73% of college students experience financial difficulties. If you're a part of this statistic, don't fret—getting an online job as a college student can be a solution, even if it’s just enough to help fund your hobbies and nights out.
There are around 76.4 million freelancers in the US, proving that you can make money at home or in your dorm. But we know the entrepreneur world can be overwhelming.
The Whop team is no stranger to that world. We’ve compiled a list of online jobs you can do from home or your college dorm.
What are good online jobs for college students?
Jobs that are good for college students need to be flexible and remote, which is why online gigs are so convenient. We’ve separated this list into popular categories to help you find what’s best for you. Many of them are related and can use the skills you’re learning in your major.
Ecommerce jobs for students
1. Sell digital products
Creating and selling digital products provides passive income, with minimal expenses. This industry is rapidly growing, with a 70% increase in sales in the past two years.
Your job is to create a compelling digital product and then market it. You don’t need to worry about manufacturing costs and delivery, so you could do it directly from your dorm. There’s no limit to what you can create either, from ebooks and online courses to digital art, apps, and software.
Whop is the ideal place to get started, with a pre-existing market and all the tools you’ll need to give customers the ultimate experience. You can upload your products, create a community, integrate Discord, and even add custom apps.
How much can you make selling digital products?
- Earning potential is unlimited.
- 10% of creators on Whop made over $55,000 during the first quarter of 2024.
2. Sell crafts
If you like making DIY goods, like jewelry, clothing, 3D printed items, and other accessories, then consider selling them on sites like Etsy.
Once you’ve found a niche, set up an Etsy account and shop. Then you can start selling for whatever price you want! You’ll need to market your work, through social media and potentially ads. Etsy will take a cut, but with such popularity, it’s a great starting place.
How much can you make selling handmade goods?
- Profit margins will vary depending on your sales and pricing.
- Etsy takes 6.5% of each purchase.
3. Dropshipping
Dropshipping sees you source products from a third party, which you market and sell on your website as your own products.
You don’t need to pay any upfront costs to manufacture or even distribute dropshipping products. Instead, your investment is the time (and potential money) of marketing. You’ll pay a fee (or subscription cost) to the product producer and keep the profit margin. For example, if you sell a necklace for $100 and the producer price is $60, you’ll keep $40.
To start dropshipping, choose a niche product to sell. Find a dropshipping supplier, on a site like Alibaba. Then start marketing it with branding, a website, ads, and a social media presence. You will also need to take care of administrative tasks, such as customer support and finances.
Popular dropshipping sites include DSers, Spocket, SaleHoo, Zendrop, Wholesale Central, and Modalyst. To make a website to sell your products, you can use Shopify, WooCommerce, and Squarespace.
You can further grow your dropshipping business on Whop by embedding your website and building a community. Whop is also stacked with resources and courses to help you out on your entrepreneurial journey.
How much can you make from dropshipping?
- Dropshippers typically make a 20 to 30% profit per sale.
- Successful beginners make around $500 to $1,000 per month.
4. Product tester
You can make money as a product tester by evaluating items that are sent to your home. But you’ll need to make sure you sign up with companies that will pay you and not just send you gift items.
You usually have one to two weeks to test a product, such as beauty items, household goods, electronics, clothes, toys, and food or drink.
To get started, you can sign up for product-testing sites that are relevant to your interests. Make sure you check out their terms before committing. You’ll likely have to complete a screening process before the work starts.
Sites to sign up include UserTesting, BzzAgent, Clicks Research, BetaTesting, and Home Tester Club.
How much can you make as a product tester?
- $3-30 per test.
- The pay won’t be enough to cover your bills. But, it may help you get some side money to fund your college hobbies and nights out.
5. Resell used or vintage clothes
The secondhand clothing market is projected to double in value in the next few years, hitting $350 billion by 2027.
The point is that there is demand for second-hand style, especially vintage. If you’re a fashion fan, you could create a vintage brand that targets a specific niche. You’d acquire clothing for cheap prices before selling it at a higher rate.
Your branding and marketing will do the trick. Customers are often happy to pay these higher rates and enjoy browsing curated collections that match their style.
You can find cheap clothes on sites like Depop, Vinted, eBay, and ThreadUp. Then, you can set up an online store, either on a standalone site or a platform such as Shopify.
How much can you make selling second-hand clothes?
- Profits vary depending on sales and profit margins.
- Casual sellers earn around $100 to $500 per month.
- Dedicated stores can earn around $1,000 per month, or higher if selling high-end brands.
Marketing jobs for students
6. Affiliate marketer
Have you ever seen content creators include a link to a product in their posts or videos? That’s called affiliate marketing. Every time someone clicks the link and purchases the product, the content creator gets a commission.
If you’ve got a decent online following, you can cash in just like this. Anyone from TikTok influencers to Twitch streamers can take part.
The best thing is that the income is passive. Your work is to just grow your following and get views. The rest will follow. The higher the product value, the more money you’ll make too. For example, if you’re getting 10% on PS5 sales, then that could be around $70 per click.
To get started, you need to sign up for affiliate marketing sites like Shopify Collabs, ShareASale, ClickBank, or FlexOffers.
How much can you make as an affiliate marketer?
- Earnings vary based on following and experience.
- 57% of affiliate marketers make under $10,000 per year.
7. Virtual assistant
Virtual assistants (VAs) enjoy flexible positions by providing administrative services. It’s typically very practical for students. If you’re a multi-skilled, organized person with good IT skills, then you might make the perfect fit.
As a virtual assistant, you’ll need to help liaise with your client's customers, answer emails, manage phone calls, handle events, and perform data entry.
To get started, you should build a portfolio, create a LinkedIn, and then start browsing job boards such as Indeed and Upwork. There are also dedicated VA sites such as Wing Assistant, Prialto, and Fancy Hands.
You can increase your pay rate by focusing on a niche area. For example, you could specialize in web design, email marketing, translation, or specific demographics.
How much can you make as a virtual assistant?
- According to Indeed, the average U.S. virtual assistant earns $26.20 per hour.
- You may be able to increase your earnings with a specialized niche or skills.
8. Social media manager
Every brand needs a social media manager. As a Gen-Z student, you’re in a position to offer a unique perspective. If you’re studying business, marketing, social media, or communication, then you’ll already be learning the skills needed.
Your job will be to improve your client’s online presence, boosting engagement, following, and profits. You’ll use strategies, email marketing, SEO, and social media accounts to do so, tracking and analyzing performance data en route.
You can find work on LinkedIn, Upwork, Fiverr, Contra, and Hubstaff Talent. You can also contact companies directly, offering them an exciting proposal. You might even be able to land a part-time or full-time contract, as social media roles can be performed remotely from your phone.
How much can you make as a social media manager?
- $14 to $50 per hour.
- Experienced, mid-level, and senior-level roles can earn up to as much as $150 per hour.
9. Online consultant
Consultants are hired to provide bespoke advice and feedback to individuals, companies, and agencies. As a student, you might feel you’re too inexperienced to be a consultant. But, you’d be surprised. Young people have an approach that older generations simply don’t have, such as how Gen Z people use social media and respond to marketing.
If you’ve got expertise or experience in a field, consider offering it as a service. You’ll need to make a portfolio and plan for what you will deliver.
You can offer your services directly to businesses or look for work on Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn. You could also create courses that could be sold on Whop alongside a consultancy community.
How much can you make as an online consultant?
- Entry level: $30 per hour
- Mid-level: $45 per hour
- Experienced: $100+ per hour
10. UGC creator
User-generated content (UGC) is content created by consumers, typically to promote a business, product, or service. As 90% of consumers are reported to prefer brand content from real customers, it’s highly effective.
Brands will pay you to create and share content that makes them look good. You don’t even need followers, as it’s usually shared on the brand’s feed directly.
Your job will be to write a script, act naturally, and film to a good quality. You can then create a portfolio and market your services on UGC platforms like Clip, #paid, Brands Meet Creators, and Insense.
How much can you make as a UGC creator?
- Entry level: $50 to $500 per piece.
- Established creators: Over $1,000 per piece.
11. Email marketing specialist
If you’ve got strong writing chops and marketing knowledge, then you could become a freelance marketing specialist. You’ll get paid to create email campaigns that promote a business, announcements, surveys, and promos.
To get started, create a portfolio and sign up for a freelancing site like Upwork, Fiverr, or Contra. This role is very similar to a social media manager, so you may be able to offer both services.
How much can you make as an email marketing specialist?
- $20 to $150 per hour.
- You can also offer packages, with average prices ranging from $100 to $5,000 per month.
12. SEO strategist
With around 5.6 billion search queries made online every day, search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most important factors in any business’s online presence. Someone needs to direct it, and that’s the role of an SEO strategist (or specialist).
The position requires you to analyze SEO keywords, performance, and competition to create an ongoing plan that boosts search engine results. From planning SEO blogs to adjusting product descriptions, it requires meticulous attention to detail.
Knowledge of digital marketing and SEO is essential. You can find roles on LinkedIn, Upwork, Fiverr, and Contra.
How much can you make as an SEO strategist?
- Freelance SEO specialists can make from $50 to $200 per hour.
- Most SEO freelancer strategists make between $1,000 to $4,000 per month.
13. Translator
Automated translation is easy. However many companies still want a hands-on translator or interpreter.
If you’re fluent in another language, then you can use your natural ability to help clients translate their materials into flawless texts. You might also be required to do some ‘localization’, such as adjusting brand names or jokes into a better regional alternative.
You can advertise your service on freelancing sites such as Fiverr or Upwork, or try translation-specific sites such as ProZ and Gengo. You could also advertise your college subject as an area of expertise, to separate you from other translators.
How much can you make as a translator online?
- Freelance translators charge around $30 to $70 per hour.
- Per-word rates vary from between $0.10 to $0.30 per word.
Education jobs for students
14. Sell courses
Online course creation can be an extremely lucrative business idea. And best of all, it’s passive. Once you’ve made the courses, there is minimal input needed. The hardest part is generating attention.
Your task is to create engaging, highly educational, and inspiring course content. You’ll need to film videos, create learning resources, craft tests, and provide examples of your success.
Courses that help others make money are usually the biggest draw, but you can teach anything—from how to play guitar to how to become a Minecraft expert. The most popular niches include entrepreneurship, marketing, photography, fitness, content creation, data science, and coding.
Whop is the place to start. On your Whop, you can create tiered packages, sell digital products, and create a community of students to interact with.
Best of all, you get started from your dorm or college recording studio. You just need a computer, a mic, and bucketloads of enthusiasm.
How much can you make selling courses?
- Unlimited earning potential.
- Successful course creators make $1,000 to $10,000 per month.
- If you sold 9 courses per day for $150 each, you’d make almost $500,000 in a year.
15. Online personal trainer
The online fitness industry is set to rocket by more than ten times its current value by 2032, to $250.7 billion. The job requires you to provide fitness instructions, feedback, programs, and nutrition plans to your customers.
You don’t need any specific degree or certification, but you should have a love for fitness and motivational skills. You also need to know your stuff when it comes to injuries, nutrition, and workouts.
Online personal trainers make their money from a variety of income streams, including remote one-on-one workouts, online fitness plans, social media sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and premium content.
Whop is perfect for all these options. You can create a community hub where your customers can communicate with you (or other customers), access exclusive live content, request feedback, and watch your fitness programs.
How much can you make as an online personal trainer?
- An hour-long session can cost between $30 to $150 per customer.
- The average online personal trainer salary is around $49,000 and $52,000.
16. Online tutor
If you have particular subject knowledge or expertise, then you could provide support and teaching to other students as an online tutor. If you bossed your SAT or ACT exams, why not help out high schoolers, for example?
There’s no limit to what type of tutor you could be, with e-learning rapidly growing. From elementary school level to helping international students improve their grades, you may need to help out with homework, exam preparation, or give live Q&As.
Online tutoring is usually done via video, but you’ll likely also need to share resources. Use Whop to create an all-in-one learning hub for your students, with courses, files, chats, forums, and apps.
How much can you make as an online tutor?
- An average of $10 to $38 per hour.
- Advanced subjects can demand far higher rates.
Tech jobs for students
17. App developer
Apps have never been more in demand. Every business will at least consider creating one. If you’ve got a good knowledge of coding and have a creative brain, app development is something you can get paid well for, without leaving your dorm.
To get started, learn to code, find a niche, create a sample app, and start to find clients. You can create a resume to apply directly for jobs or browse freelance platforms such as Upwork, Contra, and Fiverr.
If you'd rather sell your own app independently, Whop is proven to be highly profitable for selling apps. It was what motivated the site to be formed in the first place! On Whop, you can sell your app alongside other digital products and paid subscriptions to your community.
How much can you make as an app developer?
- Average rate of $65 to $100 per hour, when starting.
- Per project rates can be as much as $15,000, depending on experience and deadlines.
- Selling an app yourself could also bring in passive income.
18. Web developer
If you have an understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, then you can put your skills to use as a web developer. Problem solving and time management are also must-have skills.
Companies, agencies, and small businesses are always eager to gain some expert assistance in either building part of a website or creating the entire thing. Because you get paid a high rate per site, it can be a great solution for a student, as you are covered for extended periods.
Front-end developers work on the user side of the site, while back-end developers handle the server side. If you want to do both, it’s called a full-stack developer. A front-end developer is typically the easiest starting point, but a full-stack developer is where the big money lies.
You can start by making a portfolio site before cold-emailing businesses, offering other students deals, and listing your services on freelancing sites.
Platforms such as Framerr, Webflow, and WordPress are popular options for building sites, with different levels of coding and functionality.
How much can you make as a web developer?
- Entry-level web developers can make $20,000 to $112,000 per year.
- Simple websites can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000.
- Complex sites can cost over $10,000.
19. Website and software tester
Website and software testers play a critical role in the creation of any new site, app, or software. The job involves getting hands-on with the product, ensuring it runs smoothly and meets customer expectations, while you share constructive feedback.
You’ll need an understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and be able to communicate your thoughts clearly. Gaining credentials from the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) will be a big help on the route to finding gigs.
As a young student, you could market that you provide a unique Gen-Z perspective on your client’s products.
How much can you make as a website and software tester?
- The average freelance rate is $38 per hour, ranging between $10 and $63 per hour.
20. AI trainer
The AI boom has just begun, with companies and start-ups from around the world desperate to launch a profitable AI product. To develop one, they need to train it with human information—that’s where you can come in.
You’ll be tasked with training AI models and taking large pools of data that AI can connect the dots from. For example, you might need to make an AI customer support bot understand how to react to an angry customer with helpful responses.
Anyone studying in data analytics will already have an upper hand when it comes to the required skills.
How much can you make as an AI trainer?
- $40 to $100 per hour.
- Entry-level full-time jobs pay around $53,000 per year.
21. 3D modeler
Modelers create computer-generated (CG) assets for film, TV, games, businesses, and product advertisements. The role is essential to modern filmmaking, gaming, and product mock-ups.
Depending on your niche and clients, you could work on any kind of image from entire cities to small products or characters. Expert knowledge of at least one of the following software is essential: GIMP, Unreal, Unity, Blender, 3DCoat, 3ds max, Cinema 4D, Houdini, Mudbox, SculptGL, Sculptris, ZBrush, and Maya.
As a freelance modeler, you must find clients or apply for part-time or contracted roles. You can look at Upwork, Fiverr, DesignCrowd, Cad Crowd, and CGTrader.
You can also sell your CG assets as digital products on Whop. For example, you could sell gaming mod assets on your Whop and build a community around it for future releases.
How much can you make as a freelance 3D modeler?
- Freelance CG creators make anywhere between $25 to $150 per hour.
- Top earners make around $150,000 per year.
Writing jobs for students
22. Content writer
Does writing and research come naturally to you? Say hello to content writing. A content writer’s job is to turn information into something useful and engaging.
I can vouch that it’s a very flexible job. As long as you’ve got the internet, you can work anywhere and at any time.
While AI has dramatically hit the content writing industry, there are still companies and start-ups out there that desperately need SEO blogs and explainers to boost their site (it’s the most rewarding digital marketing channel, after all).
As a student, you may be able to transfer your new expertise and impress potential hiring companies with your knowledge. You can apply to marketing agencies or companies directly, or start listing your services on freelancing sites like Upwork and Fiverr.
How much can you make as a content writer?
- The average content writer on Upwork charges between $15 to $40 per hour.
- Experienced content writers with specialist knowledge can charge more.
- You can also agree to fixed rates.
23. Creative Writer
A creative writer might not sound like the most money-making scheme, but creative industries always need them for television, theater, video games, and books. These clients tend to come back for more, which can be great for consistent income.
Creative writers are required to craft material that inspires, shares, or tells a story. You may need to start fresh or adapt existing material while communicating with publishers and agents.
If you’re a big fan of fiction and are studying English, you might be a good fit. Genres such as horror, romance, literary fiction, and adult novels are particularly sought after.
To get started, sign up to freelancer sites such as Upwork, or browse ad boards such as Reddit’s Hire a Writer subreddit.
How much can you make as a creative writer online?
- The average creative writer's salary is $61,211 per year.
- Freelancing rates can vary from $0.10 to $1 per word, depending on the niche and publication.
24. Copywriter
Copywriters operate in a very similar world to content writers. They’re often even hired to cover both roles, but the skills are very different.
While content writers focus on informative and engaging texts, copywriters are more focused on branding. They need to deliver the core messages of a brand, often with minimal word use.
“Just do it?”—that’s copywriting. A sales letter—that’s copywriting. The paragraphs on a website’s front page—that’s also copywriting.
Copywriting is a skill that requires business knowledge, the ability to write in different tones of voice, and a powerful imagination.
You can get started by building a portfolio before listing your services on freelancing sites and messaging businesses directly. We also advise that you pick a niche to target, such as sustainable copywriting, fashion copywriting, or ecommerce copywriting.
Note as copywriters use fewer words than content writers, it’s wiser to use a per-project rate, rather than a per-word rate.
How much can you make as a copywriter?
- Freelance copywriters typically charge between $30 to $100 per hour.
- The top 10% of copywriters make over $121,670 per year.
- The lowest 10% of copywriters make less than $31,700 per year.
25. Technical writer
Technical writing sees the writer communicate technical concepts in manuals and instructional documents. You’ll often be tasked with taking complicated materials and making them easy to read. Extensive knowledge is usually required.
You could combine the knowledge of your major with your writing skills and get paid for it—especially if you’ve got natural writing skills and are good at making charts and diagrams. You'll also need some basic understanding of coding, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
To get started, create a portfolio and some samples. Then, build up your professional network on LinkedIn and sign up for freelancing sites. Acquiring certification from the Society for Technical Communication (STC) will further your chances of landing well-paying gigs.
You could also create online courses, explaining your specialist subject in detail to other tech writers. Whop is perfect for course creation.
How much can you make as a technical writer?
- Freelance technical writers can earn around $30 to $50 per hour.
- Projects can pay $400 to $2,500 each.
26. Proofreader
Calling all English students! You could earn some extra cash as a proofreader. Your job will be to correct errors in spelling, grammar, syntax, layout, and content.
Businesses and publications hire proofreaders to iron out mistakes made by human writers that even AI tools overlook.
Finding a niche can help you stand out from the competition and target specific businesses. For example, you could be a medical proofreader or a novel proofreader.
You can start on freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, but also contact businesses directly and apply for positions on sites like Indeed.
How much can you make as a proofreader?
- General proofreaders make around $11 to $35 per hour.
- Specialized proofreaders can earn higher.
27. Editor
Editors are responsible for planning, arranging, proofreading, and reviewing written material for online or print publications. The role varies with each industry, but they generally ensure that the text achieves the goals of the publication.
If your English, spelling, and grammar skills are up to scratch, then you’re nearly good to go. Next, learn about SEO and the demands of the modern internet reader.
Then, find a niche and start building a portfolio. LinkedIn, Fiverr, Upwork, and Reddit will be your friends for finding gigs.
How much can you make as an editor?
- Entry-level positions may start around $40,000.
- Mid-level editors can earn $70,000-$80,000.
- Senior editors or those in specialized fields can make over $100,000.
- Freelance editors charge around $30-45 per hour.
28. UX writer
User experience (UX) writers create the text that is used as part of a site, app, or software interface.
Text in buttons, descriptions around field entries, loading messages, and error messages are just a few examples. You’ll also need to proofread and test software before they launch.
Companies and web development agencies hire UX writers to focus specifically on these areas, ensuring they create a positive experience. All you need is a computer, strong language skills, IT literacy, and some basic coding knowledge. If you have a background in communication, then even better!
Make sure you create a visually stimulating portfolio that highlights your eye for readability. You can then apply for jobs on Indeed or LinkedIn or find freelance work on Upwork.
How much can you make as a UX writer?
- UX writers can earn around $30 to $55 per hour.
29. Resume writer
Anyone looking for a job needs a resume. And most people struggle to master the art of making an impressive, optimized one. So what do they do? They turn to skilled resume writers and hire them.
If you’re a great writer and are studying English or communications, then you might be the perfect fit. Your task will be to talk to clients and highlight their abilities in a way that sells them best.
Resume writers can have full-time, professional careers. There’s also a large market for more affordable freelance resume writers. You can sign up to freelancing sites like Upwork or Fiverr and find clients there. Reddit’s For Hire page also often sees people requesting these services.
How much can you make as a resume writer?
- $50 to $100 per resume, for beginners.
- Executive-level clients may pay up to $300 per resume.
- You can increase your income by becoming certified via a professional association, such as the National Resume Writers' Association (NRWA) and the Professional Association of Resume Writers (PARW).
30. Youtube scriptwriter
Having a niche as a freelance writer is a great idea. And if you’re a YouTube fan, then being a YouTube scriptwriter may be for you.
I always see Reddit and Upwork listings for YouTube scriptwriters, typically where the client needs a 10-minute video script. Your task is to write with the YouTuber presenter in mind, ensuring it flows, has the right tone, and isn’t overwhelming.
But, you’ll also need to be adept at research. These videos need content that draws readers in, and that means uncovering overlooked facts and stories.
How much can you make as a YouTube script writer?
- YouTube script writers can earn $30,000 to $80,000 per year.
Creative jobs for students
31. Digital artist
If you’ve got a talent for creating digital art, there are several ways to make it very profitable. Best of all, expenses are minimal. Once you’ve got your tablet, computer, or other creative device, then you don’t need to spend much more (except perhaps on marketing).
There are a bunch of ways to sell your digital art and many provide passive income. Downloadable images, wallpapers, and print-on-demand products are the obvious candidates.
You could also consider streaming your creative process, which can result in ad revenue and Patreon funding. You can also sell your digital art tools, guides, and templates, such as Photoshop brushes.
Whop is the perfect place to sell your digital art, as you can also build a fan community around it. You can then sell exclusive content and even courses.
How much can you make as a digital artist?
- Unlimited earning potential.
- Earnings vary widely depending on niche, audience, and marketing.
32. YouTuber or streamer
We all know that popular YouTubers and Twitch streamers are rolling in cash. The ad-revenue systems reward engaging videos and channels.
Of course, YouTube and Twitch aren’t reliable guaranteed hits. Just 1% of YouTube’s 64 million channels make any money. It’s not a job that’s going to pay your bills next week if you’re just starting.
But, the ceiling for potential earnings is extremely high. If you’ve already got a YouTube channel with a following, then you consider going all out. Or, if you’ve got a great idea, then why not launch a new Twitch channel and see where it takes you?
YouTubers make most of their money through various revenue streams, such as affiliate marketing and sponsors. If you have a channel, consider using Whop to sell exclusive access to a fan community. You can start monetizing immediately.
How much can you make as a YouTuber?
- The average YouTuber's income is $57.80 per hour.
- 100 views per day is just $5 to $9 per month.
- 5,000 views per day is $294 to $490 per month.
- 30,000 views per day is $1,680 to $2,800 per month.
33. Sell your photography
OK, you might need to step outside for this once, but if you’re a photographer, you can sell your images for commercial and personal projects.
Through licensing, you can gain some income for every use of your images. Stock image websites are great for this, as they’re used by brands and agencies who are willing to pay. The use of your photographs can also be an impressive addition to your photography portfolio.
Sites like Alamy, 500px, Shutterstock, Getty Images, iStock, Adobe Stock, and Unsplash are all worth checking out. Be prepared to part with a share of your profits by paying the platform's fees.
As a photographer, you could also sell prints and downloads, or create courses to share your skills. In all these cases, you can use Whop for an all-in-one community.
How much can you make selling stock photography?
- 46.3% of stock photographers make $500 per month.
- 16.1% make $500 to $100 per month.
- 11.4% make $1,000 to $1,500 per month.
34. Podcaster
If you’ve got a podcast idea that you think could be a hit, then you could make money through ad revenue, sponsorship, and affiliate marketing.
There are around 3 million active podcasts, so competition is rife. But the success stories are life-changing. So, even a moderately successful podcast may bring in the side money you need.
You’ll need a nice microphone and a computer. If your college has a studio where you can record though, you could take advantage of it and potentially make it part of your studies.
You’ll need to entertain, inform, or inspire listeners by sharing your recordings on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and SoundCloud.
If your podcast is growing, you can use Whop to expand your income by offering exclusive audio content behind a paywall or offering merch, digital products, and exclusive Discord chats.
How much can you make as a podcaster?
- The average podcaster can expect to make $25 to $50 per 1,000 downloads per episode.
- However, top-earning podcasters can make far more (into the millions).
- You can boost your income with ad revenue, affiliate marketing, and sponsorship.
35. Podcasts editor
Audio editors can make money as freelancers by editing audio for media such as podcasts. Your job will be to clean up the audio and edit out the breaths, coughs, and mistakes.
You’ll need a strong understanding of compression, phase, EQing, noise reduction, amplitude, and audio editing software. Your college might even already have the tools to help you out.
Build a portfolio of samples and sign up for freelancing sites. Fiverr is a suitable platform, but you should network across social media too.
How much can you make as a freelance podcast editor?
- The average rate is around $30 to $50 per hour.
- Per episode rates can be between $100 to $500.
36. Stock music composer
Sadly, being a music artist isn’t the safest bet to make money as a student. I know it all too well. Streaming just doesn’t pay.
Stock music, however, provides the commercial world with a product they’re willing to pay for. You can create sound effects, clips, and full songs that can be used in films, YouTube videos, commercials, and TV shows. In exchange, you’ll get paid either upfront or through licensing royalties.
To get started, you’ll need a computer and digital audio workstation (DAW) software. Instruments, microphones, and audio interfaces can expand your possibilities.
Then, you can use sites like Whop to sell your audio files.
How much can you make as a stock music composer?
- Around $15 per use of a track, on stock sites.
- Performance royalties from music used in TV and film placements can significantly boost your income, even at over $1,000 per month.
37. Jingle composer
You can also sell jingles as a jingle writer. Marketing, advertisement, and radio have long loved and gained huge success from jingles—those little 10- to 30-second catchy tunes, such as “Ba-da-ba-ba-bah, I'm Lovin' It”.
You’ll need to start getting involved with marketing and how businesses think, so I get that it’s not for every musician. But, if you have a habit of creating catchy hooks, then you might find success.
How much can you make as a jingle composer?
- Freelance entry-level jingle writers can be hired for around $200 to $500 per jingle.
- More experienced writers can earn far more, especially if their tunes are used in big-money advertisements.
38. Remote musician
Music artists who need someone to fill a role in their recording can hire musicians who record remotely. This can be especially successful if you play a slightly more unusual instrument like a harp or violin.
Your biggest hurdle will be recording, but with modern audio interfaces and DAWs, you can record to a high quality from home. Alternatively, your college music department might allow you to record in their studios.
There’s also a need for mastering and mixing engineers, though this is harder to achieve from home without a decent acoustic set-up.
You can upload your samples to get hired on sites like SoundBetter, BandLab, AirGigs, and Fiverr.
How much can you make as a remote freelance musician?
- Rates vary widely, with an average of $20 to $150 per hour.
39. Video editor
Video editors need to take raw footage and edit it together to look great and tell a story. If you’re good at editing video and have a passion for it, this could be perfect.
It’s a wide industry too, with the need to edit commercials, short films, advertisements, music videos, and documentaries. Find a niche and you’ll find clients.
You’ll be working alongside a director or a creative director and need to be good at time management too. If you’re studying film, then this is ideal alongside your studies and can help you build a portfolio to land a future full-time job.
Having a certification in Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, or Adobe Premiere Pro will also help you stand out.
How much can you make as a freelance video editor?
- Average hourly rate of $15 to $30 per hour, at entry level.
- Experienced and sought-after video editors can earn well over $100 per hour.
40. Voice-over artists
If you love doing impressions and you speak confidently, then being a freelance voice-over artist may be a great fit.
Your job will be to speak as a character or provide information to entertain, inform, or convince an audience. You could work on advertisements, animations, film, public service announcements, video games, automated systems, and toys.
You’ll need a recording set-up in your home, with a high-quality microphone, computer, basic soundproofing, and recording software. Once you create a demo reel, you can market yourself on freelance platforms such as Voices, Boldaga, ACX, Fiverr, and Upwork. You can also consider finding a casting agent to help you land bigger jobs.
How much can you make as a freelance voice-over artist?
- Entry level can pay $50 to $150 per hour.
- Higher-value projects can pay considerably more.
41. Illustrator
If you’ve got a talent for drawing, then you could deploy your skills as a freelance illustrator for businesses and publications looking for a human visual touch.
Advertising, publishing, healthcare, and fashion are common niches, where you’ll need to meet a client’s brief and create images that inform, entertain, or persuade.
On the business end, you’ll need to negotiate pricing/contracts and maintain a portfolio to show off your best work. Having a social media presence will help you gain extra attention too.
You could sell prints and downloads of your work on Whop (provided your client hasn’t signed exclusivity rights).
How much can you make as an illustrator?
- Pricing can vary dramatically, from around $21 per hour to high-value fixed rates.
42. Graphic designer
If you like to make logos, banners, and digital illustrations, then being a graphic designer might be for you. Graphic designers can work for marketing or advertising agencies, or directly for businesses and individuals as freelancers.
Your role is to create visual designs that could be used across emails, products, apps, websites, and print materials. You’ll have to pitch ideas, draw up concepts, choose fonts and color schemes, arrange photos, and design from scratch.
Studying a related field will be a big help, but you should also create a portfolio of samples to attract attention. Knowing design programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Figma, and Canva is essential.
You could sell any digital products you make on Whop, or even share your skills in a course for passive income! Alternatively, browse for jobs on Upwork, Fiverr, The Design Kids, We Work Remotely, and Design Jobs Board.
How much can you make as a graphic designer?
- Graphic designers earn an average of around $35 to $55 per hour.
- Some freelancers report earning between $5,000 to $10,000 per month.
43. Animator
Freelance animators transform storylines, drafts, and briefs into multimedia creations for clients in film, TV, commercials, and gaming.
If you have creative abilities, then you might be able to quickly learn the skills and start getting hired. There are various styles of animation, from hand-drawn and CGI to mixed-media and stop motion.
How much can you make as a freelance animator?
- The average freelance animator makes between $39 and $56 per hour.
- Per project, rates can vary depending on the length of the video and the client's budget.
44. Modeling and acting
You don’t need to be hired by an agency to start being a model or actor. People on sites like Fiverr offer services where they’ll model for brands and businesses that need a nice face to represent their products or services.
You’ll likely need to get out and about with a photographer, but you can also make a nice set-up at home with some lighting and a camera on a tripod.
How much can you make as a freelance model or actor?
- Fiverr rates list the services at $5 to $200.
Other jobs for students
45. Influencer
Firstly, we know you might be rolling your eyes at the idea of an influencer being a job as a college student. I would be too. So instead, this is targeted at anyone who’s got a social media following that isn’t already monetized.
With a social media following you can use affiliate marketing and paid sponsorships to gain income off the back of your following. The bigger you get, the more doors and partnerships will open up.
You can also use Whop to sell exclusive paid content to your fans, from Discord chats to digital products.
How much can you make as an influencer?
- Instagram creators with 1,000 to 10,000 followers can make an average of $2,970 per month.
- TikTokers earn between 2 and 4 cents per 1,000 views.
46. Event planner
Important real-world and virtual events will always require careful planning. From weddings and parties to corporate meetings and conventions, you work with clients to transform their concepts into success.
Your role will be to chat with clients and the venue and bring together a plan, schedule, and bespoke experience. You might also need to set up ticketing and promote the event. It’s an ideal role for organized perfectionists who have no trouble taking calls.
You can list your services on freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
For an alternative angle, take inspiration from a huge Whop success. Keta Bagashvili didn’t plan events, but she did find the very best parties in NYC and put them behind a paywall on Whop. Within two days, she’d made $220. Then, she started partnering with DJs, club owners, and event platforms to negotiate collaborations.
How much can you make as an events planner?
- The average annual salary for an event planner is $62,280.
- Freelance event planners charge around $20 to $50 per hour.
47. Data entry clerk
Nearly every field and industry needs a data clerk. Your role is to help businesses organize valuable data by updating entries, creating reports, and avoiding errors.
It’s far from the most exciting job, but it pays. If you’re an organized person with IT and critical thinking skills, then you’re off to a great start.
You can also earn a certificate to win over potential employers. Check if your college provides training programs for data entry certification, and if not, check out some online organizations, such as the Data Entry Institute.
Browse sites like Clickworker, Upwork, Indeed, and Fiverr to find jobs and add to your portfolio after every gig.
How much can you make as a data entry clerk?
- The average hourly rate is $15 to $19 per hour.
- Experience and industry-specific skills may increase your rates.
48. Customer service agent
If you’ve got good people skills and critical thinking and can help emotionally charged people, then being a customer service agent is a relatively simple role you can do from home. You’ll need to answer questions, resolve complaints, and provide solutions via email, phone, or live chat.
While you can find customer service gigs on sites like Upwork, you could also try Amazon Jobs, which frequently hires customer service agents. The job is often quite flexible and doesn’t require any certifications.
How much can you make as a customer service agent?
- Part-time customer service agents can make between $12 to $30 per hour, on average.
49. Bookkeeping
If you’re majoring in economics or accounting, then you could become a freelance bookkeeper. This could also be a great help in the long term if you want a W-2 job, as you’ll have experience on your resume.
You’ll be taking care of your client’s financial records, ensuring no errors have been made, and making reports for your client to use. Fiverr and Upwork often have businesses looking for freelance bookkeepers. You can also apply for contracted gigs on Indeed and LinkedIn.
How much can you make as a freelance bookkeeper?
- $20 to $110 per hour.
50. Online surveys
Companies will pay you to complete surveys as part of their market research. It can be fairly dull and repetitive but merely requires you to share opinions without having specialist skills.
Swagbucks, Opinion Outpost, Pinecone Research, Ipsos iSay, and American Consumer Opinion are just a few examples of popular survey sites.
How much can you make doing online surveys?
- $1 to $10 per hour.
Start making money as a student on Whop
Hopefully our list has given you some ideas to get started. Remember to find a niche and maximize as many revenue streams as possible.
Selling digital goods is one of the easiest ways to make money, as you can gain passive income with minimal expenses (which we know is important as a student). Once you’ve done the hard work of creating the product, you just need to market it.
Whop is the ideal place to get started, with the ability to sell digital products, courses, and subscriptions. Additionally, your community can enjoy chats, forums, and exclusive content, while Whop takes care of boring tasks like payment processing.
Join to start making money online with Whop.
