Summer is the perfect time to boost your income. Longer days, warmer weather, and seasonal demand create endless opportunities to earn extra cash. Whether you’re saving for a vacation, paying down debt, or just want more spending money, summer side hustles can help you reach your goals.
From outdoor gigs to online opportunities you can do from home, here are the best side hustles to try this summer. Plus, what they mean for your taxes.
Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Start a Side Hustle
Summer brings:
- Higher demand for travel, events, childcare, and outdoor services
- More flexibility for students, teachers, and families
- Longer daylight hours for after‑work or weekend gigs
- Seasonal opportunities that don’t exist year‑round
Whether you want something active, creative, or remote, there’s a side hustle that fits your lifestyle.
Just remember that side hustle income is taxable, even if it’s part‑time or seasonal. But don’t worry, ezTaxReturn makes reporting gig income simple when tax season rolls around.
10 Best Side Hustles for This Summer
1. Rideshare or delivery driving
If you’re looking for how to make money fast in summer, rideshare and delivery apps are a top choice.
Income potential: Roughly $15–$30 per hour, depending on your area, tips, and peak times.
How to start:
- Sign up with apps like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, UberEats, or Instacart.
- Make sure your car meets the platform’s requirements.
- Start with evenings, weekends, and event days for higher demand.
Safety considerations:
- Share your trip status with a trusted contact.
- Stick to well-lit areas and follow app safety guidelines.
- Trust your instincts. If a situation feels off, cancel the ride or delivery.
Tax tip:
Track mileage, gas, tolls, and maintenance. Many of these expenses may be deductible.
2. Freelance writing or graphic design
If you’d rather stay inside with the AC on, freelancing is one of the best side hustles for summer.
Income potential: Beginners might earn $15–$30 per hour; experienced freelancers can earn $50+ per hour or charge per project.
How to start:
- Create a simple portfolio using past work or sample pieces.
- Join platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.
- Offer services like blog writing, social media graphics, logos, or basic design.
Bonus:
This is a great option if you want a side hustle that could eventually turn into a full-time business.
3. Pet sitting or dog walking
With more people traveling in summer, pet sitters and dog walkers are in high demand.
Income potential: Around $15–$30 per walk or visit, more if you offer overnight stays or house sitting.
How to start:
- Sign up on apps like Rover or Wag!.
- Offer services to friends, family, and neighbors first to build reviews.
- Consider offering extras like bathing, training reinforcement, or longer walks.
Safety considerations:
- Meet pets and owners in advance.
- Ask about behavior issues, triggers, and medical needs.
- Make sure you’re comfortable handling different breeds and sizes.
4. Lawn care and landscaping
If you don’t mind the heat, lawn care is one of the most reliable summer gig ideas.
Income potential: About $25–$75 per yard, depending on the size and services (mowing, trimming, weeding, etc.).
How to start:
- Start with basic services: mowing, edging, weeding.
- Offer your services to neighbors, then expand through referrals.
- Post in local Facebook groups or community boards.
Pro tip:
Recurring clients (weekly or biweekly) can turn this into a steady summer income stream.
5. Tutoring or summer camp coaching
Summer break doesn’t mean learning stops. Parents still want their kids engaged and active.
Income potential: Tutoring can pay $20–$60 per hour; coaching or camp work may pay $15–$30 per hour.
How to start:
- Offer tutoring in subjects you’re strong in or test prep (SAT, ACT, etc.).
- Reach out to local schools, community centers, or camps.
- List your services on tutoring platforms or local parent groups.
This is especially great for teachers, education majors, or anyone who enjoys working with kids.
6. Renting out a room or property
If you live in a tourist area or near popular attractions, renting out a spare room can be one of the most profitable summer side hustles.
Income potential: Anywhere from $50–$200+ per night, depending on your location and space.
How to start:
- List your space on Airbnb or Vrbo.
- Take clear, bright photos and write an honest description.
- Set house rules and expectations upfront.
Safety considerations:
- Read guest reviews before accepting bookings.
- Use the platform’s messaging system and payment tools.
- Secure valuables and consider a lock on your personal space.
Tax tip:
Rental income is taxable. Keep records of expenses like cleaning, supplies, and a portion of utilities.
7. Event staffing
Summer is packed with weddings, festivals, concerts, and fairs, all of which need extra help.
Income potential: Typically $15–$25 per hour, sometimes more for specialized roles.
How to start:
- Look for event staffing agencies in your area.
- Check local job boards, Facebook groups, and community sites.
- Be open to evenings and weekends, those are peak times.
This is a great summer side hustle if you like being around people and don’t want a long-term commitment.
8. Selling crafts or products online
If you’re creative, this is one of the most fun ways to make extra money this summer.
Income potential: Highly variable. Anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, depending on demand and pricing.
How to start:
- Choose a product: candles, jewelry, art, baked goods, printables, etc.
- Sell on Etsy, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or at local markets.
- Start small, test what sells, then scale up.
Pro tip:
Create a simple brand name and logo to look more professional.
9. Social media management or content creation
If you’re good at TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube, this can be one of the most scalable summer side hustles.
Income potential: Social media managers often earn $20–$50+ per hour; content creators can earn through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links.
How to start:
- Offer to manage social media for a local business.
- Create content samples to show your style and skills.
- Or start your own channel and post consistently around a niche.
Over time, this can grow into a long-term income stream, not just a summer gig.
10. House cleaning or decluttering services
Many people want a fresh, clean home before hosting summer guests.
Income potential: Around $25–$50 per hour, or flat rates per job.
How to start:
- Offer basic cleaning or organizing services to friends and neighbors.
- Post before-and-after photos (with permission) on social media.
- Bring your own supplies to look more professional.
This is a great summer side hustle if you like tangible results and word-of-mouth referrals.
Bonus: Easy online side hustles for extra cash
If you want low-commitment summer gig ideas, these are worth considering:
Online surveys
Income potential: Low, maybe $20–$100 per month, depending on time spent.
Good for quick, easy money in your spare time.
Creating digital products
Design printables, templates, e-books, or mini-courses. Once created, they can sell over and over, even after summer ends.
Designing custom T‑shirts
Use print-on-demand services so you don’t have to hold inventory. Promote designs on social media or marketplaces.
Becoming a brand ambassador
Promote products you love on social media and earn commissions or free products.
How to Choose 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 flexible schedule or structured hours?
- How much time can I realistically commit?
- Do I want fast cash or long‑term earning potential?
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:
- If you earn $400 or more, you may owe self‑employment tax.
- Keep receipts for supplies, mileage, equipment, and home office use, these expenses may be tax deductible.
- You may receive a 1099-NEC or 1099-K, but you must report income even if you don’t get a form.
When tax season comes, ezTaxReturn can help you report your side hustle income correctly and claim every deduction you’re entitled to.
Final Thoughts
From dog walking to delivery driving to selling digital products, the best side hustles for summer are flexible, fun, and full of earning potential. Whether you’re trying to make money fast this summer or build something that lasts beyond the season, there’s a gig that fits your goals.
And when it’s time to file? ezTaxReturn makes reporting your summer side hustle income fast, easy, and accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best side hustles to start during the summer?
Summer is ideal for gigs like rideshare driving, pet sitting, lawn care, tutoring, event staffing, and renting out a spare room. Seasonal demand makes these jobs easier to find and more profitable.
How much money can I make with a summer side hustle?
Earnings vary by gig, but many summer side hustles can bring in anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, depending on your time commitment and demand in your area.
Which summer side hustles are the most flexible?
Delivery driving, freelancing, pet sitting, online surveys, and selling digital products offer the most flexibility. You can work whenever you want and scale your hours up or down.
What side hustles can I do from home during the summer?
Freelance writing, graphic design, virtual assistance, selling crafts, creating digital products, and social media management are all great at‑home options.
Do I need special skills to start a summer side hustle?
Not always. Many gigs like delivery driving, lawn care, event staffing, and house cleaning require little to no experience. Others, like tutoring or graphic design, benefit from specific skills.
What’s the easiest side hustle to start quickly?
Delivery apps, pet sitting platforms, and online survey sites allow you to start earning fast with minimal setup. Selling items online or offering basic yard work can also be started immediately.
How do I choose the right summer side hustle for me?
Consider your schedule, interests, physical energy level, and whether you prefer indoor or outdoor work. Choose something that fits your lifestyle so you can stay consistent.
Do I have to pay taxes on money earned from a summer side hustle?
Yes. The IRS considers side hustle earnings taxable income, even if it’s part‑time or seasonal. You may also owe self‑employment tax if you earn $400 or more.
What expenses can I deduct from my side hustle income?
Depending on the gig, you may be able to deduct mileage, supplies, equipment, home office use, marketing costs, and platform fees. Keeping good records is essential.
Can ezTaxReturn help me report my summer side hustle income accurately?
Yes. ezTaxReturn guides you through reporting gig and freelance income, helps you claim eligible deductions, and makes filing simple when tax season arrives.
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.
