The Best Night and Weekend Side Hustles for Extra Cash

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Looking for simple, flexible ways to earn extra cash during your nights or weekends? Whether youre a student, stay-at-home parent, or just need a little more money each month, there are plenty of realistic side hustles you can start with little to no experience. In this guide, well break down the best night and weekend side hustles, what you can expect to earn, how to get started, and honest advice to help you succeed.

Table of Contents

Online Surveys and Microtasks

How It Works

Online surveys and microtask sites pay you to share your opinions or complete small online tasks. You sign up, answer profile questions, and get matched with surveys or gigs. Microtasks can include data entry, image labeling, or short research jobs.

Earning Expectations

Most surveys pay $0.50 to $5 each, with occasional higher-paying ones. Microtasks often pay a few cents to a couple of dollars per task. Realistically, you can earn $20“$100/month with consistent effort in your spare time.

Time Commitment

You can work as little or as much as you want. Most surveys take 5“20 minutes. Microtasks can be done in quick bursts—perfect for evenings or weekends.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Device with internet access (smartphone or computer)
  • No special skills required
  • Free to join most platforms

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Flexible, no experience needed, work from anywhere, low commitment
  • Cons: Low earning potential, some sites have payout minimums, beware of scams

Beginner Tips

  • Sign up for multiple reputable sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Prolific to maximize opportunities.
  • Complete profile surveys honestly for better matches.
  • Cash out earnings regularly to avoid losing money if a site closes.

Real-World Example

Sarah, a stay-at-home mom, spends 30 minutes after her kids go to bed doing surveys on Survey Junkie and Swagbucks. She earns $40“$60 a month, which she uses for family treats or small bills.

Scam Warnings

  • Never pay to join a survey site.
  • Stick to well-known platforms with positive reviews.
  • Avoid offers that promise huge payouts for little work.

Food Delivery and Rideshare

How It Works

Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Uber or Lyft let you earn by delivering food or driving passengers. You choose your own hours—nights and weekends are often busiest.

Earning Expectations

Most drivers earn $15“$25/hour before expenses, depending on location, demand, and tips. Earnings can be higher during peak times or promotions.

Time Commitment

You can work a few hours on weekends or pick up shifts after your day job. Flexibility is a major perk.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Valid drivers license and clean record
  • Car, bike, or scooter (requirements vary by app and city)
  • Smartphone
  • Some apps require background checks

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: High flexibility, instant payouts, tips, no boss
  • Cons: Vehicle wear and tear, gas costs, taxes, not available in all areas

Beginner Tips

  • Work during peak hours (dinner, weekends, special events) for more orders and tips.
  • Sign up for multiple apps to switch if one is slow.
  • Track your mileage and expenses for tax deductions.

Real-World Example

Mike, a college student, delivers with DoorDash on Friday and Saturday nights. He averages $80“$120 per weekend, helping cover his textbooks and groceries.

Safety Note

  • Always meet customers in well-lit, public areas.
  • Let someone know your schedule if driving late at night.

Freelance Gigs and Remote Work

How It Works

Freelance platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and FlexJobs connect you with clients needing short-term help—writing, graphic design, virtual assistance, tutoring, or data entry. Many gigs can be done in the evenings or on weekends.

Earning Expectations

Pay varies widely. Beginners might earn $10“$20/hour for simple tasks. Specialized skills (design, writing, coding) can command $30/hour or more.

Time Commitment

You set your own hours. Some gigs take just an hour or two; others are ongoing projects.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Computer and internet
  • Basic skills in your chosen area
  • Free to join most platforms (some charge fees or offer premium memberships)

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Higher earning potential, build skills, work from home
  • Cons: Can be competitive, may take time to land first gigs, some platforms take a commission

Beginner Tips

  • Start with simple gigs to build reviews and credibility.
  • Be clear about your availability and delivery times.
  • Check client reviews and payment history before accepting work.

Real-World Example

Emily, a teacher, tutors English online through Cambly on Sunday afternoons. She earns $15/hour and enjoys helping students worldwide.

Legitimacy Check

  • Use established platforms with payment protection.
  • Never pay upfront for access to jobs.

Selling and Flipping Items

How It Works

You can sell unused items on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or Mercari. Some people buy undervalued items at thrift stores or garage sales and resell them for a profit (flipping).

Earning Expectations

Earnings vary. Selling unused items could net $50“$500 quickly. Flipping can become a steady side income, with some earning $200“$1,000/month.

Time Commitment

Listing items takes 10“20 minutes each. Sourcing and shipping can be done on weekends.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone or camera for photos
  • Shipping supplies (for online sales)
  • Optional: upfront cash if buying inventory to flip

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Quick cash, declutter your home, scalable
  • Cons: Shipping hassles, platform fees, some risk if buying inventory

Beginner Tips

  • Start by selling things you already own.
  • Take clear, honest photos and write detailed descriptions.
  • Research sold prices to set realistic expectations.

Real-World Example

Jenna, a stay-at-home parent, sold her kids outgrown clothes and toys on Facebook Marketplace. She made $150 in her first month and now scouts yard sales for items to flip.

Scam Warnings

  • Meet buyers in public places for local sales.
  • Watch out for fake payment confirmations or overpayment scams.

Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

How It Works

Apps like Rover and Wag! connect you with pet owners needing dog walking, drop-in visits, or overnight care. Most gigs are evenings, weekends, or holidays when owners are away.

Earning Expectations

Dog walkers typically earn $15“$25 per walk. Overnight pet sitting can pay $30“$75 per night, depending on your area and experience.

Time Commitment

Walks take 30“60 minutes. Pet sitting can be as simple as checking in or staying overnight.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Love for animals
  • Background check (required by most apps)
  • Smartphone for communication

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Fun if you love pets, flexible, can combine with exercise
  • Cons: Must be reliable, some physical activity, may require references

Beginner Tips

  • Start with friends or neighbors to build references.
  • Be clear about your availability and services.
  • Communicate updates and photos to pet owners for trust.

Real-World Example

Carlos, a student, walks dogs in his neighborhood on weekends using Rover. He earns $100“$200/month and enjoys the outdoor time.

Safety Note

  • Meet new clients and pets with the owner present first.
  • Understand pet needs and any special instructions before accepting a job.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much can I realistically earn from night and weekend side hustles?
    Most people earn $50“$500/month part-time. Results depend on the hustle, your effort, and local demand.
  • Are these side hustles safe and legitimate?
    Yes, if you stick to reputable platforms and follow safety guidelines. Avoid any site or app that asks for money upfront.
  • Do I need special skills or experience?
    Many side hustles require no experience. For freelance gigs, basic skills help, but you can start small and learn as you go.
  • How do I avoid scams?
    Use well-known apps and websites, never pay to join, and be wary of offers that sound too good to be true.
  • Can I do more than one side hustle at a time?
    Absolutely! Many people combine surveys, delivery, and freelance gigs to maximize their earnings.

Summary & Next Steps

There are plenty of beginner-friendly night and weekend side hustles for extra cash, whether you want to work online or in your local area. Start with what fits your schedule and interests, and dont be afraid to try a few to see what works best for you.

Ready to find your perfect side hustle? Explore more detailed guides, reviews, and tips here on Survey Soda, and start earning extra cash on your own terms!