As a PE teacher, your ability to inspire, motivate, and shape young minds is a unique gift. You’re not just teaching sports. You’re building character, instilling discipline, and fostering teamwork.
But let’s face it, even in a job that’s rewarding in so many ways, the bills don’t pay themselves. And in this ever-fluctuating economy, a little extra cash can go a long way.
If you’re on the hunt for a side hustle that complements your role as a PE teacher, you’re in good company.
The ideal side gig should boost your income and also capitalize on your existing skills, adding another layer of depth to your professional portfolio.
In this article, we’ll delve into 10 side hustles for PE teachers that utilize your unique skills and experience.
Whether you’re drawn to passive income from creating an online fitness course or more inclined towards hands-on client work, this list is packed with ideas to kickstart your journey.
But before we dive in, let’s take a moment to consider some of the perks of having a side hustle as a PE teacher…
Benefits of Side Hustles for PE Teachers
- Expanding your professional network within the fitness and education industry.
- Creating additional income streams to cushion your finances against unforeseen economic shifts.
- Acquiring new skills and experiences that enrich your career as a PE teacher.
- Engaging in diverse projects outside your regular job could ignite fresh ideas and lead to a more fulfilling career in physical education.
You might even have specific benefits in mind, unique to your circumstances. Maybe you’re envisioning something more than just a side gig. Perhaps a full-fledged business or an escape route from the 9-to-5 routine.
Regardless, a side hustle often demands more than just job-related skills. It might necessitate industry contacts, extra qualifications, mastering new tools and resources… and strategies to effectively promote your side gig and reel in clients.
As we navigate the various side hustles for PE teachers, I’ll share useful resources to help you hit the ground running. Now, let’s get down 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 be used for informational purposes only.
We encourage you to conduct thorough research and consult with professionals in your field to gain a better understanding of 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 PE Teachers
1. Transform Lives as a Personal Trainer
Picture this. It’s a crisp Saturday morning. You’re in a local park, guiding a dedicated group of individuals through a high-energy workout. They’re here because of you. Because you’re not just a PE teacher. You’re their personal trainer.
Target Demographic
Your clients could be anyone from adults looking to get fit, athletes wanting to improve performance, or individuals needing rehabilitation.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
As a PE teacher, you’re already armed with a robust understanding of fitness and exercise. Your teaching experience gives you an edge in explaining and demonstrating exercises.
But it’s not all sweat and dumbbells.
You might need to acquire a certification in personal training and brush up on your nutrition knowledge. But hey… who said side hustles were a walk in the park?
Monetization Strategies
When it comes to monetizing your skills as a personal trainer, it’s as straightforward as a good old-fashioned push-up. You can monetize your services by charging per session or offering package deals. You’re here to help people reach their fitness goals, one rep at a time!
Getting Started
The quickest way to get started is to advertise your services through social media, local gyms, or good old-fashioned word of mouth. And if you’re looking to mix things up, consider synergizing this hustle with being a nutrition consultant or wellness coach.
Starting Cost Estimate
Estimate: $200 – $1000 for personal training certification and advertising.
Resources
NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association)
As a personal trainer, you’re not just helping people get fit. You’re transforming lives, one workout at a time. So, are you ready to step out of the school gym (temporarily) and into the park or community center, or even on the beach?
2. Ignite Passion as a Youth Sports Coach
Imagine the joy on a child’s face as they score their first goal. The pride in their eyes. That may be the moment you helped create. As a youth sports coach, you’re not just teaching a sport. You’re shaping the future.
Admittedly, you may want a side hustle that gives you a break from kids, but then again, maybe not. And if not, you’re an absolute hero in my book. I love kids, and of course, I love MY kids… but I don’t have the energy to keep up.
Target Demographic
Local youth sports teams or clubs.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
Your expertise in a specific sport and your ability to teach and motivate young athletes may make you a perfect fit. But coaching isn’t just about the game. You’ll need a solid understanding of child psychology and a truckload of patience.
Monetization Strategies
When it comes to monetizing your skills as a youth sports coach, it’s pretty straightforward. In most cases, you’ll be paid by the team or club, but in some instances, you may charge per practice session.
Getting Started
Reach out to local sports clubs or advertise your services online. And if you’re looking to score a double, consider synergizing this hustle with being a personal trainer or sports equipment retailer.
Starting Cost Estimate
Estimate: $0 – $500 for potential advertising or coaching certification.
Resources
USSA (United States Sports Academy), NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations)
Remember, as a youth sports coach, you’re not just teaching a game. You’re building character, one practice at a time.
3. Create Unforgettable Memories as a Summer Camp Counselor
Picture this. You’re sitting around a campfire, roasting marshmallows, and sharing stories with a group of wide-eyed kids. As a summer camp counselor, you’re not just supervising. You’re creating unforgettable memories.
I’m a little torn about this side hustle, to be honest. I spent 12 summers at camp when I was younger, both as a camper and counselor, so I know how amazing and formative the experience is.
However, my daughter is a summer camp counselor and while it’s great that she’s getting the experience (and her own money), I’m crushed because I just literally (yes, literally) said goodbye to her five minutes ago as I’m writing this.
She’ll be gone another week, and we’re only halfway through the summer. It’s been incredibly hard for us not having her around and I can’t wait until the summer is over and life gets back to normal.
Target Demographic
Summer camps or day camps.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
Your ability to lead sports and recreational activities, manage groups of children, and ensure safety make you an ideal candidate. But remember, it’s not all s’mores and campfires. You might need to acquire first aid and CPR certification and spend a few days up to a week at the camp getting ready before the kids arrive.
Monetization Strategies
Monetizing your role as a summer camp counselor is a breeze. You get paid by the camp, usually a fixed salary for the duration of the camp. Just focus on creating unforgettable summer memories!
Getting Started
Apply to local summer camps or advertise your services online. And if you’re looking to pitch a bigger tent, consider synergizing this hustle with being a personal trainer or youth sports coach.
Starting Cost Estimate
Estimate: $0 – $200 for potential first aid and CPR certification.
Resources
American Camp Association, American Summer Camps
As a summer camp counselor, you’re not just supervising kids. You’re shaping their summer memories. Ready to swap the schoolyard for the great outdoors?
4. Score Big in Sporting Goods Retail
Imagine this. You’re in a bustling sporting goods store, helping young athletes choose their first baseball glove. As a retail associate, you’re not just selling equipment. You’re fueling dreams.
Okay, that may be an over-enthusiastic description of a retail gig.
This is probably not the side hustle of your dreams, but it’s a guaranteed second paycheck, so I thought I’d include it here. And the great thing about a secondary income is that you don’t have to do it forever. Although you never know…
Years ago (I think it was around 2010, maybe), I picked up a Pizza delivery gig at a local Italian restaurant to pay off a few bills. I thought I’d only do it for a few weeks, but I ended up enjoying it.
Maybe that shouldn't be surprising. But it was for me.
It was a relatively expensive restaurant, so the tips were much bigger than expected. And hanging around in what to me was a stress-free environment with the cooks, servers, and other drivers was a great change from my daily corporate job.
Target Demographic
No mystery here… sporting goods stores.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
Your first-hand experience with many types of sports equipment and your ability to advise customers make you a valuable asset. But remember, retail isn’t just about the sale. You’ll need to hone your customer service skills.
Monetization Strategies
In the world of sporting goods retail, monetization is as easy as lacing up a pair of sneakers. You earn an hourly wage or salary, plus potential staff discounts. You’re here to fuel dreams, one piece of sporting equipment at a time.
Getting Started
Apply to local sporting goods stores. And if you’re looking to score a home run, consider synergizing this hustle with being a personal trainer (you can recommend equipment to clients).
Starting Cost Estimate
Estimate: $0 – $50. While no additional costs are expected, you may have added fuel expenses.
Resources
Remember, as a sporting goods retail associate, you’re not just selling equipment. You’re helping athletes reach their potential. Ready to step onto the retail floor?
5. Gymnastics, Dance, or Functional Training Coach
Picture this. You’re in a dance studio, watching, as your students nail a complex routine. The smiles on their faces say it all. As a dance or gymanstics coach, you’re not just teaching steps. You’re inspiring confidence.
Target Demographic
You can check local gyms or dance studios to see if they need assistance. Or, start your own classes at your local community center, church, etc.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
You may need to brush up on your gymnastics, dance, or functional training skills. Or not… if you’re doing any of these regularly or recently.
Coupled with your ability to teach and motivate students, you’re the perfect coaching weapon. But remember, it’s not all pirouettes and cartwheels. You might need or certificates in specific training in gymnastics or dance styles such as jazz, hip-hop, ballet, etc.
Monetization Strategies
When it comes to monetizing your skills as a gymnastics or dance coach, it’s all about the class. You get paid by the gym or studio or charge per class. No need for anything fancy, just focus on helping your students nail their routines!
Getting Started
Reach out to local gyms or dance studios or advertise your services online. And if you’re looking to take a leap, consider synergizing this hustle with being a personal trainer or youth sports coach.
Starting Cost Estimate
Estimate: $0 – $3000 for advertising and certification costs. While dance and gymnastics certification may be reasonably priced, the master functional trainer courses I found were getting up near a few thousand.
Resources
NDEO (National Dance Education Organization), USA Gymnastics, FTI Global (Functional Training Institute)
To sugarcoat this just a little, it’s an important reminder that you're not just teaching routines as a dance or gymnastics coach. Oh no… you’re helping students find their rhythm and kick it on the dance or gymnasium floor.
Related Side Hustles
Side Hustles for Science Teachers
Side Hustles for Math Teachers
Side Hustles for New Teachers
Do Side Hustles Really Work? Facts and Statistics
… Continue with PE Teacher Side Hustles
6. Sports Official, Referee, or Event Coordinator
So, you’re at a local soccer tournament, whistle in hand, ready to officiate the final match. You’re not just any sports official enforcing rules. Nope. You’re ensuring fair play.
I know, easier said than done.
As parents attending our daughter’s basketball games weekly, I can’t say we liked every referee and official. I know I’m biased, but c’mon. Some of those calls… 😉
However, I can proudly say that we only quietly complained to ourselves, unlike some parents. Now that I think about it, maybe this side hustle should come with a warning.
Target Demographic
Local sports leagues, schools, and community centers.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
You’re already a pro at understanding sports rules and managing a bunch of energetic kids. Why not get paid for it in your spare time? You might need to brush up on your customer service and conflict resolution skills.
Monetization Strategies
Monetizing your role as a sports official or event coordinator is as straightforward as a well-planned game. You get paid by the league or event organizer. Just focus on ensuring fair play and creating enjoyable experiences!
Getting Started
Join local sports associations or leagues, or if you’re feeling particularly entrepreneurial, start your own. And if you’re looking for side hustles that go well with sports officiating, you might consider combining it with sports coaching or training.
Starting Cost Estimate
Estimate: $0 – $1000. Depending on the sport you're officiating, and where, fees and certifications will vary.
Resources
NASO (National Association of Sports Officials)
Remember, you're not just managing games as a sports official or event coordinator. You’re creating enjoyable experiences for athletes and fans (although it probably won't always feel that way).
7. Inspire Others as a Fitness Blogger/YouTuber
Picture this. You’re in front of your camera, ready to share a fun, high-energy workout with your followers. As a fitness blogger or YouTuber, you’re not just sharing exercises. You’re inspiring a healthier lifestyle.
Target Demographic
Fitness enthusiasts, students, parents, and educators.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
As a PE teacher, you’re already a walking encyclopedia of fitness knowledge. Why not share that with the world? You’ll need to learn a thing or two about content creation, SEO, and social media marketing.
Monetization Strategies
Many people wonder how bloggers make money or if it’s possible to make money blogging at all. It is. Bloggers make money from various sources, such as advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
As a fitness blogger or YouTuber, you can earn revenue from ads displayed on your blog or YouTube videos. As your following grows, you might also get sponsorship offers from fitness brands.
Affiliate marketing is another great way to earn money. You can promote fitness products or services and earn a commission on any sales made through your affiliate links. It’s like being a virtual salesperson!
Getting Started
Create a blog or YouTube channel and start creating content. And if you’re looking for synergistic side hustles, consider online fitness coaching or personal training.
Starting Cost Estimate
Estimate: $50 – $1000. The cost of this side hustle will first depend on whether you start a blog or a YouTube channel. Many bloggers do both and vice-versa.
Therefore, consider the cost of a website domain and hosting or a good-quality camera, microphone, and video editing software. The wide range depends on the quality of equipment you choose to start with.
Resources
Wealthy Affiliate, Blogging for Money, YouTube.com (Starting a YouTube Channel), YouTube Partner Program
As a fitness blogger or YouTuber, you’re not just sharing workouts. You’re helping people lead healthier lives. So, are you ready to hit publish on that blog or record that video?
8. Lead the Adventure as an Outdoor Adventure Guide
Imagine this. You’re on a mountain trail, leading a group of excited hikers to a breathtaking viewpoint. As an outdoor adventure guide, you’re not just leading a hike. You’re creating unforgettable experiences.
Target Demographic
Tourists, locals looking for adventure, schools, and corporate teams.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
As a PE teacher, you’re already skilled at ensuring safety and leading groups. You might need to learn first aid and survival skills.
Monetization Strategies
Monetizing your role as an outdoor adventure guide is as exciting as the adventures you lead. You get paid by the tour company or charge per tour. Just focus on creating unforgettable experiences in the great outdoors!
Getting Started
Join a local adventure tour company or start your own. And if you’re looking for synergistic side hustles, consider outdoor fitness training or survival skills coaching.
Starting Cost Estimate
Estimate: $0 – $1000 for potential first aid and survival training.
Resources
REI Co-op, NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) Wilderness Survival Instructor Training
More than a tour guide, an outdoor adventure guide can help people discover the joy of the great outdoors and connect with their primal selves. So, are you ready to hit the trail?
9. Capture the Action as a Sports Photographer
Picture this. You’re on the sidelines of a thrilling soccer match, camera in hand, ready to capture the game-winning goal. As a sports photographer, you’re not just taking photos. You’re freezing unforgettable moments in time.
Target Demographic
Schools, sports teams, families, and event attendees.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
As a PE teacher, you’re already in the thick of the action, understanding the flow of the game and anticipating key moments. You’ll need to learn a bit about photography and photo editing.
Monetization Strategies
When it comes to monetizing your skills as a sports photographer, it’s all about the shot. You sell photos to families and attendees or get paid by the event organizer. Just focus on capturing those unforgettable moments!
Getting Started
Invest in a good camera and start shooting local sports events. And if you’re looking for synergistic side hustles, consider sports blogging or event planning.
Starting Cost Estimate
Estimate: $500 – $1000 for a good camera and editing software.
Resources
Remember, as a sports photographer, you’re not just taking photos. You’re capturing memories that will last a lifetime. Ready to capture the action?
10. Educate and Inspire as a Youth Fitness eBook Kindle Publishing Author
I know… you're a PE teacher, not an author. But if you've been mountaineering and completely off the grid, isolated from society, you may not have heard of a little thing called generative AI.
While it has the potential to take down society, or so they say, it's also pretty handy at taking YOUR expertise and YOUR imagination and turning it into a book. Or a series of books.
So imagine sitting at your desk, putting the finishing touches on your latest creation. An idea you've had bouncing around inside your mind for years is now ready to be read and appreciated by the world.
Your idea come-to-life, inspiring a healthier generation.
Target Demographic
Parents, educators, and young readers.
Skills, Experience, and Requirements
As a PE teacher, you’re already equipped with a wealth of knowledge about physical health and fitness. Why not put that to paper… or screen? You’ll need to learn a bit about writing (and writing with AI), eBook formatting, and digital marketing.
Monetization Strategies
Monetizing your role as an eBook author is as rewarding as the books you write. You sell your eBooks on platforms like Amazon Kindle. You’re here to inspire a healthier generation, one eBook at a time!
Getting Started
Brainstorm eBook ideas and start writing with the help of AI. And if you’re looking for synergistic side hustles, consider online tutoring or fitness coaching for kids and teens.
Starting Cost Estimate
Estimate: $0 – $10,000. I only put this estimate at a ridiculous sounding $10K for those who self-publish a real printed paper, flippable pages book and distribute it. However, this isn't necessary. You can publish your book for free with KDP (Kindle Digital Publishing).
Resources
KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), Sudowrite, ChatGPT
As an eBook author, you're an “author”. Yes, you can wear that title around your neck, and it looks pretty good. Not to mention, you’re helping kids and teens lead healthier, happier lives. So… ready to start writing?
