Summer is a good time to get outside and earn some extra money. Whether you want to take care of pets while their owners are on vacation, stay in someone’s house while they are away, tutor students, or deliver food, there is a side job for everyone.
Here are some side jobs to think about this summer if you’re hoping to earn more money.
Key Points
- Side jobs are a great way to make extra money during the summer.
- If you use a website or app to find side jobs, be sure to include any service fees in your budget.
- Think about any costs you may have before starting your side job.
Side Jobs for Summer 2025
Freelance writing and editing
If you’re good at writing or editing, you can earn money using that skill. Look for freelance jobs on websites like Freelancer, Upwork, ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and LinkedIn. Also, reach out to people you know to find opportunities.
Tutoring students
If you enjoy working with kids and teaching, tutoring could be a good summer job. Many students want to review school subjects during the break. You can look for tutoring jobs on sites like Wyzant and Preply.
Pet sitting or dog walking
If you love animals, think about becoming a dog sitter or dog walker. Sites like Rover let you set your own schedule and prices, giving you a lot of flexibility.
House sitting
With many families traveling in the summer, house sitting jobs are available. You can find these jobs on websites like TrustedHousesitters and MindMyHouse.
Lawn care
If you enjoy working outside, mowing lawns or helping in gardens could be a good side job. Sites like LawnLove and LandscapeIndustryCareers.org list these types of jobs.
Moving help
If you’re okay with lifting and carrying things, you could help people move this summer. Look for moving gigs on TaskRabbit or Dolly.
Food delivery
If you have a car, delivering food is a good way to earn money. Check out options on DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart.
Paid surveys or focus groups
You can make money by giving your opinion in surveys or focus groups. Sites like FocusGroups.org, User Interviews, Find Focus Groups, and Side Hustle Nation offer these types of opportunities.
Flipping items
Buy items to resell or fix things around your home and sell them for a profit. You can use eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Depop, or Poshmark to list them.
Babysitting or nanny work
Some parents may need help during the summer while their kids are out of school. Find babysitting jobs on sites like Care.com, Sittercity, UrbanSitter, and Nanny Lane.
Selling handmade goods and crafts
If you’re an artist or like making things by hand, summer is a great time to sell your crafts. Try selling your handmade items—like knitwear or jewelry—at local fairs or markets.
Transcription work
If you type fast, transcription work may be a good option. Check job boards like Rev and TranscribeMe for openings.
Renting out extra space
If you have an unused garage, driveway, or yard, you can rent it out for extra income. People are often looking for places to store their RVs, boats, or seasonal items. According to Casey Schow from Neighbor, “People can earn good money with very little time by renting out extra space.”
Costs to Think About With Side Jobs
There are many good things about freelancing or side jobs, but higher taxes are something to be aware of. As a freelancer, you’ll pay regular income tax plus a self-employment tax of 15.3% that covers Social Security and Medicare.
You should also think about any start-up costs. For example, freelance writers need a laptop or tablet and a steady internet connection. Food delivery workers need a car or bike, and they also have to pay for gas, maintenance, and insurance.
Websites and apps that connect you to side jobs often charge service fees. On Upwork, for example, there’s a 10% fee on what you earn. Tutors on Wyzant pay a 25% fee for using the platform.
Some of these costs can be written off at tax time. This may include computer equipment, internet bills, gas, car repairs, and service fees. The IRS has a tax center that can help people in the gig economy file their taxes and figure out what they can deduct.
Final Thoughts
There are many summer side jobs to choose from, whether you enjoy writing, teaching, caring for pets, house sitting, or something else. But it’s important to think about the costs before starting a new gig.
Watch out for service fees, and think about any tools or equipment you’ll need. Some of your costs might be tax-deductible, but make sure to save money for tax time too.
