22 best side hustles for women in 2024

At Gelato, we're dedicated to promoting equality and closing the earning gap for women everywhere. Given that many of us are women ourselves, gender inclusivity is a value particularly dear to our hearts. That's why we decided to round up a collection of great side hustles for women.

Whether you're a stay-at-home mom looking for personal growth, making money online, or wanting to supplement your full-time job in your spare time, we've got a side hustle for you. Here, you'll find various side hustle jobs for women of all backgrounds and skill sets.

We attempted to stick to those that offer plenty of flexibility for busy moms, students, and women with full-time jobs. No matter what skills you bring to the table, a side hustle can be an excellent way to earn extra income on your own schedule.

• From small business owners to full-time moms, women everywhere are beginning to embrace the side hustle culture to turn their skills into extra money.

• Discover 22 of the best side hustles tailored to women, emphasizing roles that offer flexibility for those balancing full-time jobs and personal life, such as freelancing, virtual assistance, and content creation.

• Side hustles can empower women by providing significant income opportunities, contributing to financial independence, and helping close the gender pay gap.

• Engaging in side hustles allows women to expand their skill sets and networks, whether it's through creative outlets like content creation or more structured tasks such as bookkeeping or consulting.

• Gelato's print on demand services provide an efficient and low-risk way for women to start or expand their side hustles without the overhead of inventory, production facilities, or shipping logistics.

Side hustles offer a pathway to financial independence and personal fulfillment. They enable individuals to explore new interests, expand skill sets, and create additional income streams while providing a safety net in an unpredictable job market. Here's a deeper look into what they offer:

Additional income and financial security

With the rising living costs and unexpected financial emergencies, an additional income stream can provide much-needed stability and peace of mind. Here's what it can do for you:

• Reduces financial risk: Diversifying income sources can protect you against the financial strain caused by job loss or unexpected expenses.

• Funds goals: Extra income can be directed towards long-term goals like buying a house, investing, or funding education, making these goals more attainable.

• Enhances financial flexibility: Having additional earnings allows you to make choices that aren’t solely based on financial necessity, such as career changes or part-time work.

Skill development

Side hustles supplement your income and serve as a valuable platform for skill development. Here's how:

• Expands expertise: Taking on a side hustle can expose you to new fields or deepen your knowledge in your existing area, broadening your professional expertise.

• Boosts adaptability: Working in different roles or industries helps you develop flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing work environments.

• Enhances problem-solving skills: Side hustles often require you to handle challenges independently, which sharpens your problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Personal fulfillment and flexibility

Engaging in a side hustle offers more than financial benefits; it also provides personal fulfillment and flexibility. Here's how:

• Pursuing passions: A side hustle allows you to engage in work that aligns with your interests and passions, contributing to greater satisfaction and purpose.

• Reduces burnout: Engaging in diverse activities can prevent job burnout by keeping your day-to-day routine dynamic and interesting.

• Encourages creativity: Side hustles often provide the space to be creative, explore new ideas, and innovate in ways your main employment may not allow.

Expanded professional network

A side hustle can significantly expand your professional network, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations that might not be available through your primary job. Here's what it does for you:

• Enhancing visibility: Engaging in various projects increases your visibility in the professional community, potentially attracting more opportunities.

• Facilitates knowledge exchange: Interacting with professionals from different fields can lead to a richer exchange of ideas and knowledge, contributing to your personal and professional growth.

• Opens up opportunities: The relationships formed through your side hustle can lead to job offers, partnerships, and collaborations, furthering your career development.

Testing new business ideas

Side hustles provide a unique platform to test new business ideas with minimal risk. Here's what it does for you:

• Gathers feedback: Running a small-scale operation allows you to collect customer feedback and make adjustments before scaling up, ensuring a better fit with market needs.

• Builds audience: Starting out small helps you gradually build a loyal customer base and online presence, which can be critical for long-term success.

• Hones skills: Managing a side business can develop entrepreneurial skills like marketing, sales, and customer service, preparing you for bigger business ventures.

Side hustles for women now extend beyond taking online surveys for pennies or trying to score a gig as a mystery shopper. The side hustle ideas you'll find here are ways to earn a significant amount of money if you choose to put in the time.

While none are get-rich-quick schemes, each presents a solid opportunity to make extra cash or a full-time income. So, without further ado, let's help you find the perfect side hustle.

1. Selling custom products

Selling custom products is one of the best side hustles for women whose superpowers include creativity, marketing, or graphic design skills. Print on demand (POD) services like Gelato can help you set up your own business by selling custom designs on various products.

When you sign up for a free Gelato account, you can upload your custom designs or slogans and choose which of our products you think would look great. Choose from printable products like:

• Shirts, hoodies, and tank tops

• Mugs and reusable water bottles

• Phone cases

• Tote bags

• And more!

The beauty of the setup is that you don't actually have to purchase anything upfront, which can go a long way toward saving money on overstock. Simply offer the customized products of your choice in your online store and wait for the orders to roll in.

When a customer places an order, we'll take care of everything from printing your design on the product to shipping it to your customer. Partnering with a POD provider can be a lucrative side hustle and a convenient way to make extra income while setting your own hours.

2. Pet sitting

If you have more photos of your pet on your phone than of your own children, rest assured you're not alone. Let's face it, pets are kind of the best, and there's plenty of extra cash to be made by offering to care for other people's fur babies.

The great thing about pet sitting is that there are many different ways to approach it. Even if you decide to apply to work for an established local pet care agency, you'll often enjoy an incredibly flexible schedule.

If you decide to set up your own business, then you can choose to offer as few or as many services as you like, including:

• Dog walking or running

• Drop-in visits for pets while their owners are away or at work

• Boarding pets in your own home (be sure to look into any local requirements)

• Combination house and kitty sitting services

• And more!

One of the quickest ways to start making money from your pet care services is to sign up for a site like Rover or Care.com. These sites connect pet parents with reliable pet sitters and can be a great place to find clients for your new side gig.

3. Freelance writing

Do you currently run your own blog, or do you have a way to use words? If so, freelance writing may be a lucrative side hustle for you.

From online business owners needing digital marketing content to resume writing gigs, there's plenty of demand for great freelance writers. Becoming a freelance writer in your spare time is a great way to make more money and tends to offer an incredibly flexible schedule.

It also comes with the benefit of being able to work from anywhere. To turn writing into a side hustle, you'll want to start by building a portfolio to show off your writing skills.

You might include pieces from your own website or even offer to do some free or discount content work for local businesses in your area. Once you've got your portfolio in place, you can start looking for freelance gigs on sites like Upwork and Fiverr or looking for work on freelance writing job sites.

4. Online tutoring services

If you are a natural-born teacher or love working with kids, online tutoring may be the perfect side hustle. There are now plenty of online tutoring jobs out there that can provide you with an awesome side hustle in your free time.

Indeed offers a great list of online tutoring companies and an overview of what qualifications each requires. While some companies require candidates to have specific certifications or experience, others rely on academic records, tests, or expertise.

Becoming an online tutor can be a great way to earn money by connecting with students of various ages. You can choose to assist K-12 students with their homework or help international kids learn to speak English.

You'll quickly discover that there are plenty of different options for tutors of all backgrounds and specialties. Each can be a great way to make an impact and extra money all in one.

5. Reselling

Reselling is quite possibly one of the best side hustles for women who love to find great deals while shopping online or at local businesses. Reselling is the art of purchasing second-hand products at a discount and reselling them for a profit.

Reselling may be your dream side hustle if you often browse products in secondhand shops or online marketplaces like Facebook marketplace or Craigslist. Whether you focus on vintage items, fashion, or furniture, the key is to select high-quality products you can sell for more than what you paid.

Some resellers offer their products on Amazon, local Facebook groups, or other online marketplaces for extra money. You might consider opening your online consignment store if you create a solid audience.

Either way, reselling can be a great way to enjoy the freedom of running an online business. Plus, who can argue with a legitimate excuse to shop online?

6. Becoming a virtual assistant

You might consider a side hustle as a virtual assistant if you're highly organized and excellent with details. As remote work becomes more common, many women score a steady flow of work from home, such as booking appointments, managing calendars, answering phone calls, and handling other administrative tasks.

Virtual assistant gigs can be great side hustles for women who want to earn extra income from their home office. Most clients in the market for a virtual assistant hire on a contract basis, and each position tends to look a bit different.

Some virtual assistants handle things like booking travel arrangements or managing business or personal finance records for their clients. Others might be hired to manage social media accounts for clients, answer emails, and oversee projects or clients.

Virtual assistant jobs can be a great way to use your skills to make extra money. Flexjobs has some excellent leads on companies that hire virtual assistants. You can also find freelance work through sites like Upwork.

7. Selling online courses

The online education industry is projected to reach a value of $185.20 billion in 2024. If you've got a skill you'd like to help others learn, creating an online course can be a fantastic way to earn passive income.

There are now plenty of online course platforms out there that can help you make money online by turning almost any skill into a side hustle. Whether you're a personal chef who wants to teach students to cook or have the skills to help aspiring creators learn how to launch a successful YouTube channel, it's now easier than ever before to turn your skillset into passive income.

You'll find solid resources that can guide you through how to create and sell online courses on popular learning platforms such as:

• Udemy

• Teachable

• Skillshare

8. Social media management

Social media platforms have proven to be one of the most effective marketing platforms in the modern world. In 2022 alone, companies spent $230 billion on social media marketing, expected to hit the $300 billion mark by 2024.

There are now plenty of amazing side hustles for women who know their way around top social media platforms and how to use them to increase a client's exposure and sales. If you want to turn your love of social media into a side hustle or even a full-time job, it's worth looking into an online course to help you learn the ins and outs of social media management.

Hubspot even has a great free course that can give you the skills to develop a solid social media marketing strategy for your clients. As with many side hustles, social media management gigs come in various shapes and sizes.

Some clients may seek someone willing to interact with them and schedule posts on their social media accounts or YouTube channels. Others may need someone with excellent marketing skills to help promote their website or online store.

Either way, finding social media gigs matching your skill set can be a great way to make money online while setting your schedule. Check out remote social media manager job postings on sites like Indeed and SimplyHired to understand what different clients are looking for.

9. Becoming a food delivery driver

Want to earn extra cash delivering food to hungry people? There is now no shortage of delivery service side hustles for women who want to earn more money on the go.

The food delivery market is expected to generate $1.22 trillion in 2024, leaving plenty of room for new food delivery drivers to make some extra money. Whether you just want to make a few bucks dropping off food to a few clients a week or generate a full-time income, working for a food delivery service is an incredibly flexible side hustle.

While food delivery services can make great side hustles for women, be sure to take precautions and only make deliveries to areas where you feel comfortable. If you're interested in learning more about how to earn extra cash delivering food, check out services like:

• DoorDash

• Instacart

• Uber Eats

• GrubHub

10. Photography services

Whether photography is your day job or a hobby you've always enjoyed, turning your photos into extra cash is a great side hustle idea. But how exactly do you go about making money from your pictures?

Photography is one of those hobbies that lends itself to several side hustle ideas. For instance, if you specialize in stock photos, you might sign up to offer your images for sale on sites like:

• Shutterstock

• Alamy

• Adobe Stock

Clients will pay good money for photos they can use in their digital content, online courses, or business promotional material. From small businesses to large corporations, at some point, almost every company needs photos they can legally use for marketing.

If you're more into artistic photography, you might consider partnering with a Print on Demand provider like Gelato that can turn your photos into wall art or even custom photo books you can offer in your online store. We also make it easy to offer your customers the opportunity to have your photos printed on anything from apparel to calendars or unique greeting cards.

11. Online consulting services

Online consulting services have become a highly sought-after side hustle due to the growing demand for expertise in various fields, such as marketing, finance, technology, and health. The flexibility and minimal startup costs associated with online consulting make it an attractive option for professionals looking to leverage their skills.

According to recent data, the global consulting market has been experiencing steady growth and is projected to reach significant figures in the coming years. Specialists in high-demand sectors like digital marketing and IT can particularly benefit from high rates and consistent client demand.

Here are a few tips to help you.

• Build a robust online presence: Establish a professional website and active social media profiles to showcase your expertise and reach potential clients. Regularly update your content to reflect current trends and your latest projects.

• Leverage existing networks: Utilize your professional connections to gain your first clients. Word of mouth remains a powerful tool in consulting.

• Offer free resources or initial consultations: Providing value upfront can attract potential clients by demonstrating your expertise and building trust.

12. Personal development coaching services

Personal development coaching has become a sought-after side hustle due to the growing awareness of mental health and self-improvement. According to the International Coaching Federation, the coaching industry was valued at around $2.85 billion in 2019, a 21% increase from 2015, highlighting its potential profitability. 

Starting a coaching side hustle taps into a lucrative market and allows you to impact others' lives profoundly. Coaches often charge between $100 to $300 per hour, depending on their expertise and reputation. 

Tips to help you in this endeavor include: 

• Understand market needs: Research what specific areas of personal development are most in demand, such as career coaching, life coaching, or wellness coaching.

• Acquire certification: While not always mandatory, certification from a recognized coaching institution can enhance your credibility and attract more clients.

• Start small: Begin by offering free sessions to friends or discounted rates to new clients to build your portfolio and gather testimonials.

• Leverage social media: Use platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to share valuable content and connect with potential clients.

13. Personal assistant and errand-running services

Personal assistant and errand-running services are increasingly in demand as people look to manage their busy lifestyles more effectively. This side hustle caters to many clients, from busy professionals and elderly individuals to small businesses and families, all seeking to outsource daily tasks.

The personal concierge industry has grown significantly, with the global market projected to expand further as individuals seek more work-life balance. Services can range from grocery shopping to scheduling appointments and even managing social media accounts, with average charges varying from $25 to $50 per hour, depending on the task and location.

According to industry insights, more than 50% of working adults report feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, highlighting a robust market for personal assistant services.

Here are some tips to help you get started: 

• Identify your niche: Focus on specific corporate events, household, or lifestyle management services to differentiate yourself.

• Set clear rates and services: Be transparent with what tasks you offer and at what price to avoid scope creep and ensure profitability.

• Leverage local marketing: Use local advertising, social media, and word-of-mouth to reach potential clients in your area.

• Invest in organization tools: Utilize scheduling software and apps to organize tasks and improve efficiency.

14. Bookkeeping services

Bookkeeping services represent a lucrative side hustle due to consistent demand from small businesses and freelancers who require assistance with their financial records. This field not only promises regular work but also offers the potential for a stable income, as efficient financial management is crucial for any business.

With the rise of entrepreneurial ventures and gig economy, there's a growing need for bookkeepers. Statistics indicate that the global accounting services market is expected to grow, reflecting an increased demand for bookkeeping services.

Typically, bookkeepers charge an hourly rate ranging from $20 to $50, depending on experience and location. With the right set of clients, bookkeeping can be highly profitable.

Getting started with a bookkeeping side hustle requires a few strategic steps:

• Acquire certification: While not always mandatory, getting certified (e.g., through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers) can enhance your credibility and attract more clients.

• Invest in software: Familiarize yourself with popular bookkeeping software like QuickBooks or Xero, which can streamline tasks and improve efficiency.

• Network: Connect with local small business owners and freelance communities. Attending networking events or online forums can help you build your client base.

• Start small: Initially, take on a few clients to establish your workflow and understand the nuances of the job before scaling up.

15. Event planning and coordination

Event planning and coordination is a popular and potentially profitable side hustle, especially as industries and personal celebrations recover and expand post-pandemic. The global event industry is expected to grow significantly, offering numerous opportunities for skilled planners. 

Here's how you can get started:

• Assess the market: Research current trends in events, such as virtual meetings or sustainable weddings, to identify high-demand niches.

• Develop skills: While formal qualifications aren't always necessary, taking courses in event planning, hospitality, or even marketing can provide a competitive edge.

• Start small: Organize small gatherings or parties for friends and family to build a portfolio and gain practical experience.

• Network effectively: Connections are key in this industry. Attend industry meetups, join relevant groups on social media, and connect with vendors and venues to build relationships.

• Leverage technology: Use social media for marketing and project management tools for planning. Efficient use of technology can set you apart in smoothly managing complex events.

16. Editing and proofreading services

Editing and proofreading services are in high demand as content creation continues to soar across various industries, including publishing, marketing, and academia. The proliferation of digital content has further amplified the need for skilled editors and proofreaders to ensure clarity, coherence, and correctness in written material.

The global market for editing and proofreading services is robust, driven by the ever-increasing volume of online content and the need for error-free writing in professional communications. Businesses, authors, and academic professionals require these services, making it a consistently profitable side hustle.

According to industry surveys, freelance editors and proofreaders can earn, on average, between $25 to $45 per hour, depending on their expertise and the complexity of the work involved.

To get started in this side hustle, consider the following tips:

• Acquire the necessary skills: A strong command of language and grammar is crucial. Consider taking courses or certifications in editing and proofreading to enhance your credibility.

• Build a portfolio: Start by offering your services to friends or local businesses to build a portfolio of work that can demonstrate your capabilities to potential clients.

• Market yourself: Create a professional website or profile on freelance platforms. Use social media and networking to reach potential clients.

• Set competitive rates: Research what others in the market are charging and set competitive rates that reflect your level of expertise and the complexity of the projects you handle.

17. Personal shopping and style consulting

Personal shopping and style consulting is a lucrative side hustle that caters to the increasing demand for customized shopping experiences and personal style enhancement. With the rise of social media and personal branding, more people seek professional advice to refine their appearance and make fashion-forward choices. 

According to market insights, the demand for personal stylists has grown steadily, with some regions reporting a demand increase of over 20% annually. Here's how you can get started: 

• Build a portfolio: Start by offering your services to friends and family to build a portfolio of your work. Use before-and-after photos to showcase your impact on clients’ style transformations.

• Utilize social media: Leverage platforms like Instagram or Pinterest to display your work and attract a broader audience. Social media is a powerful tool for visual businesses like style consulting.

• Network relentlessly: Attend fashion events, join style forums, and connect with clothing boutiques to expand your professional network and find potential clients.

18. Flipping items

Flipping items is a popular side hustle that involves buying products at a low price and selling them at a higher price for profit. This market is particularly lucrative for those with an eye for undervalued goods or who can restore items to a sellable condition.

The profitability of flipping items can vary greatly depending on the niche and the effort put into sourcing and restoration. For instance, vintage clothing and furniture have seen a rise in demand, with many enthusiasts willing to pay premium prices for unique, well-preserved pieces. 

Here's how to get started:

• Research markets: It is crucial to understand what items are in demand and where to find them at a bargain. Online platforms like eBay and Etsy provide insights into trending products and their prices.

• Start small: Begin with items you are familiar with and can acquire easily. This minimizes initial investment and reduces the risk of significant losses.

• Focus on quality: Higher profits are often realized on items that are unique or restored to a high standard. Investing time and resources into restoration can significantly increase an item's resale value.

• Utilize online platforms: Platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace are essential for reaching a wider audience and maximizing sales potential.

19. Rideshare driving

Rideshare driving has become a popular side hustle, offering flexible hours and the potential for substantial extra income. The demand for rideshare services is robust, driven by the convenience it provides to urban dwellers, tourists, and those who prefer not to drive themselves. 

According to a recent industry report, the global rideshare market was valued at over $60 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. Here's how you can start:

• Assess local demand: Before starting, research the demand in your area. Larger cities and tourist hotspots typically have higher demand for rideshare services.

• Understand profitability: Earnings vary widely based on location, driving time, and strategy. After accounting for fuel and vehicle maintenance expenses, drivers can earn between $15 to $25 per hour.

• Choose the right platform: Popular platforms like Uber and Lyft have different fee structures and incentives. Compare them to see which fits best with your goals.

• Optimize your schedule: Driving during peak hours, such as weekends and evenings, can increase your earnings due to higher rates and surge pricing.

20. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing has emerged as a popular side hustle due to its low entry barrier and potential profitability. In affiliate marketing, individuals earn commissions by promoting other companies' products or services through various platforms, including blogs, social media, and websites. This model benefits from the growing online shopping trend, with more consumers buying goods and services online.

Affiliate marketing is highly profitable, with studies showing that it accounts for 15% of all digital media revenue. The industry is poised to grow, with the global affiliate marketing sector expected to reach $12 billion by 2022.

Here's how you can get started:

• Choose the right niche: Select a niche that interests you and has a sizable audience. This increases the likelihood of sustained engagement and sales.

• Select reputable affiliate programs: Partner with reliable affiliate programs offering competitive commissions and a track record of timely payments.

• Build a solid platform: Whether it’s a blog, YouTube channel, or social media account, develop a strong platform where you can promote affiliate links effectively.

• Drive traffic: Use SEO, content marketing, and social media strategies to attract and grow your audience.

• Track and optimize: Monitor the performance of your affiliate campaigns and continuously optimize them for better results.

21. AI and tech services

The demand for AI and tech services is skyrocketing, making this sector a highly profitable arena for side hustles. As businesses and individuals increasingly rely on technology, the need for services such as app development, web design, and AI solutions continues to grow. 

According to recent industry reports, the global AI market alone is expected to reach $266.92 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 33.2%. Here's how you can get started:

• Identify market needs: Research current trends in technology to identify areas with high demand and low supply. For instance, AI for healthcare and educational tech are rapidly growing niches.

• Build relevant skills: Stay competitive by continuously updating your skills in coding, machine learning, and other relevant tech areas. Online courses and certifications from platforms like Coursera and Udemy can be beneficial.

• Start small: Begin with small, manageable projects to build a portfolio. Freelancing platforms like Upwork and Freelancer are great places to find initial clients.

• Leverage networks: Use your professional network to find potential clients or partners. Networking events and tech meetups can also provide valuable connections and insights.

22. Content creation

Content creation has emerged as a highly profitable side hustle, with platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and podcasting offering substantial opportunities for revenue generation. As digital consumption continues to rise, content creators can tap into diverse revenue streams such as ad shares, sponsored posts, and merchandise sales. You, too, can make some extra cash off your content creation endeavors, and here's why it's easier than ever to become a content creator. 

• Profitable platforms: Platforms like YouTube and TikTok offer monetization options once certain criteria are met. For example, YouTube requires 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours to start earning through ads.

• Podcasting growth: Podcasting also presents a lucrative avenue, with ad revenue expected to exceed $1 billion by 2021, indicating a robust market for new podcasters.

• Starting tips: Identify a niche that aligns with your passions and where you can consistently create content. Invest in quality recording equipment to ensure high production values. Regularly engage with your audience to build a loyal following.

Whether you're looking to start selling digital or physical products online or want to turn your skills into a side hustle, making money during your own hours has never been easier. Legit side hustles for women can be a great way to supplement or even replace your day job while freeing you up to focus on life's many demands.

Want to earn money by turning your designs into high-quality, custom products you can sell in your online store? Sign up for Gelato to turn your talent into extra money today.