14. Caddie
Love golf and being outside? Caddie on the side. You’d be surprised at how much money you’ll be able to rake-in. A good caddie is hard to find. Some golf courses make you sign up for this job. Check it out in the pro-shop.
15. DJ Events
If you’re a music lover and have the gear, charge people for your deejaying services.
16. Run a Photo Booth
Unlike photography, you don’t need a whole lot of experience in running a photo booth. Once you get the basics, it’s pretty easy and you can pocket around $1,000 per weekend if you work a couple of events. Be easy to work with, take the shots people dream up, chat up the people, and enjoy yourself. You’ll have all the work you can stand.
17. Become a Session Musician
Talented musicians can sit-in during concerts or recording sessions and actually get paid for their talent. Many places need rehearsal pianists and the like. Be willing to go early and stay late.
18. Write Music
You can offer to write and record music on sites like, Fiverr and Craigslist. Or write and record something for YouTube. Nowadays, many have become famous doing this.
19. Woodworking
You can turn this hobby into a nice little side business by selling your crafts on sites like Etsy or at local flea markets. Keep your ears open to what people are looking for and make what people want.
20. Scrapbooking
Here’s another creative hobby that you can start cashing in on. Chron.com has a simple step-by-by guides to getting this business started. Google scrapbook and see what comes up. Some people want something particular, and others don’t care and you can do what you want. Scrapbooking can be a great creative outlet.
21. Cater
If you’re an excellent cook then you should start catering events on the side. Here are a few tips to getting paid along the way. You may want to sign up and work for a busy caterer for a while. This is a tough business, and you may need help. But small specialty parties like a baby shower, wedding shower, graduation party, etc., are a little more manageable.
22. Bake
If you’re a better baker than chef, then start selling your baked goods, such as birthday or wedding cakes, during your spare time. I had a neighbor who sold three things. Homemade bread. Homemade breadsticks, and cinnamon rolls. That’s it. She made a ton of money. All a person had to do was call her early in the morning for their order. This woman was able to stay home and raise 4 kids in style with this business.
23. Movie or TV Extra
If there’s a major network or studio production in your town, you may be able to bring in a quick $200 per day just by being an extra.
24. Watch TV
If you’re a TV junkie who binge watches their favorite TV show, then you may be able to start earning some extra money. You can download the Viggle App, which doesn’t pay much, or become a Netflix ‘tagger,’ which has only launched in the UK and Ireland, so far, but watch for it to be in other countries soon.
25. Create or Edit Videos
If you have the talent and equipment, you can either start creating your own YouTube videos or editing them for others.
26. Draw Caricatures
Artists can sell caricatures at fairs or local parks. Be sure to get a business license draw at the park in most cities.
27. Make Jewelry
There’s a demand for handmade jewelry on sites like, Etsy. Also many local spas, resorts, and even hair salons like to sell great jewelry. To get started you could start by selling on consignment until they see your worth.
28. Knit or Crochet
There’s also a market for handmade knit items on Etsy. Baby items such as a shawl, or blanket sell very well. Even knitted baby clothing sells. Listen around your office for someone who has a special person coming in their life.
29. Build Websites
You don’t necessarily have to be an expert at web design or development, although that does help, to build simple websites for individuals and small businesses. You might be able to fetch $100 per site.
30. Build an App
If you love to code and have an awesome idea for an app, then you can absolutely cash-in on you app.
31. Social Media Manager
If you’re social media wiz, then start charging individuals and small businesses to manage their social media accounts.
32. Repair Computers
If you love to fix computers, or even the latest, start a little repair business during your downtown. Half the time the computer just needs to be unplugged for a while
33. Auto Repair
Whether it’s changing oil or repainting a vehicle, use your talents and garage as a new side gig. There is also the gig of, “I will take your car while you are at work and get it cleaned inside and out.” Ditto for the pick-up and change the oil, gig.
34. Tutor
If you’re proficient in subjects like math, science, English, history, or pretty much any other subject, then start tutoring after work or on the weekends. Parents are overwhelmed and need help in this area. Start looking in your own neighborhood first.
35. Teach English
There are plenty of people from around the world looking to learn English as a second language. You help them out on a part time basis. Most people only need to have you sit and speak with them or go for a walk and speak.
36. Install Software
If you have a knack for installing software, then reach out to local businesses who need someone to do this this task for them. Many cities or chamber-of- commerce’s look for these types of part-time help.
37. Bookkeeping
This isn’t the most exciting side gig, but there a plenty of businesses and individuals who could use someone to keep their paperwork in order.
38. Tax Preparation
Everyone could use a little assistance when preparing their taxes so that they can claim the right deductions and have filed in-time. (note: make sure to file a 1099 when you do this.) Some professional tax company’s need seasonal help when they are in tax season.
39. Office or Home Organization
Both busy business and home owners could hire someone to come-in and organize their office or home. Some owners do not want their regular employees to see how messy they have let things get and they will hire you.
40. Interior Design
If you have an eye for design, then spend your weekends decorating the homes of people in your neighborhood. Watch for ideas and get a portfolio of ideas made now so you are ready to spring into action when you see this opportunity.
41. Event Planning
If you’re organized and enjoy making plans, then start charging others to plan out the events that they don’t want to, or don’t have time to plan and accomplish. You can plan and carry out office events, mixers, and marketing events – especially on a smaller scale. It may be advisable to work under a larger planner for a while to get the hang of this job if you have not done it before. Many planners are on contract and not part of company’s, and this is just the situation you want. If you can design, have catering people you know, or can think up clever things to entertain – you are on your way.
42. Build Furniture
Handmade furniture is another craft that is in-demand especially with the millennials. Millennials are not going to be denied anything of great value. You can sell your work online with a website, on Etsy, at flea markets, or maybe even a local furniture store.
43. Personal Shopper
Not everyone enjoys shopping. But, if you’re a shopaholic, then take advantage of this and become a personal shopper for those who don’t like to shop, or who don’t have the time to shop. Busy executives are prime people to look at for this business. Notice the businesses which have recently popped up using this idea. Many people don’t want a business person, per se to do this work, they want someone who will become their friend.
Offline Hustling
If you don’t have any skills or talents that you feel you can convert into a side business, then you can make additional money by doing the following offline side gigs.
44. Babysit
Do you have friends, family, or neighbors who have children? Watch their children whenever they need a sitter. Determine your price beforehand so you will know what the going rate is. To have someone known to the children already is worth a lot to the parents.
45. Dogsit
The same goes with man’s best friend. Personally, I would rather hire someone to dog-sit my dog than boarding her in her a kennel. Every time my dog is in a kennel she gets the dreaded kennel cough and acts like a paranoid nut for weeks when she gets home.
46. Housesit
This also applies to watching the homes of people who know when they go on vacation. Many homes are summer only or winter only. These people like someone to stay in their homes for security reasons. Best to become bonded to do this work, but it’s a pretty easy gig.
47. Mow Lawns
If you have a mower, and other basic landscaping tools, and like being outside, then mow lawns in your neighborhood when you have free time. Nothing like a beautiful yard. My brother cut lawns to put himself through dental school. The school would not let him have a regular job – mowing lawns was perfect. Ditto for MBA school. No working is allowed – other than school work. Sure, we can all survive with that rule!
48. Shovel Snow
Whether you have a truck with a plow or are willing to shovel by hand, people will gladly pay you to remove the snow in their driveway. Think of the little old lady up the street who doesn’t want to slip on the ice. A 4-wheeler with a plow works pretty well, too. (Please learn to drive the 4-Wheeler before taking this job on.)
49. Painting
If you have some painting skills, then provide this service to anyone who needs a room, fence, or even large job like an entire house painted. Go up and offer yourself to someone you see painting, or check out people in your local Lowe’s or Home Depot. Watch for the guy with the long face who looks he just had a shot of Novocaine. That’s the guy to approach to see if he needs help.
50. Moving
Does anyone really enjoy moving? Probably not. That’s why people and companies hire moving companies to do the legwork for them. Even your neighborhood will have people who just need stuff carried to storage, or up and down their stairs.
51. Hauling Service
If you have a truck, van, or trailer, you can offer to pick-up and deliver larger items. Look in IKEA for these folks.
52. Pool Cleaning
This is another perfect seasonal side gig if you love being outside. Learn the art of this side job. Most people have their own equipment. The main thing here is to be consistent and be there every week. You can even put your name on a list and they can call you when a pool cleaning person is needed.
53. House/Office Cleaning
Whether people are too busy or don’t the have the physical ability to do this job, there is a demand for house and office cleaners. Be sure to get bonded and insured. Learn how to “clean green,” this appeals to many people especially in larger areas of the country.
54. Clean Gutters
This job can get pretty grimy, but it also requires a ladder, gloves, and not being afraid of heights. If you have these skills, you’ll find plenty of people to hire you for this dirty job. This job is an easy to find in the fall. You can go door-to-door and ask for this job. Offer to put up their Christmas lights at a discount – and no one turns you down.
55. Set-up Holiday Decorations
If you’re extremely festive and enjoy decorating, then offer your services to people who may be more on the Scrooge-side. Many business haven’t thought of making their front office cheery in a holiday way. Have some ideas and prices ready. Second week of November is a great time to look for this job.
56. Handyman Work
If you’re decent enough at basic home repairs, you could launch a steady side business for those who aren’t as handy. Nowadays, many handymen (and women) have made a full-time job of this.
57. Be a TaskRabbit
If you don’t mind running errands for people or assisting them with chores around the house, then you can become a TaskRabbit person for some extra cash.
58. Find Odd Jobs on Craigslist
If you just browse through Craigslist you’ll easily stumble upon a number of odd jobs that you can do in your free-time.
59. Deliver Pizzas
This is a great weekend gig where you can easily make an extra $500 a month if you’re reliable and have the right personality. Most pizza places never have enough drivers.
60. Bartend
If you have the skills, both at mixing drinks and being a people person, you can make an extra $500 a month of dollars by bartending on the weekend.
61. Paint Curbs
This is an out-of-the-box job. But, you can paint the house numbers on street curbs with just some spray paint and stencils. Have the stencils ready to show. Some pictures of prior work helps too. Some people go out one weekend and get clients and the money – then come back during the week and paint. Then no one has to be at home. You paint and go.
62. Detail Cars
Who wouldn’t want a nice, clean car? Use this to your advantage by detailing automobiles during your downtime. You can let all your neighbors know that you are starting this side job and you will keep yourself and your kids busy every weekend with every car in your neighborhood if you are reasonable.
63. Recycle
Whether it’s cardboard or scrap metal, you can make a pretty penny by recycling on the side. I recommend you read this guide before getting to work so that you know what you and can not recycle. If you don’t have any metal of cardboard, there are still plenty of other common household items that you can recycle for cash. Make arrangements where you will drop this recycling off beforehand.
64. Work Sporting Events or Concerts
Sporting events and concerts need plenty of bodies to make an event run smoothly, such as security. If you work at an NFL stadium, for example, you maybe able to bring home $100 per game.
65. Donate Plasma
If you donate blood plasma, you could almost make $500 per month – depending on the rates and how much you can donate. Know that the first time you donate plasma, the plasma is special and you can get double the money.
66. Participate in Medical Studies
If you don’t mind being a guinea pig, then you can partake in medical studies for some quick cash. There are many product tester jobs, as well.
Hustle Online
If you want to stay in the comforts of your own home, then start hustling with the following online gigs:
67. Freelance
There are literally hundreds of websites where freelancers can find gigs that range from writing to web development to becoming a translator. Just search these sites for opportunities that you enjoy are good at.
68. Virtual Assistant
You can also search those websites to locate virtual assistant jobs if you’re an organized and reliable person.
69. Tech Support
If you have a landline and internet service, and don’t mind dealing with customers, then you can provide tech support on nights and weekends.
70. Fill-Out Surveys
You won’t make a fortune taking online surveys, but the more that you take, the more you can earn on sites like Survey Monkey, Nielsen Digital Voice,Opinion Outpost, or Survey Spot,
71. Join a Virtual Jury
Defense attorney will hire people to test their case on sites like http://www.ejury.com/ or http://www.virtualjury.com/.
72. Download Smartphone Apps
Apps like Rewardable, CheckPoints and Gigwalk will assign you tasks either online or offline for a couple of extra bucks
73. Affiliate Marketing
If you plug a business on your website or blog, you can become an affiliate for them and earn a commission whenever someone leaves your site to make a purchase. If done correctly, you can have a nice little side business. This takes extra smarts and knowhow, but it can be learned.
74. Flip Websites
This sounds a bit shady, but if you play by all the rules, you can purchase a domain cheap and make it valuable by adding quality content to gain traffic. It gets even more lucrative when you purchase a domain that already has an established business. I like using Flippa.
75. Investing and Lending
Thanks to sites like Lending Tree, you can join a peer-to-peer lending program and earn money through interest rates.
76. Facebook and Twitter Administrator
Some people have easily made $500 per month simply by being an administrator for someone else’s Facebook and Twitter pages. If you are a good writer and quick thinker, this is a fun job.
77. LinkedIn Profile Writer
If you’re proficient at writing an amazing LinkedIn profile, and have a knack for writing resumes in general, you can write the profiles for professionals and bank an additional $1,000 to $1,500.
78. YouTube Personality
YouTube personalities can make money through advertisements that have been placed on their channels.
79. Create an Online Class
If you have knowledge in specific subjects, you can create an online class on sites like Udemy. Piano, acting, SEO, entrepreneurship, writing, language, history, painting, knitting, quilting, woodworking, etc., to name a few ideas. Write up a class schedule and what you plan to teach.
Renting Out Items You Already Own
If you don’t want to part with anything, there are plenty of ways for you to supplement your incomes by renting out the items that you already own. Yard equipment, woodworking equipment, ski’s, rollerblades, skateboard, and even your car will quickly bring in some cash.
80. Host a Foreign Exchange Student
If you have the space, and meet the qualifications, you can easily earn $500/month by hosting a foreign exchange student. They usually like to sent 2 students together at once for safety.
81. Become a Driver for Uber, Lyft, or Sidecar
One of the most lucrative side gigs right now is being a driver for either Uber, Lyft, or Sidecar. The average fares, depending on which market you reside, range from $11.48 to $15.97. It is said that people driving for the Super Bowl week made about $800/night.
82. Rent Your Vehicle or Bicycle
Whenever you aren’t using your vehicle or bicycle you can rent them out for the day, or longer, if you like, via sites like RelayRides and Spinlister.
83. Become a PostMate
If you’re fond of transporting passengers, you can still use your vehicle to make extra by becoming joining PostMates where you deliver anything from groceries to dinner.
84. Rent a Home or Your House
Thanks to sites like AirBnb and HomeAway you can rent out spare bedrooms or entire house if you’re on vacation, or even while your there in your extra room.
85.Rent Garage
Do you have a garage that is being unused? You could rent it out to someone who wants to store their vehicle, or throw down a rug and make it a hugh apartment.
86. Rent Parking Space
If you live in a busy part of town, like in close proximity to a stadium, you could rent out your parking space or driveway whenever there are events.
87. Rent Personal Items
Instead of letting unused items like tools or kitchenware gather dust, rent them out to people who need them to complete a project.
88. Become Someone’s Friend
Yes. There are people out there who are willingly to pay other people to be their friend. If you like meeting new people you can do this by joining a site like RentAFriend. Retirement centers may be a place to seek this employment.
Sell Stuff
Finally, you can always sell your unwanted junk or even new items to customers by going through the following avenues. Here are a few tips to eCash and getting paid for all the things you sell.
89. Have a Garage Sale
This can be hit or miss, but you can bring in some decent cash just by selling the your unused items in your front yard.
90. Sell Items on Craigslist
This is essentially the online version of a yard sale. No matter what you want to part ways with, you’re bound to find a buyer on the popular classified site.
91. Sell Items on eBay
This site needs no introduction. It’s one been one of the best places to sell your used items since 1995.
92. Sell Other People’s Items on Craigslist or eBay
You’ll have to give them a commission, but if you know anyone looking to sell their junk, make them an offer and sell it for them on Craigslist or eBay. Start watching what items sell online and what amount they sell for, then look for those items and pick them up cheaper and sell them online.
93. Drop Shipping
You don’t have to sell used items online to make an extra $500 a month. You can also start a side business through drop shipping. In this case, you would sell new items from a manufacturer or distributor online on sites like eBay and they’ll ship the items to customers for you. This is a simple way to drop ship.
94. Sell Items on Amazon
Just like eBay, you can become an Amazon Merchant and sell both used and new items.
95. Direct Marketing
People can actually make a decent living by selling products for Avon, Amway, and Tupperware. But, there are hundreds of different direct marketing companies for you to join. Check out this of the Top 100 Global Direct Marketing Companies to find a direct marketing company that best suites you.
96. Set Up Shop at Flea Market
Instead of selling items in your front yard, you could take your used goods, homemade crafts, and even new items, to local flea markets.
97. Sell Items to Consignment Shops
Consignment shops are an option of you have an excessive amount of clothes or furniture to sell. Items that sell well are prom dresses, baby items, ties, men’s shirts, purses and coats.
98. Visit the Pawn Shop
If you’re in a real pinch, you can sell your valuable items to the nearest pawn shop.
99. Sell Your Used Gadgets
If you don’t have a need for devices like an old smartphone or tablet, you can sell them on Gazelle.com. You may not earn a lot, but if you could get a fair price for gadgets that are newer and in good shape.
100. Sell Your Old Gold Jewelry and Silverware
If you have expensive jewelry or silverware, you can sell these to a proper jewelry and silverware dealers and receive a decent return. Again this is an item to watch yard sales and estate sales where you can pick them up cheaper and sell online or pawn. Get a receipt if you can.
101. Resell or Return Unused Gift Cards
If you have any unused gift cards laying around you may be able to sell them on sites like CardPool or return them to the merchant. The same goes for concert, play, and event tickets.
Why Trust Us?
John Rampton is a serial entrepreneur who has been extremely successful. John started his first business at home, and has started multiple companies since. John is an expert when it comes to starting blogs, building businesses, or simply finding ways to make money. John is also an expert when it comes to investing and using the money generated by a business wisely. John still operates many businesses, such as Due, but has also spent a great deal of time starting side hustles that generate significant income. While John has found a great amount of success in his startups, there are multiple ways to make money. Since John has found so much success in his multiple side hustles, he is the perfect author for this article.
Great graphic created by https://www.visme.co/.
