50 Best Side Hustles for Teachers to Make Extra Money

Inside: Are you a teacher looking for ways to make extra money? This guide has 50 amazing side hustles for teachers to consider. There is sure to be a profitable online opportunity that fits your skills and interests.

The teaching profession, no matter how nobly undertaken, can sometimes be financially limiting.

Hence necessitating the need for teachers to engage in highly rewarding and flexible side hustles. This not only allows teachers to augment their regular income, but it presents them an opportunity to leverage their honed disciplines such as organization, multitasking, and constructive criticism.

If you’re a teacher who finds themselves needing a boost in income, side hustles specifically tailored for your profession could be a great solution.

Whether you have spare time during the holidays, weekends, or after school hours, there’s a high chance you’d find a gig from this list that perfectly suits your schedule and skill set. Given the number of school days in a year, you will have plenty of time to devote to your side hustle.

Let’s dig into side hustles for teacher ideas!

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Best Side Hustles for Teachers

Unfortunately, teaching salaries are quite low compared to other professions.¹ So, these high-paying endeavors underscore the multi-dimensional talents inherent to educators. For many, this is exactly what teachers do in the summer.

In the subsequent section, we’ll delve into the top side hustles with the spotlight on its promise of flexible scheduling and substantial remuneration.

1. Reselling your Curriculum

From your professional career as a teacher, you have a wealth of knowledge and resources at your disposal. Your meticulously crafted lesson plans, curriculums, or study guides could be precious learning tools for fellow educators.

Platforms like “Teachers Pay Teachers” or Etsy offer an online marketplace to exhibit and sell your unique materials. Hence, reselling your curriculum is a smart and impactful way of sharing your expertise while adding to your income stream.

2. Selling Printables

It’s remarkable how a teacher’s skills can enable them to design engaging educational printables such as habit trackers, meal planners, and chore charts. These printables can be easily created using online platforms like Canva, and then sold on Etsy—an online marketplace known for unique and creative goods.

You’d be surprised by the demand for these resources from busy parents, other teachers, or anyone in need of organization aids. Check out these e-Printables course success stories of people earning $5,000 a month on their Etsy printables. This endeavor is not just rewarding financially, but it also lets you indulge in your creative side.

3. Rent out baby gear

If you have accrued baby gear – strollers, high chairs, car seats, etc., from either your own children or simply through many years of dealing with young ones, why not put them to use?

Renting out baby gear could prove to be a simple yet lucrative side hustle. Parents on the go or tourists with infants are always on the lookout for baby gear rentals to ease their travel woes. Start with BabyQuip and start renting out your unused items, and you earn extra money!

4. Trade Stocks and Options

For many teachers I know, trading stocks and options can be a promising side hustle and many like Chris Calvin have left teaching. This involves buying and selling stocks on the stock market, requiring you to stay disciplined and make sound investment decisions.

Although this side hustle comes with its share of risk, it has the potential for high returns. Successful part-time traders, like Trade and Travel students, earn up to $1000 a day. Teri advises newcomers to invest time in learning about the stock market, be patient, and disciplined, and remain detached from the money part as much as possible.

5. Party & Event Planner

Planning and organizing parties or events can be a fun and lucrative side business for teachers who possess superior networking, organizing, and management skills. You can help bring memorable experiences to life for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and corporate events.

Since many of these events are outside work hours, it allows you to tap into your creative side as you plan unforgettable moments. Services like planning, decorating, catering, and entertainment can all be part of your service offerings.

6. Housesit

Housesitting can be an exciting way to make extra money while enjoying a change of environment. As a house sitter, you’d be responsible for various tasks such as maintaining the property, caring for pets, and ensuring the home remains secure.

Platforms like HouseSitter.com connect homeowners with prospective house sitters after a thorough background check. This gig is particularly appealing for teachers on a summer break or during holidays, allowing you to earn money while essentially being on a mini vacation.

7. Get paid to shop

Imagine getting paid to shop! Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? But it’s a real job. You can work as a personal shopper for busy individuals who have little time to do their shopping.

Companies like Shipt and Instacart hire shoppers to purchase groceries and deliver them to clients’ homes. As a shopper, your tasks may also include picking out fresh products, closely abiding by shopping lists, and perhaps even restocking some prescriptions. You can even work as a personal assistant to a family.

8. Start an organization business

As a teacher, you are a pro at organizing. Why not turn this skill into a productive side business? Start your mission to declutter and bring order to people’s homes or offices. These services could include organizing kitchens, closets, or even entire homes, much like Marie Kondo, a celebrity organization guru.

You can initiate your venture by taking on a few clients through local promotions or recommendations. As word spreads and your portfolio grows, you can command a sizable fee for your organizational prowess. You can easily expect to earn between $20 and $50 per hour depending on the project size!

9. Sell your own talents

Is there a talent you have, apart from teaching, that you think would be a hit if shared with the world? It could be painting, pottery, playing an instrument, or even stand-up comedy. Like Monet, turn your talent into money.

The world is looking for unique talents, and your talent could be the one that makes you extra cash. Just make sure you can keep your teaching job.

10. Referee or umpire Sports

Delve into your love for sports while making extra money by serving as a referee or umpire. As intrinsic as it is to the game, this role comes with great responsibility and it essential to the smooth function of any sports event. In addition, due to the flexibility of the work hours, it is perfectly suited for teachers.

Moreover, most districts often report a shortage of referees and umpires. ² The pay also tends to be good, averaging between $20-$50 per game, making it a promising side hustle for teachers.

11. Tutoring

Leverage your education and teaching skills by offering private tutoring services. This can be conducted in-person if you have a conducive space, or online if convenience is key. Companies like Wyzant provide an online platform where tutors earn on average $19 per hour. ³

As a tutor, you can assist students with schoolwork or help them prepare for high-stakes exams like the SAT or ACT, where tutors are reported to earn more per hour. This side gig allows you to make a meaningful impact on students’ learning experiences while making profitable use of your expertise.

12. Teaching English Online

Teaching English online is an increasingly popular way for educators to offer their skills to learners worldwide. With a solid internet connection and a reliable computer, you can use platforms like VIPKid to reach students in need of English language instruction.

It provides the convenience of remote work and a flexible schedule, making it an ideal option for part-time or full-time work.

13. Coach youth sports for health and money

Sharing your passion for sports while fostering newer generations can be fulfilling and lucrative. It promotes fitness and infuses an athletic spirit, making it an ideal side hustle for teachers. As a sports coach, you direct kids and adults to enhance their sports skills, delivering self-esteem.

This could range from basketball, football to even extracurricular ventures like chess or arts. As a private coach or running your own business, you can set your prices while earning around $30 an hour on average.

14. Sell your craft locally

Why not infuse creativity into your side hustle and sell your craft locally? If you have a penchant for making usable art such as pottery, handmade jewelry, or other DIY crafts, you can set up a small exhibition at a local market or craft fair.

The trick is to find your market niche and create unique products. Let’s take the example of resin and glitter earrings. It’s always important to research pricing in similar stores or online platforms to get an idea for product pricing. This way, not only are you making supplemental income, but you also get to share your artistic talents with the community.

15. Open an Etsy shop

Opening an Etsy shop lets you monetize your creative skills while creating a passive income stream. You can sell handmade and personalized items, ranging from jewelry to furniture or printables.

Look at Etsy as an online version of a craft fair that’s open 24/7. Keep a unique selling point to stand out in the Etsy crowd, and do your market research on the best digital items to sell on Etsy. You can easily manage your Etsy shop while balancing your teaching duties, making it an ideal side hustle for teachers.

16. Dog walking or pet sitting for animal lovers

If you love animals, then pairing it with a side hustle may just be the perfect combination. Dog walking or pet sitting not only fills your heart with the joy of interactions with your four-legged, doe-eyed, furry friends but also your pockets. You can use platforms like Rover for opportunities.

Another option is pet sitting where you’ll essentially be paid to tend to your “loved ones,” providing care to pets whose owners can’t be home. Teachers can offer night or weekend hours or even spend their summer pet sitting. You can either choose to watch pets in your home, those of the clients’ or even offer dog walking services.

17. Offer house cleaning or other home services

If cleaning is meditative for you, or you just love bringing order to chaos, offering house cleaning or other domestic services can be a viable part-time job. This could include mowing lawns, pruning bushes, doing laundry, or picking up dry cleaning.

You can advertise your services locally or on platforms like TaskRabbit, which connects people needing help with errand runners. This is a flexible job option as you can choose tasks that suit your schedule. House cleaning rates can be quite substantial, especially when you set a minimal rate and have regular clients.

18. Make meals for others

Are you an amazing cook or simply love to cook for others? If so, starting a meal service can be a lucrative side hustle.

You can focus on offering nutritious and delicious meal options that cater to various dietary needs. The key to staying successful? Consistency, quality, and abiding by health regulations. This hustle, not only brings in significant income but also brings joy to families who struggle to put together meal plans amidst their busy schedules.

19. Be a babysitter, child care, or caretaker

If taking care of others comes naturally to you, trying your hands at babysitting, child-care, or caretaking can help you earn some extra money. People look for responsible, caring, and patient individuals to look after their young ones or elderly, and who better than a teacher for such tasks?

Employment platforms like SitterCity, or even the local community, can be a good starting point. On average, babysitting can earn you anywhere between $15 to $20 per hour depending on your location and the responsibilities involved. Besides, spending time with children or elderly could be a heartwarming experience itself.

20. Self-publishing educational books or e-books

Self-publishing is a fantastic way to generate passive income while showcasing your knowledge or storytelling abilities. As a teacher, you can utilize your deep understanding of a subject to create educational books or e-books. Alternatively, you may choose to write fiction or non-fiction depending on your interest.

Platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) make self-publishing a breeze, allowing you entry into one of the world’s largest book markets. So, if writing is your passion, this side hustle can be an excellent way to share your knowledge or narratives while earning considerable income.

21. Be a virtual assistant

Many small businesses are steadily turning to virtual assistants for an array of tasks. As a virtual assistant, you can leverage your organizational skills to manage emails, schedule appointments, or even handle a company’s social media presence.

This is an ideal side hustle if you’re familiar with digital platforms, have a handle on detailed tasks and have excellent communication skills. In addition, it grants you the flexibility to work from home. As a virtual assistant, you could expect to earn anywhere from $15-$30 per hour—making it a thoroughly rewarding side hustle for teachers.

22. Rent out your house on Airbnb

Do you have an extra room or a property that you can rent out? Renting out your spare room or your entire house on Airbnb or VRBO can be an excellent way to earn additional income. They provide protection from any potential scams by ensuring you get paid 24 hours after the guests’ check-in.

You get to control the pricing, availability, and house rules, giving you control over the rental process. Furthermore, the company carries a $1 million liability insurance policy for every rental. Therefore, if you’re traveling or your house is empty quite frequently, do not let it go to waste; make it earn for you!

23. Run a delivery service

A high demand for things to be delivered straight to one’s door has been observed recently, with food being one of the most popular items. You can jump in on this trend by working as a food delivery driver. This would involve using your own vehicle, so make sure that you factor in the running costs.

Companies like Postmates, DoorDash, Grubhub, Instacart, and Uber Eats offer food delivery jobs. The pay can vary, but there is the option to earn money through tips. More densely populated areas can potentially mean more business, making this gig a viable source of extra income. Learn the best times to DoorDash.

24. Voiceover Work

Teachers spend most of their professional lives talking, which makes the transition into voiceover work relatively seamless. Voiceover artists are contracted for various projects that require reading scripts and bringing them to life using their voices. This can include commercials, video games, movies, television shows, and even audiobooks.

According to an industry report, voice actors can earn from $100 for a 15-second commercial recording to a high of $1500 for an audiobook. ⁴ If you have a unique voice, this side gig is definitely worth considering to boost your earnings.

25. Become a Life Coach

As a teacher, you’re accustomed to providing guidance and mentoring. Use these high income skills outside of the classroom and become a life coach.

In this role, you’ll work with individuals to help them gain self-awareness, clarify their ambitions, accomplish personal and professional goals, and improve their lifestyles. As a life coach, you should be a good listener, possess exceptional communication skills, and have an innate desire to assist others in reaching their potential.

26. Sell your stock photos

Whether you’re an experienced photographer or an avid beginner who loves to capture beautiful moments and breathtaking landscapes, you can monetize your passion by selling your photos. Websites like Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, and Alamy provide a platform where you’re paid every time someone downloads your image—usually between $0.20 to $0.40 per download.

Remember, high-quality, unique, and appealing photos tend to perform better in attracting downloads. Not only can this serve as a fun hobby, but it can also be a consistent passive stream of revenue on the side.

27. Sell your stuff

As the age-old saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Instead of letting your unused items collect dust, turn them into cash.

You can sell furniture, electronics, clothing, and even antiques on platforms like Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. Check out this list of the best items to flip.

Selling your discarded items not only helps you declutter your space but also brings in some easy cash.

28. Host a YouTube channel

Bringing your classroom knowledge to a broader audience is now made possible with technology. Hosting a YouTube channel lets you share your expertise while creating a new income stream.

As a teacher, you can create engaging and educative content in your teaching area. This can range from explaining complex topics to giving out expert tips and guidance. Getting your first 1,000 subscribers might seem challenging, but once you do, you start earning ad revenue as part of YouTube’s monetization program.

29. Be a bartender

The patio season extends the perfect opportunity to pick up a bartending gig—a great side hustle for teachers, especially during the summer when you’re not teaching and it’s easier to stay out late at night.

Besides the immediate cash flow from tips, a job as a bartender provides a chance to communicate with adults after dealing with kids all day. Ask friends who are in the service industry or apply at a local pub or restaurant.

30. Be a barista

Being a barista is an excellent job opportunity if you love the smell of coffee and enjoy serving others. Coffee shops are usually on the lookout for early risers, particularly for slots between 4 a.m. to 7 a.m., which are usually hard to fill.

Plus many places offer flexible hours, so you can easily manage this job alongside your regular teaching schedule. Besides making a decent income, the free coffee that you’ll get to enjoy is a nice perk too.

31. Build an Informative Website

Building a blog can serve as a dynamic platform to share your knowledge, build a reputable professional presence, and make money on the side. Beyond drawing upon your subject matter expertise, you can also write about your hobbies or experiences. Your website could include blog posts, podcasts, videos, or a combination of these. Kadence WP is a great blogging platform to get started.

As the website grows, you can generate revenue through advertisements, partnerships, selling your products, or even private tutoring services if applicable. Bloggers earn an average of between $38,440 to $51,906 a year, but keep in mind, that just like planting a tree, it takes time to bear fruits. The key to success is consistent content addition and viewer engagement.

32. Become a real estate agent

Working as a real estate agent can provide a substantial income boost. Many teachers turn to this side hustle due to flexible work hours. Given that the peak home-buying season occurs during the summer holidays, this serves as a perfect summer gig for teachers.

Your job would include assisting clients to find their dream property, marketing, and ensuring successful sales—a great pick for those with excellent communication and people skills. While it requires an initial investment in terms of getting licensed, the return on this investment is generally high, with agents earning solid salary for hours worked.

33. Help with Yard work

If you enjoy working outdoors and staying active, offering yard work or snow removal services in your neighborhood could be a great side hustle for you. This involves mowing lawns, tending to gardens, pruning bushes, or shoveling snow, amongst other tasks.

Many homeowners, especially the elderly, appreciate this service, as it helps them maintain their properties. Advertise your services via local Facebook pages, Craigslist, or even by word-of-mouth.

34. Start an art or craft business

If you are naturally crafty or artsy, consider turning your hobby into a profitable business. Handcrafted items like paintings, pottery, hand-knit clothing, or bespoke jewelry can be high in demand. My friend sells crocheted hats!

Selling these unique creations at local craft shows, farmers markets, or online platforms like Etsy can generate a significant income. Being successful with this business requires a mix of creativity, marketing skills, and the ability to keep up with customer demand.

35. Freelance Writing

Whether you’re a Language Arts teacher or any other subject teacher, your teaching role implies that you’re an exceptional writer. Freelance writing could offer you an opportunity to augment your income while genuinely enjoying the process.

You can write about anything, from blog posts, and magazine articles to preparing white papers. To kickstart your freelance writing career, start with this writing course to jumpstart your portfolio, and find clients.

36. Grade Exams

If grading students’ work doesn’t deter you, consider becoming an online grader or scorer. Companies like Pearson, ACT, and Measurement Incorporated hire educators to score standardized tests.

The schedule is usually flexible, allowing you to grade papers during non-teaching hours. You will need a reliable internet connection and a computer, along with a bachelor’s degree and teaching experience.

37. Build an athletic or fitness body

If you’re into fitness, becoming a personal trainer or a fitness coach could be the perfect side hustle for you. Whether you prefer to be certified in yoga, Pilates, or another fitness area, turning your love for getting fit into a job is possible.

As a fitness coach, not only do you help others achieve their fitness goals, but it also keeps you in top shape. Start a class in the park and invite friends. to get their sweat on.

38. Pallet Flipping

Pallet flipping is a fantastic way to earn some extra income while also contributing to environmental sustainability through upcycling. This involves sourcing returned merchandise and buying the pallet unseen.

After purchasing the pallet, you can resell any contents at a higher price. This is the latest trend of flea market flipping.

39. Remote Bookkeeping

Are you a math teacher or someone who loves crunching numbers? If so, consider becoming a remote bookkeeper. This flexible, high-income potential side hustle can be a great pick for those not scared of figures!

Bookkeepers are responsible for managing financial records, including sales, purchases, receipts, and payments for a company. Nos sure where to start, check out this free bookkeeping webinar to learn more.

40. Get paid as an online course instructor

Consider monetizing your expertise and becoming an online course instructor. You, as an instructor, will create a curriculum in your chosen area and sell it online. Platforms like Teachable, Podia, and Thinkific facilitate selling your course globally.

It could be any topic that you’re passionate about, like cooking, programming, or even pet grooming. This side hustle allows you to educate and earn passive income simultaneously. Your passion could help others gain knowledge, making this an excellent side gig for teachers as well as experts in any field.

41. Become a picker

Becoming a picker is all about finding hidden treasures and reselling them. This idea draws from the popular show “American Pickers” and involves you visiting garage sales, auctions, or estate sales, looking for undervalued items that can be resold at a profit.

This could be a great hobby to justify your love for rummage sales or antiquing. You could sell your findings online (like eBay, Etsy) or in a brick-and-mortar antique shop. If you have an eye for valuables, this side hustle can prove to be very rewarding.

42. Flip furniture

Breathing new life into old or neglected furniture and reselling it for a profit is known as furniture flipping—a lucrative side hustle for teachers with a keen eye for potential. Start by searching for affordable, used furniture from online marketplaces, thrift stores, or yard sales.

Refurbish it with some love and creativity, then resell it on the same platforms. Earning profits in furniture flipping depends on the value of the pieces you refurbish—the more unique or vintage, the better. Rob and Melissa Stephenson, professional flippers, earned over $133,000 in one year, working only 10-15 hours a week.

43. Generate revenue from photography shoots

Photography, specifically focusing on senior pictures and wedding photos, can be a lucrative summer side hustle for avid photographers. This sphere often witnesses high demand as the summer months are popular for weddings and graduation ceremonies.

However, it is essential to remember that this industry is quite competitive, so professionalism and differentiation are crucial. By offering unique styling or photography packages, you could potentially stand out and turn your passion for capturing special moments into a profitable venture.

44. Donate plasma

One of the popular side hustles for college students, donating plasma is a noble idea that not only saves lives but can also act as a stable income source. Plasma is a component of your blood, and it’s used in a variety of life-saving therapies.

Donation centers pay anywhere from $20 to $50 per donation, and you can donate twice a week. Be sure to check with your doctor before you donate plasma to ensure it’s safe for you. Always remember to hydrate and eat a good meal before your donation appointment.

45. Refurbish old houses to flip

Remember the popular TV shows on flipping houses? This process involves buying an old property at a low cost, breathing new life into it with renovations, and then selling it at a higher price.

According to real estate experts, careful planning and precision in executing the refurbishments can result in remarkable profits. This strategy of “buy low, sell high” is well-documented in the refurbishment and reselling industry, and perfect work during breaks from school.

46. Get paid for online surveys

Did you know you can get paid for your opinion on various topics by participating in online surveys? Websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Opinion Outpost provide you with an easy way to make some extra money in your free time.

The pay for each survey ranges from $0.10 to $1, and the amount you can make depends on the length of the survey. While it might not make you rich, the accumulated earnings can add up to a substantial amount. Plus, it’s a simple task you can do anytime, anywhere!

47. Participate in research studies

Participating in research studies or clinical trials often pay well for your time and effort. This is one of my favorites.

Universities, medical research facilities, and even some tech companies look for individuals willing to be part of their research. Research can vary from completing online surveys, trialing new treatments, use of specific software, or participating in behavioral studies. Most studies pay between $50 to $300 depending on the time and intensity required for the research.

48. Mobile Notary Service

Mobile notaries often find a busy schedule as most signings take place during nights or weekends due to the busy lives of the clients.

Becoming a mobile notary is a lucrative side hustle where you help with the signing of important documents such as home loans or legal forms. The job requires paying close attention to details and a significant amount of professionalism.

49. Teach Cooking Classes

Cooking classes can be a wonderful avenue for food lovers to share their culinary skills. You can conduct these classes either in person from your home kitchen or virtually if you prefer more flexibility.

Sharing tips and tricks, along with specific recipes, can earn you $30-$100 per session, depending on the complexity of the dish and the ingredients used. Furthermore, online cooking classes have gained popularity since the pandemic, enabling you to expand your audience. Your best marketing tools? Word-of-mouth recommendations and positive testimonials from past students.

50. Camp Counselor

If you enjoy interacting with children and exploring the outdoors, a camp counselor could be a fun summer job for you – even better if you are the camp director who started the camp. This is a rewarding, fun-filled side job that’s particularly well-suited for teachers.

As a camp counselor, you provide children with positive experiences and lasting memories while ensuring their safety. Plus, you get to participate in various camp activities—arts and crafts, sports, and outdoor adventures!

50. Tour Guide

Being a tour guide is a great match for teachers, especially if you live in a place of historical or cultural significance. You draw upon your storytelling abilities, public speaking skills, and fervor for your local culture to guide tourists around your town or city.

Not only do you get the chance to meet new people and share your knowledge, you’re also paid well for it. Thus, making it one of the most popular jobs in retirement, too! The average pay for tour guides is around minimum wage, but don’t forget those tips!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Which Side Hustle for Teachers is For You?

You may go through a few side jobs before finding something for you.

Deciding on a side hustle largely depends on what you enjoy doing, the skills you have, and how much spare time you can assign to it. Plus any of these ideas will garner you more job experience.

Whether it’s becoming a private tutor, selling handmade crafts, starting a blog, or trading stocks, teachers have a plethora of opportunities to make some extra money.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s a task you enjoy and it complements your teaching career rather than adding unnecessary stress.

Remember, being successful in a side gig requires patience, determination, and, ultimately, a love for what you’re doing. Explore your options, and interests, and start to hustle along with your teaching job!

We’d love to hear about your experiences with these side hustles or any others you find rewarding. Leave us a comment and let us know.

Other possibilities for you:

• Side Hustles for Moms
• Side Hustles for Men
• Side Hustles for Teens
• Ways to Make $300 Fast

Source

1. Education Week. “The Gap Between Teacher Pay and Other Professions Hits a New High. How Bad Is It?” https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/the-gap-between-teacher-pay-and-other-professions-hits-a-new-high-how-bad-is-it/2022/08, Accessed December 7, 2023.
2. CBSNews Philadephia. “Youth sports referee shortage grows amid aggression from parents, coaches.” https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/youth-sports-referee-shortage-grows-amid-aggression-from-parents-coaches/. Accessed December 7, 2023.
3. Care.com. “How much to charge for tutoring: Experts share how to set and increase your rate.” https://www.care.com/c/how-much-to-charge-for-tutoring/. Accessed December 7, 2023
4. Voices. “How Much Money Does a Voice Actor Make?” https://www.voices.com/help/beginners-guide-to-voice-acting/making-money-doing-voice-overs. Accessed December 7, 2023.
5. Ryan Robinson. “How Much Do Bloggers Make?” https://www.ryrob.com/how-much-bloggers-make/. Accessed December 7, 2023.

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