10 Side Gigs That Can Make You Richer Than a Full-Time Job in 2026
In 2026, the gig economy will be booming even more to combat the rising cost of living, tariffs at the grocery store and stagnant wages. This means more Americans will be turning to high-paying side hustles to boost their income, pay off debt and even replace their full-time jobs.
No matter your money goals, there are dozens of profitable side gigs that can help you reach accomplish them faster. From freelance services to digital entrepreneurship, these 10 side hustles could make you richer than your day job could dream.
1. Lawn Care Professional
Average Salary: $17 to $55 per hour
Lawn care workers are often part-timers, as this job is a great way to pick up seasonal cash. Whether you're in high school or a college student, a firefighter or a teacher, this is a great opportunity to take in some extra income to pad your savings.
The pay will vary, but outside of word-of-mouth, you could sign up as a vendor with GreenPal, a lawn care service and app that CEO Bryan Clayton describes as "Uber for lawn care," and make money mowing lawns.
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2. TaskRabbit Tasker
Average Salary: Set your own rates
Become a Tasker and earn extra cash by completing everyday errands and tasks for people in your area. All it takes is a visit to TaskRabbit, where you can select tasks you are willing to accomplish. After getting matched with individuals requesting that service, you can proceed to do the job -- and get paid.
When you pick a task, the website will show you hourly rates for the most qualified taskers. You will then be able to set your own price. All jobs require a minimum time commitment of one hour, and payments are made securely online. According to Time's profile of elite taskers, they have been paid up to $70 an hour to fold shirts, $65 an hour for heavy lifting and $80 for moving services.
3. Frequent Flyer Specialist
Average Salary: $80 to $150/project
The side gig of a frequent flyer specialist is perfect for those who travel often and understand how to maximize frequent flyer miles to receive the best deals. If this sounds like you, consider using your skills to help other travelers plan their itineraries.
Experienced frequent flyer specialists can charge clients up to $150 for planning just one itinerary, according to a profile of a frequent flyer specialist on Budgets Are Sexy.
4. Bookkeeper
Average Salary: $24 per hour
With this side gig -- which typically pays about $24 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter -- your duties can include performing bank reconciliations, payroll needs and creating financial reports. Providing bookkeeping services to more than one company at once can increase your earning potential.
If you have a bit more experience in this field, a senior accountant can make an average hourly pay of about $40. Taking accounting gigs can be a major moneymaker, and the job will require preparing statements and audits, documenting transactions and performing end-of-month tasks.
To earn the high salary of a senior accountant, you typically need five years of experience, according to FlexJobs. However, this is often a job you can work on your own time.
5. Online Instructor
Average Salary: $42 per hour
Share your knowledge with the world -- remotely and on your own schedule -- by becoming an online instructor. Computer and IT skills courses are especially in demand, according to FlexJobs. Whether you have a knack for computer networks or freelance writing, you can take what you know and start selling your skills as an online teacher, tutor or instructor.
6. Sign Language Interpreter
Average Salary: $32 per hour
Licensed sign language interpreters are hired by businesses and other entities to facilitate communication for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. The average pay is $31.59 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter.
7. Curriculum Writer
Average Salary: $33 per hour
If you're a teacher looking to start a side gig outside of the classroom, consider becoming a curriculum writer. These professionals are hired to develop curricula and teaching guides. It's a gig that can pay $33 per hour, according to FlexJobs.
8. Education Training Specialist
Average Salary: $30 per hour
This gig involves conducting or teaching workshops, seminars or courses, as well as evaluating participants and developing the curricula for what you teach. According to FlexJobs, the pay starts at $30 an hour.
9. Executive Assistant
Average Salary: $28 per hour
It's possible to find executive assistant positions that are remote and part-time if you already have a few years of experience under your belt, according to FlexJobs. You can often work as an in-house or virtual assistant and duties can include setting up meetings, responding to emails, tracking appointments and more.
10. Consultant
Average Salary: $100 per hour
Turn your area of expertise into extra money in your pocket with consultant work. These professionals are hired by an organization to review its processes and provide advice to improve its performance. IT is a particularly lucrative field for consultants; however, pay varies widely between industries.
Autumn Rose, Gabrielle Olya and Nicole Spector contributed to the reporting for this article.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice.
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