Written by Admin Alex · Fact-Checked by M.Ali · Info Verified October 2026
We review and update this article regularly as new information becomes available.
TL;DR: The best side hustles for women are the same ones that pay well for anyone. Top picks include skilled freelance work like bookkeeping, coding, and consulting, plus flexible gigs like notary work and paid user research. Bankrate’s 2025 survey found women’s side hustles earned a median of $148 a month versus $247 for men, so choosing higher-skill work matters. Pick by the hours you actually have, avoid MLMs, and set aside money for self-employment tax once you net $400.
The best side hustles for women are skill-based gigs that match your available hours, not a short list of “female-friendly” crafts. This guide sorts 30 options by weekly time: under 5 hours, 5 to 10, and 10 to 20. Each one comes with realistic pay, startup cost, and who it suits. We also cover the data, the MLM trap, safety for in-person work, and taxes.
Key Terms in One Line Each
- Side hustle: paid work you do alongside a main job or other responsibilities.
- Nonemployer business: a Census term for a business with no paid employees, which describes most side hustles.
- Self-employment (SE) tax: the 15.3% Social Security and Medicare tax the self-employed pay on net earnings.
- Estimated taxes: quarterly tax payments made with IRS Form 1040-ES when no employer withholds for you.
- MLM (multi-level marketing): a sales model where you earn from your own sales and from people you recruit.
- Loan signing agent: a notary who handles mortgage document signings for a flat fee.
Women and Side Income: What the Data Shows
Women already run a large share of America’s small businesses. They are also more likely than men to hold more than one job. But side hustle earnings show a clear gap.
| Statistic | Figure | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women-owned nonemployer businesses | 12.7 million (42.7% of all) | 2022 | U.S. Census Bureau, Nonemployer Statistics by Demographics |
| Women-owned employer businesses | 1.4 million (22.9% of all) | 2023 | U.S. Census Bureau, Annual Business Survey |
| Multiple jobholding rate, women vs. men | 5.9% vs. 4.9% | 2025 | BLS, Current Population Survey, Table 36 |
| Adults with a side hustle, women vs. men | 33% vs. 38% | 2024 | Bankrate / YouGov side hustle survey |
| Median monthly side hustle income, women vs. men | $148 vs. $247 | 2025 | Bankrate / YouGov side hustle survey |
| Women’s median weekly earnings as a share of men’s | 82.7% | 2024 | BLS, Highlights of Women’s Earnings |
The gap in side income partly reflects the type of work. Lower-paying gigs crowd out skilled ones. That is why this list leans toward work that rewards expertise. Bankrate’s 2025 average figures tell the same story: $611 a month for women versus $1,195 for men.
All 30 Side Hustles for Women at a Glance
Pay figures are realistic ranges for part-time work. Where BLS data exists, we cite the national median for the full-time job.
| Idea | Typical pay | Startup cost | Time needed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paid user research | $50 to $100/hr session | $0 | Under 5 hrs | Anyone |
| Notary public | State-capped fee per act | $50 to $300 | Under 5 hrs | Detail-oriented people |
| Pet sitting | $15 to $25/visit | $0 | Under 5 hrs | Animal lovers |
| Clothing resale | $100 to $500/mo | $0 to $100 | Under 5 hrs | Thrifters |
| Babysitting | $18 to $25/hr | $0 to $100 (CPR) | Under 5 hrs | Evenings free |
| Proofreading | $20 to $40/hr | $0 | Under 5 hrs | Strong editors |
| Renting out space or gear | Varies | $0 | Under 5 hrs | Owners of unused assets |
| Digital templates | $0 to $500/mo | $0 to $15/mo | Under 5 hrs | Designers, planners |
| Group fitness instructor | $25 to $50/class | $300 to $600 cert | Under 5 hrs | Fitness enthusiasts |
| Translation | $0.08 to $0.20/word | $0 | Under 5 hrs | Bilingual women |
| Online tutoring | $20 to $60/hr | $0 | 5 to 10 hrs | Teachers, grads |
| Virtual assistant | $20 to $40/hr | $0 | 5 to 10 hrs | Organizers |
| Freelance writing | $50 to $300/article | $0 | 5 to 10 hrs | Clear writers |
| Real estate photography | $100 to $250/shoot | $800 to $2,000 | 5 to 10 hrs | Weekend workers |
| Bookkeeping | $300 to $800/client/mo | $0 to $300 | 5 to 10 hrs | Numbers people |
| Social media management | $300 to $1,000/client/mo | $0 | 5 to 10 hrs | Marketers |
| Resume writing | $100 to $400/resume | $0 | 5 to 10 hrs | HR, recruiters |
| Handmade or print-on-demand | Varies widely | $0 to $500 | 5 to 10 hrs | Makers |
| Professional organizing | $40 to $80/hr | $0 to $100 | 5 to 10 hrs | Tidy problem-solvers |
| Day-of event coordination | $500 to $1,500/event | $0 to $200 | 5 to 10 hrs | Calm under pressure |
| Freelance web development | $40 to $100/hr | $0 to $200 | 10 to 20 hrs | Coders |
| UX/UI design | $50 to $100/hr | $0 to $20/mo | 10 to 20 hrs | Designers |
| Consulting in your field | $75 to $200/hr | $0 | 10 to 20 hrs | Experienced pros |
| Online courses or coaching | Varies widely | $0 to $50/mo | 10 to 20 hrs | Experts with an audience |
| Grant writing | $50 to $100/hr | $0 | 10 to 20 hrs | Nonprofit veterans |
| Paid ads management | $500 to $2,000/client/mo | $0 | 10 to 20 hrs | Data-minded marketers |
| Portrait photography | $150 to $500/session | $1,000+ | 10 to 20 hrs | Creatives |
| Seasonal tax preparation | $20 to $40/hr | $0 to $300 | 10 to 20 hrs | Numbers people |
| Data analysis freelancing | $40 to $90/hr | $0 | 10 to 20 hrs | Excel and SQL users |
| Small online store | Varies widely | $100 to $1,000 | 10 to 20 hrs | Product people |
Side Hustles for Women With Under 5 Hours a Week
These fit around a full-time job or caregiving. Income is modest, but so is the commitment.
1. Paid User Research
Companies pay people to test apps and share opinions. User Interviews’ 2025 incentives report puts typical remote sessions at about $80 an hour for consumers. Studies are sporadic, so treat it as bonus money.
2. Notary Public
Your state sets the maximum fee per notarized signature. Commissioning usually costs a few hundred dollars for training, a bond, and a stamp. Many notaries later add loan signings, which pay a flat fee per appointment.
3. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Apps like Rover connect you with local owners. BLS lists a $17.08 median hourly wage for animal care workers (May 2025). Weekends and holidays pay best.
4. Clothing Resale
Start by selling your own closet on Poshmark, Depop, or eBay. Then source thrift finds. Profit depends on your eye for brands and your time spent photographing and shipping.
5. Babysitting
Date-night and weekend sitting pays well in most metro areas. A CPR and first aid card raises your rate. Repeat families make this steady.
6. Proofreading
Catching errors for bloggers, students, and businesses is fast, focused work. Build a portfolio with two or three free samples. Then pitch small agencies.
7. Renting Out Space or Gear
A spare parking spot, storage space, or camera kit can earn money while you do nothing. Check your lease, HOA rules, and insurance first.
8. Digital Templates
Planners, Canva templates, and Notion dashboards sell on Etsy or your own site. Work is front-loaded. Most shops earn little until they find a niche.
9. Group Fitness Instructor
Teaching two or three classes a week is common. BLS reports a $22.67 median hourly wage for fitness trainers (May 2025). Most gyms require a certification.
10. Translation
If you are fluent in two languages, translation is high-value work. BLS puts the median at $28.93 an hour (May 2025). Certification from the American Translators Association helps.
Side Hustles for Women With 5 to 10 Hours a Week
This tier lets you build real client relationships. Income can reach several hundred dollars a month.
11. Online Tutoring
Subject tutoring, test prep, and English lessons all work online. Teachers and recent graduates can charge more for SAT, ACT, or specialized subjects.
12. Virtual Assistant
VAs handle email, scheduling, and admin for busy founders. It rewards organization over credentials. Our virtual assistant side hustle guide covers rates and first clients.
13. Freelance Writing
Businesses pay for blog posts, emails, and web copy. BLS lists a $36.98 median hourly wage for writers (May 2025). Niche knowledge, like finance or health, raises your rate.
14. Real Estate Photography
Agents need bright, wide listing photos fast. You need a good camera, a wide lens, and editing skills. Weekend shoots fit well around a day job.
15. Bookkeeping
Small businesses pay monthly for clean books. BLS reports a $24.36 median hourly wage for bookkeeping clerks (May 2025). A QuickBooks certification builds trust fast.
16. Social Media Management
Local businesses often want help with posts and replies. One or two retainer clients can add steady income. Results-based reporting keeps clients longer.
17. Resume Writing
HR staff and recruiters already know what hiring managers want. Package resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn rewrites at flat rates.
18. Handmade or Print-on-Demand Products
Crafts can work, but treat them as a business, not a hobby. Price for your time and materials. Print-on-demand avoids inventory but has thin margins.
19. Professional Organizing
Decluttering closets, garages, and home offices is in demand. Before-and-after photos are your best marketing. Weekend jobs pay well.
20. Day-of Event Coordination
Couples hire coordinators just for the wedding day. Experience from planning work or family events transfers well. Expect long weekend shifts.
Side Hustles for Women With 10 to 20 Hours a Week
These are skilled, higher-paying hustles. Several can grow into a full business. For more location-free options, see our list of remote side hustles you can do after a day job.
21. Freelance Web Development
Small businesses need sites built and maintained. BLS lists a $47.85 median hourly wage for web developers and digital designers (May 2025). WordPress and Shopify skills are in steady demand.
22. UX/UI Design
Startups hire freelancers for app screens and usability fixes. A portfolio of three real case studies matters more than a degree.
23. Consulting in Your Field
HR, compliance, marketing, or operations experience can be sold by the hour. This often pays the most per hour on this list. Check your employer’s moonlighting and non-compete rules.
24. Online Courses or Coaching
Package what you know into a course or a coaching program. Income is uneven and depends on your audience. Start with one live cohort before building a full course.
25. Grant Writing
Nonprofits need writers who understand funders. Charge hourly or per project. Ethical practice avoids commission-only pay based on grant size.
26. Paid Ads Management
Running Google or Meta ads for small businesses pays well when you can show results. Free certifications from Google are a good start.
27. Portrait Photography
Family, headshot, and branding sessions pay more per hour than real estate work. BLS lists a $21.47 median for photographers (May 2025), but session pricing can beat that.
28. Seasonal Tax Preparation
You need an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) to prepare returns for pay. Tax season runs January to April, then work drops off.
29. Data Analysis Freelancing
Spreadsheet cleanup, dashboards, and reporting suit people who use Excel, SQL, or Power BI at work. Clients value accuracy and fast turnaround.
30. Small Online Store
Selling a niche product on Shopify or Amazon takes the most capital and time. Margins and ad costs decide success. Test small before buying inventory.
The MLM Warning: Why “Be Your Own Boss” Pitches Usually Lose Money
Multi-level marketing companies often recruit women through friends and social media. The numbers are poor. The FTC’s 2024 staff review of 70 MLM income disclosures found most participants made $1,000 or less a year, before expenses. In at least 17 of those MLMs, most participants made nothing.
A 2018 AARP Foundation study found nearly half of MLM participants lost money. About a quarter broke even. Only about a quarter made a profit, and most of those earned under $5,000.
Red flags include buying starter kits, monthly purchase quotas, and pay tied to recruiting. If a pitch talks about lifestyle more than product sales, walk away.
Safety Tips for In-Person Gigs
- Use platforms that verify identity and process payment when possible.
- Meet new clients in public first, or by video call before a home visit.
- Share your schedule and client addresses with someone you trust.
- Get paid upfront or through the app, never by overpayment and refund.
- Trust your instincts. Leave any job that feels wrong, even mid-shift.
Taxes on Side Hustle Income
The IRS requires you to pay self-employment tax once net self-employment earnings reach $400 in a year. The rate is 15.3%, covering Social Security and Medicare. You report it on Schedule SE.
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year, you generally need to pay quarterly estimated taxes. Many side hustlers save 25% to 30% of profit in a separate account. Income is taxable even if you never receive a 1099 form.
Track mileage, software, and equipment costs. Legitimate business expenses reduce your taxable profit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best side hustle for women?
The best side hustle is one that uses a skill you already have. Bookkeeping, tutoring, consulting, and web development pay more per hour than most app-based gigs. Match the choice to your available weekly hours.
What are easy side hustles for women to start?
Paid user research, pet sitting, clothing resale, and babysitting need little or no setup. They pay less than skilled work but let you start this week.
How much do women earn from side hustles?
Bankrate’s 2025 survey found a median of $148 a month for women and $247 for men. Skilled freelance work typically pays well above that median.
What side jobs can women do from home?
Virtual assistance, bookkeeping, writing, tutoring, UX design, and data analysis can all be done remotely. Most need only a laptop and reliable internet.
Which side gigs pay daily or weekly?
App-based pet sitting and some tutoring platforms pay quickly. Freelance clients usually pay on invoice terms, often net 15 or net 30.
Are side hustles for moms different?
Not really. Parents tend to prefer flexible, remote, or evening work. The options in the under 5 hours and 5 to 10 hours sections fit most caregiving schedules.
Is an MLM a good side hustle for women?
Usually not. FTC staff found most MLM participants made $1,000 or less a year. Expenses for products and events often exceed that income.
Do I have to pay taxes on a small side hustle?
Yes. All income is taxable, and self-employment tax applies once net earnings hit $400. You may also need to make quarterly estimated payments.
Can I start a side hustle while working full time?
Yes, but check your employment contract for moonlighting, conflict of interest, and non-compete clauses. Keep side work off company devices and time.
Bottom Line
Choose a side hustle by the hours you truly have, then pick the most skilled option in that tier. Skilled work closes much of the side income gap. Skip MLMs, protect yourself at in-person jobs, and set aside money for taxes from your first payment.
This article is general information only. It is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Check with a qualified professional about your situation.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, Nonemployer Statistics by Demographics, 2025
- U.S. Census Bureau, Annual Business Survey release, 2025
- BLS, Multiple jobholders by selected characteristics, 2025
- BLS, Highlights of Women’s Earnings in 2024, 2025
- Bankrate, Side hustles survey, 2025
- Bankrate, Side hustle survey press release, 2024
- FTC, FTC staff report analyzes 70 MLM income disclosure statements, 2024
- FTC, Business Guidance Concerning Multi-Level Marketing
- AARP Foundation, Multilevel marketing research, 2018
- IRS, Self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare taxes)
- IRS, Estimated taxes
- BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook pay data, May 2025
- User Interviews, UX Research Incentives Report, 2025
The Teck Hustlers Editorial Team covers technology, business, finance and gaming news for readers who want the story behind the headline. Every article is researched, written and edited by our in-house team, checked against company announcements, filings and reputable reporting, and updated when new facts emerge. We focus on what each development means for founders, professionals, investors and everyday users. Have a tip or a correction? Reach us through our contact page.
