We all know teachers aren’t teaching to get rich. But struggling along from paycheck to paycheck isn’t right. We believe teachers should be paid like professionals, and side hustles should be a choice not a necessity. Unfortunately, the reality is that many teachers need second jobs to makes ends meet, so we’ll continue to advocate for better pay until teachers are compensated fairly. Until then, fortunately, there are lots of ways for teachers to make some extra money. Check out these side jobs for teachers, many of which you can do from home!
1. Sell your lesson plans
Teacher Pay Teachers has changed the way teachers get and share content. Chances are you’ve downloaded something from there yourself. So why not take your great lessons and put them on there too? Here’s an article on how to get started on Teachers Pay Teachers. We hope it helps you.
2. Tutor online or in person
Check out local tutoring companies to see if they’re looking to hire, or post your own ad on social media or parent or neighborhood groups. Check out our list of the best online tutoring jobs here too.
3. Prep kids for standardized tests
Companies like PrepNow and Varsity Tutors specialize in prepping kids for tests like the SAT, ACT, and more. They usually use a standard curriculum, so you don’t need to do a lot of work outside of your tutoring sessions.
4. Teach English as a second language
There used to be a huge market for online ESL tutors working with Chinese kids. Recent changes to the law in China means companies like VIPKid and Qkids had to change up their formula a bit, but they still offer decent side jobs for teachers.
5. Offer online classes
Experiences are the next big thing, with people offering their expertise directly to consumers. Look into a site like Skillshare or Dabble to offer a class online.
6. Coach or supervise extracurriculars
At many schools, coaches and extracurricular advisors can earn extra money for their time. Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities in your district.
7. Market your own website
If you have an existing website, check out affiliate programs like ShareASale or MaxBounty, which allow you to earn money from ads and other affiliate offers.
8. Babysit or become a part-time nanny
Teachers have plenty of built-in experience with kids, so you can ask for higher rates. Ask your local connections or try a website like Care.com.
9. Pet-sit or walk dogs
You can find pet-sitting gigs locally, but Rover is really where it’s at. Sign up, create a profile, and then make yourself available to pet-sit! You can either sit at someone’s house or host at yours. It’s an easy way for an animal lover to make a few extra bucks for something they already love. If you’re into dog walking, try Wag.
10. Become a ref or umpire
If you love sports, then this one is for you. It’s also a great option if you need some flexibility because you can take on gigs around your schedule.
11. Do user testing
You can give sites and companies feedback by testing out their products, reading their material, etc. User testing connects real people to companies who need this service. Check it out here.
12. Work with local homeschools
Depending on your state’s laws, you may be able to pick up some extra cash teaching classes, overseeing a child’s progress, or providing annual evaluations. Do a search for local homeschool groups, and talk with them to learn more.
13. Publish an e-book
Do you have an amazing curriculum that people are always asking you for? Maybe it’s time to write an e-book and share your wealth of knowledge while increasing your monetary wealth a bit. Kindle Direct Publishing is a good way to do this because then your work is available on Amazon, but there are other programs out there too.
14. Open an Etsy shop
Are you that teacher who has a perfect Pinterest classroom and is just naturally crafty or artsy? Take that talent to Etsy. We recommend specializing in a craft to start with. This way you can build up your reputation and ranking in Etsy search. We also recommend doing a little research first so that you’re not offering something that many people already do.
15. Sell crafts locally
Lacking motivation for that Etsy shop? Hit the local craft fairs and farmers markets instead. You won’t need to take photos or worry about shipping out your products. Just rent a booth, lay out your merch, and you’re off!
16. Transcribe or caption audio
How does working from home in your PJs sound? Rev is a company that hires people to transcribe or caption audio—from the comfort of their own home. The faster—and more accurately—you type, the more you can earn. You can also earn more if you know a foreign language and are able to provide subtitles for videos.
Have a car? Then you’re hired! The best perk of driving for ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft is flexibility—you set your own hours and schedule. It’s a great way to make money (you can earn up to $30 per hour during peak times) whenever you’ve got the time to spare.
18. Deliver food
DoorDash and Uber Eats are always looking for delivery drivers. Dinnertime and weekends are their busiest times, and teachers are often free then to pick up some extra work.
19. Shop for others
Shop and deliver to people straight from your favorite markets. You’ll have to have some food knowledge and live in the designated cities for either of these companies, but if you like the idea of shopping as a way to make money, this could be a good choice for you. Check out Shipt or Instacart.
20. Mow lawns or do yard work
Work before or after school or on weekends. Nifty services like Lawn Guru (think of it as the Uber of mowing lawns) can help you find jobs. Or hang up flyers at the library, grocery store, or community center to advertise yourself.
21. Do handy work
If you’ve got amateur skills like plumbing, carpentry, or repair abilities, offer your services to those who don’t. Register with a company like Angi Services to find jobs near you.
22. Sell your stuff
Chances are most of us can stand to clean up and clean out. You can go the traditional route and hold a rummage sale. Or get it listed online, using sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. OfferUp is an app you can try as well.
23. Make money from old electronics
Whether they’re your own old devices sitting around gathering dust, or those you pick up at thrift stores, places like Gazelle will offer you cash.
24. Clean houses
If cleaning is your favorite way to de-stress, put it to good use! Post flyers around town, or place an online ad with Craigslist or similar services.
25. Organize people’s stuff
Marie Kondo proves organization never goes out of style. Here’s what happened when one teacher tried her method. Start up a side business for those looking to add a little more structure to their lives. For this one, focus on taking on just a few clients to start with. Post in your own neighborhood groups or professional networks for starters.
26. Be a virtual assistant
This might involve getting a local business person’s accounting organized or taking on appointments or emails for someone. It really could include anything. So if you like working with people and can help in this way, spread the word.
27. Work as a local tour guide
Teachers make great leaders and speakers. Take a look to see what local tour companies exist in your city or neighborhood. You might be able to make a few extra bucks while leading a brewery tour, foodie event, or historical walk. If they don’t exist in your town, consider starting your own!
28. Rent out your house
If you have the space, offer to rent out a room on Airbnb or Vrbo. Another option is to rent out your entire place. This is an especially good idea if you’re traveling this summer. You could be making money while you’re off somewhere else spending it! With Airbnb offering insurance and charging guests taxes directly, it really is easy.
29. Rent out your extra space
Have a spare storage shed or mostly empty garage? Neighbor lets you rent out your unused space to make extra money, and it’s backed with an insurance policy. Sign up on their site, list your available space, and others can rent it to store their stuff!
If you’re not using your car, consider letting others use it through the Turo app. Let others make your car payment for you!
31. Sell stock photos
You know all those photos you take? Now you can turn them into cash. Learn how it works and compare the major services here.
32. Take professional photos
If your photography talent goes beyond stock photos and you like dealing with people, consider taking pictures of people. Senior portraits are a big business for many, and you already have an in with contacts by being a teacher.
33. Do odd jobs
Check out the Gigs category on Craigslist for a variety of odd jobs you can do on the side in your area. You could find everything from assembling furniture to videography to plumbing to signing up for a diabetes study and beyond.
34. Sign up with a temp agency
Check with local temp agencies for a seasonal gig, or those that take place outside of school hours. It’s a low-risk option for making some extra money.
35. Try FlexJobs
Join this site and get access to all sorts of remote side jobs for teachers. Accounting, writing, data entry, graphic design—these are just a few of the part-time job categories FlexJobs offers.
36. Write for WeAreTeachers
Yes, please. We are always open to writers, and we actually pay! Here’s a free freelancing tip: Pitch a strong article and get familiar with the site. For instance, you don’t want to pitch an article on amazing teacher podcasts because we already have that.
37. Find other freelance writing gigs
Lots of companies use freelance writers for a variety of purposes. You may not always get a byline, but you can pick up some spare cash. This is one of our favorite ways that English teachers can make extra money! Try a site like Fiverr or Guru for opportunities.
38. Flip furniture
Have you ever been to a thrift shop and come across a gorgeous piece of old furniture that needs a little (or a lot of) love? Well, with the right redo, this piece could earn you plenty of money! This is a creative teacher side hustle, and we love this article with great tips on how to flip furniture.
39. Buy and sell designer brands
Do you love to hunt for amazing vintage clothing items or good deals on name-brand items? Turn around and sell those on apps like Poshmark, which is popular for clothes, purses, shoes, and more. This can be one of those fun and lucrative side jobs for teachers that barely feels like work!
40. Become a picker
No, not playing the banjo or guitar, though that’s not a bad teacher side hustle either! Take inspiration from American Pickers by finding hidden treasures and then reselling them. It could be a great way to justify your love of rummage sales or antiquing.
41. Tend bar
Are you a bit of a night owl? Pick up hours tending bar at local hot spots. You’ll earn a salary and have a chance to make some great tips.
42. Be a barista
Teachers run on coffee, so chances are you already know all the best local shops. Many of them have trouble filling their very early morning shifts, so you might be able to squeeze a couple of hours in before school starts.
43. Sell real estate
You’ll need to earn your license first, but once you do, you can make some seriously terrific commissions while working on your own schedule. Go full-time in summer and you can really clean up!
44. Try house-sitting
You can earn money just by hanging out at someone’s home? It’s true! Plus it could be a good way to get in a little vacation for yourself. Learn more about it at HouseSitter.com.
45. Make meals for others
Do you love cooking? Learn how to turn your love of baking and making into cash with a local meal service. When you do this in bulk, it can really be a good earning opportunity.
46. Teach fitness classes
Are you a fitness guru? Get certified in yoga, Pilates, or another area. It might be an upfront investment, but this way you can stay fit and earn year-round while teaching evening or early morning classes during the school year.
47. Be a camp instructor
For those of you who don’t need a break from kids, look into being camp instructor over the summer or during school breaks. Local museums are a great place to start.
48. Teach summer school
Summer school opportunities are natural side jobs that pull in some extra income for teachers. The time requirement is often shorter overall. If your school doesn’t have summer school or openings, check nearby schools.
Want to play a role in the educational tools students will be using in your classroom? TinkerEd hires educators to give their thoughts and opinions on educational technology that companies are developing. Get a sneak peek of what’s coming down the edtech pike and make a little dough in the process.
50. Consider a home party business
There are all kinds of home-party businesses out there, and there’s a LOT of controversy around them. Still, for some people, they can be a legit way to make extra money, or at least earn credit to buy more of a product you love.
