7 Side Gigs That Sound Lucrative but Pay Less Than Minimum Wage
Are you looking for a side hustle to earn some extra cash? Or maybe you’re wondering if turning your hobby into a business is the right call? There are so many ways to make extra income, and some side hustles pay well enough to turn into a full-time job.
However, there are also side gigs that sound lucrative but pay less than minimum wage. There’s no reason to have a hustle that doesn’t pay you well, unless you enjoy doing it and the money is just the icing on the cake.
Here are seven side hustles to avoid, especially if you want to make well above your state’s minimum wage.
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1. Answering Surveys
Responding to surveys is one of the most recommended ways to make extra cash. While it might be an excellent way to get paid without putting in much effort, the gigs aren’t always lucrative.
Most surveys pay peanuts. For instance, Survey Junkie pays up to $40 monthly if you complete 3 surveys daily. That’s about $0.44 per survey. Don't take this gig if you’re looking for a side hustle to live off. However, if you’re always on your phone and seeking a way to make free cash, surveys are worth a try.
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2. Data Entry
According to Indeed, entry-level data entry jobs can pay as low as $13.20 hourly, which is well below the minimum wage of several states, including Arizona and California. You must take time to improve your skills to land better-paying data entry gigs. You can make as much as $29 hourly in expert-level roles, but the average gig pays $19.78.
3. Entry-Level Freelance Writing
Freelance writing can be an excellent way to make an income, but you have to improve your skills to earn a substantial sum. Most entry-level gigs pay as low as $10 per hour, but you can make over $50 an hour if you’re more experienced.
4. Food Delivery
If you’ve been researching the best side hustles, chances are you’ve seen food delivery gigs in the majority of the sources. While food delivery is a good way to make extra money, it may not be as lucrative as you think.
A DoorDash driver, for example, makes between $2 and $10 in base pay per delivery. There may also be some boosts and tips that increase your pay per order. However, costs like insurance, vehicle repairs and gas may eat into your pay and you may end up earning well below the minimum wage.
5. Entry-Level Virtual Assistant Roles
Entry-level virtual assistance roles may pay as low as $10 to $15 per hour, which is below the minimum wage in several states, including Hawaii and Connecticut. However, according to Indeed, you can earn upwards of $42 hourly if you can hone your skills and apply for higher-level roles.
6. Playing Games
Another gig that sounds lucrative but pays less than minimum wage is playing games on get-paid-to sites like Kashkick. Playing one game may earn you about $3 or less, which may not be a substantial income to depend on. However, your earnings depend on your efforts, so you can earn more if you have more time to play games.
7. Testing Apps and Websites
Testing apps and websites is another great way to make money online, but the earnings are not always as good as you think. Some tests, especially games, can pay as much as $100 or more. However, most apps and website tests pay about $10 or less.
Testing may take a lot of time, so the pay may not be substantial in the long run. Plus, these tests are not always available, so they may not be a reliable source of income.
Final Thoughts
You must do your due diligence to find out how much a side hustle pays because numerous gigs sound lucrative but pay less than minimum wage. It all depends on what you’re looking for, though.
If you don’t mind the slow period before the big break, freelance writing and VA gigs can be worth exploring. Also, if you have lots of free time and want to make a few dollars without sweating, surveys and testing websites can be good pastimes.
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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