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25 Most Unique Side Hustles That Pay Well in 2024

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Are you searching for side hustles that can supplement your income? Look no further! 

This guide reveals 25 unique side hustles, including those for women that pay well. From home-based side hustles to unconventional ideas, we’ve got you covered. 

Discover how to earn extra cash through side hustles that pay weekly, without prior experience, or by leveraging your existing skills. From freelancing to lesser-known opportunities, we discuss something for everyone.

Key Takeaways

  • Earn extra cash through freelancing, online courses, and renting out a room on platforms like Airbnb.
  • Side hustles that pay weekly include dog walking, personal shopping, driving for Uber or Lyft, and food delivery.
  • Explore gig economy jobs, rent out your car or parking space, and participate in research studies.
  • Unique side hustles like being a tour guide, standing in line for people, donating plasma, and taste testing.

Best Side Hustle Ideas From Home

1. Freelance Writer

Freelance writing and editing services are in high demand, particularly for blog posts, e-books, whitepapers, and other content. Online marketplaces like Contently, Fiverr, FlexJobs, and Upwork connect businesses with skilled writers and editors. 

According to Indeed, freelance writers earn an average of  $26.32 per hour in Canada.

Here’s a guide on how to make money on Fiverr.

2. Create an Online Course

Share your expertise and teach others by creating an online course on popular platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare. Offer courses on topics such as graphic design, photography, or any other area where you excel. 

Once your course is created, you can earn passive income as students enroll and complete it. Depending on the type of online course, you can sell them for $5 to $5,000.

3. Rent Out a Room

Use your spare room and list it on popular platforms like Airbnb to host travelers and generate additional income. On average, Airbnb hosts make about $924 a month by just renting out their available spaces.

By offering a comfortable and convenient stay, you can attract repeat bookings and build a strong reputation as a trusted host. 

4. Start a YouTube Channel

Unleash your creativity and showcase your talents on YouTube. 

As your audience grows, monetize your channel through ads and sponsorships. Earnings depend on the number of views and popularity of your channel.

5. Teach English Online

Use your language skills to teach English to students worldwide via online platforms like VIPKid and TeachAway. Comfortably instruct from home and create a schedule that suits you.

ESL teachers make an average of $23.22 per hour.

6. Take Surveys Online

Participate in market research surveys on popular platforms like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks to earn cash and gift cards. 

You can make around $100 to $250 or more by completing surveys. Each survey can pay anywhere from $0.25 to $5 or more.

Related: Best Survey Apps in Canada

7. Use Cash Back Apps

Maximize your savings while shopping by using cashback apps like Rakuten and Ibotta. 

Earn cash back on your purchases and get paid weekly through these apps. Potential earnings can range from 1% to 20%.

And with Rakuten, you can get a $30 bonus after spending your first $30. Check out other cash back apps to save money when shopping.

8. Remote Virtual Assistant

Use your good organizing and writing skills to help businesses and bosses with small jobs. 

You can do things like schedule appointments, send emails, and do research on the Internet. Sign up with platforms like Upwork or Indeed and offer your services. On average, you can make $27.32 per hour from this side gig.

Side Hustles That Pay Weekly

9. Walk Dogs

Spend time with beloved pets and earn money by offering dog walking services in your local community. Dog walkers in Canada earn an average of $20.25 per hour.

As a trusted neighbour, enjoy the company of furry friends while getting some exercise and fresh air. 

10. Shop For People

Offer personalized shopping services for busy individuals who need help purchasing groceries and essentials. 

As a reliable and detail-oriented shopper,  enjoy checking-out local markets and stores to find the perfect items, all while earning a paycheck. On average, you can make $16.60 per hour from this side hustle.

11. Drive For Uber or Lyft

Monetize your car usage by becoming a rideshare driver for popular platforms like Uber or Lyft. 

An Uber driver makes about $19.19 per hour on average. Plus, you can earn tips and bonuses for excellent service.

12. Deliver Food

Partner with popular food delivery apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash to bring hot meals to customers’ doors. 

The range for minimum pay is between $2 to $10 per delivery. Plus, tipping will add to your income.

13. Gig Economy Jobs 

Discover quick-paying gigs on platforms like TaskRabbit and Handy

Offer your skills and services for everything from errand running to virtual assistance, and get paid fast. Earnings depend on the task involved. For example, you can make $24.70 per hour for cleaning jobs.

Here are the best gig economy jobs to make money.

14. Rent Out Your Car

Earn passive income by listing your underused vehicle on Turo or Zipcar

Set your own rental terms and prices, and let the platform handle bookings and payment processing. Potential earnings can range from $7,009 to $21,453 annually.

Read: How To Rent Your Car to Make Money

Side Hustles That No One Talks About

15. Grow and Sell Plants

Did you know that in 2022, the gardening industry in Canada was worth $956.3 million?   

Nurture your inner gardener now to tap into this lucrative market. 

You can sell homegrown plants, flowers, or herbs at local markets or online and enjoy the satisfaction of watching your hard work flourish. 

16. Flip Furniture and Clothing

Hunt for hidden gems at thrift stores and garage sales, then refurbish and resell them for a profit. Transform old furniture into modern masterpieces or breathe new life into vintage clothing items. 

List your wares on platforms like Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or Kijiji. Earnings depend on the cost of acquiring and fixing the item and the price at which you are selling it. 

17. Become a Tour Guide

Share your love for your city with visiting travellers by becoming a local tour guide. Platforms like Tours by Locals allow locals to sign-up and offer their services to tourists. 

Tour guides earn an average of $19.41 an hour in Canada.

18. Rent Out Your Parking Space 

Turn your unused parking space into a lucrative asset by listing it on platforms like SpotHero and Spacer. You can make $450 a month by just renting out your idle parking space to someone.

Simply list your space, set your rate, and connect with drivers looking for a spot.

19. Do Research Studies

Contribute to groundbreaking research projects and earn compensation for your participation. 

The amount of money you can make as a contributor depends on test type, customer demand, and the tasks involved.

Check websites like UserTesting or sign up with research centres to find opportunities that match your interests and availability

20. Stand In Line For People

Provide a valuable waiting-in-line service for busy professionals and individuals who dread wasting time standing in queues. Line standers can charge from $17 to $50 an hour in exchange for their time and effort. 

Platforms like TaskRabbit and Kijiji can help you find clients seeking this unique service

21. Donate Plasma

Plasma donation involves drawing blood, extracting plasma, and returning the remainder. 

Eligible donors aged 18–65 can earn $100 per session after passing a medical exam. This process helps provide essential medical treatments while providing donors with a financial boost.

22. Become a Taste Tester

Do you love trying new foods? Now you can get paid for it. Companies want to hear what you think about their new products, so they will pay you to try them out. 

You can sign up with a taste-testing platform like ContractTesting.com, where you’ll get to taste foods, drinks, and snacks. Let the company know what you liked and didn’t like, and they might even use your ideas to improve their products.

23. Monetize Your Photography Skills

Are you good at taking photos? You can make money by taking pictures. In Canada, a photography side hustle can make you $50,000 a year

Offer your photography skills to take photos at events, capture special moments in people’s lives, or create stock photos that businesses can use. You can advertise your services online or tell friends and family about your talent. 

24. Pet Sitting and Boarding

image showing trustedhousesitters website as one of unique side hustles

Offer pet sitting or boarding services for pet owners who need someone to care for their furry companions.

Use platforms like TrustedHouseSitters to find clients and earn an average of $2878 per month, according to ZipRecruiter.

25. Professional Organizer

Help people tidy up and arrange their homes as a Professional Organizer. Help them create functional living spaces and reduce clutter. 

You can make an average of $34.71 per hour doing this side hustle, according to PayScale.com.

FAQs

What side hustle makes the most money?

The potential earnings of a side hustle depend on various factors, such as your skills, dedication, and the demand for your services. High-earning side hustles include freelance writing, online tutoring, and starting a successful YouTube channel.

What are some quick side hustles to make money?

Quick side hustles that can generate income in a short time include dog walking, food delivery, and taking online surveys.

Do side hustles really make money?

Yes, side hustles can be a lucrative way to earn extra money. With determination and strategic planning, many individuals have turned their side gigs into significant sources of income.

How can you make $200 a day with side hustles?

Making $200 a day with side hustles requires a combination of creativity, effort, and the right opportunities.

Related: Best Things To Sell To Make Money Fast.

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Author

Gravatar for Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)
Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)

Enoch Omololu, personal finance expert, author, and founder of Savvy New Canadians, has written about money matters for over 10 years. Enoch has an MSc (Econ) degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Aberdeen Business School and has completed the Canadian Securities Course. His expertise has been highlighted in major publications like Forbes, Globe and Mail, Business Insider, CBC News, Toronto Star, Financial Post, CTV News, TD Direct Investing, Canadian Securities Exchange, and many others. Enoch is passionate about helping others win with their finances and recently created a practical investing course for beginners. You can read his full author bio.

About Savvy New Canadians

Savvy New Canadians is one of Canada's top personal finance platforms. Millions of Canadians use our site each year to learn how to save for retirement, invest smartly, maximize rewards, and earn extra cash. We have been featured in prominent finance media, including Forbes, Globe and Mail, Business Insider, CBC, MSN, Wealthsimple, and TD Direct Investing. Learn more about Savvy New Canadians.

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