The Best Side Hustles for Summer
Summer is just around the corner, which means you’re most likely getting ready to enjoy some warm weather and have some much-needed rest and relaxation. Although it’s nice to think all the best things in life are free, some of those big summer plans may take a toll on your wallet.
If you’re looking for a great side hustle or two for this summer, you’ve come to the right place! According to a 2025 Bankrate survey, the average side hustler brings in around $885 per month - and with 45% of U.S. adults now running some kind of side hustle, it’s clear that earning extra income on the side has become a mainstream financial strategy, not just a trend.
We’ll break down the best side hustles for this summer to help you stay on track financially while still enjoying some well-earned relaxation time.
What is a Side Hustle?
A side hustle is a part-time business or activity that supplements your income and can be managed alongside a full-time job. Benefits include extra income, flexibility, and the opportunity to explore new interests. A side hustle can range from small passive income streams to a full-blown independent business.
Side hustles are more popular than ever - according to a 2025 Bankrate report, the average side hustler earns $885 per month, with millennials leading the pack at $1,129/month. A separate LendingTree survey found that 38% of Americans currently have a side hustle, with food and grocery delivery, online freelancing, and part-time work ranking as the most common. In fact, DoorDash alone is the #1 side hustle in 21 U.S. states.
For many, it’s not just about extra spending money - Self Financial reports that 34.2% of side hustlers rely on that income to cover basic living costs.
Interested in finding a side hustle that works for your lifestyle? Continue reading below for some of our top recommendations and the best side hustle ideas to help you get started! One option worth considering is selling old phones for extra cash - it’s a quick and easy way to put money in your pocket.
Side Hustle Ideas to Get You Started
From branching off your current talents to quick neighborhood walks with some four-legged friends, these side hustle ideas are bound to help you make some extra cash for extra fun this summer.
1. Freelancing and Online Opportunities
Have you considered freelancing as a side hustle? Offering freelancing services like writing, graphic design, or social media management on websites like Upwork or Fiverr can be a great source of extra income. According to LendingTree’s 2025 survey, online freelancing is one of the most popular side hustles in America, with 15% of side hustlers going this route.
While these side hustles do take the most effort - and possibly some of your own money to kickstart - they can prove to be very profitable. Bankrate reports the average side hustler brings in $885 per month, with millennials leading the pack at $1,129 per month.
2. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Animal lovers, there’s an easy way to make money while also getting to spend time with our furry friends. This summer, why not offer pet sitting and dog walking services to pet owners in your area? You can use apps like Rover or Wag to find clients or try posting on neighborhood apps that you’re offering your services.
You should also post your pet sitting services on your social media accounts - you never know who could see your post and share with their friends and family!
3. Turn Your Hobby Into Income by Selling Handmade Products
Do you have a knack for crafts? Sell handmade products on platforms like Etsy or at local markets this summer. Not only will you be spending time creating something you enjoy, but you’ll also be able to make some extra cash at the same time.
4. Offer Photography Services
If you’ve got a camera - or even a decent smartphone - you could be making some extra money with a side hustle as a photographer. Try offering photography services to clients or sell photos on stock image websites.
This is one of the relatively easy side hustles to start, and you can make decent income should you choose to dedicate time and effort towards your own photography business.
5. Become a Virtual Assistant or Online Tutor
Looking for something remote that lends a hand? Take a look at personal assistant or virtual assistant services to businesses or entrepreneurs. This side hustle has the option to become a main job as it can be time consuming.
There’s also the option of providing tutoring services online and getting paid for your expertise. It’s a great way to utilize available online platforms to make some extra income off those talents you may not use regularly, such as language tutoring and other specialized areas that people pay good money to learn.
6. Sell Items You No Longer Use
Take a look around your home. Do you see items you no longer use? Better yet, what about anything out of sight that may be hiding in drawers, closets, or storage? Not only is it a good idea to let go of the things we no longer use, but it’s also good to sell or recycle them in hopes that they can be used again by someone else.
If you have any old smartphones or tablets laying around at home, bring those devices to your local ecoATM. You could earn money instantly via cash or digital payment with PayPal or Venmo. It’s quick, easy, and most importantly safe with a fully automated process and transparency every step of the way.
And do not stop at devices. Old VHS tapes, DVDs, and Blu-rays hiding in closets and storage boxes are worth checking before you donate them. Certain titles sell for hundreds of dollars on the secondary market and most people have no idea what they have. Tools like a VHS value checker pull real sold prices so you know exactly what your collection is worth before you sell or donate anything.
7. Rent Out Space or Items
Do you have a spare room in your home? You could make extra income this summer by renting it out. Summer is a great time to consider renting out a spare room, especially if you live in a desirable area with warm weather. There are several trustworthy platforms for single room rentals such as Airbnb, VRBO and more.
You could also consider renting out items such as cameras, sports equipment, or other items you may not be using as frequently as you like. Choosing to rent out these larger ticket items is a great way to earn money without fully letting them go.
8. Delivering Food or Packages
For those who are equipped with a set of wheels, consider working for food delivery services like Uber Eats or DoorDash to earn extra cash. You can also deliver packages, assist with grocery delivery and more with this side hustle. In fact, DoorDash is currently the number one side hustle in 21 U.S. states, making it one of the most accessible ways to start earning quickly.
Delivery services remain one of the best side hustles available today, as most programs allow you to set your own hours, driving whenever it’s best for your schedule. LendingTree’s 2025 survey found that food and grocery delivery ties with online freelancing as the most popular side hustle category, with 15% of side hustlers choosing this path.
Tips for Starting a Side Hustle
Feeling excited about getting your side hustle started? You’re not alone - according to Self Financial, 45% of U.S. adults now have a side hustle, and with good reason. Bankrate’s 2025 data puts the average monthly side hustle income at $885. Here are some helpful tips to get things off the ground quickly and efficiently.
Identify Your Skills and Interests
If you’re feeling stuck, try identifying and tapping into your strengths and interests to find a side hustle that best suits you. Popular options include food and grocery delivery (DoorDash is actually the #1 side hustle in 21 U.S. states), online freelancing, and part-time or seasonal work. It’s also worth considering how much free time you have and whether any upfront investment is required before diving in.
Set Realistic Goals and Expectations
While the thought of extra money is enticing, it’s important to think logically about what’s attainable. Bankrate reports a median monthly side hustle income of just $200 - meaning results can vary widely. Start small, set achievable milestones, and scale up as you gain more experience and confidence.
Create a Schedule and Stick to It
Dedicating even a few consistent hours each week to your side hustle can make a real difference over time. Create a schedule that works around your existing commitments and stick to it. Whether you’re looking to cover basic expenses - something 34.2% of side hustlers rely on their extra income for - or simply build a financial cushion, consistency is key to seeing your efforts pay off.
Earn Extra Cash this Summer with ecoATM
If you’re looking for a way to earn money instantly, you could very well have some cash laying in your drawers and closets at home this very moment.
Bring your old smartphones and tablets to your local ecoATM kiosk to earn cash instantly! With over 5,000 locations across the country, ecoATM is a convenient and safe way to earn immediate payment for those devices you’re no longer using. Use our locator tool and price your device ahead of time to save even more time at the kiosk.
And if you’re thinking bigger, side hustles are more popular than ever heading into summer 2026. According to Self Financial, 45% of U.S. adults now have a side hustle, with 34.2% relying on that income to cover basic living costs. Bankrate puts the average monthly side hustle income at $885, though results vary widely - millennials lead the pack at $1,129/month, followed by Gen Z ($958), Gen X ($751), and Boomers ($561).
The most popular side hustles right now, according to LendingTree’s 2025 survey, include food and grocery delivery (15%), online freelancing (15%), and part-time or seasonal work (14%). In fact, DoorDash ranks as the #1 side hustle in 21 U.S. states. So whether you’re driving deliveries, picking up freelance gigs, or simply cashing in on old devices at an ecoATM kiosk, there’s no shortage of ways to pad your wallet this summer.
Side Hustle Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Start a Side Hustle?
Start by identifying your skills and interests, then research side hustle ideas that fit your profile. According to LendingTree’s 2025 survey, the most popular side hustles Americans are turning to include food and grocery delivery (15%), online freelancing (15%), and part-time or seasonal work (14%) - so there’s no shortage of proven paths to follow. Create a schedule, stick to it, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from others in the community!
What is the Best Side Hustle Job?
The best side hustle job is one that aligns with your skills, interests, and schedule. Popular options include freelancing, selling online courses, running an online store, or delivery driving. In fact, DoorDash is currently the #1 side hustle in 21 U.S. states, making gig delivery one of the most accessible ways to get started quickly with minimal upfront investment.
How Much Can I Earn From a Side Hustle?
More than you might think! According to Bankrate’s 2025 data, the average side hustle brings in $885 per month, though the median sits closer to $200 - meaning a small group of high earners pulls the average up. Millennials tend to earn the most at $1,129/month, followed by Gen Z ($958), Gen X ($751), and Boomers ($561). With 45% of U.S. adults now running a side hustle - and 34.2% relying on it to help cover basic living costs - it’s clear that side income has become a financial necessity for many households, not just a bonus.
How Much Time Should I Dedicate to My Side Hustle?
We recommend starting with just a few hours per week and scaling up as you gain more experience and confidence. Be flexible and adjust your schedule as needed to make sure your side hustle doesn’t interfere with your full-time job or personal life. Even a modest time commitment can add up - especially as your skills and client base grow over time.
