The 12 Best Side Jobs You Can Do From Home in 2025

If you have time on your hands and you’re looking for an extra source of income, consider these side hustle ideas that you can do from home. We researched each job’s earning and growth potential using data from Upwork and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook. This data can give you an idea of how well each side hustle job may suit your goals and lifestyle. You can even apply directly to related jobs on Upwork using the links in this guide! 

1. Project management consultant

If you're an expert organizer and communicator and have experience leading campaigns and projects, you could offer your project management services to clients. Project managers are drivers who organize and plan client projects. They allocate resources to tasks and make sure that everyone has what they need to be successful and meet their milestones and deadlines. 

What are a project manager’s responsibilities?

Project managers typically:

• Define project scope
• Assign tasks to different team members
• Set a realistic schedule for deliverables
• Manage budget and resources
• Give stakeholders progress updates
• Liaise between teams
• Communicate with clients
• Solve problems and address issues as they arise
• Evaluate project performance
• Use project management tools like Smartsheet and Jira

How can you become a project manager?

Project managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in business as well as a certification like those offered by the Project Management Institute.

If you’re interested in exploring the world of project management for the first time, the Google Project Management Professional Certificate course on Coursera may be a good introduction to key concepts.

How much does a project manager get paid?

Freelance project managers typically make between $19 and $45 per hour. And according to the BLS, this job has above-average growth potential through 2033.

You can kickstart your new side hustle right now by applying for a project management job on Upwork.

2. Data annotator

If you have an eye for detail, then you might enjoy a side job as a data annotator. This role is essential to the development of machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms. Data annotators help to make sure that the information used to train these algorithms is correctly labelled and held to a high standard. This, in turn, allows machine learning engineers to create more accurate algorithms.

What are a data annotator’s responsibilities?

In this role, you’ll need to:

• Carefully review text, image, audio, and video data files
• Group and label data based on guidelines provided by the client
• Review annotated data sets for accuracy
• Quickly and clearly communicate any errors in the data set to your client
• Use software like the Computer Vision Annotation Tool (CVAT)

How can you become a data annotator?

While there is not a formal education path required to become a data annotator, aspiring data annotation freelancers often have work experience that illustrates an attention to detail. These professionals often have great flexibility in the hours they work and the volume of projects they take on.

How much does a data annotator earn?

Data annotators typically make between $16 and $33 per hour. With the rapid growth of AI technology, we expect annotators to continue to be in high demand—get started by applying for a freelance data annotation job on Upwork. 

3. Tech support specialist 

If you enjoy working with computers, you can create a side hustle and provide tech support for clients. Tech support personnel remotely troubleshoot and problem-solve IT issues for their clients’ team members or customers. They may provide this support via phone, email, or chat, or by remotely accessing different computer systems. 

What are a tech support specialist’s responsibilities?

Working as tech support, you may need to quickly learn a client's software or product so that you can answer questions and help customers and employees. This role might also require you to: 

• Answer support tickets
• Run diagnostics
• Install, update, and configure software
• Follow up with clients and their customers 
• Work on large-scale software integrations and migrations 

How can you become a tech support specialist?

A background in IT can help, but isn’t mandatory. If you want to start working as a tech support person, you can take courses online and earn IT certificates for popular software and programs. The BLS reports that tech support jobs are growing at a faster-than-average pace, so there’s potential for your side hustle to evolve into something bigger, too!

How much does a tech support specialist make?

Tech support specialists typically make between $15 and $30 per hour. If this career interests you, you can start making money online by applying for freelance tech support jobs on Upwork.

4. Web designer

Nearly all businesses need to have websites to connect with customers. Whether they want to redo their old website or create a new one from scratch, organizations work with web designers to create visually appealing and effective websites. The BLS projects that this job will have an 8% growth rate over the next decade, which is higher than average. 

What are a web designer’s responsibilities?

As a web designer, your job is to think about the layout, navigation, and method of displaying information. It combines elements of graphic design and web development, though you don’t need to know how to code. You’ll need to:

• Consider the best layout and color scheme for the site
• Choose pleasing typography that matches the client’s brand
• Arrange pages and content following best practices for readability and accessibility 
• Keep good information architecture and navigation structure in mind
• Ensure the website is responsive across computers, tablets, and phones 
• Work with web design software like WordPress or Squarespace

How can you become a web designer?

You don't have to be an expert coder to start a part-time job as a web designer. Some web designers find it helpful to know front-end coding like HTML and CSS, which you can learn through online courses. 

If you don't enjoy working with code, you can design websites using drag-and-drop web design software. Many of these platforms let you create beautiful websites without entering a line of code. 

How much does a web designer earn?

Many freelance web designers make $15 to $30 per hour. As a freelance web designer, you have control over how many client projects you take on at once—get started by applying for web design jobs on Upwork. 

5. Business consultant

Business and management consultants help their clients make important decisions, streamline operations, and improve a company’s bottom line. In this role, you might work with clients on a one-time basis or serve as a source of advice and support over a period of months. The BLS expects demand for management analysts will grow over the coming years, so now’s a good time to start a consulting side hustle.

What are a business consultant’s responsibilities?

Business consulting is a role that can take many forms. Typically, though, a successful consultant is able to do things like:

• Evaluate the current use of business resources and suggest strategic changes 
• Map out goals for clients to achieve in a given time period 
• Help clients improve internal communication and collaboration 
• Analyze the current competitive market 

How can you become a business consultant?

To be a business consultant, you’ll need prior experience starting or managing a business. Some consultants have an MBA, but years of hands-on experience can certainly make up for the lack of a degree.

How much does a business consultant get paid?

Business consultants typically charge $28 to $98 per hour. Check out available business consulting jobs on Upwork as a starting point.

6. Medical records specialist

A medical records specialist is responsible for creating, processing, and updating patient files. They may work with hospitals, private clinics, and more. The role of a medical records specialist is an important one that’s projected to grow by 9% over the next decade—and because most medical records are digital, it’s a job you can often do from home.

What are a medical records specialist’s responsibilities?

As a medical records specialist, you may need to:

• Access and update patient records
• Assign the correct medical billing codes to specific files
• Coordinate with billing specialists and insurance companies 
• Retrieve records and prepare reports for a patient’s care team
• Protect the confidentiality of patient records 
• Maintain familiarity with different medical records software platforms like Epic

How can you become a medical records specialist?

Typically, you can learn the ins and outs of working with medical records while on the job. Some clients may look for an associate’s degree or professional certifications like the Registered Health Information Technician credential, though.

How much does a medical records specialist earn?

Medical records specialists typically make $16 to $26 per hour. By applying for freelance medical billing and coding jobs, you can build a side hustle that fits around your lifestyle and needs.

7. Insurance sales agent

An insurance sales agent helps clients find the right policies to fit their needs and stage of life. In this role—which is expected to grow by 6% between now and 2033—you may help clients start policies with one insurer or show them options from several companies.

What are an insurance sales agent’s responsibilities

An insurance sales agent needs to be personable and comfortable with outreach to potential clients. In this role, you’ll also need to:

• Schedule meetings with current and prospective policyholders
• Understand the differences between different insurance policies
• Help clients understand and complete insurance policy applications
• Prepare presentations and pricing reports to walk potential policy buyers through their options 
• Maintain up-to-date records
• Assist clients with policy and billing questions 

How can you become an insurance sales agent?

Typically, you need a high school diploma and on-the-job training in order to sell insurance. That said, insurance sales agents must be licensed by their state in order to sell policies. And depending on the type of insurance you sell, you may also need to gain further licensing by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

How much does an insurance sales agent get paid?

Insurance sales agents typically make $34 to $65 per hour. However, this amount can vary based on your agreement with the insurance companies whose policies you sell.

A captive insurance agent sells policies for one insurer, while an independent agent sells policies from multiple insurers. Your contract with the insurer(s) will indicate how much commission you’re paid per sale.

8. Notary public

A notary acts as a neutral witness when one or more parties sign a sensitive document. These documents can include wills, banking forms, house deeds, and more. Working as a remote or mobile notary offers you a lot of flexibility, so you can scale your workload up and down based on how much you’d like to earn. 

What are a notary public’s responsibilities?

As a notary, you’ll need to:

• Verify clients’ identities 
• Check that all document details are correct
• Procure the correct forms to accompany any notarization, if required
• Make sure that your clients are signing the document willingly
• Confirm that your clients understand what they’re signing
• Present your client with an oath they must take
• Certify signatures with a stamp and/or seal

How can you become a notary public?

The path to becoming a notary varies widely based on where you live. Most states and countries require professional training and licensure, and your ability to become a notary may be restricted by your professional experience to date. For example, anyone can go through the process to become a notary in the U.S., but in Mexico, only a lawyer can act as a notary. 

Organizations like the National Notary Association in the U.S. can help you obtain the necessary certifications to start this career. 

How much does a notary public make?

Many full-time notaries make $42,500 to $52,200 per year. 

9. Market research analyst

A market research analyst helps their clients better understand how buyer preferences, trends, economic factors, and competitors all impact a company’s sales volume or market share. As a freelance market research analyst, you may provide this support on an ongoing basis or through one-time consultations that dive deep into a specific client pain point.

What are a market research analyst’s responsibilities?

A market research analyst may need to:

• Conduct in-depth qualitative and quantitative data analysis
• Assess the reliability of third-party data sets
• Interview members of a client’s target audience
• Develop polls and surveys using tools like Qualtrics
• Monitor trends on social media and in the news
• Visualize data for presentations
• Prepare reports for stakeholders

How can you become a market research analyst?

Market researchers typically have a bachelor’s degree in market research, business, or the social sciences. You can also take online courses to stay up-to-date in your field or hone new skills related to research and data analysis.

Companies in a wide range of industries can benefit from the help of a market research consultant, too, so there’s lots of room for growth—the BLS expects this field to grow by 8% over the coming decade.

How much does a market research analyst earn?

Freelance market researchers typically make $25 to $70 per hour. 

10. Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers make sure that their clients’ business expenses are correctly recorded and prepare associated reports. They may also help clients find deductions, reconcile bank accounts, and ensure tax documentation is ready at the end of each year. Some bookkeepers work with one large client at a time, while others provide support to a variety of small-businesses and startups.

What are a bookkeeper’s responsibilities?

As a bookkeeper, you’ll need to:

• Correctly enter debits and credits into your client’s bookkeeping software
• Make sure that the client’s books match their account transaction records
• Categorize expenses based on different types of tax deductions
• Create journal entries
• Pull reports for your clients and their accountants

How can you become a bookkeeper?

To earn extra cash as a freelance bookkeeper, you’ll need some prior professional experience or, at minimum, familiarity with double-entry accounting and popular software like Quickbooks. You may also want to pursue a certification like the ones offered by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers.

How much does a bookkeeper get paid?

Many bookkeepers charge $11 to $25 per hour, and you can find hundreds of freelance bookkeeping jobs on Upwork right now. 

11. Photographer

Photographers may work with families, small businesses, actors, e-commerce companies, news outlets, real estate agents, and more. Even though many people have access to high-quality smartphone cameras, it takes a photographer’s trained eye to make photos really pop. The BLS reports that demand for photographers is growing at a steady 4% rate.

What are a photographer’s responsibilities?

A photographer’s responsibilities go beyond clicking the camera shutter. If you pick up photography as your side hustle, you’ll need to:

• Scout out the best spot for an on-location shoot
• Understand how to capture the best lighting indoors and outdoors
• Know how to stage photos for the best results
• Communicate with clients regarding their preferences and feedback 
• Edit and enhance photos using tools like Adobe Photoshop

If you set up a studio in your home, you may also be responsible for maintaining a business license and additional insurance policy. This can vary based on where you live and how your home is insured. 

How can you become a photographer?

Many photographers are self-taught, though some do have a degree in the field. If you’ve a beginner photographer, you may wish to take a class or two at your local community college and learn best practices for lighting, staging, photo composition, and editing. 

How much does a photographer make?

Freelance photographers typically earn $25 to $45 per hour. If you have a home studio, you can easily apply for professional photography jobs on Upwork.

12. Manicurist

A manicurist cleans, shapes, files, and paints their clients’ nails. They may work with the client’s own natural nail or apply enhancements like acrylic tips. Google search data indicates that searches related to self-care are continuing to grow—and for many people, regular manicures are part of a self-care routine. The BLS expects that demand for licensed manicurists will rise by 12% between now and 2033. 

What are a manicurist’s responsibilities?

A manicurist is responsible for not only delivering what the client requests, but making sure that they do so in a safe and hygienic manner. You’ll need to:

• Follow local requirements for disinfection of tools and surfaces
• Use clean, sanitized manicure tools on each client
• Invest in proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for any work that involves harsh substances like acrylic monomers
• Pursue continuing education in the best techniques and tools for safe manicuring 
• Maintain your supply inventory 
• Keep all professional and business licenses up-to-date
• Get the appropriate types and amounts of liability coverage for a home salon
• Build a presence on TikTok and other social media apps that can help you show your work to potential clients

How do you become a manicurist?

In order to be a manicurist, you’ll need to take a cosmetology program that’s approved by your local government. These programs typically involve working on real clients under the direction of a licensed teacher. After completing your course, you can take an exam to receive your own license and begin working independently.

How much does a manicurist get paid?

Most manicurists charge a flat rate based on the type of service they provide to a client. This often works out to be between $8 and $15 per hour. Some manicurists also make extra money by designing custom press-on nail kits for clients to use between visits.

Photo by Artem Podrez on Pexels

How can you make money on the side if you work 9 to 5? 

If you’re already working a full-time job or caring for your family, the idea of starting a part-time side hustle can sound exhausting! Even so-called “passive income” gigs like selling on Amazon and Ebay, affiliate marketing, or maintaining an Airbnb still require setup and time spent monitoring. But the beauty of many side hustles is their flexible hours: you can indeed shape a side gig that fits alongside your primary job and is enjoyable, not draining. Some tips to help you get started include:

• Look for side hustles that build off of the skills you already use at your day job.
• Try an online work-from-home side hustle first, as you won’t need to find a space to work with clients in person.
• Start by taking on one small client in your spare time until you feel comfortable with your work and processes.
• Offer one-time consultations that are a great way to earn income in your free time and meet new clients without a long-term commitment. 
• Work with clients in different time zones so your main job doesn’t conflict with your new clients’ schedules—computer- and project-based work like bookkeeping and web design is great for this.
• Work on growing your professional network as soon as you start your side hustle. Word of mouth referrals are a great way to get new clients, too!

Find the best side hustles on Upwork

Finding an online second job for extra income is easy when you have an Upwork profile. There are lots of ways to work on the platform, from building a relationship with one long-term client to consulting with clients only when you’re available. Sign up for Upwork and start earning extra money by creating your first consultation today.

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Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

This article is intended for educational purposes and should not be viewed as legal or tax advice. Please consult a professional to find the solution that best fits your situation.