21 Weekend Side Jobs That Make You Money (And Are Actually Fun)

Sometimes, even a full-time job doesn’t provide enough income to reach your financial goals. Whether you’re saving for a large purchase, aiming to put money aside for emergencies, or just trying to make ends meet, securing additional income is a great way to avoid financial hardship.

That said, working 40 hours a week can wipe you out, and we firmly believe that weekends (or other days off) should be spent enjoying life. But what if you could find ways to make money on the weekends doing something enjoyable?

Thanks to the gig economy, there are a variety of part-time weekend side hustles that might align with your interests and talents, so you could choose something meaningful to you. And when you enjoy a task, it’s easy to put in the hours and reap the monetary rewards. If you learn how to make money doing something you love, you’ll be ahead of many others.

Without further ado, here are some weekend side jobs that can be both easy and fun.

Help businesses with accounting

• Time commitment: high
• Earning potential: high

Many small business owners need assistance with their bookkeeping, and many don’t need someone full-time. Bookkeeping is a flexible, work-from-home job and something that you could easily do over the weekend. 

Surprisingly, you don’t need to be a math savant or have an accounting degree to start this side gig. If you’re ready to learn bookkeeping skills, you could start by enrolling in a free 3-class intro from Bookkeepers.com.

Take surveys to earn cash

• Time commitment: low
• Earning potential: low

If you’re looking for a side hustle you can do from the comfort of your couch, taking surveys may be a good option for you. With these platforms, you can earn cash or points towards gift cards for sharing your opinions on various topics.

While you won’t earn a full-time income with this side gig, it can help you bank some extra spending money. There are typically no special requirements to sign up for a survey platform. In most cases, you simply need to be over 18 and willing to share your opinion.

If you’re interested in taking surveys as a side hustle, here are some great options:

• Survey Junkie
• Inbox Dollars
• KashKick

Use your creative skills

• Time commitment: low to high (depending on project)
• Earning potential: low to high (depending on skill level and demand)

Maybe you enjoy writing, graphic design, or you have a knack for organization. If so, you may be able to make some money as a freelancer on the weekends. For example, you might want to try freelance writing on topics you’re knowledgeable about or proofreading other people’s writing. Another option could be transcription, which is when you type up what’s being said in audio or video recordings. 

Sites like Upwork and Fiverr connect freelance writers, graphic designers, and virtual assistants with potential customers. While the pay for gigs on these platforms will vary, if you find the right options, you could end up with a lucrative, consistent weekend side hustle.

If your creative skills are more artistic or hands-on, you could always create products to sell on sites like Etsy or Redbubble. 

Automate your investments

• Time commitment: variable
• Earning potential: variable

Once you start earning extra income from your weekend side job, you could use it to invest in your future. One way to do this is by contributing to and automating your investments through an app. This can help you make the most of your extra income without actively managing a portfolio.

Investing your extra income can potentially help your money grow over time and contribute to your long-term financial goals. There are several investment apps available that can help you get started with as little as $1. 

Another option is contributing to a retirement account, such as an IRA or 401(k). These accounts offer tax advantages and can help you save for retirement.

Check out these popular investment apps:

• Public
• Robinhood
• Stash

Deliver food and groceries

• Time commitment: low to medium
• Earning potential: medium

Delivering food and groceries can be a lucrative weekend side hustle if you’ve got a few free hours, and it’s simple to get started. While each delivery service works slightly differently, you can usually sign up as a delivery driver in many cases and begin fulfilling orders right away. 

There are typically no special requirements apart from being over 18 years of age and having a reliable mode of transportation to pick up and deliver orders.

If this sounds like the right side gig for you, you have options:

• Uber Eats
• DoorDash
• Instacart

Hang out with dogs

• Time commitment: low to medium
• Earning potential: low to medium

If you’re an animal lover and enjoy spending time with furry friends, why not turn your passion into a weekend side job? You can become a dog walker or pet sitter and earn extra cash while spending time with dogs. 

Several platforms allow you to connect with pet owners in your area looking for someone to walk their dogs or take care of their pets while they’re away. You’ll have the opportunity to spend time outdoors, get some exercise, and make new furry friends. Plus, you can earn extra money while doing something you love.

Try getting started with dog walking using one of these services:

• Care.com
• Rover
• Wag!
• PetSitter.com

Earn on everyday purchases

• Time commitment: low
• Earning potential: low

When you shop, did you know you can earn rewards and cash back for your purchases? These platforms allow you to earn points, gift cards, or cash back for your purchases. Simply sign up for a profile, browse participating stores, and start earning rewards. You may even receive a first-time sign-up bonus.

This side gig is perfect for those who want to earn extra cash without committing a lot of time or effort. You can earn rewards on purchases you would make anyway, such as groceries, gas, or clothing.

Check out these two great options for rewards:

• MyPoints
• Swagbucks

Become a rideshare driver

• Time commitment: high
• Earning potential: high

If you enjoy driving and have a reliable vehicle, becoming a rideshare driver could be the perfect weekend job. As a rideshare driver, you’ll have the flexibility to make your own schedule and earn extra cash during busy hours of the day. 

Platforms like Lyft or Uber allow you to connect with riders in your area who need a ride from one place to another. You only need a valid driver’s license, a vehicle that meets the platform’s requirements, and a smartphone to download the app.

Hang out with kids

• Time commitment: medium
• Earning potential: medium to high

If you enjoy spending time with kids, consider becoming a weekend nanny or babysitter. You’ll have the opportunity to play games, run around, and help out a parent needing some time away.

While there aren’t any specific requirements for caregiving or babysitting, having a degree, CPR and first aid certifications, and experience with kids can help you charge more for your services. Your potential employer may also want to conduct a background check.

You can connect with parents in need of childcare on these sites:

• Nanny Lane
• Care.com
• Sittercity

Hang out in an empty house

• Time commitment: low to medium
• Earning potential: low to medium

Travelers often hire house sitters to ensure the plants are watered and the mail is brought in. Often, house sitters also take care of pets in the household. It’s easy to make a bit of extra cash house-sitting without putting forth much effort. 

It’s also a great option if you want to sit back, put your feet up, and catch up on your Netflix or social media feed. You could even double up your side hustles and try one of these money-making game apps while you’re at it. Check out these websites to get started with house sitting:

• MindMyHouse
• HouseSitter.com
• Nomador

Teach English

• Time commitment: low to medium
• Earning potential: medium to high

If you love kids but would prefer not to teach in person, consider teaching English online to children in China. You can work for platforms such as VIPKid and earn an hourly rate of up to $22 an hour.

You don’t need to speak Chinese, and you’ll have the opportunity to help students gain confidence in another language. The curriculum will be provided for you, and you’ll work one-on-one with students to ensure they receive the educational attention they deserve.

Teaching English online is a great weekend side job for those who enjoy working with kids and want to make a difference in their lives. Plus, you can work from the comfort of your own home and set your own schedule.

Teach a fitness class

• Time commitment: medium to high
• Earning potential: medium to high

If you’re an exercise addict who wants to inspire others to take on healthy habits, becoming a group fitness instructor or personal trainer could be a great side hustle. Employment in the industry is increasing, and jobs in the field can be fun and rewarding.

For most opportunities, you’ll need to become certified, and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) is the largest certifier in the nation. The level of effort and time required will depend on the certification you choose. However, you can study for the certification exam independently and at your own pace.

Pour beer or wine

• Time commitment: medium
• Earning potential: low to medium

Fans of top-notch alcohol may enjoy serving wine or beer at a restaurant, brewery, or winery as a second job. You may need a certification or license to get started, so be sure to research the requirements in your area. If you love the job and want to get more involved, you might even consider getting an alcohol permit and launching a mobile bartending business.

Be a budtender

• Time commitment: medium
• Earning potential: medium to high

If you live in a state where cannabis is legal for medical or recreational use, becoming a budtender could be a good side hustle and a rewarding way to help people get treatment for all kinds of ailments. 

You’ll need a basic license in most states, and there may be a small upfront cost. Just be careful to choose a legitimate budtender certification program. If you’re not ready to budtend, becoming a cashier at a dispensary could be a great way to break into the industry.

Be a brand ambassador

• Time commitment: low to medium
• Earning potential: low to medium

If you enjoy discovering and sharing new brands with friends, you might like working with companies to spread the word about their products in your free time. In many cities, brands post ads on Craigslist looking for people to pass out samples at grocery stores, liquor stores, pop-up events, or other venues.

Sometimes, these opportunities can overlap with your other interests. For example, we found ads looking for people to pour wine samples at a tasting and ads seeking people who love kids to promote toys at a family-friendly event. You can usually find these ads in your local Craigslist site's “gigs” section.

Become a freelance tailor

• Time commitment: medium to high
• Earning potential: medium to high

If you have sewing skills and enjoy helping people find the perfect fit, consider becoming a freelance tailor or outfitter. You can start your own business by offering affordable alterations to customers in your area. All you need is a sewing machine and skills in hand sewing to get started. You can connect with potential customers by giving your information to vintage stores and local boutiques.

If you don’t have sewing skills but still want to help people find the perfect fit, you can look into becoming an outfitter with platforms like Trumaker. As an outfitter, you’ll find clients, take their measurements, and earn a commission from every custom-made item of clothing you sell. 

Become a reseller

• Time commitment: low to high (depending on sales volume)
• Earning potential: low to high (depending on product and demand)

If you enjoy treasure hunting and have an eye for high-quality items, consider becoming a reseller. You can scour garage and estate sales for items that can be resold online on platforms like eBay or Amazon.

You can also resell any used clothing you no longer wear or vintage clothing you find at thrift stores on platforms like Poshmark. Becoming a reseller is a great weekend side job for those who enjoy treasure hunting and have an eye for high-quality items. 

Become a mystery shopper

• Time commitment: low to medium
• Earning potential: low to medium

Companies often hire mystery shoppers to gather data about customers’ experiences and provide feedback on their shopping experience. As a mystery shopper, you’ll frequently be asked to make a purchase and provide feedback on your experience. You’ll typically be reimbursed for your purchase and receive a fee for your feedback.

Platforms like Market Force and IntelliShop offer opportunities for mystery shopping and allow you to get started for free. 

Mystery shopping is a great side job for those who enjoy shopping and want to earn extra cash. Plus, you can work on your schedule and choose which assignments you want to take on.

Help set up events

• Time commitment: medium
• Earning potential: low to medium

If you have experience in the hospitality industry and enjoy setting up for events, consider looking for event set-up gigs to do in your spare time. Weddings, festivals, and farmers’ markets all need staff to help set up and tear down.

You can find weekend work on platforms like TaskRabbit by browsing available gigs and applying for those that fit your schedule and skills.

Event set-up is a great weekend side job for those who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and don’t mind some physical labor. Plus, you can earn extra cash while helping to create memorable events.

Help with home staging

• Time commitment: medium
• Earning potential: low to medium

Another option for freelance work is home staging. Home staging is the process of decorating and furnishing a home in a way that will be appealing to as many buyers as possible. 

Start by networking with local real estate agents. You may need to work for free to start, but once you have a portfolio of homes you’ve staged, you can make some extra cash from your interior decorating skills.

Be a tour guide

• Time commitment: medium
• Earning potential: low to medium

If you’re passionate about your city and enjoy sharing your knowledge with others, becoming a tour guide might be one of the best side hustles for you. You’ll be able to show travelers your favorite sights, eats, and activities in your city, and you don’t need to be a professional guide.

You’ll have the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world and make new connections.

Check out how you can get paid by using the following sites:

• Showaround
• ToursByLocals

How to start a weekend side job

Starting a weekend side job can be a great way to earn extra income and achieve your financial goals. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Choose your side hustle

Before starting your weekend side job, it’s important to do your research and plan accordingly. Research the earning potential and time commitment of different side hustles and talk to others with experience to help you gain valuable insights and avoid common mistakes.

2. Consider upfront costs

Depending on the type of side job you choose, there may be upfront costs to consider, such as licensing fees or purchasing equipment. It’s important to factor these costs into your budget or choose a side hustle that doesn’t require upfront costs.

3. Create a plan

Once you have decided on a side hustle, the next step is creating a plan to launch and manage your side job. Consider the following common parts of a business plan to help you get started. Every business is different, so customize your plan to your situation. You don’t have to write a formal business plan for many side hustles, but you should consider the following:

• Set goals: Start by defining what you want to achieve, how much money you need to make, and how long it will take to reach your goals.
• Budget: Plan how much money you need to invest in your side hustle and when you can expect to start seeing profits.
• Business structure: If you need to set up a business structure, learn the different types and choose the one that works best for you and your goals.
• Marketing strategies: Determine how to reach your ideal customers and stay visible in the market. Your plan could include social media, advertising, or networking.
• Legal requirements: Research what licenses, permits, and documentation your side hustle may require.

4. Manage your extra income

Once you start earning income from your weekend side job, it’s important to manage it effectively. Setting a budget, tracking your expenses, and finding ways to save money will help you in the long run. Budgeting apps such as Rocket Money and Simplifi can help you manage your finances more efficiently.

5. Plan for taxes

Planning for taxes is essential if you earn income from a freelance or self-employed side job. This includes setting aside a portion of your income for taxes and keeping track of your expenses. Tax planning services such as TurboTax and TaxSlayer can help you accurately prepare and file your taxes.

How much can you actually earn from a weekend side job?

If you’re looking to earn some extra cash on the weekends, it’s important to consider the time you have available and the skills you possess. Some side jobs may require more upfront time and effort but can result in higher payoffs. Others may be more straightforward and require less time, but may not pay as much.

Here are some examples to help you identify the best side job for you:

High earning potential

• Freelance writing, web design, or programming jobs can offer high earning potential if you have the skills and experience.
• Driving for ride-sharing platforms like Uber or Lyft can also have the potential for significant earnings, especially if you work during peak hours.

Upfront time for higher payoffs

• Starting a blog or YouTube channel may require more upfront time and effort but can result in future earnings if you build a large following.
• Investing in stocks or real estate can also require more upfront time and money but may potentially lead to payoffs in the long run.

Easy and enjoyable

• If you’re an animal lover, dog walking or pet-sitting is a simple and enjoyable way to earn on the weekends.
• Mystery shopping or participating in online surveys can also be convenient ways to earn with minimal time investment.

Best for minimal effort

• Renting out a room on platforms like Airbnb can be a great way to generate income without too much effort, especially if you have an extra room available.
• Selling items you no longer need on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace can also be an easy way to make money, especially if you have items that you no longer use or need.

Ultimately, the amount you can earn from a weekend side job will depend on the time and effort you’re willing to put in. By choosing a side job that fits your skills, interests, and lifestyle, you can maximize your earning potential while still enjoying your weekends.

Managing your weekend side job expenses

Some weekend side jobs may require some funding for supplies, software, and more. Here’s a card we recommend for side hustles:

FAQs

So, which weekend side job is the one for you?

When it comes to weekend side jobs, there are plenty of ways to make extra money on the weekends that won’t feel like work. Whether you enjoy art and design, spending time with children or pets, shopping, or want to explore your city, there’s a side hustle out there for you.

Many of these business ideas offer flexible schedules, allowing you to create your own hours or set your own rates, so you can supplement your weekday work, increase your earning potential, pay down those student loans, and take control over your financial goals. You can find the perfect side hustle for you and your lifestyle. Have fun hustling!