20 Easy Side Hustles to Make Extra Money in 2026

The way we work is changing fast. AI tools, remote platforms, and the creator economy have made it easier than ever to earn extra income on your own terms.

If you want simple, low‑risk, low‑cost ways to make extra money in 2026—without quitting your day job—this guide is for you.

Below you'll find 20 easy side hustles, each with:

• A plain‑English explanation
• Equipment needed
• Monthly time commitment
• Expected earnings (rough ranges, not guarantees)

Important: Income estimates are rough, for illustration only. Your actual results will depend on your location, skills, demand, pricing, and effort. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Key Takeaways

• You'll see 20 easy side hustles covering online work, at‑home services, and local gigs.
• Most ideas require minimal upfront costs—often just a laptop, smartphone, or car.
• Each hustle includes time and earning estimates so you can pick opportunities that fit your schedule and income goals.
• As your side hustle grows, forming an LLC can help separate your personal and business finances and reduce risk.
• You'll find links to more focused guides, like side hustle ideas, side hustles for teachers, side hustles for moms, and side hustles for nurses.

Who this report is for

This report is designed for people who want simple, realistic ways to earn more in 2026 without turning their life upside down.

It's especially helpful if you're:

• Working full‑time and want a low‑risk, part‑time venture you can run evenings or weekends
• A stay‑at‑home parent, retiree, or student who needs flexible income you can fit around family or school
• Curious about easy side hustles from home and easy online side hustles that don't require advanced degrees or huge start‑up budgets
• Already running a small side hustle and want fresh ideas to diversify your income
• Interested in financial independence, passive income, or early retirement, and looking for simple starting points

You don't need to be a tech expert or seasoned entrepreneur. You just need a willingness to learn, experiment, and show up consistently.

How this report will help you win

There are a lot of generic side hustle lists online. This one is different.

Here's how this guide is built to help you actually get results in 2026:

• Future‑focused ideas – We highlight hustles that benefit from 2026 trends like AI (artificial intelligence), automation tools, gig platforms, and the creator economy.
• Actionable detail – Every side hustle includes what you need to get started, rough time commitments, and earning ranges so you can quickly see what fits.
• Realistic and low‑barrier – We focus on low‑cost, low‑complexity ideas that don't require a ton of specialized training.
• Mix of online and local – You'll find easy side hustles from home and in‑person gigs you can do in your neighborhood.
• Built‑in next steps – Along the way, we'll flag when it might make sense to formalize your side hustle with an LLC to protect your personal assets and build a more professional business foundation.

Use this guide to pick one or two ideas that match your skills, schedule, and energy. You do not need to start everything at once.

The Best Easy Side Hustles for 2026

1. AI Prompt Writing for Small Businesses

AI tools are everywhere, but many small businesses struggle to get useful results. That's where AI prompt writers come in—people who can turn a business owner's goals into clear, structured prompts that AI tools can actually execute on.

You might write prompts for:

• Marketing emails and social posts
• Blog outlines and product descriptions
• Customer service scripts and FAQs

Equipment needed

• Laptop or desktop computer
• Reliable internet connection
• Accounts with AI tools (free or low‑cost plans are usually enough to start)
• Basic writing and communication skills

Monthly time commitment

5–20 hours per month

You can start with one or two clients and scale up as you get faster and more confident.

Expected earnings

Roughly $25–$75+ per hour depending on your niche and skill

Potentially $300–$1,500+ per month with just a few steady clients

As you sign more contracts or subcontract work, consider whether it's time to operate under an LLC instead of your personal name.

2. Virtual Assistant for Content Creators

YouTube creators, podcasters, and influencers are constantly juggling content ideas, posting schedules, and brand deals. A virtual assistant (VA) helps them stay organized and frees up time for them to create.

You might:

• Manage inboxes and brand inquiries
• Schedule posts and upload content
• Track performance in spreadsheets
• Coordinate with editors and designers

Equipment needed

• Laptop and stable internet
• Calendar and project management tools (Google Workspace, Notion, Trello, etc.)
• Headset or earbuds for meetings
• Basic comfort with creator platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram)

Monthly time commitment

10–40 hours per month

Many creators start with 5–10 hours per week of VA support.

Expected earnings

Around $20–$35 per hour for general VA work

Approximately $500–$2,000+ per month, depending on hours and specialization

An LLC can make it easier to work with multiple clients, open a business bank account, and keep your finances organized.

3. Remote Customer Support Agent

Companies are increasingly hiring remote, part‑time support agents to handle chat, email, or phone support in evenings and weekends.

You can often work from home, using online ticketing systems and chat tools.

Equipment needed

• Computer with fast, reliable internet
• Quiet space for calls
• Headset with microphone
• Comfort using web‑based support tools

Monthly time commitment

Typically 40–80 hours per month (10–20 hours per week)

Good option if you want a predictable schedule.

Expected earnings

Around $15–$25 per hour

Roughly $600–$2,000+ per month, depending on hours and employer

If you later start a small agency providing outsourced support to multiple businesses, that's a strong moment to look at forming an LLC.

4. House and Pet Sitting

House and pet sitting is one of the easiest side hustles from home (or away)—you're essentially getting paid to keep a home occupied and pets cared for while owners travel.

You can find clients through apps or word‑of‑mouth.

Equipment needed

• Smartphone for communication and photos
• Basic pet care supplies (often provided by the owner)
• Reliable transportation to/from client homes

Monthly time commitment

Flexible: from a couple of weekend stays to multiple week‑long sits per month

Works well if you can stay overnight or work remotely.

Expected earnings

Around $25–$75+ per night for house & pet sitting

Potentially $300–$1,500+ per month, especially during peak travel seasons

As you build repeat clients and referrals, you can brand your service and potentially shift into an LLC for added protection.

5. Notary Services

A notary public witnesses signatures on important documents like real estate papers, affidavits, and contracts. Many people need a notary on short notice, so this can be a steady side gig.

Always check your state's requirements for becoming a notary and what you're allowed to charge.

Equipment needed

• Notary commission (after completing any required training/registration)
• Notary stamp/seal and record book
• Valid ID and secure storage for documents
• Optional: mobile printer and scanner

Monthly time commitment

5–20 hours per month, depending on how actively you market yourself

Expected earnings

Standard fees per notarization are often modest, but mobile notaries charge extra for travel and convenience

Potentially a few hundred dollars up to $1,000+ per month once you have regular clients (for example, real estate professionals or local businesses)

If you're providing mobile notary services and carrying professional liability, an LLC structure may be worth considering.

6. Meal Prep Service for Busy Families

Many families want to eat healthier but don't have time to plan, shop, and cook. A meal prep side hustle lets you prepare and deliver ready‑to‑heat meals each week.

Be sure to review local food safety and licensing rules before cooking and selling food commercially.

Equipment needed

• Access to a compliant kitchen (home or commercial, depending on local rules)
• Cookware, storage containers, labels
• Cooler bags or insulated carriers for deliveries
• Menu planning and order‑tracking system

Monthly time commitment

1–2 days per week for shopping, cooking, packaging, and delivery

Expect several hours of planning and customer communication as well.

Expected earnings

Profit might be $10–$25 per meal package after costs

Potentially $300–$1,500+ per month, depending on how many families you serve

As you grow, an LLC can help separate your personal assets from your business in a field where food safety and liability matter.

7. Grocery or Meal Delivery

If you want something ultra‑simple, gig apps for grocery and meal delivery (like Instacart, DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc.) remain one of the most accessible side hustles.

You accept orders, shop or pick up food, and deliver to the customer.

Equipment needed

• Reliable car, scooter, or bike (depending on your city)
• Smartphone with each app's driver app
• Insulated delivery bag (often recommended)

Monthly time commitment

5–40+ hours per month, as your schedule allows

You can turn apps on or off around your main job.

Expected earnings

Many drivers see roughly $15–$25/hour before expenses (gas, maintenance, taxes)

That might translate to $200–$1,000+ per month depending on your time and market

If you later build a small delivery business with your own clients (rather than just gig apps), that's when a more formal business structure may make sense.

8. Thrift Store Flipping

Thrift store flipping is buying undervalued items (clothing, furniture, electronics, décor) and reselling them online at a profit.

You can learn what sells well and use apps to research prices as you shop.

Equipment needed

• Smartphone for price research and photos
• Selling accounts (eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, etc.)
• Storage space for inventory
• Shipping supplies (boxes, tape, labels)

Monthly time commitment

10–30 hours per month, including sourcing, listing, packing, and shipping

Expected earnings

Margins vary widely, but many flippers aim for 2–3x their purchase price

Earning $200–$1,000+ per month is realistic once you learn your niche

When sales become consistent, using an LLC can help you separate inventory, expenses, and profits from your personal finances.

9. Rent Your Car

If you don't use your car all the time, you can rent it out on platforms like Turo or similar services when you're not driving it.

Equipment needed

• A car in good condition that meets the platform's requirements
• Insurance that complies with local rules and platform policies
• Smartphone to manage bookings and communication

Monthly time commitment

3–10 hours per month, mostly for cleaning, drop‑offs, and messaging renters

Expected earnings

Income varies based on your car, location, and demand, but can be a few hundred to over $1,000+ per month with regular bookings

Because your personal vehicle and liability are involved, you'll want to understand both insurance and business structure options. An LLC can be one part of a risk‑management plan.

10. Local Errands and Task Running

Busy professionals, seniors, and small business owners often need help with simple tasks:

• Picking up prescriptions
• Dropping off packages
• Assembling furniture
• Waiting at home for deliveries

You can offer services directly or through apps that connect taskers with local clients.

Equipment needed

• Reliable transportation (car, bike, or scooter depending on tasks)
• Smartphone for coordination and navigation
• Basic tools if you offer light assembly or home tasks

Monthly time commitment

5–30 hours per month, depending on client volume and the types of tasks you accept

Expected earnings

Many taskers charge $20–$40+ per hour

That could mean $200–$1,200+ per month, or more if you specialize (for example, furniture assembly only)

11. Manage Airbnb or Short‑Term Rental Turnovers

Short‑term rental hosts often need help cleaning and resetting properties between guests—or even managing the entire guest experience.

You can specialize in:

• Cleaning and laundry
• Stocking supplies (toiletries, coffee, snacks)
• Coordinating check‑ins and check‑outs
• Light maintenance and reporting issues

Equipment needed

• Cleaning supplies and equipment (vacuum, mop, etc.)
• Laundry access (either on‑site or off‑site)
• Smartphone for scheduling and communication

Monthly time commitment

1–4 hours per turnover, plus travel

5–30 hours per month depending on how many properties you service

Expected earnings

You might earn $50–$150 per turnover for cleaning and reset

Co‑hosting or full management can add 10–20% of booking revenue on top

With multiple properties and team members, forming an LLC can help you manage risk and contracts more cleanly.

12. eBay Collectibles Flipping

This is a more focused version of flipping—specializing in collectibles like trading cards, vintage toys, rare books, or niche memorabilia.

The more you know a particular niche, the better you can spot underpriced items.

Equipment needed

• Smartphone or camera for high‑quality photos
• eBay (or similar) seller account
• Scale and shipping supplies
• Research tools to check completed listings and price trends

Monthly time commitment

10–30 hours per month on sourcing, listing, and shipping

Expected earnings

Individual wins can be small or big, but a consistent approach can produce $200–$1,500+ per month in profit, depending on your volume and find rate

As with other reselling businesses, an LLC can make bookkeeping, taxes, and risk management easier once you scale.

13. Home Cleaning Services

Home cleaning is a simple, evergreen side hustle that's always in demand. You can start with friends and neighbors and expand through referrals.

Equipment needed

• Cleaning supplies and equipment (vacuum, mop, cleaning solutions)
• Gloves and basic protective gear
• Transportation to client homes

Monthly time commitment

Most cleanings take 2–4 hours

10–40 hours per month can support a small client base

Expected earnings

Typical rates might be $100–$200 per home, depending on size and location

That can become $400–$2,000+ per month with a handful of regular clients

As you hire helpers or handle bigger jobs, think about forming an LLC, getting appropriate insurance, and using a written service agreement.

14. Neighborhood Lawn Care or Snow Removal

If you live in an area with yards or snow, there's demand for simple outdoor services:

• Lawn mowing and edging
• Leaf raking
• Snow shoveling or snow blowing

Equipment needed

• Lawnmower, trimmer, and basic yard tools or snow shovel/snow blower
• Protective gear (gloves, eye protection)
• Transportation for your equipment

Monthly time commitment

Seasonal, but often 2–20 hours per week during peak months

Expected earnings

You might earn $30–$100 per job, depending on size and difficulty

Regular routes can produce $200–$1,500+ per month in busy seasons

This can be a particularly good fit for teens, students, or anyone who likes working outdoors.

15. Personal Shopping

Personal shoppers help people who don't have time (or energy) to go to the store, choose outfits, or compare products.

Your clients might be:

• Busy professionals
• New parents
• Seniors who prefer to stay at home

Equipment needed

• Smartphone for lists, photos, and approvals
• Reliable transportation
• Good taste and attention to client preferences

Monthly time commitment

5–20 hours per month, depending on how many clients you take on

Expected earnings

Many shoppers charge $20–$50 per hour, plus reimbursement for purchases

Could lead to $200–$1,000+ per month, especially with recurring clients

This can also pair nicely with other service‑based hustles you operate under one LLC.

16. Babysitting or Nanny Share

Babysitting and nanny share arrangements (where families share a caregiver) are classic side hustles, and demand remains strong in many areas.

Check local rules about childcare, background checks, and any required registrations.

Equipment needed

• Basic supplies often provided by families
• CPR/first‑aid certification is a strong plus
• Transportation if you travel between families

Monthly time commitment

1–3 evenings per week, or a few daytime blocks per week

Very flexible around your main job or studies

Expected earnings

Rates often run $18–$30+ per hour, depending on your experience and location

Roughly $200–$1,200+ per month, or more if you take on regular nanny share hours

If you turn this into a more formal childcare business with multiple families and staff, professional legal and tax guidance is essential.

17. Social Media Community Moderation

Brands, creators, and online communities need people to keep conversations healthy, respond to basic questions, and remove harmful content.

Moderators help keep comment sections and forums respectful and on‑brand.

Equipment needed

• Laptop or smartphone with reliable internet
• Familiarity with social platforms (YouTube, Discord, Facebook Groups, etc.)
• Clear guidelines from the client on what's allowed

Monthly time commitment

Often 1–3 hours per day, depending on the size of the community

That's typically 20–60 hours per month

Expected earnings

Roughly $20–$35 per hour for part‑time moderation

Potential $400–$2,000+ per month, depending on your clients and hours

Over time, you can build a small agency providing community moderation to several brands, which is often easier to run under an LLC.

18. Local Event Setup and Tear‑Down

Weddings, conferences, and local festivals all require muscle and organization for setup and tear‑down.

You might:

• Set up chairs and tables
• Arrange decorations and signage
• Help vendors load in and out

Equipment needed

• Comfortable clothing and shoes
• Access to a vehicle if you're transporting supplies
• Basic lifting ability

Monthly time commitment

Mostly evenings and weekends

4–8 hours per event, a few events per month

Expected earnings

Event helpers often earn $100–$300 per event

Roughly $300–$1,200+ per month, depending on how many events you book

If you start coordinating or planning events (not just setup), an LLC and written contracts become very important.

19. Mobile Car Detailing

Mobile car detailing brings the car wash to your customer—at their home or office.

You can offer:

• Exterior wash and wax
• Interior vacuum and shampoo
• Add‑on services like headlight restoration

Equipment needed

• Car‑safe cleaning products and towels
• Vacuum, buckets, brushes
• Access to water and power (or mobile solutions if needed)

Monthly time commitment

Each job usually takes 2–3 hours

10–40 hours per month can support a small base of recurring clients

Expected earnings

Many mobile detailers charge $75–$200 per car, depending on the package

Potentially $300–$2,000+ per month, or more if you upsell packages

Because you're working on customers' vehicles, consider both insurance and appropriate business structure as you grow.

20. Meal Delivery

This is slightly different from #7. Instead of working only with on‑demand apps, you can:

• Partner with local restaurants, caterers, or independent chefs to handle regular deliveries, or
• Offer scheduled delivery routes for offices or apartment buildings

This can give you more predictable routes and repeat customers.

Equipment needed

• Reliable vehicle and insulated bags
• Smartphone and routing app
• System for tracking orders and payments

Monthly time commitment

Often set windows each day (lunch and/or dinner rush)

5–40 hours per month, depending on how many days you work

Expected earnings

Income depends on your contracts, but can range from a few hundred dollars to $1,000+ per month

You may charge per delivery, by zone, or via flat monthly contracts

If you build your own delivery brand (not just using apps), treating it as a formal business with an LLC and clear agreements is wise.

Conclusion

Side hustles don't have to be complicated to be effective.

In 2026, easy side hustles often share a few things in common:

• They leverage tools you already have—a laptop, phone, or car
• They fit around your existing commitments and can scale slowly
• They take advantage of trends like remote work, AI tools, and the growing gig economy

Start by picking one idea that matches your skills, schedule, and risk tolerance. Give yourself 60–90 days to test it seriously—then decide whether to double down, adjust, or try something new.

As your income grows, think of your side hustle less like a hobby and more like what it really is: a business.

Protect Your Side Hustle. Form an LLC Today.

If your side hustle is earning real money, you're signing contracts, or you're offering services that come with any level of risk, it's worth asking:

"Should I be doing this under my own name—or under a separate business?"

Forming an LLC can help you:

• Separate business and personal assets, so one mistake doesn't automatically put your personal savings at risk
• Open a business bank account and keep cleaner financial records
• Present a more professional, trustworthy image to clients, partners, and lenders

You don't have to form an LLC on day one. But once your side hustle starts to feel real, taking this step can be a smart part of your long‑term plan.

When you're ready, working with an experienced business‑formation service or attorney can make setting up your LLC faster, clearer, and less stressful—so you can focus on doing the work and growing your income.