Are you looking for the best summer side hustles to earn extra income this season?
There are plenty of flexible opportunities that fit different schedules and interests, whether you enjoy working outdoors, prefer remote work, or like creating handmade goods. Choosing the right summer side hustle can help you make money, gain new skills, and enjoy longer daylight hours.
Summer side hustles are ideal because they often offer flexible hours, seasonal demand, and the chance to prioritize what matters most to you—whether that’s saving for a trip, paying down debt, or building a new skill. Many of these ideas can be started quickly and scaled up if you decide you want to keep them beyond the summer months.
Best Summer Side Hustles
Below are 22 practical and popular summer side hustles to consider, with tips on what to expect and how to get started.
1. Blogging
Blogging is a strong option if you enjoy writing and building an audience. It can start as a small summer project and grow into a reliable income stream through affiliate marketing, display ads, sponsored posts, and digital products. Blogging requires upfront effort—content creation, SEO, and promotion—but over time it can provide semi-passive income that continues when you’re not actively working.
If you want to get started, follow technical setup guides and focus on topics you know well or enjoy researching. With consistent content and promotion, blogging can become a long-term business.
2. Online surveys
Online surveys are one of the easiest ways to earn quick cash in your spare time. Survey panels pay for opinions on products and services, and you can complete them whenever it suits you. While not highly profitable long-term, they’re simple and require no special skills.
Combine surveys with other small online tasks—like paid game apps or microtasks—to boost earnings during slow periods.
3. Dog walking and pet sitting
If you love animals, dog walking and pet sitting are in-demand summer side hustles. Platforms that connect sitters with pet owners make it easy to find clients, and many pet owners need care while they travel. Dog walkers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour depending on location and services offered.
Set clear availability, get references if possible, and consider pet-safe training or basic pet first aid to stand out.
4. Freelance writing
Freelance writing is flexible and scalable. Work for blogs, magazines, and businesses on topics you know or want to learn about. You can write from anywhere and build a portfolio that leads to higher-paying gigs. Beginners might start with short articles or blog posts and eventually command $100s or more per assignment as experience grows.
5. Virtual assistant
Virtual assistants (VAs) support businesses remotely with tasks like email management, social media, scheduling, and data entry. Start on freelance platforms or reach out to small business owners. VAs often start at $15–$20 per hour and can increase rates with specialized skills like social media strategy or bookkeeping.
6. Tutoring
Summer tutoring is in high demand as parents look to keep children engaged academically. Offer sessions in math, science, language arts, or music—either in person or online. Flexible scheduling and specialized expertise can help you charge competitive rates.
7. Handmade crafts selling
Selling handmade items—such as bath products, jewelry, candles, or custom mugs—can be profitable, especially at summer craft fairs and online marketplaces. Focus on high-quality photos, clear descriptions, and well-priced items to attract buyers.
8. Photography
Turn photography into income by selling stock images, booking event shoots, or offering portrait sessions. Even smartphone photographers can sell images to stock sites or local clients. Summer events and family gatherings create abundant opportunities for paid work.
9. Rideshare driving
Driving for rideshare apps is flexible and often lucrative during busy summer weekends and events. If you have a reliable vehicle and a clean driving record, you can choose hours that suit your schedule and take advantage of peak-time earnings.
10. House sitting
House sitting involves watching homes while owners travel, and may include simple chores like collecting mail, watering plants, and pet care. Advertise locally or use sitter platforms to find summer clients who need trustworthy caretakers.
11. Pet grooming
Offer grooming services such as baths, hair trims, nail trims, and ear cleaning. Mobile grooming is especially convenient for owners and can command higher rates. Consider basic certifications or training to build trust and improve service quality.
12. Coaching
Coaching—whether sports, fitness, music, or skills training—can be a rewarding summer role. Local camps and community centers often hire seasonal coaches, and private lessons can pay well. Online coaching expands your reach beyond local clients.
13. Babysitting
Babysitting remains a reliable summer income source. Parents often need help while they work or travel. Take a first aid or CPR course to enhance safety credentials and increase trust with families.
14. Deliver groceries
Grocery delivery services allow you to shop and deliver orders on your schedule. With a reliable car and good time management, you can earn hourly pay plus tips. Efficiency and friendly service lead to better earnings.
15. Mow lawns
Yard care is in peak demand during summer. Mowing, weeding, and basic landscaping require some equipment but offer steady, repeat income. Start with neighbors and build word-of-mouth referrals for a steady summer client base.
16. Rent your house
Short-term rentals can generate significant summer income if you have a second property or spare space. Set clear house rules, maintain strong communication with guests, and schedule cleaning and turnover efficiently to maximize bookings.
17. Clean houses
Residential cleaning is always needed and often increases in summer as people prepare for guests or deep-clean their homes. Offer standard or deep-clean packages and consider recurring contracts for predictable income.
18. Lifeguard
Lifeguarding is an excellent seasonal job if you enjoy being near water. Certification in lifeguarding and CPR is required, and positions are available at pools, beaches, and water parks. This role provides steady hours and valuable responsibility experience.
19. Rent your car
If your car sits unused part of the summer, listing it on car-sharing platforms can bring in extra cash. Private rentals can be more convenient and cost-effective for travelers compared to traditional agencies.
20. Have a garage sale
Garage sales are a classic summer income source. Declutter, clean items for sale, and advertise locally. Combining efforts with neighbors for a community yard sale can attract more buyers and increase sales.
21. Sell stuff online
Online marketplaces make it easy to sell items you no longer need. From clothing to electronics, listing items on platforms like marketplace apps can reach many buyers. Flipping items—buying low and reselling—can also be a profitable summer hustle.
22. Sports referee
Refereeing youth sports is a seasonal gig that often fits evenings and weekends. Pay varies by level, with youth games on the lower end and high school or college games paying more. Basic training or certification may be required in some leagues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about summer side hustles to help you choose the right option.
What’s a good summer side hustle?
Good options depend on your skills and schedule. Consider freelance writing, dog walking, virtual assisting, tutoring, or seasonal in-person work like mowing lawns or life-guarding. Choose something you enjoy to stay motivated.
How can I make money fast in summer?
To earn quickly, try dog walking, online surveys, selling handmade goods, hosting a garage sale, babysitting, or renting out space or a vehicle. These options typically require minimal setup and can pay out quickly.
What are the best summer side hustles from home?
From-home options include blogging, freelance writing, virtual assisting, online tutoring, and taking surveys. These let you set your own hours and work without commuting.
What are easy summer side hustles for teenagers?
Teens can babysit, pet sit, tutor younger students, mow lawns, or help with yard work. These roles often require little setup and provide flexible hours during the summer.
What are the best summer side hustles for teachers?
Teachers can use their skills for tutoring, creating and selling lesson plans, freelance writing, or coaching. These opportunities often match existing expertise and can fit summer availability.
What are the best summer side hustles for college students?
College students can earn with freelance writing, virtual assistant roles, tutoring, rideshare or delivery driving, house sitting, and temporary or seasonal jobs like lifeguarding or referee work. These options balance flexibility and decent earnings.
Best Ways To Make Money in the Summer
Summer offers many ways to boost your income, from hands-on gigs like mowing lawns and pet care to online opportunities like blogging and freelance writing. Think about your skills, availability, and how much effort you’re willing to put in—some hustles pay quickly, while others grow into reliable side businesses.
Which summer side hustles appeal to you most? Consider trying one or two to start, see what fits your schedule and interests, and scale the ones that work best.