Top Side Hustles for 2025: Exploring Income Trends
The Need for Side Hustles in Today’s Economy
In an increasingly uncertain economic landscape, many Americans are turning to side hustles as a way to supplement their income. A recent survey revealed that nearly 40% of adults are engaged in secondary jobs, primarily to help cover daily expenses and to build savings for the future.
The findings from a LendingTree analysis indicate that 61% of side hustlers feel their financial lives would be untenable without their additional income streams.
Leading Side Hustles for 2025
According to GoBanking Rates, the following side hustles are notably popular in 2025, along with their average earnings:
- Lawn Care Professional: $55 per hour
- TaskRabbit Tasker: Flexible salary options
- Frequent Flyer Specialist: $80 to $150 per project
- Bookkeeper: $24 per hour
- Online Instructor: $42 per hour
- Sign Language Interpreter: $32 per hour
- Curriculum Writer: $33 per hour
- Education Training Specialist: $30 per hour
- Executive Assistant: $28 per hour
- Consultant: $100 per hour
- Project Manager: $49 per hour
- Social Media Marketing Specialist: $26 per hour
- Software Developer: $54 per hour
- WordPress Developer: $45 per hour
- Online Reseller: $40 per hour
American Preferences for Side Hustles
The LendingTree survey also highlighted that 38% of Americans are active side hustlers. Among them, the most favored roles include:
- Food or grocery delivery (15%)
- Online freelancing (15%)
- Part-time or seasonal employment (14%)
Respondents reported an average monthly income of $1,215 from their side jobs, indicating the significant impact of these additional earnings on their lifestyles.
Impact of the Cost of Living on Side Hustles
The current high cost of living has become a driving force behind the rise of side gigs. Key motivations for starting a side hustle include:
- Rising living expenses (33%)
- Covering bills (29%)
- Additional discretionary income (28%)
Respondents pointed to the economy (49%), inflation (42%), and the pandemic (21%) as primary catalysts for launching their side hustles.
