With economic uncertainty on the rise and technology reshaping the job landscape, many Americans are turning to side gigs, not just as a luxury, but as a necessity. These part-time jobs offer a safety net and a sense of control that traditional employment sometimes fails to provide.
Why Side Gigs Are Booming
The flexibility and autonomy of online side gigs are increasingly attractive, especially as workers seek to supplement their income and gain security in unpredictable times. Many of these opportunities can be done remotely, require little to no prior experience, and allow people to earn extra money on their own schedules.
Platforms like Sapien are at the forefront, connecting hundreds of thousands of users worldwide with tasks that rely on human judgment, such as identifying bias or reviewing content, where AI still falls short. Sapien’s CEO, Rowan Stone, highlights their unique system that rewards quality work with tokenized incentives and an on-chain reputation model, ensuring contributors are motivated to deliver their best.
How Much Can You Earn?
A recent analysis by Topture looked at 22 popular side gigs, calculating typical hourly rates and projecting monthly earnings based on working 20 hours per week. The findings show that many side gigs can generate thousands of dollars a month—sometimes rivaling full-time salaries.
20 Lucrative Side Gigs (with Average Monthly Earnings)
Here are some of the top side hustles, their average monthly incomes, and what they involve:
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Voiceover Work ($4,500): Record audio for commercials, videos, or audiobooks.
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Selling Digital Products ($3,100): Create and sell templates, e-books, or courses online.
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E-Commerce Seller ($2,050): Sell handmade or vintage items on platforms like Etsy.
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Handyman Services ($1,750): Offer repair and maintenance services locally.
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Photography ($1,400): Take photos for events, portraits, or commercial use.
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Freelance Copywriting ($1,270): Write articles, ads, or website content for clients.
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Graphic Design ($1,000): Design logos, marketing materials, or social media graphics.
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Lawn Care ($950): Mow lawns and maintain gardens.
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Online Tutoring ($690): Help students with academic subjects online or in person.
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Social Media Management ($650): Manage and grow social media accounts for businesses.
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Task-Based Work ($650): Perform odd jobs like furniture assembly or moving help.
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Proofreading ($610): Edit and correct written content.
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Car Sharing ($540): Rent out your vehicle when not in use.
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Bookkeeping ($460): Handle financial records for small businesses.
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Virtual Assistant ($450): Provide remote administrative support.
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Rideshare Driver ($450): Drive for companies like Uber or Lyft.
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Delivery Driver ($400): Deliver food or packages.
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Notary Public ($400): Authenticate legal documents.
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Pet Sitting/Dog Walking ($350): Care for pets while owners are away.
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Online Surveys ($160): Participate in market research studies.
According to Topture’s founder, Benny Rehwald, some of these gigs—like voiceover work or selling digital products—can match or exceed traditional full-time wages once you build up your skills. Most require only a practical skill and a few hours each week, and many can be done from home, making them accessible for people with busy schedules or other commitments.
For many, side gigs have become more than just a fallback—they’re a vital part of a long-term financial plan.