Teachers hold a vital position in our society, responsible for shaping the youth who will become future leaders. Despite this, their salaries often lag behind those of other professions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly income for high school teachers is $65,220, whereas software developers earn $130,160 and lawyers make $145,760 annually. Consequently, many teachers pursue side hustles to supplement their income. A recent Bankrate survey suggests that side hustlers earn an average of $891 each month.
Here are three side hustles teachers might explore:
1. **Tutoring**: Given their expertise in specific subjects, tutoring can be an accessible entry into side gigs for teachers, as noted by Jen Glantz, founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. Teachers can consider platforms like:
- **Wyzant**: Provides one-on-one instruction both online and in-person, covering a wide range of subjects. Tutors determine their own rates, typically between $25 and $100 per hour, although Wyzant takes a 25% commission.
- **Lessonface**: Focuses on virtual tutoring in arts and languages and allows teachers to set their rates. The site charges a 15% fee for students sourced through the platform and a 5% fee for self-recruited students.
- **TutorOcean**: Offers teaching opportunities online or in-person across various subjects. Fees range from 10% to 20%, depending on how students are acquired.
2. **Etsy Seller**: Teachers can generate passive income by selling educational materials and guides on platforms like Etsy or Teachers Pay Teachers. For instance, a kindergarten year-long lesson plan is available for $3.50, while a first-day activity for 8th-grade U.S. history is priced at $4. Etsy charges fees such as a listing fee and a transaction fee, while Teachers Pay Teachers has membership options with fees ranging from $29 to $60 annually.
3. **Dog Walking**: Numerous gig economy apps like Rover offer easy entry into dog walking, a particularly appealing option during summer breaks when teachers have more free time. Information from Care.com indicates that dog walkers earn between $15 and $24 per hour. Alternatively, teachers might also consider other gig platforms such as DoorDash, Lyft, and Instacart.
These side hustles provide teachers with opportunities to boost their income beyond their teaching salaries.