16 Legit Remote Side Hustles [Up to $15k/month]

Around 54% of working Americans have a side hustle to make extra income.

We can’t say we’re surprised to hear this. Between slow wage growth and rising inflation rates, taking on a side hustle is becoming key to making ends meet.

But after working an in-person role all day, heading back out to another gig might not sound ideal. Instead, pick up a remote role with a flexible schedule.

We’ll dive deeper on each of these below, but here are the best remote side hustles at-a-glance.

1. Social Media Management ($2,600+ per month)

Freelance social media managers craft the online presence of their clients. This might involve creating a content strategy, filming and editing video posts, engaging with people in comment sections, and analyzing performance data.

Social media management is a flexible side hustle, making it ideal for almost anyone. You’re able to set your rates, pick your working hours, and work from anywhere. Plus, you'll earn around $2,600 per month working part-time.

2. Offer Other Freelance Services ($25+ per hour)

If social media management isn’t your forte, offer a different service on a freelance basis. A few examples include content writing, graphic design, or web design.

You have the power to choose when, how, and where you work because as a freelancer, you’re a business owner. Pay ranges depending on the service you offer. Generally speaking, freelancers make $25 per hour or more across the board.

3. Become a Virtual Assistant ($25 per hour)

If you’ve ever been referred to as a jack-of-all-trades or the team Swiss Army knife, become a virtual assistant. Virtual assistants (VAs) support clients with a range of tasks—everything from administrative to creative.

Here are a few examples of tasks you may assist with:

• Administrative: Booking appointments, managing calendars, sorting through email inboxes, planning travel arrangements
• Technical: Data entry, bookkeeping, simple web design tweaks
• Creative: Social media management, basic graphic design, simple video edits
  

If you’d prefer to remain a generalist and want a high level of flexibility from your side hustle, this side hustle is perfect for you. In fact, it’s so flexible that many stay-at-home moms become virtual assistants. It’s easy to squeeze in hours early in the mornings, late at night, and in between nap times.

4. Offer Video or Podcast Editing Services ($33+ per hour)

Podcast editors take raw audio and video files, edit out mistakes and pauses, then overlay theme music and visuals. It’s flexible, allowing you to work whenever you’d like—as long as you deliver the content on time.

Based on current freelancer rates on Upwork, podcast editors charge anywhere from $33 to $195 per hour to edit an episode.

While it might take applying for a few gigs to land a client, clients are more likely to stick with you once you’re locked in. This is because podcasts aim to develop their own unique editing style to help their content stand out and feel consistent. Having the same editor on each episode is key for this.

5. Launch an Etsy Print-on-Demand Shop (Varies)

Print-on-demand (POD) is a business model allowing you to sell physical products without manufacturing them, holding inventory, or shipping them yourself. Sounds pretty sweet, huh?

To put it succinctly, you’d create a design and allow a third-party company to produce and ship the item when a customer purchases it. While there are a few startup costs, like subscriptions to design software, they’re affordable.

Now, we won’t lie to you—launching a POD shop takes some upfront time and effort. However, once it’s up and running, it’s an incredibly flexible and fairly passive side hustle.

Income potential varies, but for example, one nursing-themed graduation candle earns roughly $13,465 per month for the seller.

6. Sell Digital Downloads (Varies)

If you’d prefer to sell products that don’t require production or shipment, sell digital downloads. This could be a budget template, a digital planner, a printable wedding poster—the sky’s the limit.

To create a profitable digital download shop, you’ll need to do some research on what products people are looking for, how much they’re selling for, and how to create a shop that people can find online. That said, there’s tons of resources online to walk you through how to do so.

7. Teach English Online ($26 per hour)

If you’re a teacher looking to make some extra cash, the next two on our list are for you.

For students in other countries, it’s common to take English as a Second Language (ESL) courses online. They’re matched with teachers like you, who guide them through lessons to learn the language.

You can teach on platforms like VIPKid, Cambly, and Preply. Most platforms provide you with the lesson plans—you just need to come with a computer, microphone, and positive attitude. While some platforms require you to teach a certain number of hours per week, most allow you to choose which class times you work.

8. Offer Classes on Outschool ($32 per hour)

If teaching English doesn’t sound exciting but teaching another topic does, create a class on Outschool. Outschool is an education platform connecting students to a range of online classes.

You can teach on nearly anything, from amphibian show-and-tells, to what to expect during puberty, to basic math skills. You’ll have full control over how many classes you teach, when you teach them, and how much you charge per student.

9. Become a Virtual Translator ($28+ per hour)

While interpreters translate spoken language, translators work with written content, translating it from one language to another. They might translate text files, websites, emails, software, or closed captioning on videos.
As a virtual translator, you’d set your own hours and choose the work you take on. That said, it isn’t the most steady side hustle. You’ll need to consistently apply for opportunities.

10. Become a Social Media Creator (Varies)

Over the last several years, millions of people have launched careers as social media influencers. They earn income by creating and posting content, working with brands on advertisements, selling branded products, and earning commission on affiliate links. This earns some creators upwards of $15,000 per month.

11. Sell an Online Course or Program (Varies)

There’s a common misconception that only experts can sell course programs. However, this isn’t true. As long as you’re one step ahead of your ideal client, you have something to teach them.

For many social media creators and professionals, selling an online course becomes a massively profitable endeavor. Here are a few examples:

• ChatGPT Guide: $3.7 million in estimated revenue
• Communication Skills for Beginners: $1.8 million in estimated revenue
• How to Become a Next Generation Leader: $875k in estimated revenue

If you have a platform on social media, market your course to your audience. If you don’t, upload the course on a marketplace like Udemy.

12. Promote Products on TikTok Shop (Varies)

TikTok Shop allows you to promote products and earn a commission when someone makes a purchase through your unique link. You’ll need to create a TikTok account and grow to around 5,000 followers to gain access to the TikTok Shop feature.

Earnings vary, but some creators earn upwards of $15,000 per month in commissions.

13. Start a Blog ($2,000 per month)

Blogging is a long game—it takes some people years to monetize a blog. However, once it’s monetized, it becomes passive income.

To grow a blog, you’d need to create a website and post content consistently. This takes learning about Search Engine Optimization (SEO), what makes good content, and maintaining a site.

14. Become a Bookkeeper ($3,000 per month)

Bookkeepers help clients manage financial records for their business. This might include keeping track of transactions, generating financial reports, and processing payroll. Given that many small businesses don’t have the resources to hire a full-time record keeper, freelance bookkeepers are in demand.

To land a role, familiarize yourself with bookkeeping software and practice maintaining your own financial records to give yourself some initial experience.

15. Invest in Real Estate (Varies)

Don’t worry—you don’t need to purchase a property and become a landlord to invest in real estate. Sites like Fundrise allow you to invest in private real estate projects, then receive a payout when the value of the properties grow.
Keep in mind—real estate is an investment. This means that you won’t see much of a return overnight. If you’re looking for a more stable, consistently profitable side hustle, investing in real estate isn’t for you.

16. Become a User Tester ($5 to $150 per test)

While many side hustles have age minimums, some user testing platforms allow people under 18 to participate. This makes it a perfect side hustle for teens and college students.

Simply put, you’d provide companies with feedback on products, services, or websites in exchange for some cash. It isn’t the highest-paying side hustle, earning around $5 to $150 per test. That said, it’s flexible, accessible, and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why are so many Americans taking on side hustles?

Due to slow wage growth and rising inflation rates, many Americans find it necessary to take on side hustles to make ends meet. Side hustles provide additional income that can help cover expenses and improve financial stability.

What are the advantages of remote side hustles compared to in-person gigs?

Remote side hustles offer flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere and set your own hours. This can be especially beneficial for those who already have a full-time job or other commitments, as it eliminates the need to commute to a second job.

How much can I expect to earn from social media management as a side hustle?

Freelance social media managers can earn around $2,600 per month working part-time. The actual income may vary based on the number of clients, the scope of work, and the rates you set.

What skills are necessary to become a successful virtual assistant?

As a virtual assistant, you should be organized, communicative, and versatile. Tasks can range from administrative duties like managing calendars and booking appointments to creative tasks such as social media management and basic graphic design. Being a jack-of-all-trades can be an asset.

How can I get started with user testing, and what is the income potential?

To start user testing, sign up on platforms like Dscout, UserTesting, or Userlytics. You'll provide feedback on products, services, or websites in exchange for payment. While the income varies, you can typically earn between $5 to $150 per test. It's a flexible and accessible side hustle, suitable even for teens and college students.