The Rise of Side Hustles: A Deep Dive into America’s Gig Economy in 2025

Recent surveys indicate that approximately one in three adults in the U.S. now have a side hustle, according to Bankrate. While not everyone is earning big, the collective impact is massive. On average, Americans earn around $885 per month from their side gigs, but the median figure is closer to $200. This means that while a few earn thousands, many simply use their hustle as a light financial buffer.

Generational Trends in Side Hustling

Generationally, Gen Z and millennials dominate the side hustle landscape, with nearly half of Gen Z workers reporting some form of side gig. For them, the appeal is not just extra cash but also flexibility and independence from the rigid 9–5 model. Older generations, such as Gen X and baby boomers, are less involved but still represent a significant share, often turning to side gigs in retirement or as a way to cover rising expenses.

Top 10 Side Hustles in 2025

According to updated gig economy earnings data, the 10 most popular side hustles in 2025—ranked by participation and median annual earnings—are:

OnlyFans: The top earner, proving that digital hustles often surpass delivery apps in income.
DoorDash: Dominating in 21 states, food delivery reflects demand in both urban and suburban areas.
Uber: Leading in 15 states, ridesharing thrives in major urban hubs.
Pet Sitting: A resilient choice, especially in states like Colorado and Montana.
Day Trading: Gaining traction in states like Arizona and Connecticut.
Local Handyman Services: Popular in states like Delaware and Maine.
Retail Arbitrage: A favorite in Florida.
Online Surveys: Gaining popularity in states like Idaho and West Virginia.
Freelance Virtual Assistance: A growing trend in New York.
Cleaning Services: A reliable option in New Mexico.

Key Observations

Delivery Apps Dominate: Food delivery and ridesharing account for over half of the top 10, making them the backbone of America’s gig economy.
Digital Content is Big Business: OnlyFans not only ranks for popularity but also for being the highest median earner, showcasing how digital-first hustles can outpace traditional delivery apps.
Pet Care is Resilient: Services like Wag! reflect a booming pet industry where owners are willing to pay for trustworthy walkers and sitters.

State-by-State Winners

The side hustle landscape varies significantly across states. Here are some notable trends:

DoorDash is the king in 21 states, reflecting a strong demand for food delivery.
Uber leads in 15 states, thriving in urban areas.
Instacart is #1 in 4 states and D.C., particularly in dense East Coast cities.
Iowa stands out with OnlyFans as the top hustle, showing how digital platforms can dominate even in more rural states.

This regional variation reflects a mix of infrastructure, demographics, and culture. States with sprawling suburbs lean toward food delivery, while dense urban centers support ridesharing. In smaller states, niche or online hustles sometimes outcompete the big platforms.

Who Has a Side Hustle in 2025?

The side hustle economy is not a small niche; it’s a massive cultural shift. In 2025, around 39% of U.S. adults report having at least one side hustle, translating to roughly 80 million people across the country. This trend is not confined to the U.S.; globally, 42% of Gen Z in the U.K. and 39% of Canadian millennials also maintain side hustles. This suggests that what began as an American gig economy wave has spread into a worldwide rethinking of work.

Why People Side Hustle: Motivations Beyond Money

While the most obvious reason for starting a side hustle is to make extra money, surveys in 2025 highlight more diverse motivations:

Survival: For some, it’s about paying the rent or covering groceries.
Lifestyle: Others use side hustles to fund vacations, new skills, or passion projects.
Entrepreneurship: A small but growing segment sees side hustles as a pathway to full-time business ownership.

How Much Time Side Hustlers Put In

On average, people dedicate 11–16 hours per week to their side hustles. However, the distribution of time spent varies:

0–5 hours: 54% of side hustlers engage in light tasks like surveys and small reselling.
5–10 hours: 24% focus on pet sitting, freelance gigs, and e-commerce part-time.
11–20 hours: 13% are serious delivery drivers, tutors, and content creators.
21–40 hours: 7% are scaling freelancers or digital creators.
40+ hours: 2% treat their hustles as near full-time businesses.

Interestingly, those committing 40+ hours a week often cross into the $5,000+ per month category, highlighting a clear connection between time investment and income potential.

Earnings Brackets People Fall Into

Income from side hustles varies widely. Averages can be misleading, as they are often pulled up by high earners. Here’s a clearer breakdown:

Under $100: Half of all hustlers start small.
$100–$999: Many earn in this range as they gain consistency.
$1,000–$4,999: A significant portion of hustlers fall into this bracket.
$5,000+: The top 5% usually transition from side hustles to full business ownership.

Most Popular Hustles Beyond Apps

While app-based hustles dominate participation, non-app hustles often unlock higher earning potential and more personal control. Examples include:

Online Business: Blogging, YouTube, and courses offer scalability and low startup costs.
E-Commerce: Amazon reselling and Etsy shops cater to a huge demand for online retail.
Freelancing & Consulting: Skilled workers can charge higher hourly rates.
Investing: Real estate and stocks attract those seeking high rewards.
Local Services: Cleaning and tutoring have stable demand, especially in suburban areas.

Final Words: What Side Hustles in 2025 Tell Us

The numbers make one thing clear: side hustling is no longer a backup plan; it’s a core feature of the modern American economy. In 2025, nearly four out of ten adults are balancing a side gig, with younger generations leading the way.

Delivery and rideshare apps remain the most popular entry points, especially in states like Texas, California, and New York. However, independent hustles—from e-commerce stores to freelancing—are where the higher income brackets reside.

Motivations for side hustling are evolving, with many seeking personal freedom, savings goals, or the chance to build something of their own. The bottom line? Side hustles in 2025 reflect both necessity and ambition, and with over 3 million new hustles started every year, the landscape is only going to grow more competitive, diverse, and creative.