The 9-to-5 grind isn’t the only way to achieve financial stability anymore.
A 2022 McKinsey survey revealed that 36% of employed Americans—roughly 58 million individuals—are breaking away from tradition. They’re freelancing, identifying as gig workers, or starting their own side hustle. Why? Because flexibility, independence, and extra income are the new career goals.
But here’s the catch: While the idea of a side hustle sounds great, figuring out which ones actually pay off—and fit your skills—isn’t always easy. How do you find something that balances good money, your interests, and personal growth?
That’s where this list comes in. We’ve rounded up 20 of the highest-paid side hustles to help you start earning extra cash while doing something that works for you.
Let’s begin!
20 high-paying side hustles to boost your income
1. Software development
Average earnings: $50 - $150 per hour
Where to start: Platforms like Whop, Upwork, or Toptal
If you’re fluent in programming languages like Python, JavaScript, or Java, congratulations—you’ve got a golden ticket to one of the most lucrative side hustles from home.
In addition to being high-paying, software development is also incredibly versatile. You could be building sleek websites, crafting mobile apps, or even designing custom software solutions for businesses. And if you specialize in red-hot niches like blockchain or AI? You can command even juicier rates.
Here’s some context: In 2022, the top 25% of software developers earned a whopping $161,480, while even the bottom 25% still pulled in $96,790.
The best part, though, is the flexibility. You can tackle projects in your downtime, picking tasks that match your interests and expertise. Plus, since most gigs are remote, you can work with clients from anywhere in the world.
Getting started might feel daunting, but Whop makes it easier by connecting you with clients who need your skills. As you complete projects and collect glowing testimonials, you can gradually increase your rates.
Bonus: Every project you complete doubles as an upskilling opportunity—who knows? That part-time gig could evolve into premium contracts or even a full-time dream job.
2. Selling online courses
Average earnings: $1,000+ per course
Where to Start: Whop, Teachable, or Udemy
Why keep all that expertise to yourself when you can turn it into a money-making machine? Selling online courses is a genius way to share your knowledge and rake in extra income.
Whether it’s graphic design, cooking, or personal finance, trust there's someone out there willing to pay for your expertise. Popular niches like business, fitness, and self-improvement are always in demand, but honestly, you can turn any topic into a course as long as you’ve got the knowledge.
Here’s the playbook: Record video lessons, brainstorm resources like quizzes or downloadable materials (such as cheat sheets), and upload it all to a platform like Whop. Yes, it takes effort upfront, but once your course is live, it becomes a passive income machine. Whop even offers tools to help you market and sell effectively.
Pro tip: Figure out your audience’s pain points and create a course that solves them. Happy learners = glowing reviews = more sales. Keep things fresh by adding updates or live sessions, and you’ll have a loyal audience eager for your next course.
3. Writing and selling ebooks
Average earnings: $500 - $5,000 per book
Where to start: Whop, Amazon Kindle, or Gumroad
Thanks to platforms such as Whop and Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), publishing your own ebook is easier—and cheaper—than ever. All you need is a computer, a topic that clicks with readers, and a bit of grit. And with ebook sales hitting 526 million units in 2022, there's no shortage of readers waiting to devour your work.
But to see success here, you must find your niche. Whether it’s a how-to guide on Excel or a spine-tingling thriller, your ebook needs to cater to a specific audience. And with tools like Canva for cover design and Calibre for formatting, you can create a professional-looking product without spending a fortune.
Once your ebook is polished and ready, it’s time to get it into readers' hands. Use social media, email newsletters, and niche influencers to spread the word. Got more than one book in the pipeline? Consider creating a bundle to sweeten the deal (and boost sales).
Whop makes it easy to deliver your ebooks and to create packages through its tiered payment system. Offering a freemium community tier where buyers can hear from other readers before purchasing can encourage people to engage with your content.
4. Creating PLR digital products
Average earnings: $500 - $10,000+ (depending on scale)
Where to start: Whop, Etsy, or Creative Market
Think of PLR (Private Label Rights) digital products as the gift that keeps on giving—for your buyers and for you.
These are ready-made assets like templates, planners, ebooks, or graphics that buyers can customize and resell as their own. Your job is to create high-quality, reusable digital products that cater to a specific audience—think entrepreneurs, teachers, or small business owners.
The demand is real as well. Between January 2020 and August 2021, daily active users of digital products skyrocketed by 54%. While crafting your PLR assets takes effort upfront, the payoff is sizable passive income. Once your PLR portfolio is live, customers can then purchase and repurpose your work with minimal input from you.
Tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator make designing a breeze, and platforms like Whop give you a ready-to-go storefront tailored to digital creators.
The beauty of PLR products is their scalability—you can sell the same product again and again without extra work. Just focus on standing out—offer unique, problem-solving designs or content that screams value to your audience. Additionally, keep your portfolio fresh with new additions to maintain momentum, and watch the sales roll in.
5. Running paid communities
Average earnings: $50 - $300 per member/month
Where to start: Whop, Discord, or Patreon
If you’ve got expertise and a passion for connecting with others, consider running a paid community. Whether it’s a space for fitness buffs or personal finance gurus, people are willing to pay for insider tips, exclusive content, and the chance to network with like-minded folks. Moreover, platforms such as Whop make managing memberships ridiculously easy, letting you focus on what really matters—delivering value.
What makes a paid community successful? Value—plain and simple. Offer perks like exclusive webinars, Q&A sessions, downloadable resources, or even one-on-one coaching. The more you engage with members, the more they’ll stick around—and invite their friends to join, creating a snowball effect of growth.
Paid communities also double as an incredible upselling opportunity. You can offer related products like courses, ebooks, or premium coaching sessions. Plus, by building direct relationships with your members, you gain insights into their needs, helping you tailor future offers.
6. Affiliate marketing
Average earnings: Varies widely; top earners make $10,000+ per month
Where to start: Whop’s affiliate tools, Amazon Associates, or ClickBank
Affiliate marketing is like being a matchmaker—but for products and people. You promote products or services and earn commissions for every sale made through your affiliate links. It’s scalable, low-risk, and perfect for anyone with an engaged audience. From tech gadgets to fitness programs, there’s an affiliate marketing program for practically everything.
The best part? You don’t have to create your own product. Instead, you act as a bridge, connecting companies with potential customers. But you've got to keep it real. If your audience trusts your recommendations, they’re far more likely to click that link and make a purchase. Blogs, YouTube, and social media are fantastic ways to share affiliate links.
Note that success won’t happen overnight—building a loyal audience takes time. But once you’ve got a following, affiliate marketing can be a reliable side hustle. Platforms like Whop streamline the process with tools for organization and tracking performance and earnings, so you can focus on growing your audience and refining your strategy.
7. Freelance writing
Average earnings: $20 - $100 per hour
Where to start: Whop, ProBlogger, or Contently
If you’ve got a way with words or a knack for simplifying the complex, freelance writing might just be your ticket to side hustle success. Companies, blogs, and media outlets are hungry for fresh, high-quality content—articles, white papers, product descriptions, and even snazzy email campaigns.
And if you’ve got expertise in hot topics like tech, healthcare, or finance, that's even better—those gigs tend to pay top dollar.
The beauty of freelance writing? Flexibility.
You can work from anywhere and choose assignments that match your schedule. Sure, breaking in might feel like elbowing your way into a crowded party, but once you’ve got a portfolio of killer samples, the higher-paying clients will come knocking. With Whop, you can easily promote your skills and connect with businesses ready to pay for your talent.
Pro tip: Specialize. SEO writing or technical documentation are high-demand niches where clients pay a premium. Add to that solid communication skills and timely deliveries, and you’ll build a reputation that keeps the work (and referrals) rolling in.
8. Graphic design
Average earnings: $25 - $75 per hour
Where to start: Advertise your services on Whop, Behance, or Dribbble
As a graphic designer, you can work on projects like logo creation, marketing materials, web design, or custom illustrations. Businesses and entrepreneurs are willing to invest generously in graphic design to build a strong corporate identity and positively impact consumers, making this a high-demand field.
You can start with smaller projects, and as your portfolio expands, so can your rates. Before long, you could be designing for big-name brands or tackling complex creative campaigns. Essential tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Canva help you create polished, professional designs, and platforms such as Whop are perfect for showcasing your work and landing clients.
To stand out in the competitive design market, focus on building a niche. Maybe it’s branding for startups or designing social media graphics for influencers. Being a specialist makes you the go-to person for that type of work. Bonus points for staying on top of design trends and tools—that’ll keep your portfolio looking fresh and relevant.
9. Digital marketing consulting
Average earnings: $50 - $150 per hour
Where to start: Whop, Upwork, or LinkedIn
If you have expertise in SEO, social media strategy, or email marketing, digital marketing consulting can be seriously lucrative. Businesses are always on the lookout for experts to boost their online presence, drive traffic, and—most importantly—convert clicks into cash. And with digital marketing becoming the backbone of most companies, demand for skilled marketers is growing rapidly.
Your tasks might include auditing websites, creating marketing plans, or managing ad campaigns. The payoff? Serious earning potential, especially if you have a proven track record. Plus, you can connect with businesses who need your expertise—and are willing to pay for it—on Whop.
To thrive in this space, you have to stay updated on industry trends and tools like Google Analytics or Facebook Ads Manager. And don’t just deliver results—prove them. Clear, measurable outcomes build trust and set the stage for long-term client relationships (and recurring income).
10. Social media management
Average earnings: $25 - $50 per hour
Where to Start: Build packages on Whop or market your services on Fiverr
Social media management is all about creating, scheduling, and analyzing content for businesses or individuals. With billions of users flocking to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, brands are desperate for someone who can keep them relevant and engaging online.
Small businesses, in particular, often lack the time (or patience) to manage their accounts effectively—that’s where you come in. Your day-to-day will involve crafting eye-catching posts, responding to followers, and even running ad campaigns. If you're creative, organized, and know your way around analytics tools, this gig could be your calling.
Getting started is simpler than you might think. You don’t need a fancy degree to start—just a solid understanding of how different platforms work. Build a portfolio with sample campaigns, or volunteer to manage a friend's or local business’s accounts. With expertise and results under your belt, you can take on bigger accounts and start charging premium rates.
11. Online tutoring
Average earnings: $30 - $60 per hour
Where to start: Whop, Preply, or Tutor.com
The demand for personalized education is booming, which also means the demand for online tutors is booming. Whether it’s algebra or even niche skills like piano or Python, there’s a learner out there who needs you.
Communication is key here. The better you are at explaining concepts, the more students will come to you. The good news is that Whop connects you with eager learners and lets you set your rates. Alternatively, platforms like Preply and Tutor.com are also good options.
Want to stand out? Collect glowing reviews and prove you can deliver results like better grades or higher test scores. Over time, you can build a loyal base of students, turning this side hustle into a steady—and satisfying—source of income.
12. Fitness training (online or in-person)
Average earnings: $20 - $70 per hour
Where to start: Advertise on Whop or leverage social media platforms like Instagram or YouTube
If you’re passionate about health and love motivating others, fitness training could be your next big move. Whether you’re running boot camps at the park or creating custom workout programs, you’ll be helping people crush their health goals—and earning cash while you’re at it.
Specialize in what you love—be it weight loss, strength training, or yoga—and tailor programs to suit your clients’ goals. Certifications from respected organizations like NASM or ACE can make you stand out and justify higher rates. What's more, Whop even lets you package your expertise into subscriptions or one-off sessions, so you can reach clients globally.
Marketing is everything here. Share workout tips, transformations, or motivational content on social media to build your brand and attract clients. Bundling your sessions with extras—like personalized meal plans or progress-tracking tools—can set you apart and boost your income.
13. Ecommerce (dropshipping)
Average Earnings: $500 - $5,000+ per month (depending on scale)
Where to start: Shopify, Whop (for digital products), WooCommerce
Dropshipping is like the ultimate ecommerce cheat code—you sell products online without ever touching inventory. Here’s how it works: When a customer places an order, the product gets shipped straight from a supplier to their doorstep. No warehouses, no bulk purchases, just straight-up hustle.
Success in this low-risk business depends on picking products people actually want to buy and marketing them like a pro. Think trendy niches like smart home gadgets, stylish accessories, or fitness must-haves. You can use Shopify to set up your store, while platforms like AliExpress are perfect for sourcing your goods.
The catch? Competition is fierce, with the industry growing at a rapid 23.4% annually from 2023 to 2030. To stand out, focus on branding that screams “legit” and deliver customer service that’s so good, that people want to tweet about it. Amp up your visibility with social media ads or SEO. Sure, it takes work to scale, but the payoff? Totally worth it when done right.
14. Photography
Average earnings: $25 - $100 per hour
Where to start: Whop, Shutterstock, SmugMug
Got a good eye and a love for capturing moments? Photography is a side hustle where creativity meets cash flow. Whether you’re snapping wedding vows, family portraits, or artsy stock photos, there’s money to be made in this visual art form.
For example, stock photography sites like Shutterstock allow you to earn passive income as businesses and creators license your images. Meanwhile, event gigs (weddings, corporate parties) pay handsomely, and selling prints or curated photo books can pad your wallet even more.
Additionally, once you've built up your skills as a photographer (or any other skills, really), you can start monetizing your knowledge through Whop. Here's an example of a whop offering photography education and resources, Lloyd's Workshop:
Yes, the upfront costs can be steep (hello, cameras and lenses!), but once you’ve got the gear and editing tools like Adobe Lightroom, you’re good to go.
To land clients, build a strategic portfolio that shows off your photography aesthetic and market yourself on platforms like Whop or social media. Bonus tip: Your Instagram feed doubles as a portfolio, so make it scroll-worthy!
15. Virtual assistance (VA)
Average earnings: $15 - $30 per hour
Where to start: Whop, Fancy Hands, Zirtual
If you’re the organized friend everyone relies on, have you ever thought about virtual assistance? As a VA, you’ll handle tasks like managing emails, scheduling appointments, and doing research for busy entrepreneurs and businesses—all from the comfort of your couch.
Here’s the beauty of it: You work when you want, from wherever you want, with clients who align with your vibe. You can even specialize—niches like social media management, bookkeeping, or customer support can bump up your hourly rate.
To start, create a standout profile that highlights your skills, then dive into platforms such as Whop to find clients. Job boards like Fancy Hands are great for quick money-making gigs, but building long-term client relationships is where the real money (and stability) is.
Pro tip: Once you get the hang of it, consider scaling into a full-blown VA agency. The sky’s the limit.
16. Life coaching
Average Earnings: $50/hour or more
Where to Start: Platforms like Whop, Coach.me, or by promoting yourself on social media
Calling all motivators, cheerleaders, and life enthusiasts! Life coaching is another high-paying side gig, perfect for people who love helping others crush their goals—whether it’s nailing career moves, strengthening relationships, or boosting overall wellness.
To shine as a life coach, you'll need to guide clients in setting goals, tackling challenges, and creating action plans that aspire. While certifications like those from the International Coach Federation (ICF) can give you street cred, many successful coaches start with personal expertise and a knack for motivating others.
Platforms such as Whop make it easy to showcase your services, as Majestic Exclusive Coaching has on this page:
The fact that life coaching is super scalable is another benefit. You can start with one-on-one sessions, expand to group workshops, or even create online courses and ebooks. Over time, glowing reviews from happy clients can turn this side hustle into a full-fledged career with steady referrals.
17. Event planning
Average earnings: $20 - $40/hour
Where to start: Promote yourself on Whop, Eventbrite, or local directories
As an event planner, you're responsible for a lot—from coordinating vendors to managing budgets—for everything from weddings and corporate shindigs to intimate private parties.
You can start small by organizing local gatherings or community events to build your portfolio. As you gain experience, you can tackle bigger projects. Whop helps you showcase your skills and connect with clients who need someone to make their event dreams come true.
Success here boils down to creativity, attention to detail, and strong vendor relationships. The better your reputation, the higher the demand (and the pay!). Before you know it, you could turn this part-time gig into a full-blown career.
18. Translation services
Average earnings: $20 - $45/hour
Where to start: Platforms like Whop, Gengo, or ProZ
Got the gift of the gab—in multiple languages? Translation services can be a highly lucrative side hustle. Projects range from translating documents to localizing websites to subtitling videos. And with businesses going global, the need for skilled translators is only growing.
All you need to get started is your language expertise—no hefty investments required! You can use Whop to showcase your expertise and websites like Gengo to connect you with paying clients.
Want to earn even more? Specialize!
Legal, medical, and technical translations often come with premium paychecks. Keep clients happy by delivering top-notch work and meeting deadlines, and soon, repeat business and glowing referrals will roll in. You can also expand into interpreting or editing services to maximize your earning potential.
19. Ride-share driver
Average earnings: $15 - $25/hour
Where to start: Apps like Uber, Lyft, or local ride-hailing services
Driving for ride-sharing apps is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to make extra cash. Work when you want, where you want, and earn based on your availability. Additionally, apps like Uber and Lyft make it easy to get started—just sign up, hop in your car, and start earning.
While you’ll need a reliable vehicle and a driver’s license, many companies offer leasing options if you don't already have a car. Earnings vary depending on location and demand, but peak hours (like weekends, evenings, and holidays) can significantly boost your hourly rate.
To rake in more of those 5-star reviews, aim for excellent customer service. Keep your car clean, offer small perks like water bottles, and maintain a friendly attitude. Higher ratings and tips will follow. Plus, you can easily pair this gig with other flexible jobs for a double dose of income.
20. Pet sitting or dog walking
Average earnings: $15 - $25/hour
Where to start: Apps like Rover or Wag!
Turn your affection for furry animals into cash by pet sitting or dog walking. From daily walks to overnight stays, this gig is perfect for anyone looking for a fun, flexible side hustle.
Start by creating a profile on platforms like Rover or Wag! highlighting your experience and any pet-related certifications (like pet first aid). Offering introductory discounts can help you build a solid reputation and score those all-important reviews. And don’t forget about Whop—it’s a great place to connect with local pet owners.
As your business grows, you can expand into other services like grooming or basic training. Many clients might even become regulars, giving you a consistent income stream—and if you’re an animal lover, it’ll never feel like work.
Take control of your financial future with Whop
Side hustles aren’t just about making extra money—they’re a chance to explore what you’re good at, pick up new skills, and work on your own terms. Whether it’s creating online courses, selling ebooks, or starting a paid community, Whop gives you everything you need to dive in.
When you’re on Whop, you’re not going it alone. With tools to market your ideas, secure payment processing, and customer support services, Whop keeps things simple so you can focus on what you love.
Discover how easy it is to turn your side hustle dreams into reality with Whop.
