How to Make $150 a Week With Side Hustles

Earning an additional $150 per week is a highly achievable financial goal for many individuals. This supplemental income can significantly enhance personal finances, providing a buffer for unexpected expenses, accelerating debt repayment, or contributing to savings goals. Various accessible methods exist to generate this extra income, ranging from online activities to local services and leveraging personal skills.

Online Opportunities for Supplemental Income

The digital landscape offers numerous avenues for earning extra cash, many of which can be started quickly with minimal investment. One common option involves participating in online surveys, where platforms pay for consumer opinions on products and services. While individual surveys may offer modest compensation, typically ranging from $0.25 to $5.00, some specialized focus groups or in-depth studies can pay significantly more, sometimes up to $50 or even $100 per hour. Consistency is key to accumulating meaningful earnings from surveys.

Another accessible online method is engaging in micro-task platforms, which provide small, discrete tasks like data entry, content moderation, or transcription. These platforms often pay per task, making it possible to earn income based on the volume of work completed. For individuals with basic administrative or creative skills, general online freelancing platforms connect them with clients seeking virtual assistance, basic graphic design, or content writing services. Virtual assistants, for instance, can earn an average hourly pay ranging from $19.43 to $24.40. Entry-level opportunities are often available, allowing new freelancers to build a portfolio and gain experience.

Income earned as a self-employed individual is subject to self-employment tax, covering Social Security and Medicare. For 2025, the self-employment tax rate is 15.3%, applied to 92.35% of net earnings. Businesses paying $600 or more to a non-employee must issue Form 1099-NEC. Individuals must report all self-employment income, regardless of receiving a Form 1099-NEC. Deductible expenses can include a portion of internet and phone bills if used for business, and home office expenses if a dedicated space is used regularly and exclusively for work.

Local Service-Based Gigs

Engaging in local, in-person services through the gig economy presents a direct way to earn supplemental income. Rideshare and food or grocery delivery services are prominent options, requiring individuals to use their personal vehicles to transport passengers or goods. Requirements typically include a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and a vehicle that meets certain age and condition standards. Earnings in these sectors can vary widely based on location, demand, and hours worked.

Beyond transportation, numerous local service opportunities exist, such as pet sitting, dog walking, babysitting, house cleaning, or running errands. Pet sitting rates, for example, can range from $10 to $35 per visit, $30 to $100 per day, or $50 to $150 for overnight stays, depending on factors like the number of pets and services provided. General odd jobs, including yard work, minor home repairs, or moving assistance, also offer flexible earning potential. These opportunities can often be found through local community boards, social media groups, or by word-of-mouth referrals.

For local service gigs, vehicle expenses are a significant deduction for rideshare and delivery drivers. They can choose between deducting the standard mileage rate (70 cents per mile for 2025) or tracking actual expenses like gas, repairs, and insurance. Other deductions may include cell phone bills used for business, and supplies necessary for the service, such as cleaning supplies or snacks for passengers.

Selling Goods for Extra Cash

Generating income by selling physical items, both new and used, provides another practical approach to earning supplemental funds. Decluttering and selling unused household items, such as clothing, electronics, or furniture, can quickly convert dormant assets into cash. Platforms like online marketplaces or local classifieds, as well as traditional garage sales, offer avenues for these sales. Effective photography and detailed descriptions enhance the appeal of items to potential buyers.

The concept of reselling involves acquiring items, often from thrift stores or discounted sales, and selling them for a profit. Identifying valuable items requires some market knowledge and research, but it can yield significant returns. Additionally, individuals with creative talents can sell handmade crafts or baked goods. Online platforms specializing in handmade items, as well as local craft fairs and farmers’ markets, provide marketplaces for these goods. Considerations for selling handmade items include pricing to cover material costs and labor, along with marketing efforts.

Income from selling goods is taxable and must be reported, whether considered a hobby or a business by the IRS. If deemed a business, associated expenses can be deducted, reducing taxable income. A business generally requires a profit motive, often assessed by looking for a profit in at least three out of five years. Hobby income is taxable but does not allow for related expense deductions.

Sellers of physical goods may also have sales tax obligations, especially if sales volume exceeds certain thresholds. Registering for a sales tax permit in relevant states is a preliminary step before collecting sales tax.

Leveraging Personal Skills

Monetizing existing personal skills or hobbies can be a highly rewarding way to earn additional income, often commanding higher rates due to specialized knowledge. Tutoring is a prime example, where individuals can offer instruction in academic subjects, music, or languages. Tutoring rates can vary significantly, ranging from $18 to over $100 per hour, depending on the subject, grade level, and tutor’s experience. Online tutoring often falls between $25 and $50 per hour, while in-person rates can be higher. Identifying one’s strengths and marketing them effectively, perhaps through local advertising or online platforms, is crucial for finding students.

Beyond tutoring, specialized services such as photography, graphic design, web development, personal training, or specific consulting (e.g., tech support, social media management) can be offered. These roles often require a more developed skill set than general online freelancing tasks. To effectively market these services, creating a simple portfolio showcasing work and networking within relevant communities can attract clients. Since these services generally involve higher value, detailed record-keeping of income and expenses is particularly important.

Income from leveraging personal skills is subject to self-employment taxes. Deductions for business expenses can significantly reduce taxable income. These may include costs for professional development, marketing materials, software subscriptions, or specialized equipment required for the service. For example, a photographer might deduct camera equipment, or a web developer might deduct software licenses. Setting aside funds for estimated tax payments helps manage tax obligations.