Are you looking for the best side jobs for teachers?
Teaching is a rewarding profession, but it doesn’t always pay enough to meet every financial goal. Many teachers look for side jobs to earn extra income, pay down debt, save for travel, or build a safety net. Because teachers already have valuable skills—organization, communication, instruction, and subject knowledge—there are many flexible and rewarding side hustles that pair well with a teaching schedule.
Quick Summary on Side Jobs For Teachers:
- Online tutoring and selling lesson plans are popular side jobs that build on classroom skills.
- Selling crafts, printables, or teaching online courses offers creative outlets and passive income potential.
- Short-term and seasonal gigs like coaching, summer school, or camp counseling can fit a teacher’s calendar better than year-round work.
Best Side Jobs For Teachers
Below are 36 side job ideas that are well suited to teachers. If you want to explore a few right away, consider proofreading, blogging, selling digital printables, starting a dog-treat bakery, or working as a grocery shopper during the summer months.
- Flexible freelance work – Proofreading
- Work from home – Blogging
- Passive income – Selling printables
- Creative small business – Dog treat bakery
- Seasonal/part-time – Grocery shopper
1. Sell educational printables
Creating and selling educational printables is a strong option for teachers who want passive income. Printables include worksheets, flashcards, activity pages, and learning games that other teachers and parents buy to use in class or at home. Because these resources can be sold repeatedly, a single well-designed resource can generate ongoing revenue.
2. Tutor online or in person
Tutoring is a natural extension of classroom work. You can tutor students one-on-one for subject help or test preparation, either in person or on online platforms. Many teachers find tutoring rewarding and flexible, and rates vary depending on subject and location.
3. Sell your lesson plans
Teachers create lesson plans every year—why not earn from them? Selling complete lessons, activities, and assessments helps other teachers save time and provides you with recurring income. To appeal to buyers, make materials clear, grade-appropriate, and easy to implement.
4. Coach school sports or lead after-school programs
Coaching sports or supervising clubs is a common side gig within school districts. These roles typically pay extra and match a teacher’s schedule, since practices and events often occur outside regular class hours.
5. Start a dog treat bakery
If you love baking and animals, a dog treat bakery can be a fun, profitable side business. Homemade dog treats, cakes, and celebration items sell at local markets, online, or through social media—especially when marketed to pet owners seeking quality ingredients and unique products.
6. Sell crafts on Etsy
Etsy lets creators sell handmade or digital products. Teachers can market classroom decor, organizational tools, printable planners, and educational games, or pursue unrelated crafts like jewelry, knitting, or home decor.
7. Sell on Teachers Pay Teachers
Teachers Pay Teachers is a marketplace built for educators. Selling lesson plans, printable activities, presentations, and visual aids there is a proven way to earn side income. Well-made resources targeted to specific grades or subjects can attract steady sales.
8. Babysit
Babysitting is an accessible side job that leverages classroom experience with children. Rates depend on your area and experience, and many parents value hiring teachers for reliable childcare.
9. Teach English as a second language online
Online ESL teaching suits teachers who want remote work. Many platforms require fluent English and a bachelor’s degree. Sessions can often be scheduled around your school day.
10. Teach summer school
Summer school provides extra pay during break months and keeps teaching skills active. It’s a straightforward way to earn additional income while staying within the education field.
11. Work as a summer camp counselor
Camp counselor roles let teachers lead activities in sports, arts, nature, or specialized programs. These positions fit summer availability and often value classroom experience.
12. Grade papers
Companies hire teachers to score tests and grade student work. This flexible at-home option matches the skills teachers already use and can fit evening or weekend schedules.
13. Work at a restaurant
Part-time restaurant jobs—server, host, or barista—offer flexible shifts that can work around school hours and breaks, and they provide steady supplemental earnings.
14. Proofread
Teachers often excel at spotting grammar, punctuation, and clarity issues. Proofreading for authors, businesses, and students is a low-entry, home-based side job that pays per project or hour.
15. Blog
Blogging can start as a hobby and evolve into a profitable business through advertising, affiliate marketing, and selling courses or ebooks. Teachers with niches—education, parenting, classroom tips, or hobbies—can build loyal audiences over time.
16. Freelance write
Freelance writing lets you create articles, curriculum guides, newsletters, and web content. Platforms and direct pitching can help you find clients; rates grow as you gain experience and a portfolio.
17. Transcribe
Transcription work requires careful listening and fast typing. General, legal, and medical transcription roles are available, and you can schedule work around your availability.
18. Flip used items for resale
Thrift flipping involves buying undervalued items and reselling them online or at markets. It’s flexible and can be done evenings, weekends, or during breaks—good for teachers who enjoy treasure-hunting and bargains.
19. Bookkeep
Bookkeeping is a detail-oriented, flexible remote job that involves tracking income, expenses, and producing financial reports. It’s a practical skill that many small businesses need.
20. Sell Canva templates
Designing and selling Canva templates—social media graphics, presentations, or planners—lets you create a product once and sell it repeatedly. Templates are popular with small businesses, bloggers, and other teachers.
21. Walk and pet-sit with Rover
Pet sitting and dog walking are flexible ways to earn money outside school hours. Building a profile on platforms like Rover helps you connect with local pet owners.
22. Offer services through caregiving platforms
Sites that list childcare, pet care, and senior care jobs let you apply for short-term or recurring gigs. These roles can fit a teacher’s schedule and make use of caregiving experience.
23. Become a virtual assistant
Virtual assistants provide administrative and creative support remotely—managing schedules, email, social media, and other tasks. This work can be scheduled around classroom hours and scaled as needed.
24. Food photographer
Food photography is a creative freelance option for teachers who enjoy styling and photography. Work can include restaurant content, food blogs, menus, and social media imagery.
25. House sit
House sitting involves caring for a home and often pets while owners are away. It’s low-effort and can be a steady source of extra income during breaks or weekends.
26. Rent an unused room
Renting a spare room short-term or to a long-term roommate turns unused space into consistent income. It’s especially helpful for teachers looking to boost monthly earnings.
27. Rent storage space
Empty garages, driveways, or basements can be rented out as storage. Listing unused space earns passive income without a major time commitment.
28. Rent a photo booth
Owning and renting a photo booth for events can be a lucrative seasonal business. It requires equipment and props, but per-event fees are often substantial.
29. Take online surveys and join focus groups
Surveys and focus groups are very flexible micro-gigs. They won’t replace a full-time income, but they can provide extra cash or gift cards in your spare time.
30. Voice-over work
Voice-over acting suits teachers with clear speaking voices and presentation skills. Work includes narration for videos, audiobooks, and commercials—and can often be done from a home studio.
31. Mystery shopping
Mystery shopping pays you to evaluate customer service and retail experiences. Jobs range from restaurant visits to retail observations, and compensation can include cash or free products.
32. Become a fitness trainer
If you have a passion for fitness, becoming a trainer or group-class instructor offers flexible hours and the option to work evenings and weekends with clients or online groups.
33. Find local gigs on Craigslist
Craigslist and local classifieds list short-term gigs—moving help, yard work, tutoring, and event assistance. You can pick jobs that fit your schedule and skills.
34. Deliver groceries with Instacart or similar services
Grocery delivery offers flexible scheduling and pay per order plus tips. Teachers can choose evenings, weekends, or summer hours to fit around the school year.
35. Real estate agent
Some teachers become part-time real estate agents, showing and listing homes outside school hours. The role provides high earning potential but can require daytime availability for client needs.
36. Driver’s ed instructor
Teaching driver’s education is a common side job that pays hourly and often fits evenings and weekends. Local schools and driving academies may hire part-time instructors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about side hustles for teachers.
How can I make money on the side while teaching?
Popular side jobs include tutoring, freelance writing, transcribing, blogging, selling lesson plans or printables, and offering local services like babysitting or coaching.
What can teachers do to make extra money?
Teachers can monetize classroom materials, give private lessons, freelance, run an online shop, or take flexible gig work such as delivery, pet care, or event services.
What is a second career for teachers?
Common second careers include educational consulting, curriculum development, corporate training, instructional design, or launching small businesses based on teaching skills.
Do most teachers have two jobs?
Many teachers take on second jobs to supplement income, cover expenses during breaks, or pursue other interests that provide additional earnings.
How can teachers make money on Teachers Pay Teachers?
Create well-organized, grade-appropriate lesson plans, worksheets, and visual resources. Clear objectives, polished design, and strong descriptions help materials sell.
How can teachers make money in the summer?
Summer options include teaching summer school, tutoring, working at camps, delivering groceries, freelancing, or launching seasonal small businesses.
What to do after quitting teaching? How do you pivot out of teaching?
Identify transferable skills, explore industries that value communication and organization, network with professionals in your target field, and pursue any needed certifications or training.
How can teachers earn extra income through online tutoring?
Use tutoring platforms or promote private services locally and on social media. Offer subject-specific help, exam prep, or enrichment lessons for different age groups.
How can a teacher make six figures by utilizing their skills?
Reaching six figures typically requires scaling income—starting a business, creating digital products, consulting, or building a high-traffic blog or online course platform can increase earnings significantly over time.
What opportunities do music educators have for side income?
Music teachers can give private lessons, work at music schools, sell lesson plans, or create online courses and instructional materials for other educators and students.
What are some good side jobs for teachers?
There are many ways for teachers to earn extra income—whether at home, during evenings and weekends, or over the summer. Popular, flexible options include selling educational resources, tutoring, coaching, freelancing, and running small businesses that align with your interests.
Top side hustles for teachers include:
- Sell educational printables
- Tutor online or in person
- Sell lesson plans
- Coach a school sport
- Start a dog treat bakery
- Sell crafts on Etsy
- Sell on Teachers Pay Teachers
- Babysit
- Teach ESL online
- Teach summer school
- Work as a camp counselor
- Grade papers
- Part-time restaurant work
- Proofread
- Blog
- Freelance write
- Transcribe
- Flip used items
- Bookkeep
- Sell Canva templates
- Walk and pet-sit
- Virtual assistant
- Food photographer
- House sit
- Rent a spare room
- Rent storage space
- Rent a photo booth
- Take surveys and join focus groups
- Voice-over work
- Mystery shop
- Fitness trainer
- Find local gigs
- Deliver groceries
- Real estate agent
- Driver’s ed instructor
Which of these side jobs do you think would fit your schedule and skills best?