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19. Become a private tutor
Parlay your math, science, foreign-language or test-prep expertise into a lucrative side gig by becoming a private tutor. You can tutor people online or in-person. What you charge can depend on your experience, expertise and what’s in demand. To get started, see what types of tutors are needed on Craigslist or create a profile on sites like Tutor.com or Care.com. You can also advertise your services at local schools and community centers.
Total time: Varies by subject matter. Some companies might require a minimum availability per week (e.g., Tutor.com requires 5 hours). Setup: Can be a bit involved. How easy to start: Students will have to find you, and that might take a while. Age threshold: Any. How fast you'll get paid: Usually pretty fast; often right away.
20. Drive for Uber, Lyft
Join Uber or Lyft (or both) and make money by driving passengers around. Just don’t forget to factor in gas and maintenance costs. You need an eligible car in good condition and must agree to a background check and a review of your driving history. Learn how to become an Uber or Lyft driver.
Total time: Depends on your market demand. Setup: A few weeks. How easy to start: Not difficult, but you'll need the right type of vehicle. Age threshold: Licensed to drive in your locality with one year of licensed driving experience (or three years if you're under age 25). How fast you'll get paid: Very fast. Either instantly or within days.
21. Make deliveries for Amazon, Uber Eats
Take advantage of the growing delivery trend and sign up for a service like Instacart, Uber Eats, Postmates, DoorDash or Amazon Flex. You get paid per delivery, in most cases, and can even earn tips. A car isn’t always required — Postmates and, in some cities, DoorDash, lets you use a bike or scooter to make deliveries. However, a background check almost always is part of the deal. Learn more about how to get started with Amazon Flex, Uber Eats and Instacart.
Total time: Depends on your market demand. Setup: About a week. How easy to start: Easy, if you have dependable transportation. Age threshold: 21+. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by vendor.
22. Find work as a housesitter
If you’re willing to watch someone’s home — and maybe feed the pets, water the plants and take out the garbage — become a housesitter. Tap your personal network for referrals or try out HouseSitter.com, which connects homeowners with housesitters. People often make $25 to $45 a day, according to the company’s website.
Total time: Depends on your market demand. Setup: Minutes — or more if you try to drum up business by referrals. How easy to start: That can depend on the need in your area. Age threshold: Varies by site. How fast you'll get paid: At the end of a gig.
23. Sign up to be a mystery shopper
Businesses often want to know how they’re performing from a customer’s perspective. Sign up to be their eyes and ears. You can apply online via sites like IntelliShop, BestMark and Sinclair Customer Metrics. Just beware of scams and do thorough research before signing on.
Total time: Varies by site. Setup: Applying takes little time, but approval can take a while. How easy to start: Relatively easy if you have required transportation and tech. Age threshold: May vary by site, but typically 18+. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by company.
24. Find seasonal work
Need a gig for a few months? Try something seasonal, like being a lifeguard, shoveling snow or working at a retailer during the holidays. Employers typically staff up a month or two before their busy season, so plan ahead to get on their payroll. Check storefront windows, Craigslist and local classifieds for seasonal opportunities.
Total time: Varies by job. Setup: Job searches and interviews can take weeks. How easy to start: Not difficult, particularly if you have skills that fit your market. Age threshold: Minimum age depends on the job. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by company.