Empowering Side Hustles for Women in 2026

In today’s fast-paced world, women excel at multitasking and managing various responsibilities. This unique ability, combined with a desire to leverage their skills and passions, has led to a surge in women starting side hustles. As we move into 2026, the landscape of side hustles has evolved, offering countless opportunities for women to express their creativity while earning extra income.

A side hustle can be a rewarding way to channel your entrepreneurial spirit. Here, we’ve curated a list of 13 side hustles that not only allow you to utilize your talents but also help you earn additional income.

Key Takeaways:

• The top three side hustles for women are freelancing, crafting, and custom baking.

• While side hustles can generate income, many women find that they can evolve into full-time jobs.

• Before diving into a side hustle, ensure you have the necessary schedule flexibility and support from friends and family.

13 Side Hustles for Women

1. Vacation Rental Hosting

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO provide excellent opportunities for women to rent out space to travelers. Whether you have a spare room or an entire property, there’s potential to earn significant income from short-term rentals.

   Even if you’re not in a tourist hotspot, local events and gatherings can attract visitors looking for accommodation.

   Job responsibilities include:

   • Manage communications and customer service with guests.

   • Offer additional services such as cleaning or transportation.

   • Maintain and enhance your property’s online presence.

   • Handle administrative tasks associated with bookings.

   Find Vacation Rental Hosting jobs near me

2. Craft Artist
   Average Annual Salary: $57,000

   From handcrafted jewelry to unique home decor, the demand for artisan products continues to grow. If you have a creative flair, consider selling your items through platforms like Etsy or at local markets.

   Building connections with local businesses can also provide additional sales opportunities.

   Job responsibilities include:

   • Manage inventory and production schedules.

   • Create promotional materials for your products.

   • Engage with customers and gather feedback.

   • Develop new product ideas based on market trends.

   Find Craft Artist jobs near me

3. Freelancer
   Average Annual Salary: $42,000

   Freelancing offers flexibility and the ability to work on projects that align with your skills. Whether in writing, graphic design, or digital marketing, there are abundant opportunities to earn from your expertise.

   Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can help you connect with potential clients.

   Job responsibilities include:

   • Deliver high-quality work that meets client specifications.

   • Manage your own schedule and deadlines.

   • Communicate effectively with clients throughout projects.

   • Maintain records of your work and earnings.

   Find Freelancer jobs near me

4. Driver
   Average Annual Salary: $32,000

   Rideshare services and food delivery apps continue to grow, offering flexible work options for drivers. You can choose your hours and enjoy the independence of being your own boss.

   Whether driving for Uber, Lyft, or food services, this side hustle allows you to work when it fits your schedule.

   Job responsibilities include:

   • Provide safe and reliable transportation for passengers.

   • Maintain a clean vehicle and ensure compliance with regulations.

   • Communicate effectively with customers to enhance their experience.

   Find Driver jobs near me

5. Selling Unused Possessions
   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Turning clutter into cash is a great way to supplement income. Whether it’s clothing, electronics, or furniture, platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace make it easy to sell items to interested buyers.

   Collaborating with friends to sell items can also expand your reach and sales potential.

   Job responsibilities include:

   • Research items to set competitive prices.

   • Create engaging listings with quality photos and descriptions.

   • Handle shipping logistics for sold items.

6. Tutor
   Average Annual Salary: $35,000

   With ongoing changes in education, tutoring remains a valuable service. If you excel in certain subjects, consider offering your expertise to students in need, either online or in person.

   Flexible hours often allow you to work around a full-time job or other commitments.

   Job responsibilities include:

   • Create personalized learning plans based on students’ needs.

   • Utilize various teaching tools and methods to enhance understanding.

   • Track student progress and adjust strategies as necessary.

   Find Tutor jobs near me

7. House Cleaner
   Average Annual Salary: $26,000

   House cleaning is a reliable side hustle with flexible scheduling. You can work independently or join a cleaning service, catering to clients’ specific needs.

   With increasing demand for cleaning services, this side hustle can be lucrative.

   Job responsibilities include:

   • Clean homes to meet client expectations.

   • Follow safety protocols and maintain trust with clients.

   • Coordinate schedules and manage client communications.

   Find House Cleaner jobs near me

8. Yard Worker
   Average Annual Salary: $31,000

   Offering lawn care services is a great way to earn money while enjoying the outdoors. If you have the right tools and skills, local homeowners may be willing to pay for your services.

   Platforms like TaskRabbit can help you connect with clients seeking yard maintenance.

   Job responsibilities include:

   • Perform various landscaping and maintenance tasks.

   • Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

   • Manage inventory of supplies and tools.

   Find Yard Worker jobs near me

9. Pet Caretaker
   Average Annual Salary: $31,000

   Pet care is a growing field, with many pet owners looking for reliable caretakers. If you’re an animal lover, this side hustle allows you to spend time with pets while earning income.

   From walking dogs to pet-sitting, there are plenty of opportunities available.

   Job responsibilities include:

   • Provide care and companionship for pets as instructed.

   • Maintain cleanliness in the pet areas.

   • Communicate effectively with pet owners regarding their pets’ needs.

   Find Pet Caretaker jobs near me

10. Custom Baking

    Average Annual Salary: N/A

    If you have a passion for baking, consider turning it into a side hustle. Crafting custom cakes and pastries can be a delightful way to earn, especially for special occasions.

    As long as you meet deadlines, you can work at your own pace.

    Job responsibilities include:

    • Ensure compliance with food safety standards in your baking.

    • Create unique designs and flavors for your baked goods.

    • Manage customer orders and provide excellent service.

    Find Custom Baking jobs near me

11. Virtual Assistant
    Average Annual Salary: $38,000

    The demand for virtual assistants continues to rise as businesses seek remote help. If you’re organized and tech-savvy, this role can be both fulfilling and flexible.

    Assist clients with various administrative tasks from the comfort of your home.

    Job responsibilities include:

    • Manage schedules, emails, and communications for clients.

    • Organize files and maintain databases.

    • Provide research support and assist with projects.

    Find Virtual Assistant jobs near me

12. Meeting/Event Planner
    Average Annual Salary: $51,000

    If you have a knack for planning and organizing, consider becoming an event planner. Whether for personal celebrations or corporate events, your skills can help others bring their visions to life.

    Marketing your services online can help you reach a wider audience.

    Job responsibilities include:

    • Coordinate all aspects of event planning, including logistics and vendor management.

    • Communicate with clients to understand their needs and preferences.

    • Manage budgets and timelines effectively.

    Find Meeting/Event Planner jobs near me

13. Tailoring or Sewing
    Average Annual Salary: N/A

    With fewer people skilled in sewing, there’s a niche market for custom clothing and alterations. If you possess sewing skills, you can create a successful side hustle by offering tailored services.

    Promoting your work through social media or local fabric stores can help you attract clients.

    Job responsibilities include:

    • Consult with clients to understand their tailoring needs.

    • Perform alterations or create custom garments as requested.

    • Provide cost estimates and timelines for projects.

What You’ll Need to Start a Side Hustle

1. Hustle

   Starting a side hustle requires dedication and hard work. It’s essential to remain committed, especially in the early stages when establishing your business and routine.

2. Perseverance

   Success often takes time. Be prepared to iterate on your ideas and adapt as you learn what works and what doesn’t.

3. A Plan

   Having a clear plan is vital before taking on clients. Consider what you’ll offer, pricing, legal requirements, and your availability.

   If you need assistance, local resources or online courses can provide valuable guidance.

4. Flexibility

   Be prepared to pivot your strategies as you gain insights from your experiences. Adaptability is crucial for success.

5. Support

   Seek support from friends and family to help you manage the demands of your side hustle. Their encouragement can be invaluable.

6. Cash

   Most side hustles require some initial investment. Plan for costs related to materials, tools, or marketing.

7. Positivity

   Maintain a positive outlook. A side hustle can be a fulfilling way to pursue your passions and enhance your financial situation.

Side Hustles for Women FAQs

1. What is the highest-paying side hustle?

   High-paying side hustles include baking, content creation, writing, and property rentals. While many side hustles can be lucrative, they often require initial effort to establish.

2. Can you make a living on side hustles?

   Yes, many individuals turn their side hustles into full-time careers. While starting as a supplementary income source, they may grow into primary earnings over time.

3. What makes a good side hustle?

   A great side hustle aligns with your interests, fits your schedule, and has growth potential. Consider your skills and resources when choosing the right fit for you.

Author

Abby McCain

Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.