Summer is a great time to put some extra cash in your pocket. Whether your regular job gives you the summer off or you just want to pick up some extra work while the days are long, an abundance of earning opportunities await. It’s not uncommon – many Americans have taken on a side job to boost their income. So, why not join them this summer? Here are some simple yet effective ways to earn extra money during the warmest months of the year.
Rent Out Your Space
The vacation rental industry in the United States is projected to reach $21.53 billion by 2026. One of the easiest ways to earn money during the summer months is by capitalizing on the booming vacation rental market. This is a particularly good way to make money if you live in a bigger city or a tourist town. Make your listing stand out by highlighting unique features or offering local tips.
If you have a vacant room or guest house, consider listing it on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. If you normally live alone and have friends or family you can stay with, consider fully vacating your own space during high traffic weekends. An entire home or condo generally brings in a higher per night income than a shared space, so it can be lucrative if you’ve got somewhere else to stay.
ShutterstockGet a Serving Job
The restaurant industry is often bustling during the summer months as people take advantage of the warm weather to dine out. This makes it a prime time to consider getting a job as a server. Such positions can offer good pay, especially when tips are factored in, and often come with the flexibility to work around other commitments.
As a server, you’re responsible for taking orders, serving food and drinks, and providing excellent customer service to ensure guests have an enjoyable dining experience. It can be a fast-paced job, but the tips can significantly boost your earnings, often making it one of the more lucrative options for part-time work. To find these jobs, you can check online job platforms, but also consider walking into local restaurants and asking if they have open positions. Many restaurants appreciate this direct approach and it can give you a chance to make a good first impression.
ShutterstockStart Dog-Walking or Pet-Sitting
Approximately 66% of U.S. households, or about 87 million families, own a pet. With summer being a peak vacation time, many pet owners are on the lookout for reliable pet sitters or dog walkers. You can take advantage of this demand by offering your services. Websites like Rover and Wag make it easy to connect with pet owners in your area. Take the time to set up a full profile and be sure you can provide references, which are particularly important when you’re trying to build a clientele.
ShutterstockOffer Yard Services
Summer, with its glorious sunshine and longer days, is the time when most homeowners want their yards to look their best. However, not everyone has the time, ability, or inclination to spend hours working in the heat. Offering yard services, such as lawn mowing, gardening, landscaping, or weeding, can be a lucrative way to earn some extra money during the summer. Homeowners, particularly the elderly or those with large properties, are often willing to pay for these services so they can enjoy a beautiful outdoor space without the laborious upkeep.
There’s also a lot of potential for repeat business in this field. Once you’ve proven that you can do a good job, you may find that clients want you to come back week after week. You can market your services through flyers, social media, or word of mouth.
ShutterstockPool Opening and Cleaning
Many homeowners have swimming pools but lack the expertise or time to properly open them for the season or maintain their cleanliness and functionality throughout the summer months. Pool opening and cleaning can be a lucrative seasonal job, requiring some initial learning and basic equipment but offering ample opportunities for income.
Opening a pool involves removing and storing the pool cover, reassembling the pump and filter, vacuuming, adding water or refilling, and balancing the chemicals for safe and enjoyable swimming. Regular pool cleaning includes skimming the surface for debris, vacuuming the pool, cleaning the skimmer baskets, and checking the chemical levels.
GettyBecome a Virtual Assistant
With the rise of remote work, there’s an increasing demand for virtual assistants, which makes a great way to make some extra money if you’ve got the summer off. The beauty of being a virtual assistant lies in its flexibility and variety. As a virtual assistant, you offer support services to businesses, entrepreneurs, or busy individuals from the comfort of your home. These services can span a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to managing emails, handling social media accounts, scheduling appointments, customer service, or even data entry. Upwork and Fiverr are great platforms to start looking for virtual assistant gigs.
ShutterstockStart a Tutoring Service
Tutoring is another lucrative option for making extra money during the summer if you’re a native English speaker. Certified tutors earn an average of $24 per hour, so teaching subjects you’re proficient in can be a financially rewarding side hustle. Even if you don’t have talent in one particular subject, you may be able to teach English as a second language via websites such as VIPKid, QKids, and Cambly. These online tutoring platforms allow you to connect with students across the globe, offering greater flexibility and earning potential. Many prefer or require a Bachelor’s degree in any subject, but some are less strict with their requirements.
ShutterstockGet Crafty
If you’re a creative person with a knack for making things, selling handmade crafts can be an enjoyable and profitable way to earn extra cash during the summer. From handmade jewelry, clothing, and home decor items to custom artwork, pottery, or woodwork, there is a market for unique, handcrafted items.
Platforms like Etsy have made it easier than ever for crafters to reach a larger audience. It allows you to set up a virtual shop where customers can browse your creations at any time, from anywhere. Local craft shows or farmer’s markets also provide a way to sell your crafts and connect with other vendors.
ShutterstockSell Secondhand Items
You can also make some quick cash by selling unwanted items in your home. A garage sale is a great way to sell a larger number or lower-ticket items. However, websites like eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace are a great way to easily connect with buyers and sell your vintage, collector, or just higher-ticket items.
Summer is also a great time to sort through and get rid of clothing that you and your family don’t wear anymore. You can take them to a consignment store or opt to sell them on one of the many online sites that are specifically meant for this.
ShutterstockFood Delivery Service
The convenience of having meals, groceries, and even gourmet food items delivered straight to their door has led to an increasing number of people ordering food online. Working as a delivery driver for apps like Uber Eats, Grubhub, or DoorDash can help you earn extra cash.
These platforms are flexible and allow you to work on your own schedule, meaning you can work as much or as little as you like, depending on your other commitments. The average wage for these gigs is $20.63 per hour, which means there’s a chance to bring in a little cash if you’ve got a vehicle.
ShutterstockOffer Babysitting Services
If you enjoy spending time with kids, babysitting can be a profitable side gig. Many families require additional child care during the summer months when children are off from school, making it an opportune time to offer your services. As a babysitter, your responsibilities can range from watching the children for a few hours while parents run errands or go out, to providing more structured care including preparing meals, leading games or crafts, and sometimes even tutoring.
You can sign up for websites like Care.com or Sittercity to connect with families in need of babysitters, or you can join local Facebook groups. According to Payscale, the average hourly rate for a babysitter in the U.S. is $12.22, though nannying tends to pay better.
ShutterstockGet a Traditional Part-Time Job
Let’s not forget about the tried-and-true method of earning extra income: getting a traditional part-time job. Many businesses, particularly in the retail, hospitality, and food service industries, ramp up their hiring during the summer months to accommodate increased customer demand.
Whether it’s working a few shifts a week at a local restaurant, helping out at a retail store, or even picking up a weekend job at a garden center, a part-time job can offer a steady source of income. Starting your search for a part-time job can be as simple as visiting local businesses and asking if they’re hiring, or checking online job boards like Indeed for listings in your area. As you consider different options, remember to choose a job that fits well with your schedule and interests, as this will make the experience more enjoyable.
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