35 Ways To Make Extra Money By Working From Home

Updated July 31, 2023

There are several ways to make money from home. Sometimes referred to as “gigs” or “side hustles,” work-from-home opportunities can be temporary, part-time, ongoing and even grow into more substantial careers. Learning more about your options may help put extra money in your pocket.

In this article, we explore 35 ways you might consider making extra money from home.

How to make extra money from home

The expansion of online and remote work opportunities has widened the field for added income. Though there are many ways to earn extra money from home, finding the best opportunity for your skills, interests, level of commitment and experience is important.

Online services

Here are 10 opportunities to make extra money from home:

1. Try affiliate marketing

You can earn a commission as an affiliate marketer by promoting a company’s products and services. Make sure to find a product or service you like so you can properly endorse it. While most bloggers use their blogs to promote affiliate campaigns, you can use other social media to promote products. When the buyer uses your link or code work, you receive a percentage of the sales amount.

2. Sell artwork and designs online

Art comes in many forms, especially in the digital world. If you’re artistically gifted, consider creating or selling your art online. Graphic designers make visual graphics such as logos for websites, books and other mediums. As a calligrapher, you can sell your hand-lettering abilities on wedding invitations or stationery.

Illustrators create two-dimensional images to represent a particular concept, first by hand-drawing or painting and then refining their designs using illustration software. Animators create images that give the illusion of movement in a rapid sequence.

3. Get cash back from shopping apps

Some mobile applications offer rewards or cash back for shopping at certain retailers. They’re free and easy to use with a smartphone, tablet or computer. Consider signing up, linking your store loyalty card and then shopping at participating stores.

4. Be a copywriter or editor

If you have a way with words, consider working from home as a copywriter or editor. Copywriters typically create content to increase brand awareness and influence people to take a specific action. Copy editors revise the content to ensure it’s free of grammatical or factual errors.

5. Consider being a data entry clerk

Consider becoming a data entry clerk, where your daily tasks include entering and updating data into a client’s database. You typically get paid by the hour to add files to the database. Data entry clerks may also compile information, prepare the source data for entry and ensure the data’s accuracy.

6. Freelance your skills

Consider doing freelance work to earn extra income. You can network with local businesses or within your area to become a freelance writer, editor, graphic designer or photographer and set your hours. Several online freelance services hire various freelancers to meet clients’ needs, including logo designers, ghostwriters, resume writers and professional consultants. You can often bid and compete for jobs according to your preferred rate.

7. Become an online blogger

If you enjoy writing, consider starting an online blog. Bloggers generate blog ideas, write posts and promote their content. You can also use your blog to help others find or sell useful products. Income can be earned through advertisements, affiliate marketing or sponsored posts.

8. Take online surveys

Online survey companies compensate consumers who take surveys and answer marketing questions. The firms use your answers to create better products and services. The pay isn’t high but can quickly add up depending on the number of surveys you take. Some pay in cash, sample merchandise or online gift cards. Do your research in advance to understand the fine print and avoid scams.

9. Be an online tutor

An online tutor provides academic assistance to students in various grade levels, helping them finish their homework or study for upcoming exams. Some large companies hire English tutors to help students in foreign countries where English is not their native language. Tutors teach various subjects, including:

English
History
Languages
Math
Physics
Science

10. Proofread what others write

If you like reviewing copy for spelling, grammar and readability, consider becoming an at-home proofreader. Various industries use proofreaders to ensure their communications, marketing pieces and even labeling are correctly worded and spelled. Whether you choose to be a full-time proofreader or as a temporary role, it can be worth your while if you have the right skills.

Related: How To Become a Proofreader

11. Evaluate search engines or websites

Evaluators use technology to evaluate search engine results to ensure they’re relevant based on certain search terms. Your selection typically depends on when your demographic profile matches the site’s target audience. Evaluators also help website owners, especially small businesses, determine how “user-friendly” the site is and if navigation works as it should.

12. Transcribe files, legal proceedings or medical records

If you have good listening skills and attention to detail, consider becoming a transcriptionist. With an abundance of podcasts, YouTube videos and movies, many creators need transcribed copies of their work. Special equipment may be required depending on the employer. Law and medical firms often hire transcribers to transcribe patient records or legal proceedings. You get paid by the hour or the number of files to listen to audio files and convert what you hear into a text format.

13. Become a virtual assistant

Individuals and businesses often need virtual assistants who can complete simple online tasks remotely. Their most common duties include answering emails and phone calls, making travel arrangements, organizing a client’s calendar and scheduling appointments or meetings. Other responsibilities may include managing social media accounts, bookkeeping, providing customer service, marketing or creating content.

14. Educate others online

Put your academic passion to use as a virtual teacher. Instead of teaching in a classroom, you can educate students online. Also, consider selling your lesson plans and other educational resources to other educators for a profit. Writing a book, particularly an academic text about a specific skill or topic you’re an expert on, is another way to monetize your skills.

15. Test websites or apps

Some companies will pay you to visit a website or app and provide feedback. You will need a computer, tablet or smartphone and while the pay isn’t high, it can add up. Sometimes, you can earn extra by meeting online for the client to answer questions and provide live feedback.

Sell, rent and provide services

Here are 10 opportunities involving working from home or selling or renting items you own:

1. Babysit in your home

If you enjoy children, babysitting in your home may earn you extra cash. Babysitting is occasionally watching children in your home, or theirs, while parents are away or can’t bring their children with them, such as to a function. With this side job, you may change diapers, prepare meals or snacks, entertain children and ensure they’re put to bed at a reasonable hour. Be aware of your state’s laws regarding babysitting versus day care services. A license or CPR certification may be required to keep children in your home.

2. Bake or prep meals

If you love to be in the kitchen, you could start a business based on your skills. Some cities and states require licenses, so do your research first. You can fill special baking requests like a one-of-a-kind birthday cake, decorated cookies or treats with or without specific ingredients. You also could meal prep for neighbors who don’t have time or don’t like to cook.

3. Grow a garden

If you have a green thumb, you can start a garden and sell the produce. Promote your produce, plants, flowers, etc., on social media or create a website for local shoppers to check out. Farmers markets are also a great venue to display and sell your produce. Try seasonal items or weekly boxes, depending on your garden yields and customer needs.

4. Sell items

If it’s time to clean out your closets or declutter your home, you can turn extra items into extra cash. Garage and yard sales may be allowed in your neighborhood. If not, consider selling items online where you can reach a huge market. There are many websites where you can list items new or used. Popular items include:

Antiques
Artwork
Books and videos
Cellular devices
Furniture
Gently used clothing
Unused gift cards

5. Perform professional services from home

As working from home becomes more popular, businesses and individuals may consider contracting remote professional services. If you have a business skill, you could turn it into a profitable home business. For example, you could offer your services if you have a skill set in data clerking, bookkeeping, medical coding, customer service, sales, computer technology, translating or as a travel consultant.

6. Rent out your home or space

Consider making your home a vacation rental for part of the year. If you live in a desirable area, you may easily get people interested in staying at your place. The same goes for a houseboat, guest house or other space that others might find appealing. Do your research to ensure you follow city or state guidelines for renting out property temporarily.

7. Rent out equipment

If you are a gadget lover, techie, outdoors enthusiast or hobbyist, consider renting out your equipment. Individuals and small businesses often don’t want to invest in equipment, especially if it will be used only once or infrequently.

In-demand items include camera equipment, projectors, lighting and audio equipment. Rent out sports gear, like your skis, scuba gear or bicycle, or even yard equipment, like a lawn mower or tools. However, ensure the renter knows how to use the equipment properly and safely.

8. Rent out your vehicle

Whether you’re staying at home or plan to be away for the weekend, rent your car for others to use in exchange for extra cash. There are several websites where you list your vehicle and the sites take care of the rest, such as scheduling, payout and even insurance. Be sure to research companies, check the fine print of agreements and beware of scams.

9. Plan weddings or special events

Take the stress out of others’ weddings by being a wedding planner, also known as an event planner. If you’re organized, familiar with local businesses and are a “people” person, this could be a good at-home job. Duties include booking venues, getting bids for flowers and catering, arranging for photographers and videographers, conducting rehearsals, and troubleshooting issues that might arise. Some churches and venues also hire wedding coordinators for their facilities.

10. Put your drone to work

If you’re a drone enthusiast, you may be able to put the aerial device to work for you. This requires certification and registration for commercial use with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). You can advertise your aerial photography services for special events, real estate photography, agricultural mapping or aerial inspections. You can manage your business from home. While some jobs may be done from home. You may have to go to specific sites.

Other nontraditional positions to consider

Here are 10 opportunities that you can manage from home while doing the actual work nearby or elsewhere:

Dog walker or pet sitter
Lawn work
Interpreter for spoken languages
House-sitter
Coaching services
Run errands, make deliveries or give rides
Personal or mystery shopper
Join a focus group
Take part in a mock jury
Translating services for written documents

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Related resources

Here are some additional resources regarding making money from home:

Frequently asked questions

How can I make extra money as a teen?

As a teen, your choices for making money from home may be more limited, but there are many jobs that hire teenagers. These are some options for making more money as a teen:

Thrift and sell clothes online
Be a summer camp counselor or lifeguard
Find a job as a cashier or barista

How can I make money from home if I'm in college?

If you're in college, consider these options for making money from home:

Creating content or streaming
Tutoring via video calls
Copywriting or copyediting jobs

Is a second job a good way to make extra money?

A second job can be a good way to make money, but it can also be challenging to manage two jobs at once. Consider the time commitment when adding a second job to your schedule.

Can I make an extra $1,000 a month from home?

How much you can make from home each month depends on the jobs you choose and how much time you commit to them. Depending on what you do, it's possible to make an extra $1,000 a month from home.

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