U.S. side hustle market valued at over $2.58 trillion (Source: Self. inc). some side hustlers who dedicate just 12 hours per week to their business earn a median of $1,122 per month (Source: Sidehustlenation).
With the emergence of new technologies, the side hustle industry is booming like never before. So, if you already don’t have a side hustle idea to support your regular income this is the high time to start one.
In this article, we’ll explore 23 High-Paying Side Hustles to Make $20k Every Month.
Offering Subscription-Based Business Coaching
You provide business coaching services to support entrepreneurs and business owners in surmounting obstacles, creating strategies, and meeting their goals.
Come up with a coaching program that provides value through one-on-one discussions, team consultations plus backup resources.
Some mentors charge less than $500 per client monthly, while others may charge over $2,000 every four weeks based on experience and skills.
Important Factors for Success:
- Identify a niche and target audience
- Develop a structured coaching program
- Create a strong portfolio
- Offer result-oriented coaching programs
Developing and Selling Mobile Apps
Developing and selling mobile apps is an excellent high-paying side hustle and one of the most smart ways to make money at home especially if you are a tech person.
You can begin by finding out a need or gap in the market and then create an app to address it.
If you know how to develop apps with coding that is a huge advantage. However, with the rise of no-code platforms, you can also develop apps without possessing deep programming knowledge.
You can make money through in-app purchases, ads, or by selling the app directly.
When your app starts generating regular revenue you can sell that app for a higher price. So, there are many things you can do with a profitable app.
Important factors for success in the mobile app business include:
- Market research.
- User-friendly design.
- Effective monetization strategy.
- Strong marketing efforts.
Setting Up and Managing Paid Membership Communities
You can create an online space where members pay a fee to join and interact with each other or with content.
Start by choosing a niche you are familiar with, then use any platform such as StellarUp or MemberSpace to create your community.
You will need to give value that justifies the membership cost like exclusive content, forums, or networking opportunities.
You will earn more as long as you attract and retain more members. Some communities charge a small amount and aim for a large member base while others target fewer people at high-end rates.
Important factors for success include:
- Valuable content.
- Active engagement.
- Secure payments.
- Trust building.
Developing and Selling Personalized Gifts.
Creating and selling personalized presents is a good side hustle where you design rare things for clients. Start by selecting which personal gifts to make including mugs, t-shirts, or jewelry among others.
This is a business idea that you can start with a low investment.
You can use tools or services to modify these products as per customer specifications. You can sell on digital platforms like Etsy or at physical stores, and local fairs.
In addition, do not forget that high-quality products are very important here. If your products are durable and well made, people will refer others to buy from you hence free advertising.
Custom-made gifts are popular now. So, with proper skill sets and experience, you can earn 20 thousand dollars every month.
Important factors for success include:
- Understanding customer needs.
- Using quality materials.
- Being creative.
- Good marketing.
Dropshipping Luxury or High-End Products
Dropshipping luxury or high-end products is a side hustle where you sell expensive items without holding inventory. Many OEM manufacturers offer dropshipping services. You will add their products with your own brand.
When a person buys your products, the manufacturer will deliver the product under your brand. No need to buy products in advance and no need to have your own inventory, Amazing, right?
You could begin by researching and identifying desirable luxury items that can be sourced from suppliers or wholesalers.
Then, establish an online store for displaying these goods, whenever a customer buys something it will be delivered straight from the supplier, thus you won’t need to keep stock.
Therefore it is necessary to find trustworthy suppliers of genuine luxury goods and your store should display the premium nature of the products.
Also, you should have a strong understanding of SEO to promote your brand through search engines.
Important factors for success in this type of dropshipping include:
- Reliable suppliers.
- Authentic products.
- Premium branding.
- Targeted marketing.
Creating and Selling Custom-Made Furniture
You will need a modest investment to start this business.
Creating and selling handcrafted furniture is a side business that combines artistic invention and manual skills. You create and construct furniture designed to match your buyer’s individual prerequisites.
This may vary from tables/chairs, cabinets, or even intricate bed frames. To begin with, you need some skills in woodwork, tools to use, and working space.
After this, you can advertise your merchandise either through online platforms or local craft fairs.
The price of the pieces depends on how complicated they are, what materials were used in making them, and just how much clients can afford to spend on custom-made items.
So, you must find a niche market willing to pay for the quality as well as the uniqueness of your products to increase your income.
Important factors for success include:
- Understanding customer needs.
- Quality craftsmanship.
- Efficient Material Sourcing.
Developing and Selling Digital Comics or Novels
Creating and selling comics or novels may be a great side job for storytellers and artists. You can write stories and make comics, then sell them as ebooks or on digital platforms. The best part is you won’t need any investment to start this side hustle.
Firstly, you have to draft your story or make your comic book and then format it for digital distribution. There are many online tools to assist you through this process so that you can focus on your creativity.
You can sell on online marketplaces like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or ComiXology.
Sales and royalties depend on effective storytelling and artistry, which attract a loyal audience. As the number of readers increases and you have enough content to build a strong portfolio, you may be able to earn up to $20k per month or more.
Important factors for success in this field include:
- Original content.
- Consistent publishing.
- Effective marketing.
- Fan engagement.
Corporate Training and Development Programs.
The side hustle of a corporate training and development program is to provide professional training services to businesses.
Your work involves helping companies improve the skills and knowledge of their employees. This requires being an expert in one particular area such as software, leadership, or sales.
You will have to come up with training materials and use them for workshops, webinars, or online courses.
Some trainers charge on an hourly basis, while others set a price for each program/course. By serving just a few clients, you can earn a high monthly income.
Important factors for success include:
- Business and employee needs.
- Engaging content.
- Presentation skills.
- Networking and marketing.
Voice Acting for Animations or Video Games.
Voice acting for animations or video games is a creative side hustle where you earn money by using your voice for characters.
Initially begin by practicing different tones of voices and recording audios.
After that, you upload these samples on voice-acting platforms or send them to animation and game studios. Also, taking voice acting classes will help improve your skills.
Although it may start off low for beginners, earnings can rise considerably as they gain experience and secure bigger roles.
As an example, voice actors may earn $20 to $100 per hour when working on smaller projects. For larger-scale commercial works are paid thousands of dollars per project.
Important factors for success include:
- Practice regularly.
- Network with professionals.
- Have a quality demo reel.
Developing and Selling Online Productivity Tools.
Developing and selling online productivity tools is a side hustle that involves creating digital solutions to help individuals better manage their time and tasks.
Before starting do a thorough research and come up with a productivity tool that is useful and easy to use.
You can create these tools yourself or hire a developer to execute your ideas.
You can monetize these tools through one-time sales, subscriptions, or freemium models with paid upgrades.
The more users the tool attracts and the more value it provides, the more money you can make.
Important factors for success include:
- Solving a real problem.
- User-friendly design.
- Staying on-trend.
- Effective marketing.
Starting a Niche Podcast Network.
Creating a niche podcast network is one of those side hustles where podcasts are done in series that revolve around one particular subject.
To start with, you have to identify an area that you are passionate about and has a market.
After that, you should prepare and record your shows concentrating on great content that will keep the audience on their toes. And write up some show notes so people can find them in search engines.
You could even make money through sponsorships, ads, or listener contributions. The more popular they get, the more money you will earn.
Some podcasters make a few hundred bucks per month while others bring in thousands of dollars monthly when they’re successful enough.
Important factors for success include:
- High-quality content.
- Consistent production.
- Effective promotion.
- Networking.
Professional Blogging With Sponsored Content.
You can make money by writing sponsored blog posts for brands. In a sponsored post, a company pays you to write about their product or service on your blog. The goal is to promote the brand to your blog audience in an authentic way.
You can start this side hustle as a part-time night job also.
To begin with, you must own a blog that focuses on a specific category and has many faithful readers.
You may either reach out directly to brands or join networks that specialize in sponsored content.
The income potential for sponsored blog posts varies widely. Rates depend on factors like your blog traffic, audience engagement, and niche.
Smaller bloggers might earn $50-$500 per post, while popular bloggers can make $1,000-$5,000 or more for a single post. As your blog grows, you can command higher rates.
Important factors for sponsored blogging:
- Engaged, niche audience
- High-quality, authentic content
- Disclosure of sponsorships
Proofreading and Editing Services.
As a proofreader or editor, you review and correct written materials for errors, clarity, and consistency.
Authors, students, businesses, and websites are some of the clients you can work with.
To start with, you can advertise your services on freelance platforms or approach potential customers directly. Focusing on a specific field like academic writing or business documents would make you stand out.
Entry-level proofreaders may earn about $15 to $25 hourly while for experienced editors they charge between $50 to $100 or even more per hour.
Some customers prefer making payments after each completed project or even per-word charges, which vary based on the rates.
Important factors for proofreading and editing:
- Strong grammar and language skills
- Attention to detail
- Knowledge of style guides
Transportation and Delivery Services
Offering transportation and delivery services is a flexible side hustle that can generate substantial income.
Restaurants or businesses may need their food orders delivered or their packages dropped at certain places. The presence of e-commerce and food delivery apps has increased the demand for reliable delivery services.
Normally, this would require a registered vehicle in good condition, a driver’s license, and insurance.
There are popular food delivery applications like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub where you can sign up.
Alternatively, there are package dispatch companies such as Amazon Flex and Postmates where you can enroll yourself. Moreover, some firms employ individuals directly for these roles.
On average, these drivers earn between $10 to $25 per hour whereas package deliveries range from $15 to 30 dollars an hour.
Important factors for transportation and delivery:
- Reliable vehicle
- Valid driver’s license and insurance
- Excellent time management skills
Ride-sharing or Taxi Services
Driving for ride-hailing firms like Uber or Lyft, or traditional taxi companies can be an ideal side hustle.
As a driver, you offer transport services to people using your personal car. You decide on the time of your work and places to work from.
For you to start with ride-share services, the platform may require a valid driving license, a clean record of driving, and a car that follows their specifications.
When dealing with traditional taxis, you need special permits and must adhere to local regulations.
You can earn more money by being strategic in deciding when and where you will offer your services. For example during the busy hours of the day or in areas where there is high demand.
Important factors for ride-sharing or taxi services:
- Clean driving record
- Well-maintained vehicle
- Knowledge of local roads and traffic patterns
Food delivery
There is a popular side hustle of food delivery where one delivers meals from restaurants or groceries to customers’ doorsteps.
Work with food delivery apps such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Instacart, or directly with local restaurants or grocery stores.
This flexible side hustle lets you earn cash while working on your own time.
Typically, starting out in this business requires a reliable vehicle, a valid driving license, and access to the delivery apps through a smartphone.
Some platforms might also ask for a background clearance. Once approved you can start accepting deliveries and keep earning money after every successful drop-off.
Important factors for food delivery:
- Reliable transportation
- Insulated food delivery bags
- Ability to navigate efficiently
Presentation Design
If you are good at designing then presentation design is a very profitable side hustle that can bring you a handsome amount of money.
Use tools like PowerPoint, Keynote, or Canva to design presentations for pitches, sales, training, webinars, and others.
Many companies need powerful presentations but do not have the time or skills to make them so they engage freelance designers. You can start by offering your services on freelance marketplaces or reaching out to potential clients directly.
Before getting into the market come up with a strong portfolio that will show how skilled you are in this field. Also, create some free presentations for people close to you such as friends or family then include them in your portfolio.
Some key factors for a successful presentation design business:
- Strong portfolio showcasing your best work
- Understanding of design principles and trends
- Strong understanding of visual communication and design principles
Personal Shopping and Errand Running
Personal shopping and errand running is a side hustle where you help busy people save time by doing their shopping and errands.
You can offer services like grocery shopping, gift buying, dry cleaning pickup, or even waiting in line for them. Many people are willing to pay for the convenience of having someone else handle these tasks.
To start this side hustle, you need to be organized, reliable, and good at time management.
You can find clients through word-of-mouth, local advertising, or by signing up with errand service platforms like TaskRabbit or Instacart.
Some key factors for a successful personal shopping and errand-running business:
- Understand and follow instructions properly.
- Reliable transportation and flexibility with scheduling.
- Knowledge of local stores and services.
Moving and Hauling Services
Moving alongside hauling services is a side hustle where you aid people in shifting their belongings from one place to another or discarding what they don’t need.
You can package, transport, load, and offload furniture, appliances as well as boxes. Many people may need assistance when moving or hauling but do not want to engage the services of a full-service mover.
You can get clients through online marketing platforms like Craiglist or by advertising locally.
Moving and hauling enterprises usually charge either on an hourly basis or for every assignment done with up to $50-200 earnings per job depending on the distance and volume involved.
Some key factors for a successful moving and hauling business:
- Physical strength and stamina
- Careful handling of clients’ belongings
- Good driving skills and knowledge of local roads
Career Coaching
Career coaching is the process of helping people with different parts of their career growth.
You can offer services like resume review, job search strategies, interview preparation, and career planning.
Many people look for advice, motivation, preparation, and many other things whenever they face work challenges or when taking crucial career steps.
To be a career coach, you should have experience and an understanding of a certain field or industry.
Important factors for success in career coaching include:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- In-depth knowledge of the job market and career development strategies
- Ability to tailor coaching sessions to meet individual client needs
Relationship Coaching
What about a side gig that not only brings you money but also helps people with relationship complexity?
According to a survey conducted by UCL London, 22% of adults have broken up with family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors. 35% of 18-29-year-olds reported relationship breakdowns. Relationship problems are becoming very common these days.
You can provide services such as communication skills training, conflict management, intimacy coaching, and premarital counseling.
To become a relationship coach, one must be well-versed in human behavior, emotions, and the dynamics of relationships.
Relationship coaches can meet clients in person, talk to them over the phone, or interact via the Internet using various ways. They may charge $75 to $250 or even more depending on their expertise and qualifications.
Some key factors for a successful relationship coaching business:
- Relevant education and training in psychology or counseling
- Ability to create a safe, non-judgmental space for clients
- Knowledge of various relationship models and techniques
Music Lessons
Teaching music lessons is a great side hustle for musicians looking to earn extra income. You can offer lessons for various instruments like piano, guitar, voice, or any instrument you specialize in.
Lessons can be taught in person at your home, the student’s home, or online via video chat platforms.
To start teaching music lessons, you need to be proficient in your instrument and have a passion for teaching. You can advertise your services through local music stores, schools, community centers, or online platforms.
Some key factors for a successful music lessons business:
- Strong musical skills and teaching ability
- Patience and good communication with students
- A good home studio setup.
Art Curation and Sales
Art curation and sales is a side hustle where you discover, select, and sell artworks to collectors and buyers.
You can curate art exhibitions in physical galleries or online platforms, showcasing emerging or established artists. You can also help clients build their art collections by sourcing specific pieces that match their preferences and budget.
To succeed in this side hustle, you need to have a deep knowledge of art history, styles, and markets. You should also have a good eye for identifying talented artists and valuable artworks.
Art curators and sellers typically earn a commission of 10% to 50% on each sale, depending on the artwork’s price and the artist’s reputation.
Some key factors for a successful art curation and sales business:
- A strong network of artists, collectors, and galleries
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Knowledge of art valuation and pricing
FAQs on High-Paying Side Hustles
What are the most common types of side hustles?
32% of side hustlers sell their services to make money, 30% sell physical things while the remaining 13 % chose the gig economy with apps such as Uber or Postmates. Also, it is not uncommon to find people making good money through real estate investment.
Do I need to pay taxes on side hustle earnings?
Certainly, you will be taxed on the additional income you earn. You MUST keep track of your earnings and expenses and set aside money for taxes. If your sideline business is making a substantial amount, it might be wise to consult an accountant.
Final Words
Here ends my list of High-Paying Side Hustles. My final tip is earning USD 20k from a side hustle is not something you can do overnight. You have to be very skilled to achieve that. And be patient. Without patience, you can’t be successful in any side hustle.
And continuously upgrade yourself. This is crucial for increasing your income.
Don’t go, we have some more resources for you:
HOW TO EARN $100 EVERY DAY ON FACEBOOK
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