Top High-Paying Side Hustles in Australia Uncovered

With rising living costs impacting households across Australia, an increasing number of individuals are turning to side hustles to boost their income. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that by September 2023, over 955,000 Australians—6.6% of the workforce—are juggling multiple jobs. But which side gigs offer the highest pay, and how do earnings vary across different cities and states?

LingualNeeds has tapped into Indeed to explore the average hourly wages for various side hustles, ranging from English tutors to delivery drivers, across all Australian states and major cities. This analysis reveals the highest-paying side hustle in each location, providing valuable insights for those looking to boost their income.

Key findings:

• There are over 4,286 delivery driver jobs advertised at any one time, making this the most in-demand side gig in Australia.
• The average hourly earning for side hustles in Australia is $52.60.
• The highest-paying side hustle in Australia is removals, with an average hourly wage of $96.10.
• The highest-paying state for side hustles in Australia is Queensland, with an average hourly wage of $38.40 across all side hustles.

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The best-paid side hustles in Australia

Side jobs can provide a wide range of salaries, depending on the type of work and how often you take on shifts. After analyzing the average hourly wages for various side gigs in Australia, we discovered that removals top the chart, boasting an impressive average of $96.20 per hour.

1. **Removals:** This high-earning side gig boasts an average hourly wage of $96.10. Whether pursued full-time or part-time, removals offer significant income potential and flexibility for workers.
2. **Delivery Driver**: With average earnings of $69.70 per hour, becoming a delivery driver ranks as the second highest-paying side hustle. This flexible gig is ideal for earning extra income on weekends and accommodates various lifestyles.
3. Freelance Writer: With an average hourly rate of $45.70, freelance writing is an excellent opportunity for earning extra income. This flexible job allows you to work from anywhere with just a laptop or computer.

The best-paid side hustle by state

Whilst it’s known that full-time wages vary from location to location – is this the same for side hustles?

We’ve conducted an in-depth analysis to uncover the highest-paying side hustles in every state. Are you excited to find out which ones made the list?

In Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia, personal training stands out as the highest-paying side hustle, offering impressive hourly rates ranging from $61.70 to $71.30. This lucrative option attracts many individuals looking to supplement their income. Additionally, freelance designers and bloggers are also popular choices among side hustlers in these regions.

Another article to enrich your knowledge: 6 Effective Strategies to Attract and Keep Global Talent. Worth checking out.

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The best-paid side hustle by city and town

Australia boasts more than 300 cities, but we’ve focused our attention on the top 30 most populated ones. In our exploration, we’ve uncovered the highest-earning side hustle in each of these urban centers. Keep reading to discover what they are!

In Australia, personal training stands out as the most lucrative side hustle, offering an impressive average income ranging from $61.70 to $64.70 per hour. Alongside personal trainers, other well-paying side jobs include freelance designers, bloggers, and tutors, each thriving in various cities and towns across the country.

The cities where side hustles are best paid overall

Now, we know the highest-earning side hustle in each city, but which cities do side jobs pay best overall?

1. Geelong – With an average earning potential of $85 per hour for side hustles, Geelong ranks as the highest-paying city. The top side hustle here is personal training, offering an impressive average rate of $115 per hour, ideal for fitness enthusiasts.
2. Hobart ranks second with an average earning potential of $64 per hour. The highest-paying side job in the city is removals, offering an impressive average wage of $161 per hour.
3. Ballarat: The lowest-paying city for side gigs, with an average hourly rate of $41.

How much can you make annually with a side hustle?

Side hustles, like teaching French or English, can greatly enhance your income, especially for those looking to earn extra money. By dedicating just 10 hours a week to these activities, you can easily calculate your potential annual earnings and see how much more you could bring in each year.

In Australia, side hustles can earn you an impressive average of $52.60 per hour. If you dedicate just 10 hours a week for a year, you could bring in an extra $27,352—significantly boosting your financial health. If you’ve been thinking about starting a side hustle, such as teaching French or English, now is the perfect time to research the top-paying opportunities in your area and take the plunge!

How does this compare to the US?

LingualNeeds previously revealed the best-paid side hustles in the US. Let’s see how the results differ in Australia.

In the United States, the most lucrative side hustle is dog walking, boasting an impressive average hourly wage of $43. Close behind are freelance designers, earning about $32 per hour, and freelance writers, who make an average of $29 per hour.

In Australia, the highest-paying side hustle is removals, boasting an impressive average hourly rate of $96.20. When we look at side jobs more broadly, Australia offers a slightly higher average wage of $52.60, compared to $52 in the United States, especially when factoring in exchange rates.

Methodology

We used Glassdoor and Airtasker to curate a list of side hustles.

Next, we examined the average hourly wages for these side hustles across all Australian states and the 30 most populous cities, using data from Indeed.