Great Work-at-Home Side Gigs That Could Earn You $60K
Lately, there’s been a growing desire — especially among the younger generations in the workforce — to have more time of their own. These professionals find value in personal time, travel and family. Working from home can help them achieve that work-life balance they crave.
Whether you’re looking to make extra money on the side or transition into full-time at-home employment, there’s a suitable job out there for you. Check out these gigs and start planning your next move.
Bookkeeping
Many small businesses need assistance with their finances but can’t afford to take on full-time employees. You don’t have to be a Certified Public Accountant to earn money as a bookkeeper. If you have decent computer skills and basic accounting or finance knowledge, this position could be a good fit.
If you really want to attract attention with your bookkeeping portfolio and create the potential to earn more, take some quick online courses to get up to speed. The salary can vary but could net you around $30/hr.
Shipt
With people wanting more free time, coupled with the busy-ness of their everyday lives, many are taking advantage of Shipt to have others help with their errands and shopping. If you enjoy shopping and making your own hours, this could be the work-at-home gig for you.
As shoppers rate your services higher, you can get placed with those same shoppers during your runs. This makes the shopping a bit easier and more enjoyable. The average Shipt worker can make around $22/hr. including tips.
DoorDash & Uber Eats
Not a fan of grocery shopping but love the idea of picking your hours and delivering food? Check out DoorDash or Uber Eats. Both offer flexible hours — deliver food when you can or want to for a great way to make money on the side.
A lot of restaurants now have special order pick-up parking spots for DoorDash and Uber Eats delivery drivers, which makes it easier than ever to get your job done quickly and helps you make more money. You could even earn tips from your happy delivery customers.
Ibotta
If you’re already a coupon clipper, check out Ibotta. This app allows you to clip your coupons virtually and then scan your receipts after you shop. It instantly rewards you with cash in your account. If you have stores’ rewards accounts, the app can connect with those to avoid the need for scanning receipts.
Aside from grocery shopping, Ibotta has offers for a wide variety of stores and shops, including big-box stores and ecommerce websites. Most Ibotta users earn only about $20/mo., but there are tips and tricks available for earning much more.
Freelance Writing
If you have a passion for writing and find it easy to put words down on paper, start building a freelance writing portfolio. There are many different platforms and marketplace sites that can connect you with projects and clients who might need something done quickly or want to set up a long-term contract.
The platform Upwork is one option for connecting freelancers with potential clients. Upwork features a bidding system so you can determine what you earn on every single job. Many freelance writers can make full-time wages writing from home. More-experienced freelance writers can earn close to $35/hr.
Freelance Editing
Maybe writing isn’t your passion, but you find yourself catching mistakes whenever you read a book, article or blog post. If you’re that person who’s always correcting grammar, then maybe editing is right for you instead.
You can choose to freelance edit or work directly with companies that may hire you full-time if you have the experience, even if you want to work from home. Many companies are realizing the benefits of telecommute positions. You could earn $60,000/yr. or more but may need to gain some experience to reach this level.
Copywriting
If you have a passion for both writing and editing but also a flair for marketing, then this is your avenue. As a freelance writer you’ll craft a variety of different types of content, like blog posts or website landing pages. Copywriters focus on advertising and marketing materials.
Companies are always looking for people with experience and an eye for the next best ad, tagline or idea. This is a great full-time or part-time option if you’re looking to make some money on the side. The more experienced, higher-end positions can bring in over $60,000/yr.
Social Media Management
Are you a master of all things social media? If you tweet, like, double-tap or Boomerang, you can show companies how to effectively manage their accounts. Understanding the algorithms and how each change and update affects a company’s views and likeability on social media is a highly desirable skill.
Many smaller businesses want to get attention on social media but don’t have the time or resources to dedicate to engagement with consumers. As a Social Media Manager, you can add value to this side-gig option. Depending on your level of experience, you could even make anywhere from $30 to $60/hr.
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants (or VAs) are the online versions of personal assistants. Many companies and bloggers utilize them to handle a range of tasks, from sending emails to setting up meetings. You can find virtual assistant work from a variety of sources, including online freelancer platforms.
You can use relevant customer service experience to get your foot in the door with companies as a virtual assistant. However, if you really want to stand out, there are online courses you can take to ensure you’re an ideal candidate. Many virtual assistants can make around $30/hr.
Swagbucks
Love giving your opinion on a wide variety of topics? Swagbucks is a great option as a side gig you can do at home. Select surveys to take, and choose when you take them. They vary in topics and length. You then get paid for sharing your opinion and answering questions.
While you may not earn a lot right away, this avenue has some potential for growth, whether you do an hour a week or want to try your hand at doing more. As with Ibotta, you may not replace your full-time job, but this is a super-simple way to earn enough to pay your phone bill.
Online Course Creation
If you’re an expert at anything, why not create an online course on it? Select your topic and use the Udemy platform to teach others your specialty. This online course can be a great source of income — not only for short-term but also for long-term passive income.
You can also create your own online course using a variety of other platforms. Utilize your knowledge to teach others how to follow in your footsteps. Forbes even offers some helpful tips on how to make over $100,000/yr. creating online courses.
Poshmark
Poshmark is a great resource for selling old clothing, jewelry and shoes. You can make quite a bit of money if you tend to purchase higher-end items and have them around the house. You can also use estate sales or yard sales to find great vintage inventory for your Poshmark shop.
Those higher-end items that are also gently used tend to attract higher price tags on Poshmark. The ease of processing transactions makes this an ideal side gig for earning some money at home. Top sellers on Poshmark can make close to $100,000/yr.
Blogging
Another way to earn money if you enjoy writing is to create your own blog. You can start a lifestyle blog, parenting blog or maybe a blog about dogs. Whatever the topic is, there’s likely a niche for you to write about and an audience that’s interested.
In order to earn the most bang for your buck, it helps to find a genre for your blog that can facilitate brand partnerships. Many companies tap bloggers to do less-expensive advertising. The company pays you to use and write about its products, which can become lucrative.
Data Entry
If somewhat-tedious work doesn’t make you want to go running for the hills, consider applying for a data entry position. What other job pays you to listen to television, music or podcasts while you let your fingers do the working?
Many companies need simple information entered into their databases but don’t have the staff or resources to get this completed in a timely fashion. Utilizing your services as a remote data entry clerk can give you plenty of flexibility, and the work is very straightforward. Experienced data entry clerks can expect a wage close to $30/hr.
E-book Writing
Writing a book can seem like an overwhelming task simply because of the length. But it’s not just about writing the book — there’s also editing, publishing and marketing it. However, you can avoid a lot of the headache involved with writing a book if you choose to write and publish an e-book on your own without using a publishing company.
This is another passive income stream that can continue to earn you money over time. Amazon is a great resource to make money selling your e-book. Many Amazon e-books earn royalties of 70%, but they have to meet certain criteria to be eligible for this percentage.
eJury
If you have a flair for dramatics and love courtroom dramas, then eJury is a perfect option for making some side cash. On this platform, you get paid to participate in mock juries. You’re given a script and can assist the participants in learning how to perform for the real deal.
The best part? You can do it all from the comfort of your own home, and there’s tons of variety in what you might learn about. Attorneys present their arguments and use your opinion to assist their assessments prior to representing their clients during real trials. Each case typically pays out anywhere from $20 to $60.
Selling Crafts on Etsy
Have you ever looked at decor items in big-box stores and thought you could make them yourself? Then start making crafts — and making money! If you have a creative side and love making anything, from jewelry to digital artwork, there’s a spot for you on Etsy.
Many small businesses got their start selling their creations online, and you could too. Depending on the pieces they offer, most Etsy shop owners mark up their items by 65% to earn profits each month. Take a trip to the craft store and see what items inspire you.
Voiceovers
Did you ever think you could earn money from home by hiding in a closet and just talking? It sounds strange, but it’s possible. Whether it’s for a commercial or the audio for a book, your voice could be the perfect fit for voiceover work.
Maybe you used to act in high school or have a smooth, radio-worthy voice. Either way, you can earn a decent living from part-time or full-time work as a voiceover artist while staying at home. There’s a large pay range for voiceover work, depending on experience. You can expect to make anywhere from around $20 to more than $100 per hour.
Sell Your Photos
When blogs or other sites need some generic stock photos to add to their posts, they go to online photo libraries. These sites offer a huge selection of stock photos that photographers post individually or sell to the sites. If you have great photos that you think would be of use to bloggers, check out your options to sell those photos.
Generally, you can make around 35 cents for each photo you sell to a stock photo site. If your photos are more artsy, try printing and framing them. Many local art galleries and vendor shows would be a perfect fit to showcase and sell your photos.
Amazon Customer Service
In many states, Amazon has openings for customer service agents. This is a perfect side gig if you want to make some extra income and enjoy assisting and talking to others.
Most of the openings are for late nights and weekends. This allows for the flexibility of your time at home with your children or family. It’s always nice to be able to work in your sweats or pajamas. And you can’t beat the commute to your living room! You can expect to start off making around $15/hr.
Fulfilled by Amazon
You’ve more than likely heard of people selling their stuff on eBay. But, have you thought of opening up your own Amazon shop? Many people have become successful in selling products on Amazon. Fulfilled by Amazon makes things even easier by storing, packing and shipping the items for you.
Books, toys and electronics are just a few items that tend to be bestsellers for Amazon shops. This type of work could easily become a full-time stay-at-home gig instead of just a side income. Some full-time sellers can make around $45,000/yr.
Medical Writer
Do you have experience in the medical field, perhaps working with doctors, nurses or pharmacists? Medical writing could be a great option for your stay-at-home side gig. All you need is a laptop, motivation to work and some industry-specific expertise.
Medical writers research medical journals and other related articles on behalf of doctors and pharmacists. They’re also responsible for ensuring all documents comply with industry structure and content requirements. Medical writers can generally make $70,000/yr., depending on experience.
IT Help Desk
These days, companies are utilizing the services of online help desks. Instead of having staff sit at desks taking up office space while answering IT questions all day, companies hire remote employees instead. This is a great way to earn some extra money to take your income to the next level.
If you’re the one who’s always figuring out ways to fix problems with computers or technology in general, this may be the job for you. Some IT help desk employees who have prior experience can make over $60,000/yr.
Software Engineer
Are you applying for college or considering going back? You might choose a degree in software engineering that ultimately lets you work from home. This career includes designing, developing, maintaining and testing software applications. You’ll usually need at least a four-year degree to get hired, but this is a job you can do from anywhere.
Even though this type of position requires more education and experience, it allows for many in its field to work remotely. All you’ll really need is your computer and an internet connection. Because it’s a highly desirable role for companies, many software engineers can make over $100,000/yr.
Auditor
As an auditor, you’re responsible for reviewing company accounts and financial records. This may require you to travel to the company’s location or review the information from home. There’s almost always a need for auditors for a variety of different businesses. Auditing is an interesting gig, giving you experience with a range of industries.
In addition, auditors may also be responsible for advising companies on risk assessment profiles and smart financial decisions. Typically, auditors with experience can make over $60,000/yr.
Travel Agent
Even with the influx of sites like Priceline, Expedia and Kayak for booking your travel, many people are looking for someone else to handle the details. This service involves the assistance and knowledge of a travel agent.
Most travel agencies like to see some experience prior to hiring, but there are some that start with slightly lower pay for those with no experience. Travel agents can usually work remotely and have the flexibility of booking and connecting with as many clients as they want. Travel agents make their money off fees and commissions, earning around $30/hr.
Teacher/Tutor
Whether you’ve been a teacher in the past or simply have experience working with children or training others, you could find a side gig as an online teacher or tutor. Different sites have platforms available that let you teach classes or engage in one-on-one tutoring.
Many tutoring sites connect teachers with children abroad to teach them English. Since you work with children outside the U.S., time slots often fall early in the morning or on weekends. This is a very rewarding gig in which you get to help your students reach their higher potential. You can expect to start at around $18/hr.
Medical Transcriptionist
Have you ever watched your doctor speak quickly into a recorder and wondered what happened to the recording? It goes to a medical transcriptionist who writes out medical documents for each interaction between a doctor and patient.
This is an in-demand field because fewer people are becoming certified as medical transcriptionists. Although you don’t need certification, it makes you look more credible to potential employers. There are different organizations, some online, that can certify you and help you get started earning money. Once you have some experience under your belt, you can expect to earn around $30/hr.
Web Designer
With so many people starting their own online businesses, blogs and other entrepreneurial ventures, there’s a growing need for attractive, user-friendly websites. This is where you can offer your services if you tend to be more IT-focused and easily see the fixable pain points of website layouts.
Not only can you initially charge to design websites for companies, but you can also earn steady income maintaining the sites for them and making alterations as necessary. Full-time, experienced designers can expect to earn over $60,000/yr.
Translator
Translators can get paid decent wages, depending on languages, document word-count lengths and contract durations. Many teaching and tutoring jobs also can utilize the talents of a translator. In addition, some translation services hire the work out on a per-project basis, so the job is as flexible as you want it to be.
Depending on the desired language, translators may earn over $60,000/yr. With this wide variety of options for some side income or full-time income, you have the opportunity to develop a career while spending more time with your family at home.
