Top 15 Side Gigs for College Students

Side hustles are a popular way for college students to earn extra money to cover expenses or save for the future. These side jobs need to be flexible and readily available to fit into a student’s busy schedule. Here are 15 of the best side jobs for college students that offer flexibility and potential for decent earnings.

1. Babysitting or Nannying
If you enjoy working with children and are responsible, babysitting or nannying can be a great option. Child care positions can pay well, especially if you have experience or certifications like CPR. Babysitting rates can vary depending on location and the number of children you care for, but the average rate in the U.S. is $22.68 per hour.

2. Dog Walking
For dog lovers, becoming a dog walker can be a fun and rewarding side job. Sign up for services like Rover or Wag to connect with pet owners in your area. Dog walkers can earn an average of $14 to $19 per hour, depending on location and experience.

3. Pet Sitting or Housesitting
Apps like Wag and Rover also offer opportunities for pet sitting or housesitting. These gigs may require longer time commitments but can be lucrative. House sitters can make between $20 and $100 per day, depending on the responsibilities.

4. Driving for Lyft or Uber
If you have a car and enjoy driving, working as a rideshare driver for companies like Lyft or Uber can be a flexible way to earn money. The average pay for rideshare drivers is about $15 to $25 per hour, but expenses like gas and maintenance should be considered.

5. Delivering Food, Groceries, or Other Items
If driving strangers around isn’t your thing, consider delivering food, groceries, or packages instead. Services like DoorDash, UberEats, Instacart, and Shipt offer opportunities for delivery drivers, with an average pay of $18.60 per hour.

6. Shopping for Groceries
For a more low-key job, you can sign up to be a grocery shopper with companies like Instacart or Amazon. In-store shoppers can earn about $16 to $20 per hour and have the flexibility to choose their own schedules.

7. Selling Clothes, Books, Electronics, and More
Selling unwanted items online can be a great way to declutter and make some extra cash. Whether you sell items on platforms like eBay, Etsy, or local marketplaces, there’s a market for just about anything.

8. Tutoring
If you excel in a particular subject, consider tutoring other students for extra income. Private tutors can earn about $27 per hour, and there are opportunities to tutor in person or online.

9. Working as a Resident Advisor
Resident advisors on college campuses often receive free room and board, priority class registration, and a stipend or hourly wages. This position requires a time commitment but can help develop valuable skills.

10. Selling Course Notes
If you take thorough notes in class, you can sell them to other students for extra cash. Make sure to do so in a legitimate way to avoid violating any university rules.

11. Working as a Lifeguard or Swim Instructor
If you’re a strong swimmer, consider working as a lifeguard or swim instructor. Average wages range from $15 to $28 per hour, and opportunities may be available at your university or local community pool.

12. Participating in Research Studies
Some departments on campus offer paid research study opportunities for students. These studies can range from computer tasks to surveys and can be a way to earn extra money in your spare time.

13. Freelancing Online
Freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer opportunities to sell your services in writing, design, video editing, and more. While pay can be irregular, freelancing allows you to set your own rates and work on your own schedule.

14. Cleaning, Yardwork, and Other Odd Jobs
If you’re willing to do physical work, there are opportunities for yardwork, housekeeping, and other odd jobs. You can advertise your services independently or through platforms like TaskRabbit and Care.com.

15. Working in Retail or Food Service
Retail and food service roles are common among college students and offer flexible schedules. While these jobs may not be glamorous, they can provide valuable customer service experience and potential for tips or commission.

Overall, side hustles can be a great way for college students to earn extra money while gaining valuable skills and experience. Whether you choose to babysit, drive for a rideshare company, or sell items online, there are plenty of opportunities to make money on the side. Consider your interests and skills when choosing a side job, and don’t be afraid to try out different options to see what works best for you.