Are you looking for a way to make extra cash around your existing commitments? If so, these online side jobs are worth exploring! Side hustles generally offer flexible schedules and allow you to choose your own hours, making money when it suits you. This is ideal if you’re a busy mom, student, or professional looking to take advantage of any spare moments you have. Plus, the requirements to make money with these online side jobs are usually minimal, only requiring access to a laptop, fast internet, and/or a smartphone.

Why Bother Getting an Online Side Job?

• Earn Extra Income: Online side jobs provide an opportunity to supplement your main source of income. Whether it’s saving for a big purchase, paying off debt, or just having some extra spending money, the additional cash flow can be a significant benefit.

• Flexible Working Hours: One of the main attractions of remote side hustles is the flexibility they offer. You can often choose when you work, allowing you to fit the job around your existing commitments, such as a full-time job, family responsibilities, or personal projects.

• Skill Development: Starting a side business can be a way to build and refine skills in various areas. You might enhance your proficiency in digital marketing, improve your writing abilities, or learn new software tools. These skills not only help in the side job itself but can also enhance your resume.

• Explore New Career Opportunities: Sometimes, trying out a new side gig can serve as a testing ground for a potential new career path. By engaging in projects outside of your current role, you can gauge your interest and aptitude in different fields without committing to a full-time transition.

• Networking Opportunities: Online side jobs are a way to expand your professional network. You may connect with clients, freelancers, and industry professionals, opening doors to potential collaborations and future job opportunities. This expanded network can be valuable for career growth and learning as you never know who you might get introduced to!

Detailed Overview of the Top 27 Online Side Jobs

1. Online Survey Taker

By taking surveys, you provide insights on various topics and get paid for your time. Your input helps companies shape their products and services. Sites like Survey Junkie and American Consumer Opinion pay members for their opinions, with earnings ranging from a few dollars to $50 per survey.

Online Survey Taker

• Overview: Participate in surveys and provide insights to help companies improve their products and services.
• Earnings: $1–$50 per survey.
• Platforms: Survey Junkie, American Consumer Opinion.

2. Transcription Services

Transcription involves converting audio files into written text. Companies like Rev and GMR Transcription offer opportunities for those with strong typing skills. Earnings can range from $15 to $150 per audio hour.

Transcription Services

• Overview: Convert audio recordings into text. This requires strong typing skills and attention to detail.
• Earnings: $15–$150 per audio hour.
• Platforms: Rev, GMR Transcription.

3. Proofreading and Editing

As a proofreader or editor, you refine written content for clarity and grammatical accuracy. Sites like Scribendi and ProofreadingPal pay around $20-$30 per hour, with higher rates for specialized skills.

Proofreading and Editing

• Overview: Review and correct written content for errors in grammar, spelling, and structure.
• Earnings: $20–$30 per hour, higher for specialized skills.
• Platforms: Scribendi, ProofreadingPal.

4. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing allows you to create diverse content from anywhere. Platforms like ProBlogger and FreelanceWriting offer opportunities, with rates ranging from $20 to $100 per hour.

Freelance Writing

• Overview: Write articles, blogs, or other content writing on a freelance basis.
• Earnings: $20–$100 per hour.
• Platforms: ProBlogger, FreelanceWriting.

5. Voice Over Artist

Voice over artists record audio for various media. Companies like Voices and BunnyStudio hire beginners, with earnings averaging around $117,910 annually for experienced professionals.

• Voice Over Artist
  • Overview: Record voiceover work for videos, ads, or other media.
  • Earnings: $117,910 annually for experienced professionals.
  • Platforms: Voices, BunnyStudio.

6. Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants provide administrative support remotely. Companies like Time Etc and Boldly pay between $15 to $35 per hour, depending on experience.

Virtual Assistant

• Overview: Assist businesses or entrepreneurs with administrative tasks remotely.
• Earnings: $15–$35 per hour.
• Platforms: Time Etc, Boldly.

7. Online Tutoring

Online tutoring allows you to help students in various subjects. Companies like VIPKid and Preply pay between $18 to $60 per hour, depending on the subject.

Online Tutoring

• Overview: Tutor students in subjects such as math, languages, or science.
• Earnings: $18–$60 per hour.
• Platforms: VIPKid, Preply.

8. Selling on Etsy

Selling handmade or digital products on Etsy can be lucrative. Successful sellers can earn between $1,000 to $5,000 a month.

Selling on Etsy

• Overview: Sell handmade or digital products on Etsy. This can be a creative and profitable venture.
• Earnings: $1,000–$5,000 per month for successful sellers.

9. Social Media Management

In Social Media Marketing managing a company’s social media presence can earn you $15 to $40 per hour. Platforms like Indeed and StartUp Jobs list opportunities.

Social Media Management

• Overview: Manage and create content for social media accounts of businesses or influencers.
• Earnings: $15–$40 per hour.
• Platforms: Indeed, StartUp Jobs.

10. Data Entry

Data entry jobs require minimal skills and pay between $12 to $35 per hour. Companies like Amazon Mechanical Turk offer flexible opportunities.

Data Entry

• Overview: Input data into databases or spreadsheets. Typically requires minimal skill.
• Earnings: $12–$35 per hour.
• Platforms: Amazon Mechanical Turk.

11. Customer Service Representative

Customer service roles typically pay between $15 to $27 per hour. Companies like Cigna and TTEC are often hiring.

Customer Service Representative

• Overview: Provide support to customers over the phone, email, or chat.
• Earnings: $15–$27 per hour.
• Platforms: Cigna, TTEC.

12. Product Tester

Product testers evaluate items and provide feedback. Earnings can range from $10 to $500, depending on the complexity of the tests.

Product Tester

• Overview: Test products and provide feedback.
• Earnings: $10–$500 per test, depending on complexity.
• Platforms: Various product testing companies.

13. Start an AI Side Hustle

AI offers new ways to make money online. Platforms like RemoteAI provide opportunities for those interested in AI-related tasks.

Start an AI Side Hustle

• Overview: Engage in AI-related tasks, such as training AI models, data labeling, or AI consulting.
• Earnings: Varies depending on the task.
• Platforms: RemoteAI.

14. Graphic Design

Graphic designers can earn between $20 to $150 per hour. Companies like 99Designs are always looking for creative talent.

Graphic Design

• Overview: Create visual content for logos, websites, or marketing materials.
• Earnings: $20–$150 per hour.
• Platforms: 99Designs, Fiverr.

15. Email Marketer

Email marketers craft campaigns and analyze performance. Earnings range from $15 to $50 per hour, depending on experience.

Email Marketer

• Overview: Plan, design, and track email marketing campaigns.
• Earnings: $15–$50 per hour.
• Platforms: Various freelance job boards.

16. Chat Support

Chat support roles pay between $15 to $25 per hour. Companies like LiveWorld are hiring for these positions.

Chat Support

• Overview: Provide customer support through live chat.
• Earnings: $15–$25 per hour.
• Platforms: LiveWorld.

17. Website Testing

Website testers evaluate user experience and can earn between $5 to $10 per test. Sites like User Testing offer these opportunities.

Website Testing

• Overview: Test websites for user experience, functionality, and design.
• Earnings: $5–$10 per test.
• Platforms: UserTesting.

18. Focus Groups

Participating in focus groups can pay between $50 to $250 per hour, depending on the study.

Focus Groups

• Overview: Participate in research studies and provide feedback.
• Earnings: $50–$250 per hour.
• Platforms: Various market research companies.

19. Web Development

Web developers can earn between $20 to $150 per hour, depending on their expertise and project complexity.

Web Development

• Overview: Build or maintain websites for businesses or individuals.
• Earnings: $20–$150 per hour.
• Platforms: Upwork, Freelancer.

20. Video Editing

Video editors can earn between $15 to $30 per hour, with potential for higher rates based on experience.

Video Editing

• Overview: Edit video content for social media marketing, businesses, or YouTube channels.
• Earnings: $15–$30 per hour, higher rates for experienced editors.
• Platforms: Fiverr, Upwork.

21. Translation Services

Translators can earn between $27 to $36 per hour, depending on language pairs and expertise.

Translation Services

• Overview: Translate documents or media between languages.
• Earnings: $27–$36 per hour.
• Platforms: ProZ, TranslatorsCafe.

22. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketers can earn a few hundred dollars a month part-time, with dedicated professionals earning significantly more.

Affiliate Marketing

• Overview: Promote products or services and earn commissions on sales.
• Earnings: Varies from a few hundred dollars to thousands per month.
• Platforms: Amazon Associates, ShareASale.

23. Event Planning

Event planners can earn around $20-$30 per hour, with potential for higher earnings as they gain experience.

Event Planning

• Overview: Plan and organize events such as weddings, corporate meetings, or social gatherings.
• Earnings: $20–$30 per hour, higher for experienced planners.
• Platforms: Eventbrite, freelance job boards.

24. Game Tester

Game testers can earn between $13 to $20 per hour, depending on the complexity of the projects.

Game Tester

• Overview: Test video games for bugs, glitches, and overall playability.
• Earnings: $13–$20 per hour.
• Platforms: EA, Activision, other game studios.

25. Complete Micro Tasks

Micro-task websites offer quick jobs that can pay a reasonable side income over time. 

• Complete Micro Tasks
  • Overview: Perform small, simple tasks such as tagging photos, transcribing short clips, etc.
  • Earnings: Small amounts per task, but consistent work adds up.
  • Platforms: Amazon Mechanical Turk, Clickworker. 

26. Sell Photos Online

Photographers can monetize their skills, earning commissions ranging from 20% to 50% based on the platform.

Sell Photos Online

• Overview: Sell your photos or digital artwork online.
• Earnings: 20%–50% commission per sale.
• Platforms: Shutterstock, Adobe Stock.

27. Mystery Shopper

Mystery shoppers can earn between $10 to $50 per shop, with specialized tasks offering higher compensation.

Mystery Shopper

• Overview: Evaluate stores and services by posing as a customer and giving feedback.
• Earnings: $10–$50 per shop, higher for specialized tasks.
• Platforms: MarketForce, BestMark.

Final Thoughts on the Best Online Side Jobs

Those are just a few of the top online side jobs to make extra cash in your spare time. I have made money with quite a few of these over the years and still make money today through freelance writing and blogging. Try out the different side jobs mentioned above to find out which one aligns with your skills, interests, and monetary needs. Not all will be right for you, but because these jobs have little barrier to entry, you won’t waste much time if one doesn’t work out. And remember, you can even take on multiple side jobs at a time if you enjoy variety and want to seriously boost your monthly income!

By exploring these flexible online side jobs, you can enhance your financial situation while developing valuable skills in digital marketing and other areas. Whether you’re a busy professional or a student, there’s something here for everyone looking to earn extra income in the USA.