The 15 Best Weekend Jobs for Extra Income in 2026

A weekend job can be an excellent way to boost your income while enjoying flexibility outside the traditional 9 to 5 work schedule. With the rise of remote and hybrid work models, many people are seeking additional income streams that fit their lifestyle. This article outlines the 15 best weekend jobs for earning extra money, along with important considerations before diving into a side gig.

Key Takeaways:

• The top three weekend jobs are dog walker/pet sitter, babysitter/nanny, and customer service representative.

• Before pursuing a weekend job, carefully weigh the pros and cons of taking on additional work.

• A weekend job should complement your primary job without causing conflict.

• When searching for side jobs, avoid companies that require upfront fees or make misleading claims about job earnings.

15 Best Weekend Jobs for Additional Income

1. Dog Walker/Pet Sitter
   Average Annual Salary: $20,714

   A pet sitter cares for pets while their owners are away, ensuring they are fed and attended to. Similarly, a dog walker provides exercise and companionship for dogs. These roles are ideal for animal lovers and can be found through various apps and platforms that assist with identity verification.

   Where to Find Dog Walker/Pet Sitter Jobs:

   • Rover

   • Wag!

   • Personal Recommendations

2. Rideshare or Delivery Driver
   Average Annual Salary: $37,000

   If you enjoy driving and have a good sense of navigation, becoming a rideshare driver can be a lucrative weekend job. As an independent contractor, you can work flexible hours, especially during peak weekend times.

   Where to Find Rideshare or Delivery Driver Jobs:

   • Uber

   • Lyft

   • Uber Eats

   • Postmates

   • GrubHub

3. Freelance Editor
   Average Annual Salary: $51,000

   Freelance editors focus on proofreading and editing rather than writing original content. This role is perfect for those with strong writing skills and keen attention to detail. Freelancing offers the flexibility to work on projects that interest you.

   Where to Find Editor Jobs:

   • Editor

   • Freelancer

   • FlexJobs

   • Search on Google or Zippia

4. Freelance Graphic Designer
   Average Annual Salary: $45,000

   Freelance graphic designers create visuals based on client needs. If you have expertise in design software like Photoshop, this could be a rewarding side job. Building a strong portfolio is essential for attracting clients.

   Where to Find Freelance Graphic Designer Jobs:

   • Freelancer

   • FlexJobs

   • Search on Google or Zippia

5. Babysitter/Nanny
   Average Annual Salary: $20,000

   Babysitting remains a popular choice for students and individuals seeking part-time work. Nannying requires more consistent care for children, offering a more stable income. Building trust with families is crucial, so start with personal networks to gain references.

   Where to Find Babysitter and Nanny Jobs:

   • Care

   • Sittercity

   • Personal Recommendations

6. Customer Service Representative
   Average Annual Salary: $29,000

   Customer service representatives assist clients with inquiries and order processing. This role often allows for remote work, requiring only a good headset and reliable internet. Strong communication skills are vital for success.

   Where to Find Customer Service Representative Jobs:

   • Search on Google or Zippia

7. Re-seller
   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Re-sellers buy items at lower prices and sell them for a profit. Thrift stores, flea markets, and online platforms are excellent places to find undervalued goods. This job is perfect for those with an eye for quality products.

   Where to Re-sell:

   • Depop

   • ThredUP

   • Poshmark

   • eBay

8. Survey or Focus Group Participant
   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Participating in surveys or focus groups allows you to share your opinions and get paid for it. While this is an easy way to earn some extra cash, the payouts are usually modest, often in the form of gift cards or discounts.

   Where to Participate in Market Research:

   • Swagbucks

   • Vindale Research

   • Pinecone Research

9. Tutor
   Average Annual Salary: $33,000

   Tutors help students with various subjects or prepare them for standardized tests. There is also a growing demand for English tutors for non-native speakers. A stable internet connection is essential for online tutoring.

   Where to Find Tutoring Jobs:

   • VIPKID

   • Tutor

   • Personal Recommendations

10. Wedding Photographer or Videographer
    Average Annual Salary: $30,119

    Photographers and videographers capture special moments at weddings and events. Building a portfolio and leveraging social media can help you find clients. Referrals are often the best way to secure gigs in this field.

    Where to Find Wedding/Event Photographer or Videographer Jobs:

    • Search on Google or Zippia

    • Personal Recommendations

    • Social Media

11. Tax Preparer
    Average Annual Salary: $40,000

    Tax preparers assist clients in gathering documentation for their tax filings. This role sees high demand during tax season, making it a lucrative weekend opportunity for those with organizational skills.

    Where to Find Tax Preparer Jobs:

    • Search on Google or Zippia during peak tax season

12. Handyman/Handywoman
    Average Annual Salary: $50,000

    Handymen and handywomen perform a variety of maintenance tasks, from plumbing to repairs. If you possess specialized skills, this can be a rewarding weekend job with flexible hours.

    Where to Find Handyman/Handywoman Jobs:

    • Handy

    • TaskRabbit

    • Personal Recommendations

13. Blogger, Social Media Influencer, or Web Content Creator
    Average Annual Salary: $41,048

    Bloggers and influencers create content for various platforms, monetizing their audience through partnerships and sponsorships. While it requires time and effort to build an audience, it can be a rewarding creative outlet.

    Platforms for Blogging and Web Content Creation:

    • YouTube

    • Instagram

    • Twitch

    • Wix

    • WordPress

    • Many other platforms depending on your content type

14. Bartender, Server, or Event Staff
    Average Annual Salary: $22,000

    Weekend shifts at restaurants and events often require extra help. These roles can be lucrative due to tips, but they require strong customer service skills and stamina. Balancing these shifts with a full-time job can be challenging.

    Where to Find Bartender, Server, or Event Jobs:

    • Search on Google or Zippia

15. Transcriptionist or Data Entry Worker
    Average Annual Salary: $28,930

    Transcriptionists convert audio files into written text, while data entry workers input information into systems. These roles can often be done remotely and may not require specialized training, although medical or legal transcription can offer higher pay.

    Where to Find Transcription or Data Entry Jobs:

    • TranscribeAnywhere

    • FlexJobs

    • Scribie

    • Personal Recommendations

Pros and Cons of Weekend Jobs

It’s essential to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a weekend job before applying. Here are some key points to consider:

Pros:

• Extra income to support your financial goals.

• Flexible hours that can fit around your primary job schedule.

• Opportunity to learn new skills that enhance your career.

• Potential for new career paths and opportunities.

Cons:

• Reduced free time and leisure activities on weekends.

• Possible energy drain from balancing multiple jobs.

• Less focus and time for your primary job responsibilities.

How to Find a Weekend Job

Finding the right weekend job involves exploring various platforms, apps, and resources tailored to the specific roles you’re interested in. Verifying the legitimacy of job offers is crucial. Avoid companies that make exaggerated claims about earnings or require upfront fees.

Success in finding a weekend gig often depends on the effort and strategy you employ in your search. Just like traditional job hunting, having a strong job-searching strategy can lead you to the right opportunities.

Weekend Jobs FAQs

1. Can I refuse to work on weekends?

   Yes, you can refuse to work weekends if it’s not stipulated in your employment contract, but it may have repercussions. Many employers respect employees’ personal time; however, there are limited legal protections against refusal, potentially leading to termination.

   To avoid conflicts, discuss your availability during the interview process, clarifying any boundaries regarding weekend work.

2. Can you make a living on weekend jobs?

   Yes, it’s possible to make a living through weekend jobs, depending on the nature and hours of the work. Some roles, like those in hospitality or specific high-paying professions, can provide substantial income if worked during peak times.

   However, not all weekend jobs will yield a sustainable income, particularly those with lower pay scales.

3. What makes a good weekend job?

   A good weekend job should offer competitive pay and a clear work schedule. Ensure that the compensation aligns with your expectations and that the hours fit your availability without additional disruptions.

4. How do I get work done on weekends?

   To effectively work on weekends, focus on the benefits of your efforts. While it can be tempting to prioritize leisure, reminding yourself of your financial goals can motivate you to push through.

5. Can I handle a weekend job?

   Weekend jobs may not suit everyone, as they come with challenges that can impact your work-life balance. Assess your current workload and personal needs before committing. If you choose to take on a weekend job, ensure you still prioritize downtime and personal time.

References

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Customer Service Representative Occupational Outlook

2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Graphic Designers Occupational Outlook

Author

Lilly Chesser

Lilia Chesser is a professional copywriter and content writer based in Columbus, Ohio. She graduated from Denison University with a BA in communications.