Side hustles remain a go-to for Americans chasing extra income and financial flexibility beyond the traditional 9-to-5 grind. According to Bankrate, over a third of U.S. adults—and nearly half of Gen Z and millennials—juggle supplemental gigs. Whether it’s to tackle bills, stash cash for a getaway, or inch toward retirement, a side hustle can be a low-pressure launchpad—especially if it doesn’t demand years of expertise. NetCredit’s latest analysis highlights the top 10 high-paying options for 2025 that require little prior know-how yet promise solid returns. Here’s the rundown:
1. Rideshare Driver ($36/hour)
Love driving and chatting with strangers? Platforms like Uber and Lyft turn your car into a money-maker. With tips, peak-hour bonuses, and a clean driving record, you could pocket up to $36 hourly. It’s simple: sign up online, pass a background check, and hit the road when it suits you.
Love driving and chatting with strangers? Platforms like Uber and Lyft turn your car into a money-maker. With tips, peak-hour bonuses, and a clean driving record, you could pocket up to $36 hourly. It’s simple: sign up online, pass a background check, and hit the road when it suits you.
2. Delivery Driver ($30/hour)
The boom in e-commerce and takeout keeps delivery gigs hot. Services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Amazon Flex let you shuttle food or packages on your own schedule. At $30 an hour with tips, it’s a flexible win for anyone with a reliable ride and a smartphone.
The boom in e-commerce and takeout keeps delivery gigs hot. Services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Amazon Flex let you shuttle food or packages on your own schedule. At $30 an hour with tips, it’s a flexible win for anyone with a reliable ride and a smartphone.
3. Virtual Assistant ($28/hour)
If you’re organized and tech-savvy, companies and solopreneurs need virtual assistants to handle emails, schedules, and more. No fancy degree is required—just basic computer skills and a knack for multitasking can net you $28 an hour from your couch.
If you’re organized and tech-savvy, companies and solopreneurs need virtual assistants to handle emails, schedules, and more. No fancy degree is required—just basic computer skills and a knack for multitasking can net you $28 an hour from your couch.
4. Freelance Writer ($26/hour)
Got a way with words? Businesses crave blog posts, ads, and website copy, and platforms like Upwork and Fiverr connect you to clients. Starting at $26 an hour, you can scale up as you build a portfolio—no formal training needed, just decent grammar and creativity.
Got a way with words? Businesses crave blog posts, ads, and website copy, and platforms like Upwork and Fiverr connect you to clients. Starting at $26 an hour, you can scale up as you build a portfolio—no formal training needed, just decent grammar and creativity.
5. Online Tutor ($25/hour)
Help others learn, from kids tackling math to adults brushing up on English, through sites like Tutor.com or Chegg. You don’t need a teaching degree; expertise in a subject and a reliable internet connection can earn you $25 hourly.
Help others learn, from kids tackling math to adults brushing up on English, through sites like Tutor.com or Chegg. You don’t need a teaching degree; expertise in a subject and a reliable internet connection can earn you $25 hourly.
6. Pet Sitter/Dog Walker ($24/hour)
Animal lovers can cash in on Rover or Wag, offering walks or overnight pet care. At $24 an hour, it’s a low-barrier gig—bring enthusiasm and a leash, and you’re set. Bonus: it’s a workout with cuddles included.
Animal lovers can cash in on Rover or Wag, offering walks or overnight pet care. At $24 an hour, it’s a low-barrier gig—bring enthusiasm and a leash, and you’re set. Bonus: it’s a workout with cuddles included.
7. Social Media Manager ($23/hour)
Small businesses often lack the time to run their Instagram or TikTok. If you’re social media-fluent, you can craft posts and grow their followings for $23 an hour. Start with local clients or freelance platforms—no credentials required.
Small businesses often lack the time to run their Instagram or TikTok. If you’re social media-fluent, you can craft posts and grow their followings for $23 an hour. Start with local clients or freelance platforms—no credentials required.
8. Customer Service Representative ($22/hour)
Remote call centers are hiring, and companies like Liveops or Working Solutions want people with good communication skills. At $22 an hour, you’ll troubleshoot or answer queries from home, needing only a headset and patience.
Remote call centers are hiring, and companies like Liveops or Working Solutions want people with good communication skills. At $22 an hour, you’ll troubleshoot or answer queries from home, needing only a headset and patience.
9. Data Entry Specialist ($20/hour)
Detail-oriented? Data entry gigs on sites like FlexJobs pay $20 an hour for typing info into spreadsheets or databases. It’s repetitive but straightforward—perfect if you’ve got a keyboard and focus.
Detail-oriented? Data entry gigs on sites like FlexJobs pay $20 an hour for typing info into spreadsheets or databases. It’s repetitive but straightforward—perfect if you’ve got a keyboard and focus.
10. Tasker ($18/hour)
Apps like TaskRabbit link you to odd jobs—think furniture assembly or grocery runs. At $18 an hour, it’s a grab-bag of tasks requiring little more than a willingness to pitch in and basic tools.
Apps like TaskRabbit link you to odd jobs—think furniture assembly or grocery runs. At $18 an hour, it’s a grab-bag of tasks requiring little more than a willingness to pitch in and basic tools.
These hustles shine for their accessibility and earning potential, tapping into skills you might already have. NetCredit’s data, pulled from job boards and gig platforms, reflects averages that can climb with hustle and strategy—think prime hours for drivers or niche expertise for writers. Nearly half of Gen Z and millennials are already in the game, per Bankrate, proving these side gigs are more than a trend—they’re a fast track to financial wiggle room in 2025.