9 Ways To Earn Extra Income Without Quitting Your Day Job

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Supplementing your income with a side gig doesn’t have to mean overhauling your life or leaving a stable job. Weekend hustles let you boost earnings while keeping your 9-to-5 job intact. There are ways of making extra money that are flexible, straightforward and easy to fit into a busy schedule.
Start thinking about these nine weekend hustles to boost your income.
Driving for a Rideshare Company
- Average pay: $21 per hour
Weekend rideshare driving offers a solid way to rake in cash fast. High-demand times, like Friday nights or Saturday afternoons, mean bonuses and consistent ride requests. With companies like Uber and Lyft, drivers can choose when to log in and call it quits after hitting their income goals.
Selling Handmade or Custom Goods
- Average pay: Varies based on sales
Handmade goods are always in demand, especially unique or customized items. From bespoke clothing to personalized mugs, platforms like Etsy make it simple to sell creations to a global audience. Weekends can be for crafting, marketing and shipping, with extra profits rolling in steadily.
Pet Care Services
- Average pay: $17 per hour
Dogs still need walks, even on weekends, and pet owners are always on the lookout for trusted sitters. Apps like Rover and Wag! connect animal lovers with clients in their area, so offering pet-sitting or walking services can turn downtime into dollars.
Gardening
- Average pay: $21 per hour
Green thumbs can turn weekend hours into steady cash by offering gardening services. Tasks like planting, pruning, weeding or mowing are always in demand, especially during spring and summer. Homeowners without the time — or the inclination — to handle outdoor maintenance often pay well for reliable help. Advertising locally or through platforms like TaskRabbit can quickly bring in clients.
Delivery Driving for Food Services
- Average pay: $18 per hour
Food delivery companies like DoorDash, Grubhub or Instacart let drivers work flexible hours and pocket tips. With high-order volume during meal times, a few hours can yield solid earnings. This hustle also has low barriers to entry, requiring little more than a vehicle and smartphone.
Tutoring Students
- Average pay: $20 per hour
With the relevant skills and experience, tutoring (either online or in-person) can be a lucrative weekend hustle. Whether it’s math, IT or a language, tutors can dedicate weekends to helping others while earning extra money.
Photography
- Average pay: $20 per hour
Photographers are often busy on weekends with jobs like weddings, events and family shoots. Building a portfolio and marketing through platforms like Instagram can help attract paying clients, and for talented photographers, even short sessions can be lucrative.
Participating in Market Research
- Average pay: $17 per hour
Market research companies are willing to pay for honest opinions, making market research a simple way to earn on the side. It could be filling out surveys, joining focus groups or trying out new products. The work is straightforward and can often be done at home, making it ideal for squeezing in between weekend plans.
Babysitting or House Sitting
- Average pay: $17 to $18 per hour
Babysitting remains a classic side hustle for good reason — it’s always in demand. Families often need help on weekends for date nights or errands, and trustworthy sitters are always in demand. House sitting is another low-effort option — perfect for those willing to keep an eye on someone’s home while they’re away for a weekend.
Editor’s note: All side-gig income amounts are sourced from ZipRecruiter.
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