Top Earning Side Hustles Across All U.S. States

At LingualNeeds, we provide a platform for online tutors to monetize their skills by teaching students eager to learn new languages. This makes online tutoring one of the most rewarding side gigs available, comparable to popular options like freelance writing and babysitting. Join us and turn your passion for teaching into a profitable endeavor!

Curious about the most lucrative side hustles and where to find them? We analyzed reported salaries across the United States using data from ZipRecruiter, Zippia, and Indeed, focusing on America’s top side gigs. Now, we have the insights you need to discover which side hustle can help you maximize your earnings!

Key findings

• The best-paid side hustles in the U.S. are dog walking, freelance design, and freelance writing.
• Taking on a side hustle can earn you the most in Hawaii, Alaska, and New York.
• On average, working a side hustle for 10 hours a week can earn you an additional $10,701 annually.

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The best-paid side hustles

In crafting our list of side hustles, we focused on opportunities that demand consistent, additional hours beyond the conventional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday. We intentionally left out options aimed at generating passive income, like renting out a room on Airbnb or developing an online course for sale.

After conducting a thorough analysis, we’ve created a comprehensive list showcasing the average hourly wages for 20 popular side hustles in the U.S. Among these, the top earners include dog walking at an impressive $43 per hour, freelance design at $32 per hour, and freelance writing at $29 per hour.

If you’re looking for lucrative side hustles, consider becoming a notary public, which can earn you about $24 per hour. Freelance proofreading and event planning also offer competitive pay at around $22 per hour each. Additionally, online English tutoring is another rewarding virtual opportunity that can boost your income.

Our analysis reveals that wages for “digital” jobs, such as freelance writing, are comparably distributed with those for “physical” jobs, like event planning. This insight suggests that regardless of your skill set, you can earn a solid income whether you choose to deliver services in person or from the comfort of your home.

The best-paid side hustles by state

We developed an engaging map showcasing the highest-paying side hustles across various states. This was achieved by analyzing local data to identify which side gigs offered the most exceptional pay in each area.

A side hustle that pays notably better in certain regions often indicates a higher demand for that skill or a greater appreciation for that work. Take freelance design, for instance: it tends to offer generous compensation in the Midwest. While the national average for freelance designers hovers around $32 per hour, professionals in states like Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota can earn $40, $39, and $37 per hour, respectively. This highlights how regional factors can influence earning potential in the gig economy.

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The states where side hustles are best-paid

When it comes to side hustles, not all states offer the same earning potential. We analyzed average wages for various side gigs across the country to pinpoint which states provide the best opportunities for boosting your income. Discover where you can maximize your extra cash through side hustles!

Side hustles are particularly thriving in the western United States, where six of the ten highest-paying states are located, including Oregon, Nevada, Alaska, and Hawaii. In contrast, many southern states are lagging behind, with North Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana reporting some of the lowest average earnings for side gigs.

On average, side hustlers can earn between $17 and almost $24 per hour across 20 different roles in each state. These opportunities not only offer the chance to make significantly more than the federal minimum wage, but they also allow you to set your own schedule and be your own boss. With such flexibility, many side hustles are excellent choices for maximizing your income during your free time.

How much can you make annually by working a side hustle?

We explored the potential annual income from dedicating 10 hours a week to various side hustles. While the typical side hustler in the U.S. averages around 13 hours weekly, we opted for a more conservative approach. This way, we illustrate how much you can earn by committing just an additional two hours each workday.

By dedicating just 10 hours a week to one of these side hustles, you could boost your annual income by an impressive $10,701. For instance, taking on a straightforward gig like grocery delivery can yield around $7,604 a year, which breaks down to an extra $634 each month, with just two additional hours of work from Monday to Friday.

Conclusion

Unlocking your skills to make extra money has never been easier! From online tutoring to dog walking, there are countless side hustles that fit your schedule. The best part? While you earn some extra cash, you’re also providing valuable services that others need. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved!

Methodology: We conducted a thorough analysis of locally reported wages for popular side hustles by leveraging data from Zippia, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed. This allowed us to identify which side hustle offers the highest earnings in each state.