11 Side Jobs You Can Do From Home

In 2026, side jobs continue to be a fantastic way to earn extra income while enjoying the flexibility of working from home. With the rise of remote work culture and advancements in technology, finding a side job that fits your skills and interests has never been easier.

This article explores 11 popular side jobs available today, how to determine if they’re right for you, and essential tips for success.

Key Takeaways

• The top three side jobs you can do from home are translator, freelancer, and virtual assistant.

• When selecting a side job, consider your strongest skills and interests to ensure a fulfilling experience.

• A side job can enhance your skill set and provide further education in a specific area.

• Maintain a balance between your side job and primary employment to ensure neither suffers.

11 Side Jobs You Can Do From Home

If you’ve been contemplating whether a side gig aligns with your skills and passions, you’ve come to the right place. Below are examples of work-from-home opportunities that can help you generate extra income.

1. Create an online course
   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   The demand for online courses has surged as more individuals seek to expand their knowledge. This trend allows people from diverse backgrounds to share expertise on a wide array of subjects.

   Creating an online course through a hosting site can lead to passive income; once established, you reap the benefits as students enroll in your course.

   Where to look for course hosting websites:

   • Skillshare

   • Teachable

   • Udemy

   • Ruzuku

2. Translator
   Average Annual Salary: $42,000

   A translator side job is ideal for bilingual individuals. With opportunities for both written and spoken translation, this role accommodates various preferences.

   Where to look for translation work online:

   • Upwork Translation Jobs

   • Verbalize It

   • LanguageLine

   • Language Service Associates

   Find Translator jobs near me

3. Get a gig on a freelancing website / Freelancer
   Average Annual Salary: $55,000

   Freelancing allows you to choose which projects to undertake, providing flexibility and the opportunity to work across various industries to boost your income.

   Where to look for freelance gigs:

   • Upwork

   • Fiverr

   • Freelancer

   • Workhoppers

   • People Per Hour

4. Virtual Assistant
   Average Annual Salary: $24,000

   Virtual assistant positions are increasingly popular as remote work remains prevalent. These roles can be performed entirely online, providing essential administrative support to businesses.

   Common tasks include:

   • Data Entry

   • Email Management

   • Travel Arrangements

   • Scheduling

   • Calendar Management

   • Market Research

   Where to look for virtual assistant jobs:

   • VANetworking

   • Zirtual

   • Remote.co

   • Belay

5. Proofreader and Editor
   Average Annual Salary: $50,000

   With the growing importance of accurate written content for businesses, skilled proofreaders and editors are in high demand. If you lack experience, numerous online courses can help you enhance your skills.

   Where to look for proofreading and editing jobs:

   • Enago

   • Wordvice

   • Remote.co

   • Flexjobs

6. Sell Stuff Online / Online Retailer
   Average Annual Salary: $127,000

   Decluttering your home by selling unused items online is a great side gig. Utilize platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist to turn clutter into cash.

   Where to sell items online:

   • eBay

   • ThredUp

   • Poshmark

   • OfferUp

7. English Language Teacher
   Average Annual Salary: $50,000

   With a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate, you can earn $25+ an hour teaching English online, particularly to students in countries like China. This position allows for flexible hours, albeit often requiring early morning shifts for U.S.-based teachers.

   Popular platforms for online English teaching include:

   • VIPKID

   • Palfish

   • DaDaABC

   • Magic Ears

8. Website Testing / Tester
   Average Annual Salary: $61,000

   Website testing is an accessible side job for anyone with internet access. Companies seek testers to provide feedback on their websites or applications before launch.

   Testers can earn up to $40 per hour for consistent work, making this a lucrative side gig.

   Where to look for website testing work:

   • Userlytics

   • UserTesting

   • Userfeel

   • TestingTime

9. Content Writer
   Average Annual Salary: $52,000

   As businesses increasingly rely on content to engage customers, skilled content writers are in demand. This side gig offers diverse writing opportunities across various platforms.

   Where to look for content writing work:

   • Problogger Jobs

   • NoDesk

   • TextBroker

   • Freelancer

10. Transcriptionist
    Average Annual Salary: $28,000

    Transcription requires skill and practice but can be a rewarding side job. Transcriptionists listen to audio and create written records, requiring focus and fast typing skills.

    Where to look for transcription work:

    • Rev

    • Daily Transcription

    • TranscribeMe

    • Sell on Fiverr

11. Social Media Manager
    Average Annual Salary: $58,000

    Social media management can be a rewarding side gig for those familiar with various platforms. You can help brands craft their online presence without committing full-time.

    Typical tasks include:

    • Developing social media strategies

    • Analyzing engagement metrics

    • Managing daily posts and campaigns

    Where to look for social media manager work:

    • Upwork Social Media Management Jobs

    • LinkedIn

    • Freelancer

    • FlexJobs

What are Side Jobs from Home?

Side jobs from home are flexible opportunities that allow you to earn additional income without the constraints of a traditional work environment. They offer a way to supplement your primary income while gaining valuable experience that can enhance your career prospects.

How to Choose the Best Side Job for You

Choosing the right side gig can initially seem overwhelming, but assessing your skills and interests can help narrow down your options:

1. What are your skills? Identify your strongest skills and seek side jobs that align with them. This will boost your confidence and increase your chances of success.

2. What do you enjoy doing? Your side gig should be something you find enjoyable. Consider your hobbies and what aspects of your current job you like that can translate into a side job.

3. What are you good at? Ensure your side job leverages your knowledge and experience. Look for opportunities that match your strengths.

4. How much time can you dedicate? Consider how many hours per week you can realistically commit to a side job without overwhelming yourself.

5. What are your goals? Define what you want to achieve with your side job. Whether it’s extra income or skill enhancement, your goals can guide your choice.

Tips to Succeed in Your Side Job from Home

To thrive in your side job, keep these tips in mind:

• Prioritize your commitments. Ensure your side job does not impede your performance in your main job. Balance is critical.

• Maintain open communication. If your side gig affects your availability, be honest with your employer. Skills gained from your side job may enhance your primary role.

• Take your time. Start slow and gauge how much you can handle alongside your full-time job without risking burnout.

• Set clear boundaries. Remind potential employers that your side job is secondary, helping to manage expectations for availability.

Side Jobs You Can Do From Home FAQ

1. Is a side job a good idea?

   A side job can be an excellent way to earn additional income, but it requires extra effort and commitment. Everyone’s financial situation is different, but a side hustle can provide financial relief or help achieve personal goals.

2. Do you get taxed more if you have a second job?

   A second income may push you into a higher tax bracket, resulting in higher taxes. Be aware of how multiple jobs can impact your tax obligations.

3. How much is 100k a year hourly?

   A salary of $100,000 per year translates to approximately $50.00 per hour, assuming a 40-hour work week.

4. What should you consider before getting a second job?

   Before pursuing a second job, set clear goals and be realistic about your available hours. Ensure your side job won’t interfere with your primary employment, and consider discussing your plans with your current employer.

References

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Interpreters and Translator Occupational Outlook

2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Medical Transcriptionist Occupational Outlook

Author

Sky Ariella

Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.