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Top 5 Trending Side Gigs in 2025: Are They Worth Your Time?

May 13, 2025

6 min Read

Written by Cara Danielle Brown

Edited by Amber Barkley

A man running a cloth over his car window, in the process of washing his car.

bernardbodo / Getty Images/iStockphoto

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SideHustles.com recently utilized Google search data to determine the top trending side hustles of 2025. And, while the results aren’t entirely surprising, they have some readers wondering: Are these trending gigs really worth your time?

From startup costs to expected earnings, GOBankingRates takes a closer look to determine whether the buzz is warranted.

Mobile Car Wash

Topping the list as the No. 1 trending side gig is the mobile car wash. After all, it seems pretty simple to grab some soap suds and a bucket, right?

Well, according to Brianna Van Zanten, customer success manager at InCheq, how worthwhile and viable this side gig is can depend on the scope of it. If you’re offering purely a wash service, many individuals don’t actually have a readily available water source like a hose — apartment living, anyone? — which will cut into earnings potential and make this a less worthwhile side hustle.

If, however, your mobile car wash offers additional features like detailing, this gig can be lucrative. Salary.com lists the average, annual salary of a full-time, mobile detailer at $95,587. When performed as a side gig for even a quarter of the time, that’s an additional $23,897 in your pocket.

Plus, startup costs are low — all necessary equipment can be purchased for a mere $1,000 to $2,000.

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But take note: Per Orlando Car Detailing and Modification, the market is currently saturated with many inexperienced detailers, which is driving prices and profit margins down. If, however, you have a passion for cars and are willing to gain the requisite experience, word may travel fast, and you can charge more.

Selling Stock Photos

At the No. 2 spot is selling stock photos online. And who can be surprised in today’s digital world? Seems easy, right? Just take some photos and watch the cash roll in… Eh, not so much.

This gig may look deceptively easy, but it requires a good amount of time and consistency to see any real returns. You could offer a library of photos and earn only cents per month. However, you could earn a few hundred per month if you’re successful.

On the bright side, $19.99 per month for some editing software and a smartphone with a good camera are all that’s needed to get started. And, Van Zanten said, the value of this gig lies in its repeatability — you can upload one photo and just keep earning money off it with zero additional effort.

However, the market is incredibly saturated, and you’re also competing with AI-generated images. Being successful requires a heavy commitment and finding a niche in order to break through the noise. Unless you’re extremely passionate about photography, this one may not be worth the time.

Crypto Trading

When it comes to No. 3 on the list, most experts agree that the average person should just say no. That’s because, as Van Zanten put it, “it feels more like gambling than a reliable side hustle.”

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However, she added that there can be real money it — if and only if you take the requisite time to really learn how it works, which most people don’t.

Allan Hou, sales director at TSL Australia, agreed. “You have to understand how to read price charts, recognize candlestick patterns and use tools like RSI or MACD to time your entries and exits.”

He said chasing hype and copying others trades could cost you. “If your plan is to toss in a few hundred dollars and hope it turns into something big without doing the work, you’re wasting your time, and you’ll probably lose that money quicker than you think.”

Ultimately, this gig is risky and unpredictable. But potentially worthwhile for the devout. Do your research and don’t dive in simply because it’s trendy.

Personal Shopping Service

The fourth trendiest side gig is sure to have many fashionistas dancing in their Louboutins. But… is it worth it?

According to the founder of Tropic Residential, Mark Sanchez, personal shopping can be moderately lucrative — with the added bonus of practically zero startup costs — but steady income is heavily dependent on developing and understanding a particular niche: It’s not just luxury items that are in demand.

“In Florida, especially, where people live the outdoor lifestyle, there’s a constant demand for people to find the right gear and apparel,” Sanchez explained.

Anyone can start with just one or two clients, and the market is not nearly as saturated as some other side hustles. However, this gig takes the right personality since it’s relationship-driven… and that aspect is a heavy time commitment. You’ll need to build systems and partnerships with stores and suppliers, and you’ll need to fully understand and anticipate client needs.

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According to Thumbtack, the average personal shopper in Los Angeles can make between $120 to $200 per hour. Not too shabby.

Food Delivery Driver

There are few who haven’t considered driving for Uber Eats or DoorDash to make some fast cash — which is exactly why this side gig takes the No. 5 trendiest position. If you own a car, the gig is easy, there are no barriers to entry and you make your own schedule.

Unfortunately, fast cash generally means less cash. Drivers may not earn much hourly, though earnings increase during peak times or through generous tips.

As Van Zanten explained, the main downsides are the wear and tear on your vehicle, as well as routine gas expenses, both of which eat into profits.

So is this gig worth your time? It can be great on occasion for some fast cash if, say, you’re saving up for a new console. But, as a regular gig, it’s maybe not the best investment.

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