A side hustle can pay off debt, build savings, fund a dream or grow into a full-time business. In 2027, the best side hustles combine low startup costs, flexible hours and demand that is growing thanks to remote work, AI tools and the creator economy. This guide ranks 25 of the best side hustles for 2027 with realistic earnings, startup costs and tips to get started quickly.
Earnings below are rough typical ranges, not guarantees. What you earn depends on your skills, location, time and effort.
Best side hustles for 2027 at a glance
| Side hustle | Typical earnings | Startup cost | Skill level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freelance writing | $20 to $100+ per hour | Very low | Medium |
| AI content and automation services | $30 to $150 per hour | Low | Medium |
| Virtual assistant | $15 to $40 per hour | Very low | Low |
| Graphic design | $25 to $100 per hour | Low | Medium |
| Video editing for creators | $25 to $80 per hour | Low to medium | Medium |
| Social media management | $300 to $1500 per client monthly | Very low | Low to medium |
| Online tutoring | $15 to $60 per hour | Very low | Medium |
| Bookkeeping | $25 to $60 per hour | Low | Medium |
| Web design | $500 to $5000 per project | Low | Medium to high |
| Affiliate marketing | Varies widely | Low | Medium |
| Print on demand | Varies, profit per item | Low | Low |
| Selling digital products | Varies | Very low | Medium |
| Reselling and flipping | Varies | Low to medium | Low |
| Pet sitting and dog walking | $15 to $30 per walk | Very low | Low |
| Food and grocery delivery | $15 to $25 per hour before costs | Need a vehicle | Low |
| Rideshare driving | Varies by city | Need a vehicle | Low |
| Cleaning services | $25 to $50 per hour | Low | Low |
| Lawn care | $30 to $60 per lawn | Medium | Low |
| UGC creator | $100 to $500 per video | Very low | Low to medium |
| YouTube or TikTok creator | Varies widely | Low | Medium |
| Newsletter | Varies | Very low | Medium |
| Photography and stock photos | Varies | Medium | Medium |
| Handyman tasks | $30 to $80 per hour | Medium | Medium |
| Renting out items or space | Varies | Depends on asset | Low |
| Online surveys and testing | $5 to $60 per test | None | Low |
Top 10 side hustles in detail
1. Freelance writing
Businesses still need blog posts, emails, product descriptions and website copy that sounds human and accurate. Writers who combine subject expertise with AI-assisted research and editing can work faster and charge more. Start on platforms like Upwork or by pitching local businesses directly. Learn more in our guide on how to get paid to write online.
2. AI content and automation services
Many small businesses know AI could save them time but do not know how to use it. You can set up chatbots, automate email replies, create AI-assisted content workflows or teach teams to use AI tools. This is one of the fastest growing side hustles for 2027. See how to make money with ChatGPT.
3. Virtual assistant
Help busy professionals with email, scheduling, research, customer service and admin. No degree needed, just organization and reliability. Read how to become a virtual assistant with no experience.
4. Social media management
Local businesses need consistent posts, replies and short videos. Managing three or four clients can become a solid monthly income.
5. Video editing
Short-form video is everywhere, and creators need editors for TikTok, Reels, YouTube Shorts and podcasts. Free tools like CapCut and DaVinci Resolve make it easy to start.
6. Online tutoring
Teach school subjects, test prep, languages, music or coding. Platforms connect you with students, or you can find clients locally.
7. Bookkeeping
Small businesses need help tracking income and expenses. Online courses and certifications can get you started in a few months.
8. UGC creator
Brands pay everyday people to make authentic videos reviewing or showing their products. You do not need a big following, because brands use the videos in their own ads.
9. Reselling and flipping
Buy underpriced items at thrift stores, yard sales and clearance racks, then sell them on eBay, Facebook Marketplace or Poshmark.
10. Pet sitting and dog walking
Apps like Rover connect you with pet owners. It is flexible and great for animal lovers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest side hustle to start in 2027?
Pet sitting, delivery, virtual assistance and online surveys need the least setup.
Do I need to pay taxes on side hustle income?
In most countries, yes. In the US, self-employment income is taxable. Read how to file taxes as a freelancer.
Side hustles 11 to 25 explained
11. Web design. Build websites for local businesses using WordPress, Webflow or Shopify. One project can pay as much as weeks of hourly work.
12. Graphic design. Logos, social graphics, presentations and packaging. Tools like Canva and Figma make it easier to start, but strong design taste matters.
13. Affiliate marketing. Earn commissions by recommending products through a blog, YouTube channel, newsletter or social media. It takes months to build, but can become passive income. See affiliate marketing for beginners.
14. Print on demand. Upload designs to shirts, mugs and posters. The supplier prints and ships, so you need no inventory.
15. Digital products. Sell templates, planners, spreadsheets, presets, courses or ebooks. Create once and sell repeatedly.
16. Food and grocery delivery. Flexible hours, but subtract fuel and vehicle costs from your earnings.
17. Rideshare driving. Works best in busy cities during peak hours.
18. Cleaning services. Homes, offices and short-term rentals always need cleaning. See how to start a cleaning business.
19. Lawn care. Seasonal but profitable, with recurring weekly clients. Read how to start a lawn care business.
20. YouTube or TikTok creator. Slow to grow, but can earn through ads, sponsorships and affiliate links. See how to make money on TikTok as a beginner.
21. Newsletter. Build an email list around a niche and earn from sponsors and paid subscriptions. Read how to start a newsletter business.
22. Photography and stock photos. Shoot events, portraits or products, or sell photos on stock sites. See how to sell photos online.
23. Handyman tasks. Assemble furniture, mount TVs and handle small repairs through apps like TaskRabbit.
24. Renting out items or space. Rent cameras, tools, parking spaces, storage or a spare room.
25. User testing and surveys. Test websites and apps for $10 to $60 per session. Surveys pay less but need no skills.
How to choose the right side hustle
| If you have… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Strong writing skills | Freelance writing, newsletter, content for businesses |
| Tech and AI curiosity | AI automation services, web design, virtual assistance |
| Creative eye | Graphic design, video editing, photography, UGC |
| Teaching ability | Tutoring, online courses, coaching |
| A car and free evenings | Delivery, rideshare, moving help |
| Physical energy | Cleaning, lawn care, handyman, dog walking |
| Very little time | Digital products, surveys, renting items |
| Patience for long-term growth | Affiliate marketing, YouTube, blogging |
How much time do you need?
Most side hustles can start with 5 to 10 hours per week. Service-based hustles like freelancing and cleaning pay from the first client. Content-based hustles like blogging, YouTube and affiliate marketing may take 6 to 12 months before earning meaningful money, but they can grow without trading every hour for money.
Mistakes to avoid
- Paying for get-rich-quick courses that promise guaranteed income.
- Starting five hustles at once. Focus on one until it works.
- Underpricing forever. Start reasonably, then raise rates as you build reviews.
- Ignoring taxes. Set aside around 25 to 30 percent of profit for taxes in the US, and check local rules.
- Breaking your job contract. Check non-compete and conflict of interest rules with your employer.
- Falling for task scams. Real jobs never ask you to pay to start working.
Side hustle trends for 2027
- AI-assisted services are growing quickly. Clients pay for results, not for the tool, so people who know how to use AI to deliver faster writing, design, research and automation have an edge.
- Short-form video continues to dominate marketing, keeping demand high for editors and UGC creators.
- Local services such as cleaning, lawn care, pet care and repairs cannot be automated easily and remain reliable earners.
- Niche newsletters and communities are becoming valuable as people look for trusted voices.
- Skills-based freelancing is shifting toward specialists. A bookkeeper for dentists or a video editor for fitness coaches often earns more than a generalist.
A simple 30-day plan to start
- Week 1: Choose one side hustle based on your skills and time. Research what clients pay.
- Week 2: Build a simple portfolio, profile or flyer. Do one or two sample projects.
- Week 3: Reach out to 20 potential clients or list your service on two platforms.
- Week 4: Deliver your first job, ask for a review and refine your offer and price.
The bottom line
The best side hustles for 2027 match your existing skills, cost little to start and have growing demand, especially freelancing, AI services, virtual assistance, video editing and local services. Pick one, start small and grow. For more ideas, see best work from home jobs for beginners in 2027.
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