22 Side Business Ideas for Making Money While Keeping Your Day Job (2024)

Side businesses have become increasingly popular among Americans, with many individuals turning to side hustles to earn extra money outside of their regular day jobs. According to a recent Bankrate survey, about 40% of Americans have a side business, with 28% expecting it to be an ongoing financial necessity. Nearly 30% of those with a side hustle made more than $500 a month from their business. The financial benefits of a side business are evident, as the extra income can be used to pay off debt, invest, or even treat oneself.

However, the benefits of a side business go beyond just financial gain. Pursuing side business ideas also provides individuals with the opportunity to build new skill sets and explore their passions. Entrepreneurs who start side businesses often find satisfaction in creating a business from scratch and forging a new career path that offers greater security amid potential layoffs.

If you are considering starting a side business but are unsure of where to begin or what type of business might be the best fit for you, here is a list of 22 side business ideas that you can kick off today:

1. Start a photography business: Turn your passion for photography into a profitable side business by offering photography services in your local area or selling your photos online through platforms like Stocksy, Shutterstock, and Alamy.

2. Start a clothing line: Utilize the print-on-demand model to create and sell custom-designed clothing items without the need to invest in inventory upfront.

3. Sell your skills: Monetize your existing skills by offering services or consulting in high-demand areas.

4. Become a virtual assistant: Use your organizational and management skills to provide remote administrative support to businesses.

5. Teach a language: Capitalize on the growing online language learning market by offering virtual language classes or tutoring sessions.

6. Start a cleaning business: Offer cleaning services to residential or commercial clients with minimal startup costs.

7. Become an event planner: Tap into the event planning industry by organizing weddings, parties, and corporate events.

8. Start a house- or pet-sitting business: Cater to pet owners and travelers by offering house-sitting or pet-sitting services.

9. Be a usability tester: Provide feedback on websites, apps, or products to help companies improve user experience.

10. Become a dropshipper: Start an ecommerce business with minimal startup costs by partnering with dropshipping suppliers to sell products online.

11. Rent your space: Generate income by renting out spare rooms, homes, or commercial spaces on platforms like Airbnb or Peerspace.

12. Sell thrift store finds: Flip thrift store items for a profit by reselling them online.

13. Become an influencer: Grow your social media following and collaborate with brands to promote products and services.

14. Teach a class: Share your expertise by offering classes or workshops in your area of interest.

15. Start affiliate marketing: Earn commission by promoting products or services for other companies through affiliate marketing programs.

16. Become a rideshare driver: Join rideshare platforms like Uber to earn money by providing transportation services.

17. Deliver food: Work as a food delivery driver for platforms like Uber Eats, Postmates, or Deliveroo.

18. Write an ebook: Self-publish your own ebook and sell it online through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.

19. Sell online courses: Create and sell online courses on topics you are knowledgeable about.

20. Sell your art: Monetize your artistic talents by selling handmade goods or digital art online.

21. Private label your own products: Outsource production of a product to a manufacturer and sell it under your own brand.

22. Sell handmade goods: Turn raw materials into valuable products and sell them online through platforms like Etsy.

Each of these side business ideas offers a unique opportunity to earn extra income, build new skills, and explore your passions. Whether you are looking to start a photography business, teach a language, or sell handmade goods, there is a side business idea for everyone. With the right approach and dedication, a side business can not only provide financial stability but also open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth. So why wait? Start your side business today and embark on a rewarding entrepreneurial journey.