Not all side hustles are created equal, and some of the most profitable in 2025 might surprise you. While rideshare driving and food delivery still dominate, many people are earning extra cash in unexpected ways: testing pet food, mystery shopping luxury brands, or even getting paid to cuddle.
Side hustles now generate more than $1 trillion for the U.S. economy, and what once seemed like fringe gigs are quickly becoming mainstream. A 2025 Bankrate survey found that 27% of U.S. adults earn money through side hustles, with many moving away from overcrowded, low-paying options in favor of less conventional (but better-paying) alternatives.
This report spotlights 10 unusual side hustles that will actually pay well in 2025. It includes real pay ranges, entry requirements, and platforms where they’re found. It’s a data-backed look at how gig workers are thinking outside the box to boost their income.
Why Unusual Hustles Are Thriving
Unusual side hustles are on the rise in 2025 thanks to three key shifts in the gig economy.
Scarcity Creates Value
Traditional gigs like ridesharing are oversaturated. By contrast, fewer people are signing up as mock jurors, esports tutors, or pet product testers. That scarcity reduces competition, often driving up pay for those willing to try something different.
Technology Opens New Doors
In the past, quirky skills had no real marketplace. Now, platforms like UserTesting (website testing), Voices.com (voiceover work), and Outschool (specialty tutoring) connect workers with global demand. What once seemed niche is now profitable and widely accessible.
Income Meets Enjoyment
According to Pew Research, many gig workers want flexibility and meaningful work as much as money. That’s why these unusual hustles are thriving — they can pay well and offer perks like free meals, creative outlets, or even stress relief. For many, they feel more like passion projects that also happen to generate income.
10 Unusual Side Hustles That Pay Surprisingly Well
From cuddling for stress relief to testing pet food, these jobs show that creativity, and sometimes a little courage, can turn into a steady income. Below are 10 unusual side hustles, complete with pay ranges, entry requirements, and where to find them.
1. Mystery Shopping for Luxury Brands
Mystery shopping has been around for years, but in 2025, luxury brands are paying more than ever for thorough, detailed feedback. High-end retailers, car dealerships, and five-star restaurants hire “secret shoppers” to evaluate customer service and overall experience.
Pay Range: $25–$100 per assignment, with luxury dining or hotel shops often reimbursing meals and lodging on top of cash pay.
Entry Requirements: A sharp eye for detail, solid writing skills for reporting, and reliability. No certification is required, but higher-paying agencies typically prefer experienced shoppers.
Where to Find Gigs: Platforms like MarketForce, Sinclair, or BestMark often post luxury assignments.
Perks: Free meals, hotel stays, or products that sometimes end up being worth more than the paycheck itself.
2. Pet Food Taste Tester
Yes, this job is real. Pet food companies bring in human testers to check for texture, aroma, and consistency before recipes are finalized. Testers don’t always swallow the food. Instead, they evaluate taste and smell to ensure quality and palatability.
Pay Range: Around $40–$60 per hour, depending on the company and type of testing.
Entry Requirements: A strong stomach and willingness to try unusual flavors. A background in food science is preferred but not required for every role.
Where to Find Gigs: Pet food manufacturers like Nestlé Purina and Mars Petcare occasionally post openings.
Perks: Early access to pet products, plus plenty of stories that impress (or gross out) friends.
3. Virtual Assistant for Niche Industries
Virtual assistants (VAs) are common, but specializing in fields like real estate, legal research, or medical transcription can significantly increase earning potential. These roles often require knowledge and tools that general VAs may not have, making specialized support more valuable.
Pay Range: $20–$35 per hour, with some specialized VAs earning $40+.
Entry Requirements: Strong organization and communication skills, plus familiarity with industry software (MLS for real estate, legal research tools, etc.). Some professionals also invest in tools or training, and having access to the right funding options for self-employed workers can help cover those startup costs.
Where to Find Gigs: Upwork, Fiverr, and niche VA job boards like Belay and Zirtual.
Perks: More consistent long-term contracts compared to general VA work.
4. Voiceover Work for AI & Audiobooks
The rise of AI and digital content has created strong demand for voice talent. Companies hire freelancers to record training data for voice AI systems and narrations for audiobooks, podcasts, and e-learning projects.
Pay Range: $30–$100 per hour for project work. Experienced audiobook narrators may earn $150–$300 per finished hour (PFH).
Entry Requirements: A clear speaking voice, basic audio equipment, and willingness to audition. Professional training helps but isn’t mandatory for entry-level jobs. Since payouts from platforms like ACX can take weeks, many freelancers turn to a freelance cash advance to bridge the gap and keep their workflow moving smoothly.
Where to Find Gigs: Voices.com, ACX (Amazon’s audiobook marketplace), and Bunny Studio.
Perks: Flexible, remote-friendly work with potential to scale into a full freelance career.
5. Professional Cuddler
“Cuddle therapy” has become a niche service in the wellness space, offering stress relief and companionship through safe, non-romantic touch. Sessions usually focus on relaxation, comfort, and emotional support, with clear boundaries in place. Growing conversations about mental health and self-care have made these services more accepted and in demand.
Pay Range: $40–$80 per hour, depending on location and demand.
Entry Requirements: Comfort with physical boundaries, good communication skills, and in some cases, certification or training in consent-based practices.
Where to Find Gigs: Cuddle Comfort, Cuddlist, or local wellness organizations.
Perks: Flexible scheduling, meaningful connections, and the chance to help clients reduce stress or loneliness.
6. Online Jury / Mock Trial Participant
Attorneys often use mock juries to see how everyday people might react to their arguments. As an online juror, you review case details and provide feedback that helps shape trial strategies. Assignments are flexible, remote, and range from quick case reviews to multi-hour sessions, making this an easy way to earn extra cash while learning about the legal process.
Pay Range: $20–$60 per case, depending on length and complexity.
Entry Requirements: Must be 18+, a U.S. citizen, and not employed in law enforcement or legal professions. No prior experience required.
Where to Find Gigs: eJury.com and OnlineVerdict.com regularly post cases for review.
Perks: Work from home on your own schedule, while learning how the legal system works behind the scenes.
7. Furniture Assembly Specialist
Flat-pack furniture is popular, but many buyers don’t want to deal with the setup. Furniture assembly specialists step in to build items like desks, bed frames, and shelving. It’s a straightforward gig that pairs well with moving or handyman services and sees steady demand, especially in cities and during busy shopping seasons.
Pay Range: $25–$45 per hour, with rates higher in cities where IKEA and similar retailers dominate.
Entry Requirements: Basic tools, mechanical ability, and reliable transportation. No certification needed.
Where to Find Gigs: TaskRabbit, Handy, Thumbtack.
Perks: Steady demand, especially around the holidays when people buy new furniture or move into new homes.
8. Website & App Tester
Before launching, companies need feedback from real users to catch glitches and improve usability. Testers are paid to navigate sites or apps while recording their screen and sharing thoughts out loud. It’s straightforward, requires no tech expertise, and is a quick way to make money in short bursts of time.
Pay Range: $10–$30 per 20–30 minute test. Active testers completing multiple tests per week can earn several hundred dollars a month.
Entry Requirements: A computer or smartphone, internet access, and the ability to follow instructions.
Where to Find Gigs: UserTesting.com, TryMyUI, Userlytics.
Perks: Quick and flexible — tests take only minutes, making it easy to fit in around other gigs.
9. Pet Waste Removal (“Pooper Scooper” Service)
It may not be glamorous, but pet waste removal is a growing business, especially in suburban neighborhoods where busy families are willing to outsource the task. Many services operate on a subscription model, which means once you build a client base, the income is consistent and recurring.
Pay Range: $15–$25 per hour, with many small businesses charging clients $50–$100 per month for weekly cleanups.
Entry Requirements: Physical stamina and comfort working outdoors. Starting your own service may require some basic equipment, advertising, or even franchise fees, making it a good example of how a funding partner like Giggle Finance can support if you’re looking to scale small but consistent income streams.
Where to Find Gigs: Franchise opportunities like DoodyCalls and Pet Butler, or DIY through local advertising.
Perks: Recurring income — once you have clients, they often stick with the service long term.
10. Specialty Online Tutoring (Esports, Chess, Minecraft)
Tutoring has gone beyond school subjects. Now, parents and learners pay for coaching in competitive gaming, chess, and even Minecraft. With esports continuing to grow, experienced players can earn real income teaching strategy, teamwork, or creative skills to kids, teens, and hobbyists.
Pay Range: $20–$50 per hour, with higher rates for experienced coaches in esports titles like League of Legends or Fortnite.
Entry Requirements: Proven skill in your niche, strong communication skills, and in some cases, a teaching profile on platforms.
Where to Find Gigs: Outschool (kids and teens), Gamer Sensei (gaming), or self-advertising on Twitch/Discord.
Perks: You get paid to share your passions — whether it’s gaming, strategy, or creative world-building.
Where to Find Unusual Gigs
Knowing that unusual hustles exist is one thing, but finding legitimate opportunities is another. The good news is that more platforms and agencies are now making niche work accessible and easier to trust.
Most unusual gigs can be found in a few ways:
- Specialized Agencies: These connect workers with industries that need specific feedback or services, like luxury retail, legal research, or wellness. They usually require applications and may screen for reliability.
- Franchise or Local Services: Certain hands-on hustles, such as pet-related work or home-based tasks, are often run through franchises or small independent businesses. Community groups and local advertising are common places to spot these opportunities.
- Digital Marketplaces: For online-based work, freelancer platforms act as the go-between, giving workers access to global clients who need testing, tutoring, or creative skills. These are ideal for flexible, remote-friendly side hustles.
The main rule is to be cautious of scams. A legitimate gig will never ask you to pay upfront for access or certification. Stick with platforms that are transparent, reputable, and widely reviewed.
You can safely explore unusual side hustles while protecting your time and money by focusing on trusted agencies, well-known brands, and established online marketplaces.
How to Choose the Right Unusual Hustle
With so many quirky options available, the real question isn’t which side hustle pays the most — it’s which one fits your lifestyle, skills, and comfort level. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Think About Flexibility
Some unusual gigs let you work whenever it suits you. Website and app testing, for example, can be done in short 20–30 minute sessions whenever new projects become available. Others, like mystery shopping, require you to show up at a set place and time.
Weigh the Upfront Costs
Many unusual hustles cost little or nothing to start. Online jury work or pet food testing just requires your time. Others may need a small investment in gear or training. For instance, a microphone and recording setup for voiceover work, or a webcam and reliable internet for tutoring.
Decide Between Physical or Digital Work
Consider whether you’d rather work behind a screen or in person. Virtual assistant roles and usability testing are fully online. Physical gigs like professional cuddling or furniture assembly involve face-to-face interaction and, in some cases, physical effort.
Match It to Your Comfort Zone
Ultimately, the best hustle is the one you’ll actually enjoy doing. What feels rewarding for one person (like scooping pet waste or cuddling clients) might not be appealing to someone else. Look for a balance of income potential, time commitment, and personal comfort.
Summary: Unusual Hustles That Pay in 2025
The table below highlights the 10 unusual side hustles featured in this report, along with their typical pay ranges and where opportunities can be found.
| Side Hustle | Typical Pay Range | Where to Find It |
| Mystery Shopping for Luxury Brands | $25–$100 per assignment | MarketForce, BestMark, Sinclair |
| Pet Food Taste Tester | $40–$60 per hour | Pet food companies (Nestlé Purina, Mars Petcare) |
| Virtual Assistant (Niche Industries) | $20–$35 per hour | Upwork, Belay, Zirtual |
| Voiceover for AI & Audiobooks | $30–$100 per hour | Voices.com, ACX, Bunny Studio |
| Professional Cuddler | $40–$80 per hour | Cuddle Comfort, Cuddlist |
| Online Jury / Mock Trial Participant | $20–$60 per case | eJury, OnlineVerdict |
| Furniture Assembly Specialist | $25–$45 per hour | TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, Handy |
| Website & App Tester | $10–$30 per test | UserTesting, TryMyUI |
| Pet Waste Removal | $15–$25 per hour | DoodyCalls, Pet Butler |
| Specialty Tutoring (Esports, Chess, Minecraft) | $20–$50 per hour | Outschool, Gamer Sensei |
In 2025, the gig economy isn’t just about rideshare and food delivery. From pet food testing to esports tutoring, unusual hustles are proving that creativity can be just as profitable as traditional gigs. For workers seeking flexibility, novelty, and better pay, these offbeat jobs show that sometimes the weirdest opportunities are also the most rewarding.
References:
- Bankrate – Side Hustle Survey (2025)
- Upwork – Freelance Forward 2023 Report
- Pew Research Center – The State of Gig Work in 2021
- MarketForce – Become a Mystery Shopper
- Sinclair Customer Metrics – Mystery Shopping Jobs
- Mars Petcare Careers – Product Testing & Research
- ZipRecruiter – Virtual Assistant Salary Data (2025)
- Voices.com – Voice Actor Pay Guide
- ACX – Audiobook Narration Opportunities
- Cuddle Comfort – Become a Professional Cuddler
- eJury – Online Mock Jury Service
- OnlineVerdict – Juror Application
- TaskRabbit – Become a Tasker (Furniture Assembly)
- UserTesting – Get Paid to Test Websites
- TryMyUI – User Testing Jobs
- DoodyCalls – Pet Waste Removal Franchise
- Pet Butler – Franchise Opportunities
- Gamer Sensei – Esports Coaching