You enjoy nurturing young minds, turning big ideas into bite-sized nuggets of knowledge that even the most distracted student can grasp.
But even with your superhuman teaching skills, it’s tough out there. The escalating cost of living can be a tough nut to crack, especially if you’re just starting your teaching career.
And you’re not alone. If you're on the hunt for a side hustle to tip the financial scales in your favor, you're in good company.
Or maybe you’re just anxious to get ahead.
There's a whole universe of side hustles out there, but one that capitalizes on your existing skills can enhance your career and add an extra layer of expertise to your professional portfolio.
So, whether you're dreaming of passive income from a blog or keen on working directly with clients, these side hustles for new teachers are brimming with inspiration to jumpstart your foray into the gig economy.
Benefits of Side Hustles for New Teachers
As mentioned, while countless side hustles from Uber to dog walking exist, many don’t utilize your teacher's expertise. Well, maybe dog walking does 😉.
That said, there are some specific benefits to choosing a side hustle that builds upon your career.
- They offer a chance to build a network of connections with clients and professionals in related fields.
- Additional income streams to bolster your finances and unlock new opportunities and ventures.
- They provide a platform to learn new skills and gain experiences that will enrich your classroom and add variety to your teaching career.
- Engaging and creative projects beyond your daily routine can spark innovative ideas and open new exciting paths.
Of course, side hustles aren't all sunshine and lollipops. Along with your teaching prowess, you may need to forge industry connections, earn additional certifications, learn how to use new tools, and find clients.
But as a new teacher, it’s probably safe to say you don’t shy away from a challenge. So, let’s get to the side hustles…
Disclaimer:
Please note that the starting budget estimates and any income potential suggestions provided in this article are only rough estimates and can vary significantly depending on various factors. These factors may include but are not limited to your location, experience level, competition, target market, marketing strategy, and overall economic conditions. The figures mentioned are not guaranteed and should only be used for informational purposes.
We encourage you to conduct thorough research and consult with professionals in your field to better understand the costs and potential earnings associated with your chosen side hustle. For additional information on income potential, you may refer to resources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, and PayScale, which provide salary and income data for various professions and industries.
Side Hustles for New Teachers
1. Virtual Assistant
Ever thought about being the invisible force that keeps a business running smoothly?
As a virtual assistant, you’re the digital wizard behind the screen, making magic happen with just a few keystrokes. Who knew your talent for organization and multitasking could turn into a profitable side hustle?
Target Demographic
Small businesses, entrepreneurs, and busy professionals are the prime clients for a virtual assistant. They’re looking for someone who can juggle tasks, keep things organized, and help them stay on top of their game.
They need a digital wizard to make their lives and businesses more efficient.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
As a teacher, you already have what it takes to be a superb virtual assistant. You’re a pro at organization and multitasking, making you a natural fit for this role.
Familiarity with basic office software is a must, but your real superpower is keeping cool under pressure and handling many tasks gracefully.
Monetization Strategies
When it comes to making money, as a virtual assistant, you can charge an hourly rate or offer packages for a set number of tasks. Offering specialized services, like social media management or content creation, can help you earn higher rates.
And remember, as your client list grows, you can provide additional services tailored to their needs.
Getting Started
Start by identifying your strengths to kick off your virtual assistant journey. Are you a scheduling whiz?
A master of email management?
Build a professional website showcasing your skills once you’ve narrowed down your specialty. LinkedIn and sites like Upwork are great places to connect with your first clients.
Starting Cost Estimate
You’ll need an initial investment of $0 – $500 to launch your virtual assistant business. This covers the cost of building a professional-looking website and potentially subscribing to productivity tools.
You can also take virtual assistant courses to help speed up the process and shorten the learning curve.
Finally, to save money, free website builders are available, and you can also take advantage of free trials and freemium software.
Resources
Become a Virtual Assistant, Upwork, Fiverr
2. Social Media Management
Are you a social media guru who can work magic with a hashtag?
As a social media manager, you’re the puppet master pulling the digital strings, shaping online stories, and watching businesses thrive under your guidance. How fulfilling is that?
Target Demographic
Businesses, influencers, and even non-profits want social media maestros. They need an online puppet master who can make their digital presence engaging, grow their audience, and amplify their brand’s message.
They’re seeking someone nimble enough to navigate the ever-changing social media landscape.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
Teachers are masters of communication, a talent that transfers seamlessly to social media management.
Sure, you’ll need to know various platforms inside out, but it’s your ability to connect with and captivate people that will truly make you stand out.
Monetization Strategies
Regarding revenue streams, social media managers can charge per platform, per post, or package deals covering various platforms.
Offering content creation or ad campaign management adds value to your services. And as you help clients expand their reach, you can upsell them on broader digital marketing services.
Getting Started
Immerse yourself in social media management by choosing your platform specialty, like Instagram or LinkedIn.
Brush up on trends and algorithms, and consider a certification course. You can also build an impressive online presence to showcase your social media savvy and tap into sites like Fiverr to find clients.
Starting Cost Estimate
You can launch a social media management business for $0 – $500 upfront, but, like our previous side hustle, some tools and courses will shorten the learning curve and make you more efficient.
Resources
Start a Digital Agency, Social Owl, Hubspot Academy
3. Freelance Writing, Fact-Checking, Editing, and Proofreading
Do you have a way with words? As a freelance writer, fact-checker, editor, or proofreader, you’re the word whisperer, transforming muddled manuscripts into works of art.
And the best part? You get to expand your knowledge as you polish other people’s prose.
Here’s the thing with freelance writing. General freelance writers used to earn a decent amount per word, but since the introduction of generative AI, more and more content creators and businesses are using these tools.
However, expert knowledge on specific topics is still in demand, either to write articles or to fact-check, edit, and proofread AI-written articles (which is, ironically, a relatively AI-proof side hustle… at least for now). This has turned into a valuable side hustle.
Target Demographic
Publishers, businesses, and independent authors form the core clientele for freelance word whisperers.
They seek experts who can craft compelling content, verify facts, refine rough drafts, and perfect their prose. In short, they want someone who can make their words shine.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
Your experience grading student papers has honed your skills for freelance writing and editing gigs. A rock-solid grasp of grammar rules is essential, but it’s your educator’s eye for detail and grasp of effective communication that make you a star.
Monetization Strategies
When it comes to income streams, freelance word whisperers can charge per-word, per-hour, and per-project. You can also negotiate a monthly salary.
I’ve hired freelancers on a per-word and per-project basis. I’ve also employed freelance writers and paid a monthly salary. However, I’m not familiar with freelance writing on a per-hour basis, so I’m not certain how clients track that.
There is another blogger/site owner locally here who hires writers by the hour, but they are in-house writers, not freelancers.
At any rate, offering niche services, like technical writing or SEO optimization, will boost your rates. As you build client relationships, you can sell additional services like content strategy or social media management.
Getting Started
Kickstart your word whisperer career by creating a portfolio highlighting your skills.
Showcase lesson plans or grading rubrics you’ve created, or do some pro-bono projects to build your portfolio.
Sites like Upwork, Freelancer, and ProBlogger job boards are great places to find your first gigs.
Starting Cost Estimate
You can launch a freelance writing and editing business for as little as $0 – $50 upfront. This covers potential costs for grammar tools and plagiarism checkers.
Use free tools like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor to save money and time.
Resources
How To Become a Freelance Writer, Proofread Anywhere, Grammarly
4. Online Tutoring
Remember the joy of that “Aha.” moment when a student finally understood a concept?
You can experience that thrill as an online tutor while working from home. You’re not just teaching. Nope. You’re shaping futures by empowering students one lesson at a time.
But you already know that.
Target Demographic
Students of all ages, parents, and even adults seeking to learn compose the potential client base for online tutors. They want a digital guru who can demystify complex topics, provide personalized instruction, and help them achieve their academic or self-improvement goals.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
As an educator, you already possess the necessary skills to excel as an online tutor. And tutoring can help you sharpen those skills further.
Your talent for explaining difficult concepts simply and connecting with different learning styles makes you a perfect fit. Patience and empathy, your go-to teaching tools, are invaluable in this role too.
Monetization Strategies
When it comes to earning potential, online tutors can charge hourly fees or package deals covering a set number of sessions. You can also provide specialized tutoring, like test prep or college admissions coaching, which can generate higher rates.
Getting Started
To begin tutoring online, pinpoint the subjects you feel most comfortable teaching. Create profiles on platforms like Chegg or Tutor.com that highlight your classroom experience.
You can also reach out to your network to find your first pupils and request referrals to expand your clientele.
Starting Cost Estimate
You can start online tutoring for an initial investment of $0 – $100. This includes potential costs for a low-cost webcam, mic, and teaching materials.
Resources
Related Side Hustles
Side Hustles for English Teachers
Side Hustles for PE Teachers
Side Hustles to Pay Rent
… Continue with New Teacher Side Hustles
5. Blogging
Got a passion you can talk about forever?
Start a blog. Yes… I said a blog.
Really?
I know, I know. Blogging doesn’t seem like a “real” side hustle, but I can tell you from experience that it is. This has been my full-time gig for many years now.
It wasn't a side hustle I planned on. I didn't even know you could make money this way when I started, but as over the first year or two or getting deeper into the blogging culture (for the record, I don't think anyone actually calls it that), I found out that it could be quite profitable.
So, as a blogger, you become a keyboard conqueror, transforming your obsession into engaging online content. You get to connect with like-minded people around the globe, and who knows… Your words might inspire someone.
Target Demographic
Your target demographic would be fellow enthusiasts in your niche and curious readers searching online for solutions your content provides.
Many crave content from someone who shares their interests, offers valuable insights, and cultivates a community around the things they are interested in. And they want someone entertaining, informative, and inspirational.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
While it's not a direct cross-over skill, your ability to create lesson plans can help you develop captivating blog content.
There is a debate about whether it’s a good idea to blog about your passion or choose something with better earning potential. In my experience doing this since 2015 and coaching others, I consider it a must to choose a passion for your niche.
Others will disagree.
But I consider this crucial because it’s painful and tedious to spend hours-upon-hours creating content about something you have no interest in and might not know about. I've tried it, and it just doesn't work.
On the other hand, the things you enjoy are things you often spend time talking about and possibly writing about anyway. And they don't require the same level of research as an unfamiliar topic.
Something you enjoy is also often a subject you unconsciously educate and motivate others in by simply sharing your passion. Your enthusiasm may even be infectious.
Monetization Strategies
For revenue, many wonder how or if bloggers earn at all. They do. Bloggers can earn through advertising, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, or selling their own products/services.
Offering premium content like ebooks or online courses provides another income stream. And as your following grows, you can host webinars, provide coaching, or offer exclusive content.
It’s not uncommon for bloggers to earn over six-figures a year (this website, for example), and I know some who are well into the seven figures.
To be clear, though, this isn't an overnight project. It takes most people at least 2 – 3 years to reach the six-figure mark, but those years go by fast… and they go by whether you're hanging out with friends or watching Netflix.
Getting Started
Again, choose a niche you’re crazy about and start writing.
Also, again, many will disagree. Those who focus on SEO (Search Engine Optimization), like I do, will mostly disagree with this, and they are not entirely wrong.
A highly competitive niche is very difficult to get traction in if you're going after search engine traffic. And some niches are more lucrative than others.
But as I mentioned, it’s very difficult to build a successful blog about a topic you don’t care about.
The only people I know who have done that successfully are those who already have successful sites in other niches (or have built and sold sites successfully) and entrepreneurs with financial resources to hire writers to create all of their content.
Anyway, once you've decided on a niche, start with a WordPress website is recommended. This gives you the most flexibility for future growth.
You can use drag and drop website builders or even post on Medium, but most serious bloggers who do it for money usually end up using WordPress.
You can also promote your content on social media to widen your reach, and once you get your website up and running, look into SEO strategies to boost your visibility and draw in more readers.
Unfortunately, the topic of SEO is beyond the scope of this article, but many resources are out there to help you get started.
Starting Cost Estimate
You can launch a money-making blog for $50 – $500 upfront. This covers potential domain registration and hosting fees on the low end.
On the higher end, there are also courses and platforms that will help you speed up this process that range in price from $50/month to a few hundred. However, some advanced course are $1000+, but that's usually a one-time payment.
Resources
Wealthy Affiliate, Blogging for Money
6. Event Planning
Do you have a flair for throwing unforgettable soirees? As an event planner, you’re the weekend maestro, orchestrating once-in-a-lifetime experiences guests will reminisce about for years.
And let’s be real, who doesn’t love an epic party?
Target Demographic
Individuals, companies, and non-profits planning events make up your target demographic. They need a weekend maestro to curate memorable occasions, handle logistics, and ensure everything goes off without a hitch.
They want someone who can turn their vision into a spectacular reality.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
Teachers are natural-born planners, making event planning an ideal side hustle. You’ll need razor-sharp attention to detail and mad skills in coordinating moving parts.
But it’s your ability to anticipate needs and problem-solve on the fly that will make your events truly unforgettable.
Monetization Strategies
When it comes to earning potential, event planners can charge flat project fees, hourly rates, or a percentage of the total budget.
Offering additional services like vendor management or event design can help you command higher prices. As you build client relationships, you can sell ongoing event services like marketing and post-event analysis.
Getting Started
Pinpoint the types of events you want to coordinate, like weddings or corporate functions. Build a portfolio showcasing events you’ve organized, such as school fundraisers or birthday bashes.
Don’t forget to leverage social media to advertise your services and network with vendors to form partnerships.
Starting Cost Estimate
You can launch an event planning business for $100 – $500 upfront.
This covers costs like designing a website, printing business cards, and purchasing planning software. To save money, use free website builders and make your own business cards.
Resources
How to Become an Event Planner
7. Wedding, Event, and Family Photography
Have an eye for capturing Kodak moments? As a wedding, event, or family photographer, you’re the memory maker, immortalizing joyful occasions with the click of a shutter.
And to be a little cheesy (although true), it’s magical being part of someone’s special day, chronicling their laughter, their tears, their once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Target Demographic
Couples, families, and event hosts are your ideal clients.
They want a memory maker who can freeze time through stunning images, visually narrate their stories, and provide cherished mementos. They need someone with artistic vision and technical mastery.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
A good eye and passion for photography make this a great side gig. Technical skills are crucial, but it’s your ability to connect with people and evoke emotions that will make your photos truly spectacular.
Monetization Strategies
When it comes to pricing, photographers can charge hourly, per event, or offer photo packages. Providing additional services like editing and album design adds value.
As you capture clients' special moments, you can sell them future photo sessions to document milestones.
Perks can be another benefit of this job. I have a friend with a wedding and family photography business who seems to always be on all-expense paid trips photographing destination weddings.
Getting Started
Build a portfolio flaunting your best shots. Create a website or leverage Instagram to showcase your work.
Offer discounted rates to friends and family to build your portfolio and ask them to refer you to expand your client network.
Starting Cost Estimate
Plan on investing $500 – $2000 to launch a photography business. This covers equipment like cameras, lenses, and editing software.
To save money, start with used gear or use a smartphone if it has a quality camera.
Resources
Udemy (Photography Masterclass), Expert Photograhy
8. Home Organizing and Relocation Assistance
Do you find bliss in decluttering and organizing? You may be in the minority.
Most of us love a decluttered and organized home or workspace, but we don’t love doing it.
So, as a home organizer or move consultant, you’re the chaos coordinator that people need, transforming messy spaces into tranquil oases and featherweight moves.
Target Demographic
Homeowners, renters, and companies prepping for a move make up your target market. They often need help decluttering their spaces, organizing their stuff, and making moving less stressful.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
Your experience designing tidy, efficient classrooms can help you declutter and organize homes. A keen eye for space planning is helpful, but it’s your ability to neatly compartmentalize disorder that will truly wow clients.
Monetization Strategies
When it comes to pricing, home organizers can charge hourly or per project. Offering additional services like home staging and packing/unpacking can increase your income potential.
As you help clients organize, you can provide maintenance tidying sessions or virtual consultations with the potential for referrals.
Getting Started
Showcase before-and-after photos of your own organizing projects to create a portfolio.
Advertise your services on community boards and sites like TaskRabbit, and lean on word-of-mouth referrals to grow your clientele. A job well done is your best marketing.
Starting Cost Estimate
You can launch a home organizing business for $50 – $200 upfront. This includes website setup and printing marketing materials. Use free website builders to save money and promote yourself on social media.
Resources
Good Housekeeping (Organizing Tips), How to Set Up an LLC
9. Summer Camp Counselor or Instructor
Remember the magic of summer camp as a kid? Relive the adventure as a camp counselor or activity leader. You’re the fun facilitator, creating unforgettable experiences for a new generation of campers.
Plus, what’s more enjoyable than mentoring campers while you soak up the summer sun?
Okay, it isn’t all roses. I know this because my oldest daughter is working at camp this summer, and a rare day goes by when she doesn’t have challenges, particularly with the kids.
But, the overall experience is good, and as a teacher with experience working with groups of kids, your experience will be a lot different than hers (although my daughter has always been amazing with kids).
Target Demographic
Parents, schools, and camp organizers need fun facilitators to provide safe, engaging, educational camp experiences. They want mentors who can help create lifelong summer memories for their kids.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
Your classroom management experience makes you a fantastic camp counselor or instructor candidate. And while a passion for the outdoors and your activity is key, your ability to inspire and motivate young minds will make summer truly magical.
Monetization Strategies
Most camp counselors and instructors earn a seasonal salary, but not always. My daughter is paid by the week.
Offering specialized instruction in activities like arts, music, or sports can possibly provide additional income.
Getting Started
Research local camps that fit your skills and interests. Reach out to directors about opportunities showcasing your enthusiasm for working with children.
You can also highlight relevant certifications or training you’ve completed, not to mention your teacher’s resume will stand miles above most other applicants.
Starting Cost Estimate
You can become a camp counselor for $0 – $200 upfront. This covers potential costs for certification courses or training, resume prep services if you outsource it, and potential fuel costs.
To save money, look for camps that provide free onboarding.
Resources
American Camp Association, American Summer Camps
10. Sell Handmade Goods
Do you enjoy crafting beautiful things from tangled piles of loose items or a box of knick-knacks you found in the garage?
This side hustle came to mind when I watched an Instagram short this morning of someone making clever feeders, toys, and garden waterers from plastic bottles. It made me think these would be great projects for my kids to do in school.
Wait…
School > Kids > Teachers > Hey, this might be a great side hustle for a teacher. So here we are 😄.
Now that I've shared how my brain works, let's dive deeper into this gig.
Target Demographic
Art lovers, gift shoppers, and those seeking unique finds make up your target market. They all crave one-of-a-kind, handcrafted treasures and want something special that can’t be found in stores.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
Your artistic talents, honed through countless classroom projects, will transfer seamlessly into handmade crafts. Or at least, that’s the hope.
Strong craftsmanship and an eye for detail are important, so you may need to brush up on your skills. But everyone starts somewhere.
Monetization Strategies
When it comes to earning potential, crafty entrepreneurs can price items based on materials, time invested, and perceived value. Offering custom orders and personalized pieces allows you to charge premium rates.
As your customer base grows, you can expand your product line.
Getting Started
Choose your medium. Be it jewelry, candles, ceramics, clothing, printable merchandise, 3D printed figures, and so on.
Set up shop on Etsy to access their built-in audience. And at the risk of stating the obvious, photograph your work in an appealing way.
Consider reaching out to local boutiques as well to discuss selling wholesale, and don’t be shy about self-promotion on social media.
Starting Cost Estimate
Depending on your creations, it's reasonable to set a range between $50 – $1000 launching a handmade business. This covers materials, equipment, and opening an Etsy shop. To save money, use recycled materials and leverage your existing supplies.
