Want to make money but unsure where to start? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.
And you’re not alone. Nearly one million Australians are multiple job-holders, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics[1].
NerdWallet rounded up 20 real ways to make extra money online and offline. For each potential side job, we list details like what it takes to get started, age requirements and how fast you can get paid. While most people want to make money fast, don’t discount the “slow” gigs, as they may pay more in the long run.
1. Pick up freelance work online
Freelancing websites offer opportunities to do a variety of contract work, such as writing, programming, design, marketing, data entry and being a virtual assistant. No matter what freelancing you do, keep track of the going rate for the kind of work you provide so you know if you’re charging the right amount.
How to get started
Where to get started
Total time: It can take a few weeks to get your first gig.
Setup: 24 hours.
How easy to start: Easy, if you have the expertise.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by site.
Want a sense of community? Check out the chatter at r/freelance.
Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.
2. Sell your own products online
Are you a budding artist or a craft-fiend? If so, you can sell your goods online.
Sell your handmade items: Have a penchant for woodworking, jewellery-making, embroidery or pottery? If so, you can sell your goods on various platforms built for artisans selling home goods, art and knickknacks.
Sell digital goods and prints on demand: Some sites let you upload your artwork to sell as prints, T-shirts, phone cases and more. There are also marketplaces specifically designed for photographers. Depending on the site you use, a subscription fee may be required, but these sites typically provide additional perks like cloud storage, password-protected galleries or customised website. You’ll need to have all the necessary rights to the images you sell before you start.
Setup an e-commerce site: Want more freedom? You can set up your own website and sell goods directly to the consumer.
How to get started
Where to get started
Total time: It might take quite a while for customers to find you.
Setup: Can be quite involved, depending on the number of pieces you have for sale and websites you use.
How easy to start: Somewhat hard, especially if you haven’t yet made the items or taken the photographs.
Age threshold: 13+.
How fast you’ll get paid: It depends on the platform you use. It can be up to 14 days after the sale, every month, or longer if you’re a new account holder.
Want a sense of community? Check out the chatter at r/artbusiness, r/printondemand, r/etsysellers or r/ecommerce
Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.
Places to sell handmade items:
- Etsy
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
- eBay.
Platforms for digital prints on demand:
- Society6
- Fine Art America
- SmugMug
- 500px
- PhotoShelter.
E-commerce sites:
3. Start dropshipping
Dropshipping is the process of selling products online that are shipped by the supplier, not you. You’re essentially a middle man, facilitating the sale of goods between a manufacturer and buyer. There are various dropshipping platforms that connect you with suppliers, both local and international, and ship the products for you.
How to get started
Where to get started
Total time: Varies on how successful your choice of product and marketing strategy is.
Setup: Can take a while. You have to create the online storefront yourself, which can come with additional fees.
How easy to start: Fairly easy, once you have the website and products in place, it’s then just a matter of getting the word out there.
Age threshold: 18+.
Want a sense of community? Check out the chatter at r/dropshipping.
Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.
- DropShipZone
- iDropship
- DropSite
4. Become a private online tutor
Turn your maths, science, foreign language or HSC-prep expertise into a lucrative side gig by becoming a private tutor. You can tutor people online or in person. What you charge depends on your experience, expertise and what’s in demand. To get started, sign up for an online tutor platform and create a profile. You can also advertise your services at local schools, universities and community centres.
How to get started
Where to get started
Total time: Varies by subject matter. Some companies might require a minimum availability per week.
Setup: Can be a bit involved.
How easy to start: Students will have to find you, and that might take a while.
Age threshold: Any.
How fast you’ll get paid: A few days or weeks after the lesson.
Want a sense of community? Check out the chatter at r/australianteachers.
Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.
- Learnmate
- The Tutoring Company.
5. Sell your gently used clothes
Selling clothes you no longer wear is a quick way to make some money. Start with local consignment shops to make money quickly or use online sites to find buyers. If you go the online route, be sure to take clear, well-lit photos of your pieces and research similar items to set competitive prices. If you sell your clothes through online consignment platforms, the items may go through various inspections before being accepted, and some sites may only accept certain brands.
How to get started
Where to get started
Total time: Varies by sales channel.
Setup: Easy and fast. You typically order a free bag from online consignment sites, fill it with clothes and send it back.
How easy to start: Easy. Cleaning out your wardrobe may be the hardest part.
Age threshold: Any.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by sales channel.
Want a sense of community? Check out the chatter at r/thrifting.
Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.
- Yordtrobe
- The Closet
- RE.LUXE
- Depop
- SwapUp
- The Re: Club
- Carousell
- Facebook Marketplace
6. Offer online translation or transcription services
Fluent in a second language? Check online job boards and specialised sites, or drum up business through a site of your own. If you’re a quick typer, you may have a good chance of getting transcription work through sites with stricter application standards.
How to get started
Where to get started
Total time: Varies by service. Some sites may require you to take a test prior to approval.
Setup: Fairly easy.
How easy to start: Easy, simply apply online and complete any necessary application requests. In general, all you need is an internet connection and computer.
Age threshold: Any.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by website.
Want a sense of community? Check out the chatter at r/transcriptionjobs
Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.
- OzLance
- Pacific Transcription
- Rev
7. Test websites and apps
Another way to make money from home is on sites. You get paid for your thoughts on how well — or not so well — certain websites and apps worked. You’ll have to complete a short test to be accepted and then you’ll be paid depending on the test type.
How to get started
Where to get started
Total time: Approval time can vary.
Setup: Less than an hour.
How easy to start: Easy, if you have the tech gear and complete a sample test.
Age threshold: 18+.
How fast you’ll get paid: Every two weeks.
Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.
- UserTesting.com
- IntelliZoom
- uTest
8. Pick up tasks on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk
Even in the age of automation, some jobs still require a human touch. Companies often outsource those jobs to services like Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. As a “worker,” the tasks you’ll be assigned can be tedious — tagging images, transcribing videos, cleaning up data — and can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Temporary employers or “requesters” set the price for each task and get to approve the finished product before paying you. That can leave room for scams, so do your research.
Total time: Several days to find out if you’re approved.
Setup: Depends on the task you choose.
How easy to start: Easy if you have certain skills.
Age threshold: 18+.
How fast you’ll get paid: You get paid following work approval, which can take up to 30 days.
Want a sense of community? Check out the chatter at r/mturk and mturkcrowd.
9. Complete surveys for money
You can make money from home by taking online surveys, but don’t expect to be rolling in dough. Survey sites don’t typically offer a big payoff, and many sites are more useful for earning gift cards than cash. Survey sites could be an option for how to make money online for beginners because you can register with a site and start taking surveys in a matter of minutes.
How to get started
Where to get started
Total time: It will take a while.
Setup: Just minutes.
How easy to start: Very. Just register and begin.
Age threshold: 13+.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by site.
Want a sense of community? Check out the chatter at r/beermoneyaus.
Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.
- Swagbucks
- Survey Junkie
- Octopus Group
- YouGov
- Toluna Influencers
- MyOpinions
- Ipsos iSay
- OpinionWorld Australia
Whether you’re a wannabe video blogging or fashion influencer, there are ways to monetise your passion.
Make money from your blog as an affiliate: If you’re a blogger who gets decent traffic, you could make money by joining an affiliate network. Affiliates (that’s you) get paid when someone clicks through from the website to the partner site and buys something there.
Get advertising revenue from your blog or YouTube channel: Turn your cat videos into cash videos. If your YouTube videos or blog posts draw a big audience, you may be able to make money from advertising. YouTube sets 1,000 subscribers as the benchmark creators must make before applying for the YouTube Partners Program. YouTube Partners then get access to Google AdSense, a service that businesses pay through to advertise around your content. The service is free, but there are requirements you must meet.
Become an Instagram or TikTok influencer: Companies are using influencers — people with large, dedicated followings on social media platforms — to rep their products. You can get in on the action by applying for opportunities via a marketing platform or by contacting the brands you want to work with.
Monetise your Twitch channel: Gaming could be a way to make money from home if you have a steady following on Twitch, the go-to site for gamers. Broadcasters can receive donations from viewers and even get a share of subscription and ad revenue if they reach Affiliate or Partner status.
How to get started
Where to get started
Total time: This can be a long game.
Setup: Quick and easy.
How easy to start: Easy to start; takes a while to build a following.
Age threshold: 13+.
How fast you’ll get paid: Depends on the platform, typically monthly.
Want a sense of community? Check out the chatter at r/socialmediamarketing.
Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.
Example affiliate sites:
- Commission Junction
- ShareASale
- FlexOffers
- Rakuten Advertising
- Amazon Associates
Example marketing platforms:
Offline side hustles
Some side hustles don’t even require you to leave the house. Or if they do, it might just be a short walk around the block with a furry friend. Here are some great ideas for offline side gigs:
11. Trade in old phones or electronics for cash
Have an old smartphone, iPad or gaming system lying around? Sell it online or check out trade-in programs from third-parties. Alternatively, you can sell them directly to consumers online or at a garage sale. Just don’t forget to restore your device to factory settings first.
How to get started
Where to get started
Total time: Lots of options, so your time spent will vary.
Setup: Fairly easy.
How easy to start: Easy. Have phone, sell phone.
Age threshold: Any.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by where you sell.
Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.
- Mazuma Mobile
- Mobile Monster
- ManMade Cycle
- Green Gadgets
- Mobile Guru
- eBay
- Amazon’s trade-in program
12. Start babysitting, dog walking or house sitting
Everyone from university students to recent retirees can make money by watching other people’s children. Word-of-mouth referrals from friends and family are still a great way to get started, but you can also create a profile online to expand your reach. Note any specialised skills, such as CPR certifications, to make yourself more marketable.
Love dogs? Some apps offer on-demand dog walking, so you can pick up walks when your schedule allows. If you have space (and your landlord’s permission, if you rent), you could offer overnight dog boarding. Read the fine print if you sign up for these services.
If you’re willing to watch someone’s home — and maybe feed the pets, water the plants and take out the rubbish — become a housesitter. Tap your personal network for referrals or try out online platforms, which connect homeowners with housesitters.
How to get started
Where to get started
Total time: Building a client base may take some time.
Setup: From a few minutes to a week, depending on the service.
How easy to start: Fairly easy.
Age threshold: Varies among services.
How fast you’ll get paid: Same day to a week, depending on the service.
Want a sense of community? Check out the chatter at r/nanny, r/dogtraining, r/petsitting and r/housesitting.
Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.
Example babysitting sites:
- Sittr
- Babysits
- Find A Babysitter
- Kiddo
Example dog walking sites:
- Pawshake
- PetCloud
- Mad Paws
Example house sitting sites:
- AussieHouseSitters
- Trusted Housesitters
- Happy House Sitters
13. Rent out your car
If you don’t tend to use your car for days or weeks at a time, you may want to look into services that let you rent out your car by the hour or day. Typically, you take home the majority of those earnings, while the company earns a commission based on the type of plan you choose.
How to get started
Where to get started
Total time: Demand for your car will depend on the local market.
Setup: Fairly quickly. The application process varies among platforms.
How easy to start: With an appropriate vehicle, it’s easy.
Age threshold: 18+ (and valid driver’s licence).
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by site.
Want a sense of community? Check out the chatter at r/ubercarshare.
Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.
- Uber Carshare (formerly Car Next Door)
- Drive Mate
14. Sign up for AirTasker
If you enjoy putting together Ikea furniture or standing in long lines, you may be cut out for doing daily tasks for other people. Websites like AirTasker can connect you with people who need help with a variety of things, such as moving, cleaning, delivery and handyman services. The site also offers several virtual and online tasks, such as helping with a research project or data entry.
Total time: Local and online demand for your skills will determine the time you spend.
Setup: Quick, just create an account online.
How easy to start: Easy, though you’ll need to do some research if you take on tasks that require new skill sets.
Age threshold: 18+.
How fast you’ll get paid: A few days after a job.
Want a sense of community? Check out the chatter at r/airtaskerdiscussion.
15. Drive for a rideshare service
Join up to a rideshare service and make money by driving passengers around. Just don’t forget to factor in petrol and maintenance costs. You need an eligible car in good condition and must agree to a background check and a review of your driving history.
How to get started
Where to get started
Total time: Depends on your market demand.
Setup: A few days for your application to be approved.
How easy to start: Not difficult, but you’ll need the right type of vehicle.
Age threshold: 21+, and licensed to drive in your state
How fast you’ll get paid: Very fast. Either instantly or within days.
Want a sense of community? Check out the chatter at r/uberdrivers.
Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.
- Uber
- DiDi
- Shebah (an all women rideshare)
16. Make deliveries for Amazon or Uber Eats
Take advantage of the growing delivery trend where you sign up for a service and get paid per delivery, in most cases, and can even earn tips. A car isn’t always required — some services let you use a bike or scooter to make deliveries. However, a background check almost always is part of the deal.
Some gig apps have waitlists, which means it can take a few months for your application to be approved. Applying for multiple delivery or rideshare apps at the same time can help increase your chances of getting work quickly.
How to get started
Where to get started
Total time: Depends on your market demand.
Setup: About a week.
How easy to start: Easy, if you have dependable transportation.
Age threshold: 18+.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by vendor.
Want a sense of community? Check out the chatter at r/amazonflexdrivers and r/ubereatsdrivers.
Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.
- Uber Eats
- Menulog
- Sherpa
- iDlvr
- Amazon Flex
17. Sign up to be a mystery shopper
Businesses often want to know how they’re performing from a customer’s perspective. Sign up to be their eyes and ears. Just beware of scams and do thorough research before signing on.
How to get started
Where to get started
Total time: Varies by site.
Setup: Applying takes little time, but approval can take a while.
How easy to start: Relatively easy if you have required transportation and tech.
Age threshold: May vary by site, but typically 18+.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by company.
Want a sense of community? Check out the chatter at r/mysteryshopping.
Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.
- Mystery Customer
- Field Agent
18. Find seasonal work
Need a gig for a few months? Try something seasonal, like being a lifeguard or working at a retail store during the holidays. Employers typically staff up a month or two before their busy season, so plan ahead to get on their payroll.
How to get started
Where to get started
Total time: Varies by job.
Setup: Job searches and interviews can take weeks.
How easy to start: Not difficult, particularly if you have skills that fit your market.
Age threshold: Minimum age depends on the job.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by company.
Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.
- SEEK
- Indeed
- Citrus Australia
19. Put your drone to work
The market for drones is expanding. Companies hire out work like aerial inspection, photography and land mapping. So if you’re already a drone enthusiast, why not make extra money with your aircraft? You first need to apply for a remotely piloted aircraft, or RPA, licence with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Then, you can apply for gigs as a drone pilot.
How to get started
Where to get started
Total time: Depends on demand.
Setup: You’ll need to make time to pass a test. And then find clients.
How easy to start: Fairly easy. If you already have a drone, you’re likely qualified, but you may need to have a minimum number of flight hours logged.
Age threshold: 16+.
How fast you’ll get paid: Varies by company.
Want a sense of community? Check out the chatter at r/drones.
Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.
20. List your spare bedroom on Airbnb
Renting out your home or spare bedroom on holiday rental sites like Airbnb is another way to make extra money. Be prepared to spend some money to clean and keep up the property. Scrutinise your rental agreement before you get started to double-check you’re allowed to have paying guests.
Total time: Demand drives success, and that depends on your location.
Setup: A listing can be created and live in hours.
How easy to start: If you have a place to rent, it’s a simple process.
Age threshold: 18+.
How fast you’ll get paid: About one day.
Want a sense of community? Check out the chatter at r/airbnb_hosts.
Watch out for money-making scams
The internet is full of opportunities to make money online or from home, but many are questionable, if not outright scams. Be wary of any “opportunity” that asks for an upfront fee, wants you to pay for certification, or requests your tax file number or any financial information, such as your credit card number.
It’s also important to weigh up the pros and cons of the job to see if it’s even worth your time. The setup and running costs may not be worth the payout, especially if you’re starting from scratch and need cash fast.
Still unsure if an opportunity is worth it or even legit? Look for community forums, like those on Reddit, for unfiltered reviews and complaints from others in the same industry. You could also contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, or ACCC, with any concerns you have.
If you’re in the United States, read this article on the NerdWallet US site.
Side jobs such as testing websites, taking surveys and selling your used stuff online take minimal time to set up and have few requirements. You can also earn passive income through affiliate marketing or renting out your car.
Some of the fastest ways to make money from home include selling used clothes and electronics, babysitting and renting out a room on a holiday rental website.
It’s tough to find jobs that pay on the spot. You can check local or online job listings for gig jobs like moving couches, painting a fence for someone in your area or offering dog walking services to neighbors.