18 Ways to Make Money Without a Job
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Paid market research  cash back apps  housesitting and rideshare driving are among ideas to earn cash in the gig economy.

There are ways to make money without a traditional job  Some people earn with flexible side gigs or freelance work  or by monetizing their hobbies 

Whether you are a student  an entrepreneur or unemployed  we have got you covered with alternative ways to make money without a job.

1. Participate in paid market research

Paid market research allows companies like Usertesting.com, for example, to pay participants to express their opinion on everyday items, services, brands, apps and websites. It can include taking surveys for money, participating in focus groups and taking part in medical research (being paid to give an opinion on or to help test medicine or treatments).

Opportunities differ in the amount of pay you receive — some pay participants with a point system, an hourly rate or in gift cards.

» Learn more about how to make money

2. Become a virtual assistant

Individuals  groups and businesses often need administrative support. A virtual assistant helps businesses with day to day tasks like email management  bookkeeping and social media from a remote location.

The average pay in 2025 for virtual assistants in the United States is about $27.47 per hour, according to job site Indeed.com.

3. Transcribe audio and video

Transcriptionists convert audio and video recordings into written documentation. There are usually typing tests and recommended typing speeds  and a decent budget laptop will help  Also keep in mind that some training may be required for certain types of tasks  like legal or medical transcribing.

The average pay for a transcriptionist is about $23.29 per hour  according to Indeed.com.

4. Sell stuff online

The first step is deciding what to sell — do you have vintage clothes, electronics or furniture no longer in use? Next comes determining the best site to use for selling. Read up on sites like Amazon, eBay and Etsy.

5. Housesit

Housesitting can involve keeping a house clean and organized, taking care of pets, watering plants, bringing in mail and packages, etc.

Advantages are having flexible hours, choosing your own clients and setting your own rates. You can choose to house sit in your neighborhood, city or anywhere in the world, sometimes with free travel accommodations.

Check out websites like housesitter.com and housesittersamerica.com, but be aware that some sites charge a fee to use their platforms for finding jobs. And some house-sitting platforms focus on free accommodations in places where you want to travel, rather than paid gigs.

6. Write online reviews

Many companies that sell a product or service may pay users for feedback or reviews. Some websites pay for reviews and surveys with cash or a check upfront. Other sites have users generate points per survey completed and redeem those points for cash, checks  gift cards or prizes.

7. Start a blog

Once you begin writing quality content  you can use advertising  affiliate marketing  courses, e books and more to profit from your blog. Its likely you’ll have to build your audience significantly before you are able to make money blogging.

8. Game on Twitch

Gamers can make money by playing video games on Twitch  the worlds leading livestream platform  but success and earnings vary. Check out this article to learn how to make money on Twitch.

9. Sell photography

Turn your hobby or talent for photography into income by selling your images to stock photography websites and freelance marketplaces like Shutterstock  Adobe Stock  Upwork and Fiverr. You can also use your portfolio to gain clients without the use of third party websites.

If you don’t have access to a camera  consider using your phone and investing in editing software like Adobe Photoshop.

10. Pet sit

Pet sitting can make a good side hustle for college students or anyone else looking for flexible hours and rates. To get started, sign up with a pet sitting service  such as Rover or Fetch  Pet Care. Or  you can begin watching pets in your neighborhood and grow a business through referrals. The average income for a pet sitter is about $16.44 per hour  according to Indeed.com.

11. Do freelance work

If you have got a skill or interest  such as writing, graphic design or coding  you can be a freelancer. You might also learn to use generative artificial intelligence tools  which can help you make money by creating or editing AI content  or teaching others how to use AI tools.

Freelancers can use Fiverr and Upwork online marketplaces for freelance services  to advertise or create a personal website and market services using social media  email and word of mouth.

The average hourly pay of a freelancer is about $26.86  according to Indeed.com. But keep in mind that freelancer salaries vary depending on industry  clientele  schedule  economic market and more.

12. Create a podcast

Starting a podcast can be a fun way of making money. A 2025 survey by Edison Research found that 158 million people  55% of Americans age 12 or older  have listened to or watched a podcast in the last month.

13. Become a rideshare or delivery driver

If you have the time in your schedule and love interacting with people  consider signing up through a rideshare company. Read more on how to become an Uber or Lyft driver. Also  research smaller rideshare companies like Via. You can also make money delivering food as an Uber Eats or Door Dash driver.

The pay for drivers differs by location  and expenses will cut into earnings. (See how NerdWallet writer Tommy Tindall fared when testing how much Door Dash pays.) And to compare rideshare drivers  salaries by area  visit Indeed.com.

14. Tutor

If you are knowledgeable on specific subjects  tutoring can be a great way to make money.

You can explore the different approaches and learn how to start a tutoring business. Options include through a franchise or a school  or teaching in your home. According to Indeed  the average salary for a tutor is about $25.87 per hour in the U.S.

15. Rent out items

You can rent out clothes  cars  homes  spare bedrooms  furniture  instruments  storage  tech equipment and other items. Particular websites often cater to a specific type of rental. A platform like Kit Split would be great for those renting out camera gear  while Vrbo  could be best for someone renting their home. Also check out general websites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

16. Use cash-back apps

Who can say no to earning cash back for spending money ? There are several coupon and cash back apps that allow you to link your debit card  bank account  or Venmo and Paypal accounts and then earn back a percentage of your purchases at select retailers. Sometimes you earn points that can then be converted for cash or gift cards.

17. Sell your gift cards

If you have received gift cards that aren’t of use to you  there are options to cash them in for real money or sell them. Gift card exchange sites like Card Cash may give you up to 92% of your card’s value in cold hard cash.

18. Help out your neighbors

You could help people living in your area by mowing lawns  detailing cars  removing snow  weeding gardens and more. Use sites like Next door to find neighbors in need of side jobs.