These active income ideas can help you achieve your financial goals.
Active income is a term used to describe income earned while working. It’s employment that includes salaries, wages, commissions, bonuses, tips. On the other hand, passive income is when income is generated without much effort on your part.
There are two types of active income:
- Active income from employment
- Active income from self-employment
In this article, we’ll explore different types of active income ideas and examples.
How to find the right active income sources
Before we get into each of them, you need to know that side hustles represent any work you can do besides your full-time job.
After deciding how many hours a day/week you can allocate for additional active income, it’s time to remember what skills you can bring to the table. The best way to do this would be to note down your best skills and the things you are good at. This will help narrow down which active income side hustle you’re most suited to.
Remember, the active income gig you choose may be temporary for a period of time or can lead to a new career.
With partnered with the Steady app to help you find part-time work and side gigs. Read our Steady review or
50 Active Income Ideas to Earn Extra Money
With our list of active income ideas, keep note that this contrasts with passive income streams such as money in the stock market, rental income, or business in which you don’t actively participate.
1. Traditional part-time work
Get a job with an employer offering part-time work. Many companies offer additional perks along with wages. The downside is often inflexible schedules. However, an upside might be a part-time job in a field that interests you. It could be a way into a new profession too. Find part-time jobs on Flexjobs and Indeed.
2. Freelance writing
Freelance writing is a great way to earn extra income while working at home. It’s also a great way to build your portfolio and gain valuable skills. You can write for blogs, business websites, and more. For example, we hire freelance writers at phroogal. Find other opportunities on Contently.
3. Ghostwriting
Ghostwriting is a service where an author writes content for another person. The writer is paid per word written. It’s a common practice among bloggers and other online writers. Find ghostwriting opportunities on Textbroker and
4. Resume writing
Resume writing is an art form. It requires a lot of skill and practice to get it right. You can help job seekers with the best resume to get hired. Find job hunters looking for resume help on
5. Copywriting
Copywriting is an art form that requires a lot of practice and skill. It’s also a highly competitive field where only the best get paid. Make money writing copy for businesses and entrepreneurs. Many of whom look for copywriters on Upwork and Fiverr.
6. Virtual assistant
A virtual assistant is someone who works remotely for another person or company. They provide administrative support, such as answering emails, scheduling meetings, booking travel arrangements, etc. Becoming a virtual assistant is a growing active income opportunity. Find virtual assistant jobs on Boldly.
7. Pinterest assistant
Pinterest is an online pinboard where people can save images and videos that they find interesting. One way of making money with Pinterest is to be a VA. As a Pinterest virtual assistant, you help entrepreneurs create pins and do repins on their behalf. Learn how to be a Pinterest VA here.
8. Graphic designer
Graphic designers are responsible for creating visual elements such as logos, websites, advertisements, brochures, flyers, posters, etc. It’s an art form that requires creativity, typography, color theory, and layout. Find the best opportunities and create your Fiverr profile.
9. Starting a blog
Blogging has become a trendy way to earn money online. It’s a great way to build a portfolio of your skills and expertise. Blogging is truly an active income source but can become passive with affiliate marketing. In fact, many bloggers include it as part of their passive income strategy. Learn how to get started blogging and make money through affiliate earnings.
10. Audio transcribing
Transcribing audio files into text is an essential skill for anyone who wants to earn extra income online. It’s also a skill that you can use in many different ways. Again, the simplest way to sell your gig is through Fiverr and Upwork.
11. Data entry
Help businesses and entrepreneurs with their data entry needs. You can input data into CRM systems or spreadsheets. This is best for detail-oriented people who like to work with numbers as opposed to others.
12. Bookkeeping
Bookkeeping is an essential part of running a small business. It helps keep track of all the financial transactions that happen within your company. Bookkeepers also ensure that all the information is accurate and organized.
13. Tasking
Help others completing tasks around the house, such as putting furniture together or moving items. This is probably the most active income idea as it requires manual work and driving to locations. The best place to find tasks is on TaskRabbit.
14. Selling used clothes
Selling used clothing online has become a popular way to earn active income. It’s an easy way to make money without spending hours at a time working in a store. You’ll need inventory, so start with your closet. Learn the best places to sell used clothes online.
15. Flipping furniture
Furniture flipping is a new trending gig. There are two ways to make money by selling your old furniture or buying furniture and refurbishing it for sale. Learn how and find the best places to sell used furniture.
16. Reselling used power tools
There is a big market for selling power tools. Start with tools you’re not using and list them on sites like Craigslist, OfferUp, or Facebook Marketplace. You can also look at buying power tools through garage sales and flipping them for money. Learn the best places to sell stuff online.
17. Proofreading
Many writers need help editing their articles. If you’re keen on details and easily spot errors, this can be a good active income source. Again, the best site to find proofreading opportunities is on
18. Speaking another language
Get paid to help others master a language proficiency. You help by having conversations with those learning another language. Find jobs with iTalki.
19. Tutoring
Tutoring is a great way to earn active income as you share your knowledge on various subjects with students. Find tutoring opportunities on
20. Completing online surveys
This is really active work with very little pay, but you can make a few dollars while binging a show or waiting for an appointment. Here’s where to find the best paid online surveys.
21. Renting your cars
If you own a car, you probably already know that there are plenty of people who would love to rent your vehicle. Use services like Getaround and Turo to rent your vehicles for cash.
22. Renting your spare room
If you own a house or apartment, then there is a chance that you might have an unused room or space that you could rent out to someone else. You can earn money by renting out your extra rooms or spaces to other people. It’s an active income source since you’ll be dealing with short-term rentals and cleaning the space. Rent your space in Airbnb.
23. Renting your driveway or parking spot
If you own a driveway or parking spot, then you probably already know that there are people who would love to use it. If you want to make money off of your driveway or parking spot, consider listing it on SpotHero or Neighbor.
24. Renting your stuff
If you want to make extra cash online, you should consider renting out your stuff to other people. It’s a simple way to earn extra income without having to spend too much time working. People look to rent cameras to tables. Look at marketplaces like Ruckify.
25. Renting your boat
If you own a boat, you probably already know that there are plenty of people who would love to rent it for a day. You can make money renting your boat using services like Boatsetter.
26. Renting your RV
RV rentals are becoming increasingly popular. When not using your RV, consider renting it out to others. Marketplaces like RVshare and Outdoorsy make it simple.
27. Renting your land
Make money renting your backyard or land to campers. Check out Hipcamp that lets you easily list your land for campers.
28. Creating music tracks
There are many ways to make money from music. Some people choose to create their own songs and sell them to others. Others choose to write lyrics and compose music for other artists. Create tracks and sell them on Soundcloud or create your own music blog.
29. Taking photos
Do you love taking pictures? Do you want to make extra cash? If you answered yes to both questions, then you should consider this active income idea. Take photos of others or use the photos you’ve taken and sell them to online repositories like Foap or Shutterstock.
30. Filming b-roll videos
B-Roll is footage shot during the production of a video. It’s used to fill the gaps between scenes, add atmosphere, and give the viewer a sense of place. B-roll is often shot simultaneously as the main footage, but it doesn’t always have to be. You can sell videos to Pond5, Blackbox, Shutterstock, and Vimeo.
31. Driving others around
Driving people to their destination is as active as it gets. Make money with your car and use well-known apps like
32. Delivering packages
Don’t want to deal with people in your car? Then delivery packages instead for companies like Amazon and other retailers. You can learn more about Amazon Flex or consider apps like
33. Delivering hot meals
Food delivery services are popular. They allow customers to order their food and have them delivered straight to their doorsteps. The customer pays a small fee for the service, and the company takes care of the rest. There are many different types of food delivery services out there. You can easily start making money using UberEats and
34. Delivering groceries
Another active income idea is delivering groceries. You’ll be required to go to the supermarket or grocery store, pick up the goods, and deliver them. These side gigs are available through
35. Shopping for others
Shopping for others is a great way to earn extra cash. It’s also a great way to get discounts and freebies. You can use apps Instacart and TaskRabbit.
36. Mystery shopping
Secret shoppers are people who are paid to test products and services for companies. They are hired to evaluate the quality of customer service at restaurants, hotels, retail stores, etc. Find mystery shopping opportunities here.
37. Auditing retail stores
Secret auditors are people who audit businesses on product placement or service. Often these audits are less extensive than secret shopping. Find opportunities with
38. Walking dogs and pet sitting
Walking dogs or pet sitting is to earn extra income while spending quality time with animals. If you love animals and want to spend more time with them, consider becoming a dog walker or pet sitter. Find your next pet walking job on
39. Selling handmade crafts
Do you have a keen eye for design and like to make unique pieces and handmade items? You can make money selling them to others using marketplaces like Etsy. And learn how to start your Etsy side business.
40. Editing podcast recordings
Podcast editing is a skill that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It involves taking audio files and making them into a podcast. Podcast editing is a great way to earn extra income online. Find opportunities on Upwork.
41. Editing YouTube videos
YouTube editing is a new way to earn money online. It’s a simple process where you edit someone else’s video. Find jobs on Upwork and Fiverr.
42. Manage social media accounts
Social media has become an integral part of our lives. It’s where we connect with friends, family, and even strangers. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc., are used daily by millions of people around the world. Entrepreneurs and businesses want your help. Find the best opportunities on Fiverr.
43. Micro-tasks
If you only have a few minutes per day to spare for side hustles or a few hours per week, then micro-jobs is truly an active income idea. Micro-jobs are short gigs that you can perform in the form of surveys, testing websites, watching commercials, and answering questions based on what you’ve seen. Make money doing micro-tasks on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk or do short surveys on
44. Cleaning homes
You like a clean home and might enjoy cleaning other people’s homes for money. Get paid to help others keep a tidy house. Find jobs on TaskRabbit and Handy.
45. Babysitting children
Babysitting is a great way to earn extra cash while having fun with kids. Find babysitting gigs on Care.com. Parents get comfort knowing babysitters go through background checks.
46. Helping elderly
Not too keen on babysitting? Help the elderly with their tasks around the house. You get paid buying groceries, driving to doctor’s appointments, cleaning homes, or moving items around. Find gigs on Care.com.
47. Notarizing documents
A notary public is a government official who is authorized to administer oaths and certify signatures. The notary public is also responsible for witnessing the signing of legal documents such as contracts, deeds, mortgages, etc. Call your state agency to see the requirements to become a notary.
48. Translating
Translating is a great way to earn extra income online. Make use of your language skills and find gigs on Flexjobs.com.
49. Giving music lessons
Use your talent and offer music lessons to students online. You can provide services via Zoom and find students through Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
50. Planning meals
Know your way around the kitchen. There are people who need help planning their meals. You can draft a meal plan around their goals. You can offer your services by posting on social networks and on Fiverr.
Congrats, you’ve made it through our list of 50 active income ideas to earn more money. There are a few things we want you to keep in mind. As you ramp up your earnings, you want to be mindful of tracking your income and noting expenses for tax deduction purposes.
Although these active income ideas are great, you should consider passive income ideas as well. You make a minimum investment early on with a passive income source, but earnings depend less on active work or your time.
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