Best Side Hustles For 20 Year Olds
You probably want to grow in your job and achieve financial independence as a twenty-something. However, you may feel stuck between college and a full-time job. The good news is there are many lucrative side hustles tailored for your age group.
But what are the best side hustles for 20 year olds?
Well, there are a lot of things you can do in your spare time, for example, dog walking, social media marketing, tutoring, photography, and more, let you profit from your skills and availability.
In this article, we will look at 10 realistic side hustles for 20-somethings to earn income starting at $15 per hour. You will get actionable ideas to launch your own side gig while gaining career-boosting skills.
10 Side Hustles For 20 Year Olds
These are 10 ideal side hustles for 20 year old boys and girls. I’m sure you’ll be interested in at least one of these uncomplicated side hustles.
1. Dog Walking and Pet Sitting
Dog walking and pet sitting are fun, flexible ways to make money. Using apps like Rover and Wag!, pet owners can discover dog walkers and sitters. You can set your availability for walks and drop-in visits.
Expect to earn $15-20 for a 30-minute dog walk and $25-50 per night of pet sitting. You get to spend time with cute animals and work on your own schedule.
To be successful at this, you should love pets, have transportation, and be reliable. Visit clients’ homes only after passing background checks.
Follow all safety and care instructions carefully. This is an easy business to start if you have spare time in the evenings and weekends.
2. Tutoring
Tutoring leverages your academic strengths to help others. Local tutoring jobs often pay $15-20 per hour. You can tutor specific subjects like math, science, languages, and test prep. Online tutoring companies connect you with students worldwide, though pay rates are closer to $10/hour.
Register with tutoring companies or local schools to access job boards. Get referrals from teachers at your high school or college.
To make a statement, highlight your communication skills and achievements in the subjects you tutor. Developing tutoring experience looks great on college applications, too.
3. Freelance Writing
Strong writing skills can lead to freelance gigs. Websites like Upwork and Freelancer let you search for freelance writing jobs. You can write blog posts, web pages, newsletters, social media posts, and more. Most writing gigs pay $15-30 per hour based on your speed and skill level.
Build a writing portfolio from classwork, blogging, and volunteer gigs. Specialize in a niche like wellness or tech that matches your interests.
Reach out to local businesses with custom content proposals. With consistency, top freelance writers can earn $50-100 per hour.
4. Social Media Management
Nearly every business now utilizes social media. Offering your services as a social media manager is a lucrative side hustle. You can earn $15-50 per hour, helping companies create content, engage their followers, and advertise on social platforms.
Study leading practices for major platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Develop expertise in social media analytics, scheduling tools, and creating branded content.
Seek freelance social media jobs or pitch local businesses directly. This resume booster lets you make money from social skills.
5. Delivery Driver
Delivery driving provides flexible income with minimal commitment. Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, and Shipt connect drivers with delivery gigs. You can choose which orders to accept and when to log on. Pay varies based on distance and demand but averages $15-25 per hour.
Double-check that your auto insurance covers food delivery driving. Bring your best customer service to each delivery.
Focus deliveries around high-demand times like weekends and mealtimes. Delivery driving is an easy way to offset your daily expenses.
6. House Sitting
House sitting means living in someone’s home to care for it while they are away. Homeowners often go away for extended vacations and business travel.
They look for reliable house sitters to water plants, care for pets, and perform basic home maintenance. Many homeowners offer accommodation for free in exchange for these duties.
Sign up on house-sitting platforms like TrustedHousesitters. Have references available to reassure homeowners.
Treat each home better than your own and build a reputation for reliability. House sitting provides free housing with the added perk of pet cuddles.
7. Photography
Photography appeals to the creative and makes money. Offer photography services like headshots, engagement/couples shoots, real estate photos, event/concert photos, and product photography.
You can charge $100-250 per client shoot, depending on your skill. Sell digital photo files and prints for additional income.
Invest in a quality DSLR camera, lighting, and lenses. Learn posing and composition techniques for flattering photos. Use editing software like Lightroom and Photoshop.
Reach out to local clients through social media and directory listings. There is a huge demand for high-quality, affordable photographers. Selling stock photos through sites like Shutterstock also earns passive income.
Consider specializing in niches like pet photography or senior portraits over time. I personally sell my foot images on FeetFinder. It is a bit different, but I can assure you that you will earn money.
8. eBay Reselling
Reselling products on eBay is a time-tested side hustle. Source inventory by scouting yard sales, estate sales, thrift stores, and clearance racks for valuable items priced below market value.
Carefully photograph and list items through your eBay account. Handle shipping logistics and customer service once items sell.
Do research on eBay, complete listings, and sell prices to source valuable inventory. Stick to categories you know well, like electronics, vintage items, toys, or clothing.
Manage listings, shipping, and inventory storage efficiently. eBay selling works best as a high-volume business, so keep your inventory pipeline full.
9. Babysitting
Babysitting remains a classic, highly sought-after side hustle. Parents need sitters day and evening for date nights and weekends. You can easily earn $15-25 per hour. Develop a reputation for responsibility, and kids will flock to you.
Start by reaching out to family, friends, and neighbors who have young children. Offer occasional nights for free to gain experience and referrals. Join Facebook parent groups and online babysitting job boards.
Take a CPR class geared at children. Keep kids engaged with games, stories, and activities. The babysitting experience looks great on resumes, too.
10. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assisting consists of administrative, technical, and creative tasks done remotely for clients. Most VAs handle social media, email, calendar management, travel coordination, and similar tasks starting around $15/hour. Multitasking skills are essential here.
Build skills in areas like email management, online research, excel, content management, and project coordination. Sign up on sites like Fiverr and Upwork to find virtual assistant jobs.
Reach out to local professionals and entrepreneurs to pitch VA services. Top VAs can earn $30-50 per hour managing teams and complex projects.
Conclusion
With drive and the right side hustle, 20-somethings can securely earn $15-50 per hour. Dog walking, social media marketing, photography, eBay reselling, and tutoring allow you to turn skills into income. Experiment with a few ideas to find the best schedule and profit fit.
Side hustling develops entrepreneurship for long-term success. With these gigs, you can gain financial freedom and valuable career experience on your own terms in your 20s.
FAQs
How Many Hours Per Week Should A 20 Year Old Focus On Side Hustles?
No more than 10-15 hours per week, as academics and career should be the priority. Side hustles are for extra income.
How Much Money Can A 20 Year Old Make From Side Hustles?
20 year olds can realistically earn $500-2000+ per month from side hustles depending on the type, hours worked, and effort put in.
What Are Easy Side Hustles For 20 Year Olds With No Experience?
Pet sitting, rideshare driving, participating in focus groups, selling unused items online, food delivery, freelance virtual assisting.