This Is the Highest-Paying Side Gig in Your State

Americans don’t have much confidence in the economy right now. Only 3% of people who responded to a recent Gallup poll rated economic conditions as excellent. In contrast, almost half of all respondents (46%) said economic conditions are poor.

This lack of confidence in the economy could be a major reason so many Americans are taking up side hustles to make ends meet. According to a LendingTree survey of Gen Zers and millennials, 55% of young Americans have a side hustle, averaging $1,253 a month in supplemental income.

Anyone can put their skills and time to good use and make extra money. Some side hustles have higher earning potential than others, so check out the list below to find out what sides hustle helps people in your state make the most money.

Also see the 50 benefits of having a side hustle.

The best side hustle for you is the one that suits your skill set, schedule and financial goals. Some side hustles can be done without any prior experience or equipment. Others will need more investment in terms of time spent learning new skills or buying the right tools for the job.

Either way, plenty of Americans find that pursuing a side hustle — whether it’s for a personal passion or just to pay the bills — is worth the effort. According to a study from Preply, the average hourly rate for all side hustles in the U.S. is $28.63.

A list of side hustles that make the most money when ranked by average national hourly pay is included below, per the study. While reading, keep a few important points in mind.

• These numbers serve as only rough guidelines. Some people dedicate only a couple of hours a week to their side hustle, while others earn more by charging higher rates due to talent or experience.
• Side hustle pay can vary wildly depending on the state. For example, the average web developer in North Dakota makes only $35.38 per hour, while someone doing the same side hustle in California can expect to make nearly double that amount at $65.95 per hour.
• The annual income projection might be unrealistic. In the Preply study, this figure was calculated on the basis of someone working on their side hustle for 10 hours a week, 48 weeks a year. At the high end, motion graphics designers and web developers working this many hours could potentially make over $25,000 annually. On the other end of the scale, online resellers and photographers working the same number of hours are projected to earn between $12,000 and $13,000. Depending on the side hustle, it may be difficult to realistically pick up this many hours a week while working another full-time job.
• Some side hustles have better earning stability than others. Some side hustles, such as food delivery, have more predictable earning rates because they don’t require a lot of experience and the wages don’t increase with more experience. For other side hustles, such as video editing, more experience and a larger portfolio of work often translate into higher rates. When evaluating the hourly rates listed below, take your own experience and expertise into account to determine whether you can charge a higher rate.

1. Motion graphics designer: $52.71 per hour ($25,301 per year)
2. Web developer: $52.32 per hour ($25,114 per year)
3. Writer, blogger or vlogger: $42.11 per hour ($20,213 per year)
4. Actor: $41.01 per hour ($19,685 per year)
5. Acupuncturist: $40.51 per hour ($19,445 per year)
6. Video editor: $40.13 per hour ($19,262 per year)
7. Vacation rental host or property manager: $37.69 per hour ($18,091 per year)
8. Social media manager: $37.37 per hour ($17,938 per year)
9. Sound engineer: $35.62 per hour ($17,098 per year)
10. Videographer: $34.56 per hour ($16,589 per year)
11. Fine artist: $34.34 per hour ($16,483 per year)
12. Leasing or real estate agent: $33.46 per hour ($16,061 per year)
13. Model: $33.03 per hour ($15,854 per year)
14. Makeup artist: $32.97 per hour ($15,826 per year)
15. Graphic designer: $31.11 per hour ($14,933 per year)
16. Massage therapist: $30.08 per hour ($14,438 per year)
17. Event planner: $29.94 per hour ($14,371 per year)
18. Production assistant: $27.70 per hour ($13,296 per year)
19. Online reseller: $26.03 per hour ($12,494 per year)
20. Photographer: $25.67 per hour ($12,322 per year)

Keep in mind the annual income figure calculation is based on a person working a side hustle for 10 hours a week, 48 weeks a year.

There are several other side hustles included in the study that deserve a mention but didn’t make it into the top 20 when ranked by hourly pay.

1. Personal trainer: $24.65 per hour
2. Beauty technician: $24.57 per hour
3. Handyperson or maintenance: $23.87 per hour
4. Online tutor: $23.36 per hour
5. Transcriptionist: $22.68 per hour
6. Virtual assistant: $21.87 per hour
7. Substitute teacher: $20.95 per hour
8. Hairstylist: $20.09 per hour
9. Yard worker: $19.13 per hour
10. Food or grocery deliverer: $18.44 per hour
11. Housesitter: $17.88 per hour
12. Manicurist/pedicurist: $17.54 per hour
13. Ride-share driver: $16.88 per hour
14. Housekeeper: $16.66 per hour
15. Pet sitter or walker: $16.12 per hour
16. Babysitter: $15.42 per hour

Some of these gigs still pay well but might have dropped lower in the rankings because they have a large gap between the highest and lowest earners across the U.S. For example, experienced beauty technicians in some states made over $35 per hour, while beginners or those in areas with less demand could make under $15 an hour.

Many of the side hustles with lower pay are things that anyone can do without requiring any special skills. So if you’re just starting out and looking for a way to put some extra money toward your savings or entertainment budget, consider babysitting, dog walking or finding a neighbor who needs housesitting.

And now here are the highest-paying side gigs in each state.

• $32.16 per hour

Motion graphics designers in this state earn more on average than people pursuing other side hustles. But while $32.16 an hour is still above the national average pay for side hustles, it reflects the lower earning potential for side hustles in Alabama, as it’s well below the $52.71 per hour that the average motion graphics designer makes in the U.S.

• $48.40 per hour

The average massage therapist in the U.S. makes $30.08 per hour, which is only slightly higher than the national average hourly pay for all side hustles. But Alaska is an outlier — massage therapists in this northern state make around $18 more per hour than the national average. If you’re in Alaska and want to specialize in providing therapeutic services to relieve pain and reduce stress, becoming a massage therapist is definitely a worthy side hustle.

• $47.04 per hour

Do you have an eye for detail and don’t mind testing and debugging lines of code for hours on end? If yes, you could pick up web development on the side and make $18.41 more per hour than the national average side hustle wage. 

• $30.01 per hour

Rental hosts and property managers in this state make more than those pursuing other side hustles. Managing a property involves a lot of guest interaction, so be sure to brush up on your communication skills before taking up this side hustle.

• $65.95 per hour

Web developers in California earn an impressive hourly rate that’s $37.32 more than the national average for all side hustles. It takes a lot of experience and hard work to get to the point where you can charge this much for your services, but even if you have a basic knowledge of programming and web design, you’ll find plenty of entry-level opportunities in this market.

• $55.64 per hour

Do you know programming languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript? Put your skills to good use by taking up web development on the side. In Colorado, it’s the best-paid side hustle around, earning $27.01 more per hour than the national average.

• $43.46 per hour

Motion graphics designers must develop specialized skills in using software like Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D to create visual content for films, TV or other digital platforms. It takes a significant amount of time and effort to learn these skills, but it also means that people with them can charge a premium. In Connecticut, motion graphics designers on average make $14.83 more than the national average.

• $35.88 per hour

Social media managers spend their time creating and managing content for brands, but not all brands need a constant stream of content. Many choose to outsource their social media work to freelancers who may manage content operations for many clients simultaneously. If you’re a social media-savvy resident of Delaware, this side hustle beats other ones in terms of hourly rates.

• $51.61 per hour

Getting into acupuncture requires knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine techniques and certification to practice. If you possess the know-how and the qualifications, it can be an excellent way to earn additional income. Acupuncturists in Florida make almost $23 more per hour than the average pay for side hustles in the U.S.

• $49.68 per hour

Are you destined for the big screen? Most people think of moving to Hollywood when they’re chasing an acting career, but Georgia might be a more lucrative choice for up-and-coming actors. People in this state who act on the side earn around $49.68 per hour — well above the national average for side hustle income.

• $39.32 per hour

Web developers in Hawaii make around $13 less per hour than the national average for web developers in the U.S., but it’s still the best-paying side hustle in the island state. If you don’t mind spending your spare hours behind the computer screen instead of out on the beach, then building and maintaining websites is a great option for earning extra income.

• $36.22 per hour

Content creation beats out other side hustles in Idaho when it comes to hourly wages, earning writers, bloggers and vloggers almost $8 more than the national average hourly rate for side hustles. If you’re creative, this could be the side hustle you’re looking for.

• $39.47 per hour

Web developers in the Midwest don’t make quite as much as those in coastal states, but it’s still the best-paying side hustle for supplementing your income in Illinois. Building websites can be a rewarding job, as you see the outcome of your work and get to experience working with different types of clients.

• $36.40 per hour

The best thing about real estate as a side hustle is that you can turn it into a full-time career in the future. If you live in Indiana and have an interest in selling property, consider becoming a licensed real estate agent — it’s the highest-paying side hustle in the state.

• $37.27 per hour

Web development isn’t easy. Besides learning the necessary technical skills and knowledge, you’ll need good organizational and communication skills to manage client projects. But all that hard work pays off — especially in Iowa.

• $46.13 per hour

If you don’t fear needles and would enjoy helping people alleviate pain, then acupuncture could be a side hustle worth looking into. While it does require a certain level of knowledge, skill and certification, it pays more than average and is the best-paid side hustle in the state of Kansas.

• $45.72 per hour

Most people probably don’t associate the Bluegrass State with tech, but web developers here rank first when it comes to making money from their side hustle.

• $34.17 per hour

In Louisiana, writers, bloggers and vloggers make less on average than their counterparts in many other states. However, they still make almost $6 more than the average person doing a side hustle in the U.S. That’s because communication skills are in high demand. If you can connect with an audience and tell a story, there’s no shortage of brands that need your service.

• $48.81 per hour

Content creators in Maine earn around $20 per hour more than the national average for side hustles. Even though this side hustle has more earning potential than others, the role doesn’t necessarily require any special degrees, certifications or equipment. What it does require is strong communication skills, originality and dedication.

• $47.25 per hour

Writing, blogging and vlogging can be a lucrative gig in Maryland, with hourly rates well above the national average for side hustles. However, keep in mind that content creation isn’t only about creativity. You also need to develop business and marketing skills to continually secure and manage clients, especially since you’re doing it on your own without the support of an agency or company.

• $54.64 per hour

Web developers in Massachusetts can earn around $26 more per hour than the national average rate for side hustles. If you’ve got an eye for visual layouts and know how to create engaging, interactive user experiences, then web development is a side hustle worth exploring.

• $36.09 per hour

One of the best things about web development is that with enough time and effort, you can eventually turn your side hustle into a well-paying full-time career. Web developers who do it on the side in Michigan already earn more than any other side hustle in the state, so it’s a flexible option for padding your income as well as opening up future opportunities.

• $56.55 per hour

Acupuncturists in Minnesota who practice as a side hustle earn over $15 more than the national average for this side gig. Being an acupuncturist requires good people skills and knowledge of traditional Chinese medicinal practices. If that sounds like you, then acupuncture could be a lucrative pursuit.

• $35.29 per hour

Web development is a high-paying side gig in Mississippi. If you don’t already possess programming knowledge, it will take some time to get started. But once you do, you could make more than any other side hustle in the state.

• $46.49 per hour

Practicing acupuncture is an excellent way to make extra money in Missouri. It requires you to assess a patient’s physical condition and look for ways to alleviate pain and resolve other health conditions. Acupuncture requires certification, so it’s not an entry-level side hustle, but due to its high hourly wages, it could pay off in the long run.

• $43.50 per hour

If you’re looking for a high-paying side hustle, web development is a solid choice. It requires strong technical skills, and you’ll have to keep finding your own clients if you’re not working full time for one company. But if you have the right tools for the job, you’ll be working in a gig that earns $15 more per hour than the national average for side hustles.

• $32.61 per hour

It may be the best-paid side hustle in the state, but writers, bloggers and vloggers in Nebraska earn around $10 less than the national average for this side gig. If you lean toward the more creative pursuits and live in Nebraska, try pitching your skills to companies in your area looking for marketing content. Or expand your reach and join a freelance platform that connects you with clients located all around the globe.

• $48.28 per hour

If you can use programming languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript, then doing web development as a side hustle in Nevada will make you more supplementary income than any other gig in the state. At almost $50 per hour on average, this side gig is a great way to earn extra money.

• $42.25 per hour

New Hampshire is another state where web development comes out on top of the list for highest-earning side hustle. There’s always room to carve out a niche in this field for people with technical skills, as businesses are continually expanding their digital footprints.

• $47.22 per hour

Acupuncture is the top-paying gig in the state, and side-hustling acupuncturists in New Jersey make around $7 more than the national average. Achieving this degree of side hustle income does require you to put in the work. You’ll need to learn a specialized skill and become certified, but once you do, acupuncture might significantly increase your income.

• $36.27 per hour

You don’t have to leave your house to earn extra income. Beat the heat and stay indoors while making almost $8 more per hour than the national average for side hustles by developing websites for clients and businesses in your area and beyond.

• $60.15 per hour

Web developers in New York are in high demand, making it one of the best-paying gigs in the country. So brush up on your programming skills and start looking for clients if you want in on this lucrative side hustle.

• $43.40 per hour

In North Carolina, you can earn $14.77 more per hour than the national average for side hustles by taking up web development. Start by learning programming languages like HTML and JavaScript, and then build up your skills from there.

• $35.38 per hour

There are a lot of web developers out there working full-time, doing it as a side hustle or both. But the field is constantly expanding, and those who want to get in on the action in North Dakota will find that it’s the top-paying side hustle in the state.

• $41.99 per hour

Web development takes a lot of technical knowledge and business acumen to succeed, especially if you’re going to go freelance. But it’s a financially rewarding side hustle if you put in the work, coming out above any other gig in Ohio in terms of average hourly pay.

• $34.73 per hour

Being a vacation rental host or property manager in Oklahoma can earn you around $6 more per hour than the national average rate for side hustles. If you’re willing to handle bookings, oversee property maintenance and manage the issues that could arise at any moment during a guest’s stay, then this could be a well-paying gig to pursue in your spare time.

• $53.11 per hour

Web developers in Oregon make just around the national average for web developer hourly rates. So if you’re in the Beaver State and know what makes a website tick, it’s a great way to earn extra income.

• $41.74 per hour

While it doesn’t pay as much as it does in some other states, web development is still the best-paying side hustle in Pennsylvania. For those of you who are just getting started, there are plenty of free online courses that will help you level up your knowledge of the programming languages you need to enter this field.

• $53.29 per hour

Sticking needles into people isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time, but for part-time acupuncturists in Rhode Island, it pays well. At $53.29 per hour, acupuncture pays well above the national average hourly rate for side hustles. However, it does require more upfront investment when you consider how long it will take to learn the practice and achieve certification.

• $38.05 per hour

If you have strong communication and negotiation skills and know the local real estate market, then you could be leaving money on the table if you don’t pursue it as a side hustle. Plus, working in the property market in your spare time could open the door to a full-time career in the future.

• $52.36 per hour

South Dakota is best known for its natural beauty, but it’s also a place where web developers can make over $50 per hour. To get started in this side hustle, you’ll need to learn basic programming skills and understand how to satisfy client requirements.

• $36.02 per hour

Web developers make more per hour than any other side hustle in Tennessee, even though the hourly rate falls below the national average for web developers. Still, it’s one of the best ways to pad your paycheck if you have computer skills.

• $50.64 per hour

There are plenty of side hustle options in this huge state, but web developers take home the most per hour. If building and maintaining websites for clients sounds like something you could handle, then start working on your portfolio and exploring the many online freelance marketplaces where web developers advertise their services.

• $49.74 per hour

Web developers in Utah make over $21 per hour more than the national average wage for side hustles. There are few better ways to earn supplemental income in your spare time here than building websites if you have the skills and interest.

• $48.44 per hour

Real estate agents in Vermont make almost $15 more than the national average for the side gig, even if it’s not their full-time job. By taking advantage of the state’s high-value property market, many people are padding their income by pursuing real estate as their side hustle.

• $43.64 per hour

Residents of Virginia earn an average of $15 more per hour by renting or managing property than people earn on average by doing side hustles in the U.S. Vacation homes and other property rentals can be a flexible opportunity that allows you to determine how much time you want to dedicate to the process of managing bookings and guest requests.

• $57.65 per hour

Web developers in Washington make an average of $29 per hour more than the average for side hustles in the U.S. That alone is a great reason to start learning how to build a website.

• $33.91 per hour

West Virginia is a state with lots to offer when it comes to natural beauty and proximity to major cities on the East Coast. While it could take some time to get your foot in the door and break into the market, working in real estate on the side earns an hourly rate above the average pay for side hustles.

• $43.88 per hour

If you live in Wisconsin and have a knack for working with computers, then web development could be for you. It’s a flexible side hustle that you can work on in your spare time and pays well once you develop your skills to a high level.

• $47.07 per hour

Wyoming is another state where web developers take home the highest hourly income on average when compared with any other side hustle in the state. If you’re already a web developer for your day job but need extra money to put into your savings, consider taking up some freelance work on the side.