Best Online Side Jobs for People With Full-Time Jobs

Make Money Online

Looking for a flexible way to make extra money without quitting your day job? Youre not alone! Many people with full-time jobs want to earn a little more on the side, but dont know where to start. The good news is, there are plenty of online side jobs that fit around a busy schedule, require little experience, and can be done from the comfort of your home. In this guide, well walk you through the best online side jobs for people with full-time jobs, how they work, what you can realistically earn, and how to get started.

Table of Contents

1. Online Surveys & Market Research

How It Works

Companies want to know what consumers think, so they pay for your opinions through online surveys. You sign up on survey platforms, answer questions, and earn rewards or cash. Some sites also offer product testing or focus groups.

Earning Expectations

Most surveys pay between $0.50 and $3 each. Focus groups or product tests can pay $20“$100, but are less common. Realistically, you might earn $20“$50 a month if you do surveys regularly in your spare time.

Time Commitment

Surveys are flexible—you can do them anytime, even during lunch breaks or while watching TV. Each survey takes 5“30 minutes.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • No experience needed
  • Smartphone or computer with internet
  • Most sites are free to join

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Super flexible, no skills required, instant sign-up, low risk
  • Cons: Low pay, not all surveys available to everyone, some sites have high payout minimums

Beginner Tips

  • Sign up for several reputable sites (like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Pinecone Research) to get more surveys.
  • Complete your profile honestly to match with more surveys.
  • Watch out for scams—never pay to join a survey site.

Real-World Example

Sarah, a full-time nurse, spends 15 minutes a day on surveys and cashes out $30 in Amazon gift cards every month. Its not life-changing, but it covers a few streaming subscriptions.

2. Microtask Websites

How It Works

Microtask platforms pay you to complete small online jobs—like tagging images, transcribing short audio clips, or data entry. Examples include Amazon Mechanical Turk, Clickworker, and Appen.

Earning Expectations

Most microtasks pay $0.01“$1 each. Fast workers can make $30“$100 a month in their spare time. Some specialized tasks pay more.

Time Commitment

Work as much or as little as you want. Tasks often take 1“10 minutes each. You can do them whenever you have free time.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • No special skills for most tasks
  • Computer or smartphone
  • Free to join

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Flexible, variety of tasks, instant start
  • Cons: Low pay per task, some tasks can be tedious, competition for better-paying tasks

Beginner Tips

  • Start with easy tasks to build up your reputation on the platform.
  • Check for new tasks at different times of day.
  • Avoid any site that asks for a fee to join or access tasks.

Real-World Example

Mike, a stay-at-home dad, does microtasks on Clickworker after his kids go to bed. He averages $40 extra per month, which he puts toward family outings.

3. Freelancing Gigs

How It Works

If you have a skill—like writing, graphic design, social media, or video editing—you can offer your services on sites like Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer. Clients post jobs, you apply or list your services, and get paid per project.

Earning Expectations

Rates vary widely. Beginners might earn $5“$20 per small job. With experience, you can charge more. Some side hustlers make $200+ per month working evenings or weekends.

Time Commitment

Flexible, but youll need to meet deadlines. Projects can take from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the job.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Some skill in your chosen area
  • Portfolio or samples help, but not always required
  • Computer and internet
  • Free to join most platforms (some charge fees per job)

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Higher earning potential, build valuable skills, flexible
  • Cons: Can take time to land first gigs, competition, platform fees

Beginner Tips

  • Start with small, simple gigs to build reviews.
  • Be honest about your skills and deadlines.
  • Never work for free samples unless its your choice.

Real-World Example

Emily, a college student, writes short blog posts on Fiverr. She started with $5 gigs and now earns $100“$200 a month, working just a few hours a week.

4. Online Tutoring & Teaching

How It Works

If youre good at a subject—like math, English, or even playing guitar—you can teach or tutor online. Sites like VIPKid, Chegg Tutors, and Wyzant connect you with students who need help.

Earning Expectations

Online tutors usually earn $10“$30 per hour. Some platforms pay more if you have teaching credentials or specialize in test prep.

Time Commitment

You set your own hours, but need to be available when students are. Sessions are usually 30“60 minutes.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Strong knowledge of your subject
  • Some platforms require a degree or teaching certificate
  • Computer, webcam, and reliable internet
  • Free to join, but some sites take a cut of your earnings

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Good pay, rewarding work, flexible
  • Cons: May need credentials, must stick to scheduled sessions

Beginner Tips

  • Start with subjects youre comfortable teaching.
  • Be patient with students and clear in your explanations.
  • Check platform requirements before applying.

Real-World Example

James, a full-time accountant, tutors high school math online two evenings a week and earns an extra $120 each month.

5. Selling Items Online

How It Works

You can sell unwanted items or handmade goods on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or Etsy. Simply list your items, communicate with buyers, and ship or deliver when sold.

Earning Expectations

It depends on what you sell. Many people make $50“$200 a month decluttering. Handmade sellers can earn more, but it takes time to build a shop.

Time Commitment

Listing items takes 5“10 minutes each. Packing and shipping adds a bit more time. You can do it whenever you have free moments.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • No experience needed
  • Smartphone for photos
  • Shipping supplies (if mailing items)
  • Most platforms are free to list, but may charge small fees

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Turn clutter into cash, flexible, potential for higher earnings
  • Cons: Need to handle shipping or meetups, some platforms have fees

Beginner Tips

  • Start by selling things you already own.
  • Take clear photos and write honest descriptions.
  • Be cautious with buyers—meet in safe places or use tracked shipping.

Real-World Example

Linda, a busy mom, sold her familys outgrown clothes and toys on Facebook Marketplace, earning $150 in her first month.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are these online side jobs legit?
    Yes, the jobs listed above are legitimate if you use reputable platforms. Always research a site before signing up and avoid any that ask for upfront payments.
  • How much can I really earn with online side jobs?
    Most people earn $20“$200 a month, depending on the job and effort. Some skilled freelancers or tutors can earn more, but results vary.
  • Do I need special skills or experience?
    Many side jobs (like surveys or microtasks) require no experience. Freelancing and tutoring pay more if you have skills, but beginners are welcome on most platforms.
  • When do I get paid?
    Payment schedules vary. Some sites pay instantly or weekly, others monthly. Check each platforms payout options (PayPal, gift cards, direct deposit).
  • Can I do these side jobs from anywhere?
    Most jobs are remote, but some platforms have country restrictions. Always check if your location is eligible before signing up.
  • How do I avoid scams?
    Never pay to join a site or for access to jobs. Stick with well-known platforms, read reviews, and trust your instincts. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Summary & Next Steps

Online side jobs are a practical way for people with full-time jobs to earn extra money at home. Whether you choose surveys, microtasks, freelancing, tutoring, or selling online, theres something for everyone—even beginners. Remember, these side hustles wont make you rich overnight, but they can help you reach your financial goals, one small step at a time.

Ready to explore more ways to earn? Browse Survey Soda for honest reviews, tips, and the latest opportunities to help you succeed with your online side job journey!