Top 7 Side Hustles Americans Are Doing in 2025 to Make Extra Cash
In 2025, the cost of living continues to climb, and more Americans than ever are picking up side hustles to stay ahead. Whether it’s to pay down debt, save for a vacation, or just keep up with bills, earning extra income outside a 9-to-5 is no longer the exception — it’s the norm.
Thanks to technology, flexible work options, and a booming gig economy, side hustles are easier to start and scale. Here are the top 7 side hustles Americans are using in 2025 to boost their bank accounts.
1. Freelancing Online (Writing, Design, Coding, etc.)
Why it's popular: With platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Contra continuing to grow, Americans are turning their skills into cash — without leaving home. Writers, designers, marketers, coders, and even voiceover artists can find steady side gigs.
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Average earnings: $25–$100/hour depending on skill
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Getting started: Build a portfolio, start small, gather reviews
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Pro tip: Specialize (e.g. “email copywriter for SaaS startups”) to stand out
2. Delivery Driving (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart)
Why it's popular: It’s one of the fastest ways to earn cash on your own schedule. Many people do deliveries before or after work, especially in busy urban and suburban areas.
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Average earnings: $15–$30/hour (depending on location, tips, bonuses)
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Getting started: Valid driver’s license, vehicle (or bike), background check
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Pro tip: Work during peak hours (lunch/dinner) and use multiple apps to maximize income
3. Reselling & Flipping Items Online
Why it's popular: From thrifting vintage clothes to buying clearance items at Walmart and flipping them on Amazon or eBay, reselling remains a profitable hustle in 2025. Social platforms like TikTok and YouTube are filled with “flipper” success stories.
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Average earnings: $200–$2,000/month depending on inventory
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Getting started: Start small with items around the house, then source from thrift stores or liquidation sales
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Pro tip: Use tools like eBay’s sold listings or Amazon seller apps to price smart
4. Print-on-Demand & Online Merch Stores
Why it's popular: Platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, and Shopify with Printify or Printful allow creators to sell T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more — without holding inventory. Just upload your design, and the rest is handled for you.
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Average earnings: $100–$5,000/month (depends on marketing & niche)
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Getting started: Free to low-cost — you only pay when you make a sale
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Pro tip: Focus on viral or niche designs (e.g. teachers, pet lovers, or political humor)
5. Remote Virtual Assistance (VA) Work
Why it's popular: Small businesses and entrepreneurs are outsourcing admin work — calendar management, inbox cleanup, customer service, etc. It’s ideal for organized individuals and doesn’t require a specialized degree.
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Average earnings: $20–$60/hour
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Getting started: Sites like Belay, Fancy Hands, or direct outreach via LinkedIn
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Pro tip: Offer packages (e.g. 10 hours/month retainer) for consistent income
6. Tutoring & Online Course Creation
Why it's popular: With AI reshaping education, many parents and students still value human tutors. Meanwhile, platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Skillshare make it easy to turn your knowledge into a paid course.
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Average earnings: Tutors make $25–$80/hour; course creators can earn passive income
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Getting started: Offer services on Wyzant or Superprof; or build a course on Skillshare or Gumroad
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Pro tip: Niche tutoring (like SAT math or ESL for business) commands higher rates
7. Content Creation & Monetization (TikTok, YouTube, Newsletters)
Why it's popular: Anyone with a phone and creativity can start a channel or newsletter. In 2025, platforms are offering even more ways to monetize — subscriptions, brand deals, affiliate marketing, and creator funds.
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Average earnings: Highly variable — $0 to $100,000+
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Getting started: Choose your platform, pick a niche, post consistently
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Pro tip: Build an audience first, then monetize through digital products, sponsorships, or merch
Bonus Mention: Renting Out Assets
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Rent your car via Turo
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Rent a room or property on Airbnb
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Rent camera gear, power tools, or even parking spots
These passive-income-style hustles don’t require your time, just good management and some upfront investment.
Final Thoughts
The best side hustle in 2025 isn’t necessarily the one that pays the most — it’s the one that fits your lifestyle, skills, and goals. Whether you want quick cash or long-term income, the tools and platforms are there.
Want to start? Pick one, commit 5–10 hours/week, and be consistent for at least a month. Most successful side hustlers didn’t strike gold overnight — but they showed up and stuck with it.
