Do you want to make extra money this summer but don’t know where to start? If you’re looking for a summer job, you’re in luck.
There are countless ways to earn additional income during the warmer months. In fact, many of these money-making ideas can be done year-round.
I have used many of the options on the list to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. The key is to think outside of the box.
What Are the Best Ways to Make Extra Money This Summer?
It is easy to make money on the side. Many opportunities require minimal skills and let you make your own schedule.
Here are the best side hustle ideas to earn cash this summer and beyond.
1. Become A Dasher
DoorDash is a leading on-demand food delivery service and a terrific app-based job to earn extra cash. The platform is available in over 7,000 cities in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Australia.
As a Dasher, you deliver meals from local restaurants to customers. You must be 18 years old to start, and you can deliver meals via bike or scooter in some locations.
Dashers can choose their own schedule, so it’s a flexible gig. How much you earn varies based on factors like tips and delivery times.
Pay is released weekly via direct deposit. It’s also possible to withdraw earnings instantly, for a small fee, after you complete 25 deliveries.
This is an awesome opportunity that lets you make money in the summer if you have spare time. It’s also great for college students or people who need a side gig to make ends meet.
Read our driving for DoorDash review to learn more about this opportunity.
2. Drive With Uber Eats
Uber is one of the leaders in the delivery and rideshare space. If you want to use multiple apps, driving with Uber Eats is a fantastic choice to earn money on a flexible schedule.
The company operates similar to DoorDash and is in 6,000+ cities and 60+ countries worldwide. You must be at least 19 years old to drive with Uber Eats.
Furthermore, your car must be no older than 20 years, and have a minimum of two doors.
As long as you have at least one year of driving experience, a government-issued ID, and active insurance you can deliver meals once approved.
The income potential for delivery drivers varies and you can also earn tips.
Pay is weekly, though you can request an instant cash out for a $0.50 fee, which is waived if you use the Uber Debit Card.
If you prefer not to deliver food, or want to earn more, you can also drive with Uber. This lets you drive riders to a chosen destination.
*As of 7/18/22, Uber is migrating to a combined Driver & Delivery program that will allow a user to select how they want to earn with Uber, i.e., driving, delivering, or both! This consolidated program will be named Uber “One Earner.” Under this new model, whether a user lands on a Driver or a Delivery page, they’ll have the option to self-select which type of earning opportunity they want.
3. Deliver Groceries for Instacart
Do you enjoy shopping for groceries? If so, Instacart Shopper is one of the top gig economy apps that can help you earn cash this summer.
Instacart is an on-demand grocery app that lets customers place orders. As a shopper, you claim orders, do the shopping, and deliver groceries to customers.
You work as an independent contractor instead of an employee, and the service is available nationwide.
Like DoorDash, you can work around your schedule. Reports indicate shoppers earn up to $20 per hour, including tips.
Read our Instacart Shopper review to learn more.
The three platforms listed above are the tip of the iceberg for on-demand delivery apps. Thankfully, you can partner with multiple apps to maximize your earnings.
4. Walk Dogs
Spending time with animals can be incredibly rewarding. It’s also a fun way to make extra money during the summer for college students and professionals alike, especially if you don’t want to work for a delivery gig app.
Dogs need attention and exercise. Unfortunately, many pet owners are often too busy to devote the time necessary to take their dogs for walks regularly. This is where dog walkers come in.
There are various ways to make money walking and boarding pets, but Rover is our top choice to find clients.
Not only can you walk dogs, but other money-making ideas include offering boarding/grooming services, in-home visits, and more.
If you’re at least 18 years of age, can pass a background check, and have daytime availability, you can start working with Rover.
The site claims you can earn up to $20 hourly. If you offer boarding or overnight services, you can earn even more.
Read our review of Rover and other top dog walking job apps to learn more.
5. Find Gigs in Your Area
Sometimes the most difficult part of gig jobs is that you don’t know where to find one. If you’re overwhelmed by the job-search process, Steady can help you start earning money right now.
This free app connects you with jobs in your area. These can be short-term jobs or part-time work that are perfect for the summer months.
The work you can find depends on the needs of businesses and the skills you offer.
If you need help finding local gigs, the app is a fantastic resource. It has over six million active users and includes tools to track your earned income.
Read our review of the Steady app to learn more.
6. Surf the Web
If you’re like me, you’re on the internet all the time. Why not earn something while surfing the web?
Swagbucks is a way to make quick cash. It is an easy-to-use app that you should try. Consult our guide on other ways to make money in one hour if you have a tight schedule.
With Swagbucks, you earn points (called SB points) that are redeemable for money. Not only can you earn points by using their search engine, but you can also get points by:
- Watching sponsored videos
- Using their shopping portal
- Reading emails
- Answering paid online surveys
Swagbucks gives new users a $5 bonus when they open an account. Users only need to be 13 years old to use the platform. Better yet, you only need an internet connection to start earning.
You can redeem earnings for cash or gift cards. If you choose gift cards, the redemption minimums are as low as $1.
While you won’t become wealthy with this platform, Swagbucks is an excellent way to earn money in your spare time.
Read our Swagbucks review to learn more.
7. Housesit
If you’re looking for easy jobs, housesitting is an excellent option to earn extra income. It involves sleeping at a house when the owner is on vacation.
They may ask you to do simple tasks, including checking the mail, taking out the trash, or watering their garden. This makes it perfect for college students who are home on break or young professionals.
It is one of the most straightforward money-making opportunities to pursue.
You can start by telling friends and neighbors you’re looking for gigs. However, if you want to broaden your network, a site like Care.com is an excellent resource.
The site lets you create a profile, get recommendations, and find work.
8. Rent Out Your Car
Believe it or not, you can make money renting your car. This is a legit way to passively earn cash without starting a side business.
There are many people who need to rent cars, and you can capitalize on this while helping travelers.
HyreCar is our favorite service to rent your car. You can list your car free of charge and earn up to $720 per month based on the make and model of your automobile.
The service provides insurance coverage while your car is being rented. It also manages the entire rental process. All you need to do is ensure your automobile is ready to go.
Additionally, you’ll want to verify that your insurance company has no issues with you renting your vehicle.
9. Complete Online Surveys
Companies love to know consumers’ opinions about products and services. As a result, many will compensate you for your time and effort.
Market researchers seek out college students, stay-at-home moms, and more to get a better understanding of their needs and thoughts about a company’s offerings.
Survey Junkie is our top pick when it comes to taking surveys for money. Most opportunities only take a few minutes, and you can cash out once you reach a $10 balance.
The platform has over six million active users and is a great opportunity to earn money while watching TV.
You won’t get rich completing surveys, but it’s a mindless way to make easy money. Read our Survey Junkie review to learn more.
10. Start A Blog
Starting a blog is one of my favorite ways to make money online. I started this website a decade ago, and it has more than replaced what I earned in my former day job.
What makes blogging such an attractive side business is that there are many income-earning opportunities.
My primary source of income is affiliate marketing, but you can earn money in other ways, including:
- Display advertising
- Sponsored ads
- Email marketing
It does take time to grow an income-producing website, but it can be worth the effort. If you start now, you could start seeing income roll in by the end of the summer.
With additional work, you should see your income grow over time.
Bluehost is our favorite resource to start a blog. They help you launch it, provide technical support, and give you a free domain name.
This typically costs $7.99 per month, but you can get it for $2.95 per month through our link.
Read our guide on how to start a blog to learn more.
11. Babysitting
Babysitting is a great side hustle to supplement your income. This is especially true during the summer months as parents look to manage the short-term care needs of their children.
Pay varies depending on the number of children you watch and where you live, but earning $15+ per hour is possible. If you’re CPR-certified, you can make more.
Word of mouth is an excellent way to find clients. You can also promote your services on social media or Care.com to find work.
If you are looking for quick ways to make money, babysitting is a legitimate opportunity.
12. Test Products at Home
If you enjoy online surveys, product testing is another way to get paid by market research firms. Companies need to know how a product performs before going to market.
Pinecone Research is a leading market research company that pays users for their feedback on products.
With this platform, you test products at home and provide your input. This nets you up to $75 for each item tested.
If you prefer to only take surveys for cash, Pinecone Research pays $3 per survey. There is no redemption threshold, so you can withdraw funds whenever you want.
Read our Pinecone Research review to learn more.
13. Do Odd Jobs
Do you like to fix things or enjoy physical work? If so, you can make money doing odd jobs during the summer to increase your income.
Taskrabbit is the perfect resource to use to find handyman jobs if you don’t want to bother friends or neighbors.
You can make money in numerous ways, including:
- Home improvements
- Doing yard work
- Painting
- Assembling furniture
- Moving service
The Taskrabbit site lets you find gigs near you from dozens of categories. It handles payment, so you don’t need to accept cash from clients.
You can also set your own rates, which are usually in the $20-$50 per hour range.
14. Play Games Online
If you like playing games online or watching short videos, InboxDollars is an enjoyable way to make money from your phone this summer.
The site works like Swagbucks and allows you to earn money doing various tasks. However, it really shines for those who like to play games.
You receive a $5 bonus when you open an account and can cash out once you reach $30. If you’re looking for money-making ideas to earn spending cash, this is a good opportunity.
Read our review of InboxDollars to learn more.
15. Become A Virtual Assistant
Are you detail-oriented and want to work remotely? If so, being a virtual assistant (VA) is one of the best ways to make money online this summer and beyond.
A VA helps small businesses with numerous tasks, including:
- Social media management
- Email management
- Data entry work
- Scheduling meetings
- Customer service
- Blog management
Beginner VAs can earn up to $20 per hour with this work-from-home opportunity, while experienced ones can make $30+ per hour. The best part is that you don’t need a lot of specialized skills to get started.
My friend Kayla started as a part-time VA and now runs her freelance VA business full-time. She earns over $10,000 per month working from home as a VA.
If you want to start your own freelance VA business, sign up for her $10K VA course. In the course, you’ll learn how to earn money as a VA.
She also provides a free webinar that reveals the steps you need to take in order to work from home with this opportunity.
You can read our guide on how to become a virtual assistant to learn helpful tips and start your business.
16. Rent Out Your RV
Do you own an RV? If you do and don’t plan to use it this summer, consider renting it out to earn cash.
RVshare is an online marketplace that connects renters with RV owners. Renting allows traveling families to save money while letting you earn money without leaving your home.
The site lets you list your RV for free. RVshare claims owners can earn between $150 and $350 daily. It’s even possible to make up to $60,000 annually for certain styles.
17. Download Apps
Survey sites aren’t the only way to make money doing micro-jobs. Platforms need to know how their product performs, so they will pay users to download apps.
MyPoints is one of the best apps to make money on the side for doing something that requires minimal effort. The platform compensates you for providing feedback on apps they’re testing.
You can even earn money by watching videos, playing games, and making purchases through their shopping portal.
MyPoints gives you a $10 bonus when you make a qualifying purchase through the shopping portal.
If you want a simple way to make some spending money this summer, MyPoints is worth trying.
18. Become a Proofreader
Proofreading is an excellent choice to make extra money this summer if you have an eye for grammar and want to make money from home. It’s also a terrific choice for educators home during the summer.
Read our guide on other summer jobs for teachers to earn cash when off for break.
Companies rely on quality content, from email campaigns to articles to speeches and more. Their content needs to be reviewed before it goes live, and this is where you come in as a proofreader.
You can expect to earn at least $20 per hour in this role. Tell friends and former co-workers you’re looking for work or use a site like FlexJobs to locate gigs.
If you don’t know where to start, Proofread Anywhere is a helpful course taught by our friend Caitlin Pyle. She shares free tips to launch your business, find clients, and earn more money.
19. Get A Part-Time Job
A part-time job is a reliable way to make money. You can find part-time work in seasonal places like camps, plant nurseries, or local parks.
These may not provide the flexibility of freelance work or side hustle, but it’s still a legitimate way to earn money this summer.
If your kids want some extra cash, there are even jobs that hire at 15 that will help them earn some money.
20. Rent Out A Room
Renting a spare room or house is an excellent way to earn semi-passive income. This is especially true in the warmer months when people are vacationing.
Listing your property on Airbnb is a good way to attract guests. The site manages the entire rental process, so there is minimal leg work on your end.
What you can earn depends on where you live and the type of accommodations you offer.
A quick search shows I can make nearly $1,400 with a listing in Omaha. We have family members in another part of the country who earn more than that by hosting guests in their condo.
21. Car Repair Work
Can you perform simple repair work on a car? If so, a mobile mechanic is one of the better small business ideas to consider.
YourMechanic is a great resource to use if you want to make money around town by helping people maintain their cars this summer.
The site helps you locate clients and lets you work on your own schedule.
YourMechanic claims earnings of up to $70 per hour. You only do basic repair and maintenance instead of elaborate work like overhauling an engine.
22. Scoop Dog Poop
This isn’t a glamorous gig, but it’s a good way to make extra money. You can find clients by posting on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
Depending on how many dogs the home has, reports indicate you can earn up to $15 or more per residence.
It’s important that you research the proper disposal procedures so that you’re not fined for illegal waste disposal.
23. Sign-up for Fiverr
Online side hustles are a great way to make money during the summer and beyond. Fiverr is a go-to resource to use for at-home jobs.
You can do virtually anything on Fiverr, including:
- Writing thank-you notes
- Singing a jingle
- Animation
- Design
Gigs start at $5, but you can greatly increase earnings through add-ons you can provide to clients. There’s no limit on pricing add-ons, so this can be a lucrative side hustle.
24. Wash Windows
Would you like to spend time outdoors and earn money in the process? Window washing could be the perfect option for you.
We have a friend with a side business washing windows that earns him $30+ per hour. He started by washing windows for a fellow business owner and expanded from there.
You will need a few supplies to get started, but this can be a lucrative side gig if you have the right connections. Taskrabbit is a good resource to use to build up a client base.
25. Become A Photographer
Do you have a good eye for detail and enjoy taking photos? If so, you can make money this summer by taking pictures for clients.
This can include weddings, engagement photos, birthday parties, and more.
If you prefer taking photographs of landscapes and other settings, a site like DepositPhotos is an excellent resource to sell your pictures and earn cash. It lets you start earning passive income by selling your photos.
How Can I Earn $5,000 Over the Summer?
It is not as difficult as it may seem to earn $5,000 or more during the warmer months. The trick is to find gig economy jobs that allow you to maximize your earning potential.
In fact, if you earn $20 an hour and work just 25 hours per week, you can accomplish this goal with ease. Over the course of 12 weeks, you could earn $6,000.
Side hustles from home, such as freelance writing or VA work, can help you earn at least $5,000. Delivering for high-paying apps is another good opportunity.
Read our guide on how to create a side hustle stack to maximize your earnings with multiple gigs.
How to Make Money on the Side With a Full-Time Job
Thanks to gig apps, earning cash on the side is easier than ever, even if you have a full-time job. This is increasingly true in the summer months as more opportunities arise.
Delivering for a food service is one choice that lets you work in your spare time. You can also perform skilled work through Taskrabbit on evenings or weekends.
Online jobs are another option to make money when you’re not at your day job.
Bottom Line
This list merely scratches the surface of the potential money-making opportunities available during the summer.
You can do side hustles from home or in your town and make good money. If you’re struggling to identify summer job ideas, pick one of the opportunities on this list that interests you and give it a try.
What are some of your favorite ways to make extra money over the summer?
*Earning more on certain types of orders (ex. alcohol): Earn more per order as compared to restaurant orders. Actual earnings may differ and depend on factors like number of deliveries you accept and complete, time of day, location, and any costs. Hourly pay is calculated using average Dasher payouts while on a delivery (from the time you accept an order until the time you drop it off) over a 90 day period and includes compensation from tips, peak pay, and other incentives.
*Get paid instantly (DasherDirect): Subject to approval
*Cash out daily (Fast Pay): Fees apply
*Start Dashing today: Subject to background check and availability
*Dash anytime: Subject to availability
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