Popular Side Hustles for Students: Earn Extra Cash While in School

Are you ready to dive into the world of side hustles? These opportunities not only help you earn money but also provide valuable experience. Here’s a closer look at different options.

Tutoring or Online Teaching: Service Leadership Roles

Job Description:

Help other students with subjects you excel in. You can also teach skills like music, coding, or languages online.

Estimated Salary:

$20–$50 per hour (depending on subject and experience).

The platforms offering the highest hourly rates for online tutors, especially those with strong subject expertise, include:

• Wyzant: Tutors set their own rates, ranging from $25 to $100 per hour. Qualified tutors, especially for advanced subjects, can charge more.

• Varsity Tutors: Offers up to $40 per hour for specialized subjects. You can set your own schedule and work remotely.

• iTutor: High-paying platform, with rates between $32 to $40+ per hour, especially for vetted tutors.

• Skooli: Advertises rates up to $49 per hour. However, after a 49% cut, tutors typically earn about $25 per hour.

  
  

Virtual Assistant

Job Description:

Assist entrepreneurs or small businesses with tasks. You might handle email management, scheduling, or data entry—all from your laptop!

Estimated Salary:

$12–$20 per hour.

Top virtual assistant employers include:

• Zirtual, BELAY, Boldly: Offer training, support, and sometimes benefits for full-time employees.

• MVP Consulting Group, Boost Media Group: Focus on flexible, remote work. Benefits may be limited for contractors.

• Freelance Platforms (Upwork, Fiverr): Offer flexibility and higher pay potential for experienced VAs, though benefits must be negotiated.

• Job Boards (ZipRecruiter, Indeed): Listings may include full-time, part-time, or contract roles. Some employers offer health insurance and paid time off.

  
  

Selling Handmade Goods or Dropshipping

Job Description:

Sell handmade crafts, prints, or use dropshipping to sell products online without holding inventory.

Estimated Salary:

$200–$2,000+ per month (depends on sales volume and product type).

Best Dropshipping Platforms:

• DSers: Integrates with Shopify and offers bulk order fulfillment. Great for beginners wanting automation.

• Spocket: Connects you with US and EU suppliers for fast shipping with high-quality products.

• AliExpress: A vast product variety. Good prices, but shipping can be slow.

• Modalyst: Focuses on premium, eco-friendly products. Integrates with Shopify and offers free plans for small stores.

• SaleHoo: Offers vetted suppliers and market research tools for data-driven sellers.

• Wholesale2B: Large product catalog with automated fulfillment.

• Doba: US-based supplier network with multi-platform integration.

• Zendrop: Fast shipping and AI tools for product research.

  
  

Best Online Places to Sell Handmade Goods:

• Etsy: The most popular marketplace for handmade, vintage, and craft goods. Easy to get started.

• Amazon Handmade: Great for reaching a large audience, but requires seller approval.

• eBay: List handmade items in various categories.

• Shopify: Create your own branded store. Full marketing control.

• Big Cartel: Simple online store builder.

• Facebook Marketplace & Instagram Shopping: Sell directly to local and global customers.

• Depop: Popular with younger shoppers for unique items.

  
  

Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

Job Description:

Care for pets while their owners are away. This is perfect if you love animals!

Estimated Salary:

$10–$25 per hour.

Popular platforms include Rover and Wag, but also check Care.com, Fetch Pet Care, and PetBacker.

Gig Economy Jobs (Delivery, Rideshare, TaskRabbit)

Job Description:

Deliver food, drive for rideshare apps, or complete small tasks for people nearby.

Estimated Salary:

$10–$25 per hour (plus tips).

Top Delivery Side Hustles:

• DoorDash: Work flexible hours and typically earn $15–$25+ per hour with tips. Cash out daily with Fast Pay.

• Uber Eats: Deliver by car, bike, or even on foot in some areas. Competitive rates with instant cash out.

• Instacart: Shop for groceries and deliver them. Pay: $15–$25+ per hour with tips.

• Amazon Flex: Choose delivery blocks. Pay: $18–$25 per hour, depending on location.

• Grubhub, Shipt, goPuff, Roadie: Varying pay and flexible hours.

  
  

Tips for Success

• Choose a Hustle You Enjoy: You’ll stay motivated and do better work!

• Manage Your Time: Use a planner or app to balance school and work commitments.

• Promote Yourself: Share your services on social media and campus boards.

• Keep Learning: Invest in new skills to grow your side hustle into a real business.

  
  

Try to pick a side hustle that excites you, and explore various options to find what best suits your skills and interests. If you're passionate about something, you'll be more successful. Don't forget to like, comment, and share this post with future entrepreneurs!