Summer is here—and so is your chance to earn extra income with flexible, fun, and high-paying side hustle ideas. Whether you’re saving for a trip, paying off debt, or just want extra spending money, the warmer months offer perfect opportunities to make it happen.
Side hustles are a great way to make use of your free time during the summer, whether that’s evenings, weekends, or any spare moments you have.
In this post, we’ll explore the best side hustles for summer—plus how they can impact your taxes (yes, even side gigs count as income).
Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Start a Side Hustle
With longer days, seasonal demand, and more flexibility for students, teachers, and parents, summer is the ideal time to take on a new gig. Many side hustles also take advantage of increased travel, events, and outdoor activity, giving you a chance to earn on your terms. There are a wide range of hustle opportunities available in the summer, allowing you to make more money in ways that fit your lifestyle.
Just remember: Any extra income can affect your taxes—especially if you’re self-employed. But don’t stress—ezTaxReturn helps you file correctly and maximize your refund when the time comes.
10 Best Side Hustles for This Summer
1. Rideshare or Delivery Driving
Working as a delivery driver is a flexible side hustle, with opportunities to deliver food or packages through platforms like DoorDash, UberEats, Lyft, and Instacart, especially during the summer when demand increases as more people go out, attend events, or order in.
Delivering food is especially convenient for earning extra income, offering flexible hours and the potential to build skills for future career growth.
Pro Tip: Track your mileage, gas, and vehicle expenses—including maintenance costs like regular vehicle upkeep. These can be deductible!
2. Freelance Writing or Graphic Design
If you’d rather stay indoors, platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer a wide range of freelance jobs, including writing, editing, design, or even virtual assistant work.
Freelancing is ideal for those seeking flexibility and the ability to work from home. Having creative skills can help you stand out and secure higher-paying projects.
3. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
With families traveling, pet sitters and dog walkers are in high demand. Apps like Rover and Wag! let you get started quickly, and you can set your own schedule.
Having specialized skills, such as pet CPR certification, can help you attract more clients and increase your rates.
Bonus: You get paid to hang out with animals!
4. Lawn Care and Landscaping
If you don’t mind breaking a sweat, offering lawn mowing, weeding, or basic landscaping services in your neighborhood is a great way to serve your local community while earning extra income. Summer is prime time, and this side hustle can earn serious money—especially if you build a few recurring clients.
Many teens and college students turn this into a summer business.
5. Tutoring or Summer Camp Coaching
Summer break doesn’t mean kids stop learning. You can earn money by tutoring students online or in person, coach a summer sports team, or help with enrichment camps in your area.
Perfect for teachers, education majors, or subject-matter experts. Offering test prep services for standardized exams can be especially profitable during the summer.
6. Renting Out a Room or Property
If you have a spare bedroom (or your own place while you travel), listing the spare bedroom on Airbnb or Vrbo can bring in extra income during tourist season.
Tax Tip: Rental income must be reported. ezTaxReturn makes this easy to handle when you file.
7. Event Staffing
From weddings to concerts to local festivals, summer events always need extra hands. Check with event planners, staffing agencies, or local Facebook groups.
Short shifts and fast pay make this a solid weekend side hustle, and event staffing is a great side gig for those looking to earn extra money on weekends.
8. Selling Crafts or Products Online
Turn your hobby into income. Whether it’s candles, jewelry, art, or homemade snacks, platforms like Etsy, eBay, or local farmer’s markets are great places to start. You can also source affordable items to resell from garage sales and thrift stores.
Bonus: You control pricing, branding, and hours. To grow your business, it’s important to find customers through online platforms and local markets.
Start with a simple business idea and create a basic business plan to stay organized and increase your chances of success.
9. Social Media Management or Content Creation
Social media managers are in high demand for businesses looking to grow their online presence. If you have a knack for TikTok or Instagram, offer social media services to small businesses or start your own content channel.
Offering digital marketing services can help businesses with content creation, social media strategy, and website optimization.
As your following grows, you can apply to a platform’s partner program, such as YouTube’s, to unlock monetization features. Successful content creators can generate a steady monthly income through ads, memberships, and sponsorships.
As your following grows, you can monetize via affiliate links or brand deals. Becoming brand ambassadors for companies can also be a lucrative way to earn money through social media.
10. House Cleaning or Decluttering Services
Many people want a clean refresh before summer guests arrive. Offer home organizing or deep cleaning services in your community.
Simple tools + word-of-mouth = high return on effort.
Bonus: Unique Online Side Hustles for Extra Cash
a. Taking Online Surveys
If you’re looking for a flexible side hustle that fits into just a few hours of your spare time, taking online surveys is a great hustle idea. Platforms like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie let you get paid for sharing your opinions on products, services, and trends. There are no significant upfront costs, and you can make money online from anywhere with an internet connection. While you won’t get rich overnight, dedicating a little time each week can help you earn extra money, save on gift cards or rewards, and even build up a bit of passive income. If you’re serious about building wealth from zero, check out these tips on how to get rich even if you’re starting with nothing.
b. Creating and Selling Digital Products
For those who want to earn money from home and set their own hours, creating and selling digital products is a lucrative side hustle idea. With just an internet connection, you can design online courses, write e-books, or create printables that people are eager to buy. This hustle can be managed entirely on your own schedule, making it perfect for anyone balancing a full-time job or other commitments. Promote your digital products through social media, a YouTube channel, or online platforms to reach a wide audience. With the right strategy, this side hustle can even grow into a full time income stream, all from the comfort of your own home.
c. Designing Custom T-Shirts
If you have a flair for graphic design or a passion for fashion, designing custom t-shirts is a creative and fun side hustle idea. You can start with minimal upfront costs by using online platforms and social media to showcase your designs. Sell your t-shirts on Facebook Marketplace, partner with local businesses, or tap into the gig economy through print-on-demand services. This side hustle lets you make money online while expressing your creativity, and you can reach customers both locally and globally. With the right marketing on social media platforms, your custom t-shirt business could become a steady source of extra money all summer long.
d. Becoming a Brand Ambassador
Love social media and connecting with people? Becoming a brand ambassador could be your next flexible side hustle. By partnering with local businesses or online platforms, you can earn money by promoting products and services on your social media accounts. A strong social media presence and the ability to engage your audience are key for this hustle idea. As a brand ambassador, you’ll enjoy a flexible schedule, the chance to work with brands you love, and the potential to turn your side hustle into a full-time income. It’s a great way to leverage your online influence and get paid for sharing your favorite finds.
Choosing the Right Summer Side Hustle
When deciding which side hustle is right for you, ask yourself:
- Do I want to work indoors or outdoors?
- Do I prefer a set schedule or total flexibility?
- How much time can I realistically commit?
Pick something that aligns with your lifestyle and energy level—after all, it’s summer. Don’t burn yourself out trying to do too much.
How Side Hustles Affect Your Taxes
Even if it’s “just a summer gig,” your earnings are still considered taxable income by the IRS. Here’s what you need to know:
- Self-employed? You may need to pay self-employment tax (Social Security + Medicare).
- Keep records of expenses like supplies, mileage, and home office use—many are deductible.
- If you earn more than $400 from a gig, the IRS wants to know about it.
Good news: ezTaxReturn makes it easy to report your side income and claim every dollar you deserve. If you’re a student earning money this summer, don’t miss these tax tips every student with a summer job should know.
Final Thoughts
From dog walking to delivery driving to designing logos, the best side hustles this summer are flexible, fun, and full of earning potential. Whether you’re hustling to pay off bills or build savings, there’s something for everyone.
And when tax time rolls around? ezTaxReturn has your back. We’ll make sure your side hustle income is filed right—fast, easy, and 100% accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Best Side Hustles for Summer
1. What are the best side hustles to start in the summer?
Some of the best summer side hustles include rideshare or delivery driving, pet sitting or dog walking, tutoring, lawn care, renting out a spare room, and event staffing. These options offer flexibility and capitalize on seasonal demand.
2. How much time do I need to dedicate to a side hustle?
Many side hustles can be started with just a few hours of spare time each week. The key is to choose a hustle that fits your schedule and lifestyle, allowing you to earn extra money without burning out.
3. Can I start a side hustle with no upfront costs?
Yes! Taking online surveys, freelance writing, pet sitting, and selling digital products often require minimal or no upfront costs. Some hustles like designing custom t-shirts or dropshipping may require small initial investments.
4. How do side hustles affect my taxes?
Income earned from side hustles is taxable. If you’re self-employed, you may need to pay self-employment taxes and report your earnings to the IRS. Keeping track of expenses and using tax software like ezTaxReturn can help you maximize deductions.
5. Is it possible to turn a side hustle into a full-time job?
Absolutely. Many successful entrepreneurs start with a side hustle and gradually grow it into a full-time income. Hustles like blogging, social media management, and creating online courses have strong potential for scaling.
6. How can I find customers for my side hustle?
Finding customers can involve using online platforms, social media marketing, word-of-mouth referrals, and networking within your local community. Building a strong online presence can help attract more clients.
7. What skills are helpful for starting a side hustle?
Skills such as time management, communication, digital marketing, creative skills, and specialized knowledge in areas like tutoring or graphic design can enhance your chances of success in a side hustle.
8. Are online surveys worth the time?
Online surveys can be a flexible way to earn extra money in your spare time, but they typically pay modestly. They are best suited for those looking for easy, low-commitment side hustle ideas rather than high income.
9. Can I manage a side hustle while working a full-time job?
Yes, many side hustles are designed to fit around full-time jobs by offering flexible schedules and the ability to work your own hours. It’s important to balance your time to avoid burnout.
10. What are some unique side hustles for the summer?
Unique summer side hustles include event staffing, renting out a spare bedroom on Airbnb, selling crafts at local markets, and lawn care services. These capitalize on seasonal opportunities and can be both fun and profitable.
The articles and content published on this blog are provided for informational purposes only. The information presented is not intended to be, and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers are advised to seek appropriate professional guidance and conduct their own due diligence before making any decisions based on the information provided.
