Side hustles are no longer quick weekend jobs—they’ve become a core part of the American workforce. From rideshare driving to selling crafts online, millions of people are turning to side hustles to increase income, pay off debt, or save for major goals.
A 2024 Bankrate survey found that 39% of U.S. adults now have a side hustle, earning an average of $891 per month. For some, it’s a financial cushion; for others, it’s the start of an entrepreneurial journey. What’s certain is that side hustles are here to stay—and they continue to grow.
The Side Hustle Economy in America
The side hustle economy has transformed from a niche trend into a powerful force in the U.S. labor market. Rising living costs, easy access to gig apps, and shifting work values have fueled a surge in part-time and freelance work. What used to be “extra money” has become essential income for millions of Americans.
- Widespread participation. A 2024 Bankrate survey revealed that 39% of U.S. adults have a side hustle, with average monthly earnings around $891. Younger workers are leading the charge: over half of Gen Z and Millennials now report earning from side gigs.
- Gig platforms are mainstream. Pew Research found that 16% of adults earned income through platforms like Uber, DoorDash, or TaskRabbit in the past year.
- Freelancing is growing fast. Upwork’s 2023 Freelance Forward study showed 60 million Americans freelanced in 2023, generating $1.27 trillion for the economy — a record high.
The motivations behind this boom are just as important as the numbers. Inflation and rising living expenses have pushed many to seek supplemental income.
Bankrate reports that 53% of side hustlers use the money to cover everyday costs such as groceries, bills, or rent, while others use it to pay down debt or save for long-term goals.
Flexibility is another driver — side hustles allow workers to fit earning opportunities around their lifestyle instead of the other way around.
Top 10 Most Common Side Hustles in the U.S.
When it comes to side hustles, some gigs are quick to start and deliver steady income, while others require more effort upfront but can pay off big over time.
Below are the top 10 side hustles in America, based on earnings data from gig platforms, research groups, and Giggle Finance customers.
1. Rideshare Driving (Uber, Lyft)
Rideshare driving is still one of the most popular and accessible side hustles. With Uber and Lyft operating in nearly every major city, anyone with a reliable car, valid insurance, and a clean driving record can get started quickly.
Earnings: Uber’s 2024 driver report shows U.S. drivers make an average of $18–$25 per hour, with higher rates during busy periods like concerts, sporting events, and weekend nights. In top cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, peak-time earnings can climb to $35–$40 per hour.
Regional Popularity: Rideshare demand is highest in big metro areas, where car ownership is expensive but people still need convenient transportation. Cities like NYC, Los Angeles, and Chicago lead the way, while smaller towns and rural areas see fewer ride requests and lower earnings consistency.
2. Food Delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub)
Food delivery has become one of the most in-demand side hustles, especially since the pandemic changed how people order meals. Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub have steady demand all year, with spikes during busy evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Earnings: According to DoorDash, dashers and drivers typically make $15–$20 per hour, with tips playing a big role in boosting income. Earnings rise further during major events, holiday weekends, or bad weather, when fewer drivers are on the road but demand is high.
Regional Popularity: Delivery is strongest in urban and suburban areas where people value convenience. Cities like Dallas, Atlanta, and Los Angeles see some of the highest activity, especially around mealtimes and holidays.
3. Grocery Delivery (Instacart, Shipt)
Grocery delivery is more hands-on than restaurant delivery since shoppers pick items, manage substitutions, and deliver them to customers’ doors. The extra effort often translates to higher pay, especially for large or complex orders.
Earnings: Instacart reports average shopper earnings of $16–$22 per hour, with full-service shoppers earning more. During peak grocery seasons—like Thanksgiving or Christmas—orders increase in both volume and pay.
Regional Popularity: Grocery delivery thrives in suburban and mid-sized cities, where families often outsource shopping to save time. It’s especially popular in areas with limited public transit or challenging weather, where doing the shopping yourself is less convenient.
4. Freelance Services (Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer)
Freelancing continues to grow as people look for ways to turn their skills into income online. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect workers with clients seeking help in areas such as writing, design, programming, marketing, and more.
Earnings: Rates vary depending on skill and experience. On Upwork, freelancers typically charge $20–$45 per hour, while specialists in areas like software development or consulting can make $75–$100+ per hour. Fiverr projects average $50–$200, depending on category and complexity.
Regional Popularity: Freelancing isn’t limited by location, but U.S. tech hubs such as San Francisco, Austin, and New York have higher concentrations of workers using these platforms. Giggle Finance customer data shows freelancers often turn to cash advances to bridge gaps caused by delayed client payments.
5. Pet Sitting & Dog Walking (Rover, Wag)
Pet care has become one of the most popular niches in the gig economy, with platforms like Rover and Wag giving pet lovers opportunities to earn a steady income through dog walking, sitting, and overnight care.
Earnings: According to Rover, walkers and sitters generally make $20–$37 per hour, while overnight stays can bring in $75–$100 per night. Demand rises sharply during the holidays, when many families travel.
Regional Popularity: Pet services thrive in suburban and metro areas where busy professionals are willing to pay premium rates. Cities such as Seattle, Denver, and Washington, D.C. consistently rank among the highest for Rover bookings.
6. Online Tutoring (Tutor.com, Wyzant, VIPKid)
Online tutoring has taken off as families look for flexible, supplemental learning options. Platforms like Tutor.com and Wyzant connect tutors with students across subjects like math, science, languages, and test prep. VIPKid also built a strong presence in English tutoring for international students.
Earnings: Most tutors make $18–$30 per hour, while specialized areas such as SAT prep, coding, or advanced math can reach $40–$60 per hour. Certifications or teaching credentials can boost credibility and rates. Building a reputation may take time, but once established, it often leads to steady, long-term clients.
Regional Popularity: Tutoring is online, but demand tends to be strongest in education-focused regions such as the Northeast (Massachusetts, New Jersey) and states with major tech hubs like California, where families invest heavily in extra academic support.
7. E-commerce Selling (Etsy, eBay, Amazon FBA)
E-commerce has become a go-to side hustle for aspiring entrepreneurs. Sellers use platforms like Etsy for handmade goods, eBay for reselling, and Amazon FBA for managing large-scale product fulfillment. This hustle offers broad income potential, depending on product selection and effort.
Earnings: Most part-time sellers earn $100–$500 per month, but active resellers on eBay average $500–$1,000, and top Etsy or Amazon FBA sellers scale into the thousands monthly. Success often hinges on finding profitable niches and reinvesting in inventory.
Regional Popularity: While sales happen online, access to shipping hubs can make operations smoother. Cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas give sellers a logistical edge. Giggle Finance data shows e-commerce side hustlers frequently seek advances to cover bulk inventory costs, especially before peak shopping seasons.
8. Retail & Seasonal Jobs (Target, UPS, Amazon)
Seasonal employment is still one of the most reliable ways to earn extra income during the holidays. Major employers like Target, UPS, and Amazon hire thousands of temporary workers to meet the demand for shopping and shipping.
These jobs often require background checks, physical stamina, and availability during evenings or weekends. While they’re stable and predictable, schedules are set by employers, which means less flexibility compared to gig apps.
Earnings: Pay usually ranges from $15–$24 per hour. In 2024, UPS offered seasonal driver pay of up to $23/hour, while Amazon’s warehouse roles averaged around $19/hour. Over time during peak shipping weeks can push total earnings higher.
Regional Popularity: The biggest opportunities are in states with large distribution hubs like Kentucky (UPS Worldport), Ohio, and Texas. Retail centers in major metro areas also offer high volumes of temporary holiday positions.
9. Handyman & Task-Based Work (TaskRabbit, Thumbtack)
Platforms like TaskRabbit and Thumbtack connect workers with clients who need help with everything from moving furniture to small repairs. These jobs are great for people with DIY skills or professional trade experience.
Earnings: Pay typically falls between $20–$40 per hour, but specialized tasks such as carpentry or electrical work can bring in $50–$80 per hour. TaskRabbit reports that “heavy lifting” and “furniture assembly” are among its most requested services nationwide.
Regional Popularity: Demand is strongest in large metro areas like New York, San Francisco, and Boston, where residents frequently outsource home services. Suburban growth markets such as Dallas and Phoenix are also seeing an increase in task-based gig demand.
10. Content Creation (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram)
Content creation is one of the most popular but unpredictable side hustles. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram give creators opportunities to earn through ad revenue, sponsorships, affiliate links, and merchandise sales.
Earnings: Income varies widely. Many creators make under $100 per month, while mid-level influencers with steady audiences can bring in $500–$5,000 per month. Top-tier creators earn significantly more, but building to that level takes time, consistency, and audience growth.
Regional Popularity: While content creation is a nationwide trend, it’s especially strong in states like California, New York, and Florida, where large creative and influencer communities thrive. Gen Z leads this side hustle, though Millennials are also highly active.
Regional Popularity: Where Side Hustles Pay the Most
In metro areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, rideshare and food delivery dominate. Dense populations, limited parking, and constant demand make platforms like Uber and DoorDash especially profitable.
Suburbs Boost Grocery Delivery
In suburban and rural regions, grocery delivery through Instacart and Shipt is often steadier than rideshare. Limited public transit and harsh winter weather increase demand for at-home shopping convenience.
Affluent Areas Fuel Pet Services
Pet sitting and dog walking see strong demand in wealthier suburbs where professionals work long hours and travel frequently. Regions such as Denver, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. stand out for high pet ownership and willingness to pay premium rates, especially around the holidays.
College Towns Favor Tutoring
In states with large student populations, tutoring spikes around midterms and finals. Platforms like Wyzant and Tutor.com are especially popular in academic hubs like Massachusetts, California, and Texas. Tech cities such as Austin and San Francisco also drive the demand for tutoring in coding, data science, and other specialized fields.
Shipping Hubs Create Seasonal Jobs
Retail and warehouse side hustles cluster near major distribution centers. UPS’s Worldport in Louisville, Kentucky, employs thousands of seasonal workers, while Amazon fulfillment hubs in Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania consistently lead seasonal hiring.
Freelance Work Thrives Nationwide
Freelance gigs on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr aren’t tied to geography, but tech and creative hubs like California, New York, and Washington attract higher-paying clients. Professionals in these regions often leverage specialized skills for premium rates.
Barriers to Entry: What It Takes to Get Started
How quickly you can begin a side hustle often depends on the entry requirements. Some gigs let you start earning within days, while others take weeks of preparation, credentials, or upfront investment. Here’s how different side hustles compare.
Start Fast with Low-Barrier Gigs
Delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart are among the easiest ways to begin. Most workers need only a smartphone, a vehicle or bike, and a clean background check. Approvals often take just a few days. TaskRabbit is similar, offering quick access to jobs like furniture assembly or moving help with minimal setup.
Navigate Moderate Barriers in Rideshare and Retail
Driving for Uber or Lyft requires more screening, including vehicle standards, proof of insurance, and background checks. Seasonal retail or warehouse jobs with companies like UPS or Amazon are also fairly accessible, though applicants must meet physical requirements and commit to fixed shifts. These factors can slow down entry but still make them manageable options.
Overcome Higher Barriers in Skill-Based Hustles
Freelancing, tutoring, and e-commerce take more preparation. Freelancers need portfolios and marketable skills. Tutors often need degrees or certifications in specialized subjects. E-commerce sellers face costs for inventory, packaging, and shipping, along with the challenge of competing in crowded marketplaces. While slower to start, these paths often pay more and create long-term stability.
Push Through Aspirational Barriers in Content Creation
Launching a YouTube channel or TikTok account is simple, but building a profitable audience takes time and consistency. Success depends on producing engaging content, growing followers, and keeping up with changing algorithms. Upfront costs are minimal, but the time investment is significant before income becomes steady.
The best side hustle isn’t always the one with the highest earning potential — it’s the one that fits your current resources, skills, and timeline. Quick-start gigs like delivery can provide immediate income, while skill-based or entrepreneurial options may require more effort but deliver sustainable rewards over time.
Final Thoughts
Side hustles are now a core part of the American economy, and their momentum is only growing. From rideshare in big cities to tutoring in college towns and pet care in the suburbs, opportunities exist everywhere — the key is choosing the ones that match your skills, lifestyle, and financial goals.
Earnings vary: some hustles deliver quick cash, while others take time to build before paying off. What they all share is flexibility, giving workers the chance to adapt, diversify income, and stay financially secure in an unpredictable economy.
As gig platforms expand and seasonal hiring continues, opportunities will only increase. Whether you’re covering bills, saving for a goal, or testing the waters of entrepreneurship, side hustles offer a practical path forward. Many Americans have moved from a backup plan to part of everyday life.
References:
- Bankrate – Side Hustle Survey (2025)
- Bankrate – Side Hustle Survey Press Release PDF (2025)
- Upwork – Freelance Forward 2023 Report
- Gig Economy Data – Freelance Forward Recap