25 Money-Making Side Hustles for Teachers

With the rising costs of living and low salaries for educators, it’s no wonder that many teachers are turning to side hustles to supplement their income. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available for teachers seeking a little extra cash. From tutoring and freelance writing to dog walking and house sitting, there are side jobs to suit every interest and schedule. In this article, we’ll explore the best side hustles for teachers and provide tips for getting started and managing your workload. So whether you’re looking for a way to fund your next vacation or simply want to pursue your passions outside the classroom, read on to discover how you can start earning money on the side.

Why teachers need side hustles

Teachers need side hustles because of their low salaries, despite their flexible schedules and summer breaks. Many teachers find that supplementing their income with a side hustle is necessary to make ends meet. Fortunately, there are many side hustle options available, ranging from dog walking to freelance writing to tutoring. Teachers can choose a side hustle that aligns with their skills and interests, allowing them to pursue their passions while earning extra income. By taking steps to market their services and track their income, teachers can successfully navigate the world of side hustles and achieve their financial goals. For more information about side hustles for teachers, check out Life After Teaching’s blog.

• Low salaries for educators
• Flexible schedules
• Summer breaks and holidays

• Low Salaries for Educators

Many teachers work long hours and dedicate themselves to their students, but unfortunately, their salaries often don’t reflect their hard work and dedication. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average public school teacher salary in the United States for the 2018-2019 school year was $61,730, which is not a lot considering the level of education required to become a teacher. Having a side hustle can help make up for the financial shortfall and provide some much-needed extra income.

• Flexible Schedules

One of the benefits of being a teacher is having a flexible schedule. Teachers often have the option to work part-time, which gives them the opportunity to pursue other interests or side hustles. Many side hustles, like freelancing or tutoring, can be done outside of regular school hours, making them an ideal fit for teachers with busy schedules.

• Summer Breaks and Holidays

Teachers are fortunate to have extended breaks during the summer and holidays. However, these breaks can also mean a break from a paycheck. Many teachers use their summer break to work a side hustle or temporary job to supplement their income. The great news is that teachers have a unique set of skills that lend themselves to getting some great side hustles and jobs, both during the summer and in any spare time they might have during the school year.

If you’re a teacher looking for a side hustle to supplement your income, there are plenty of options available. Check out Life After Teaching’s blog for more insightful articles about side hustles for teachers like you!

9 Awesome Side Jobs for Teachers

There are many awesome side jobs that teachers can take on to supplement their income and pursue their interests. Some of the best side hustles for teachers include becoming a dog walker or sitter, working as a nanny, teaching English or tutoring, working as a courier or house sitter, and translating. Teachers can also share their lesson plans or use their skills to help others. These side jobs offer flexibility and can be done on a part-time basis, allowing teachers to earn extra cash without sacrificing their teaching schedules. By choosing a side hustle that aligns with their skills and interests, teachers can enjoy the benefits of extra income and networking opportunities while avoiding burnout and maintaining their well-being.

• Dog walker or sitter
• Nanny
• English teacher
• Tutor
• Courier
• House sitter
• Translator
• Share your lesson plans
• Use your skills to help others

• Dog walker or sitter: If you love animals and enjoy spending time outdoors, consider becoming a dog walker or sitter. You can advertise your services on sites like Rover or Wag to find clients in your area. This side hustle is perfect for teachers who have a flexible schedule and want to get some exercise while earning extra money.
• Nanny: If you have experience working with children and enjoy spending time with them, consider becoming a nanny. You can find nanny jobs on sites like Care.com or Sittercity. This is a great side hustle for teachers who have summers off or want to earn extra money during their free time.
• English teacher: Many companies are looking for online English teachers to work with students around the world. You can set your own hours and work from anywhere with an internet connection. Check out sites like VIPKid or Qkids to get started.
• Tutor: If you enjoy working one-on-one with students, consider becoming a tutor. You can advertise your services on sites like Wyzant or Chegg to find clients in your area. This is a great side hustle for teachers who want to earn extra money while using their teaching skills.
• Courier: If you have a reliable vehicle and enjoy driving, consider becoming a courier. You can deliver packages or food for companies like Postmates or Uber Eats. This side hustle is perfect for teachers who want to earn extra money during their free time.
• House sitter: If you enjoy spending time in new places and don’t mind taking care of someone else’s home, consider becoming a house sitter. You can find house sitting jobs on sites like TrustedHousesitters or MindMyHouse. This is a great side hustle for teachers who have summers off or want to earn extra money during their free time.
• Translator: If you are fluent in another language, consider becoming a translator. You can find translation jobs on sites like Upwork or Freelancer. This is a great side hustle for teachers who want to use their language skills to earn extra money.
• Share your lesson plans: If you have created lesson plans that have been successful in your classroom, consider selling them on sites like Teachers Pay Teachers or Udemy. This is a great side hustle for teachers who want to earn extra money while helping other educators.
• Use your skills to help others: If you have skills like graphic design, photography, or bookkeeping, consider offering your services to others. You can advertise your services on sites like Fiverr or TaskRabbit. This is a great side hustle for teachers who want to use their skills to earn extra money.

Crappy Side Jobs for Teachers

While side hustles can be a great way for teachers to supplement their income and pursue their passions, not all side jobs are created equal. Door-to-door sales, multi-level marketing, telemarketing, online surveys, and rideshare driving are all examples of crappy side jobs for teachers that can be time-consuming, stressful, and not worth the effort. These jobs often pay low wages and require a lot of time and energy, which can take away from a teacher’s primary job of educating students. It’s important for teachers to choose a side hustle that aligns with their skills and interests and provides a reasonable return on investment.

• Door-to-door sales
• Multi-level marketing
• Telemarketing
• Online surveys
• Rideshare driver

There are certain side jobs for teachers that should be avoided due to their potential for being a waste of time or even harmful to one’s financial situation. These include door-to-door sales, multi-level marketing, telemarketing, online surveys, and being a rideshare driver. Door-to-door sales can be a difficult and unpleasant job, often involving rejection and low pay. Multi-level marketing, while marketed as a way to make easy money, can actually result in financial loss for those involved. Telemarketing is known for being high-pressure and stressful, with low pay and long hours. Online surveys may seem like an easy way to make money, but they often pay very little and can be time-consuming. Finally, being a rideshare driver can also be a difficult and potentially dangerous job, with low pay and long hours. It’s important to avoid these side jobs and focus on ones that are more profitable and less stressful.

11 More Side Jobs for Teachers

For teachers looking for more side job options, there are many opportunities available that can utilize their skills and interests. Teaching remains an excellent choice, as it allows educators to share their knowledge and experience with others. Editing and proofreading are also in high demand, as businesses and individuals often require assistance with written content. Other options include marketing, content writing, and freelance writing, which can all be done remotely from home. For those with a talent for design, graphic design and photography may be viable options. Additionally, virtual tutoring and bookkeeping can provide a flexible schedule and decent pay.

• Teaching
• Editing
• Marketing
• Selling lessons
• Content writing
• Freelance writing
• Virtual tutoring
• Proofreading
• Bookkeeping
• Graphic design
• Photography

• Teaching: As a teacher, you already have the skills and knowledge necessary to teach others. You can offer private lessons in your subject area, or you can teach English online to students in other countries. Online teaching platforms like VIPKID and iTutorGroup offer flexible schedules and competitive pay rates. You can also create and sell online courses on sites like Udemy or Teachable.
• Editing: If you have strong writing and grammar skills, you can work as an editor for individuals or businesses. You can edit anything from academic papers to blog posts, and you can find clients on freelance job sites like Upwork or Freelancer.
• Marketing: Many businesses need help with their marketing efforts, and as a teacher, you have experience communicating effectively with different audiences. You can work as a freelance marketer, creating social media posts, newsletters, and other marketing materials for clients. You can also help businesses optimize their websites for search engines by offering SEO services.
• Selling lessons: If you have created successful lesson plans that have helped your students excel, you can sell them online to other teachers. Teachers Pay Teachers is a popular platform where you can sell your lesson plans and other educational resources.
• Content writing: Content writing involves creating articles, blog posts, and other written materials for businesses. If you have experience writing informative and engaging content, you can find work as a freelance content writer. You can find clients on job sites like Freelancer or Upwork.
• Freelance writing: Freelance writing involves creating written materials for a variety of clients, including businesses, websites, and publications. You can write anything from product descriptions to press releases, and you can find clients on job sites like Upwork, Freelancer, or Problogger.
• Virtual tutoring: Virtual tutoring involves teaching students online using video chat software like Skype or Zoom. You can tutor students in your subject area, or you can teach English to students in other countries. You can find clients on tutoring platforms like TutorMe or Chegg.
• Proofreading: If you have an eye for detail and excellent grammar skills, you can work as a proofreader. Proofreaders review written materials for errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. You can find work as a freelance proofreader on job sites like Upwork or Freelancer.
• Bookkeeping: Bookkeeping involves keeping track of financial transactions for businesses. As a teacher, you likely have experience managing budgets and keeping track of expenses. You can work as a freelance bookkeeper for small businesses or entrepreneurs, or you can find work on job sites like Upwork or Freelancer.
• Graphic design: If you have experience with graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, you can work as a freelance graphic designer. You can create logos, social media posts, and other visual materials for businesses. You can find clients on job sites like Upwork or Freelancer.
• Photography: If you have a passion for photography, you can work as a freelance photographer. You can take photos for businesses, events, or individuals, and you can sell your photos online on stock photography sites like Shutterstock or iStock.

How to Get Started

Starting a side hustle as a teacher may seem daunting, but it can be a great way to earn extra income and pursue your passions. To get started, first identify your skills and interests, and then research potential side hustles. Once you have a plan, create a business plan and set up a website or social media accounts to market your services. Don’t forget to track your income and expenses to stay organized and on top of your finances. With the right approach and mindset, a side hustle can be a rewarding addition to your career as a teacher.

• Identify your skills and interests
• Research potential side hustles
• Create a business plan
• Set up a website or social media accounts
• Market your services
• Track your income and expenses

Identifying your skills and interests is the first step in finding the perfect side hustle. Start by brainstorming a list of activities you enjoy and skills you possess. Consider what you are passionate about and what you can offer to others.

Once you have identified your skills and interests, research potential side hustles that align with them. Use job search websites, social media groups, and professional organizations to find opportunities. Look for jobs that match your skills and interests, and that fit within your schedule.

Creating a business plan is essential to the success of any side hustle. Define your target market, pricing strategy, and marketing plan. Set goals for your business and outline the steps needed to achieve them.

Setting up a website or social media accounts is a great way to market your services and connect with potential clients. Use strong branding and clear messaging to convey your skills and expertise. Consider using SEO techniques to improve your visibility online.

Marketing your services is key to growing your side hustle. Use social media, email marketing, and word-of-mouth to reach potential clients. Offer promotions and discounts to attract new customers.

Tracking your income and expenses is essential for the financial health of your side hustle. Keep track of your earnings and expenses in a spreadsheet or financial software. Consider hiring an accountant or using a bookkeeping service to help manage your finances.

By identifying your skills and interests, researching potential side hustles, creating a business plan, setting up a website or social media accounts, marketing your services, and tracking your income and expenses, you can build a successful and profitable side hustle. Remember to prioritize your well-being and avoid burnout by setting boundaries and practicing self-care.

Pros and Cons of Side Hustles

One of the main benefits of having a side hustle as a teacher is the extra income it provides. This can be especially important given the low salaries that many educators face. Additionally, side hustles can provide opportunities for skill development and networking. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential cons as well, such as the need for effective time management, the risk of burnout, and potential conflicts of interest. Despite these challenges, with the right approach and mindset, side hustles can be a valuable way for teachers to pursue their passions and achieve greater financial stability.

• Pros: extra income, skill development, networking opportunities
• Cons: time management, burnout, potential conflicts of interest

• Pros:
  • Extra income: Side hustles provide teachers with an opportunity to earn extra income, which can help them pay off debt, save for retirement, or pursue other financial goals.
  • Skill development: Side hustles can help teachers develop new skills or hone existing ones, which can enhance their teaching abilities or open up new career opportunities.
  • Networking opportunities: Side hustles can provide teachers with a chance to connect with individuals outside of their school or district, which can help them build their professional network and potentially lead to new job opportunities.
• Cons:
  • Time management: Taking on a side hustle can be time-consuming and may require teachers to sacrifice some of their personal time. This can lead to burnout or impact their ability to perform their primary job effectively.
  • Burnout: Teachers are already prone to burnout due to the demands of their primary job. Taking on a side hustle can exacerbate this problem and lead to mental or physical exhaustion.
  • Potential conflicts of interest: Teachers need to be careful not to let their side hustle interfere with their primary job or create conflicts of interest with their school or district. This can be a tricky balancing act that requires careful consideration and planning.

Teachers need to weigh the pros and cons carefully before taking on a side hustle. While it can provide them with extra income, skill development, and networking opportunities, it can also lead to burnout and potential conflicts of interest. Teachers should choose a side hustle that aligns with their skills and interests, and take steps to manage their time effectively and prioritize their well-being. By doing so, they can successfully supplement their income and pursue their passions outside of the classroom.

Networking Tips for Teachers

Networking is a crucial aspect of finding side hustles for teachers. Joining professional organizations is an excellent way to connect with like-minded individuals and get access to job opportunities. Attending conferences and workshops can help you learn new skills and stay up-to-date with industry trends. Volunteering in your community is another way to meet new people and build your network. Finally, reaching out to alumni from your college or university can be a great way to find job leads and get advice on how to succeed in your chosen field. By using these networking tips, you can increase your chances of finding rewarding side hustles that align with your skills and interests.

• Join professional organizations
• Attend conferences and workshops
• Volunteer in your community
• Connect with alumni from your college or university

One of the best ways for teachers to network and expand their professional connections is to join professional organizations. This can include local, regional, or national groups that focus on education, teaching, or a specific subject area. By joining a professional organization, teachers can gain access to valuable resources, attend conferences and workshops, and connect with other educators who share their interests and goals.

Attending conferences and workshops is another great way for teachers to network and stay current with the latest trends and best practices in education. Many conferences offer opportunities for educators to meet and collaborate with other teachers, attend keynote speeches and presentations, and participate in hands-on workshops and training sessions. These events can be a great way to gain new insights and perspectives, and to make valuable connections with other professionals in the field.

Volunteering in your community is another great way to network and build connections as a teacher. By volunteering for a local non-profit organization or community group, teachers can meet other volunteers and community leaders, gain valuable experience in leadership and teamwork, and make a positive impact in their community.

Finally, connecting with alumni from your college or university can be a valuable way to build your professional network as a teacher. Many colleges and universities have alumni networks or online communities that offer opportunities for alumni to connect and share resources. By reaching out to alumni who work in education or teaching, teachers can gain valuable insights and advice, and potentially even find new job opportunities or partnerships.

Networking is a crucial part of building a successful side hustle as a teacher. By joining professional organizations, attending conferences and workshops, volunteering in your community, and connecting with alumni, teachers can expand their professional network, gain valuable insights and experiences, and open up new opportunities for growth and success.

Conclusion

Side hustles can be a great way for teachers to supplement their income and pursue their passions. By choosing a side hustle that aligns with their skills and interests, teachers can not only earn extra income but also gain new experiences and develop new skills. It’s important for teachers to take steps to market their services and track their income to ensure that their side hustle is worth their time and effort. However, it’s also crucial for teachers to prioritize their well-being and avoid burnout by setting boundaries and practicing self-care. Overall, side hustles can provide teachers with the opportunity to not only improve their financial situation but also enhance their personal and professional growth.

• Side hustles can be a great way for teachers to supplement their income and pursue their passions.
• Choose a side hustle that aligns with your skills and interests, and take steps to market your services and track your income.
• Remember to prioritize your well-being and avoid burnout by setting boundaries and practicing self-care.

Side hustles can be a great way for teachers to supplement their income and pursue their passions. With low salaries for educators, flexible schedules, and breaks throughout the year, teachers have an opportunity to take on side jobs that can provide financial stability and personal fulfillment.

When choosing a side hustle, it’s important to choose one that aligns with your skills and interests. This will not only make the work more enjoyable, but it will also make you more successful. You can take steps to market your services and track your income, such as creating a website or social media accounts and keeping track of invoices and expenses.

It’s also essential to prioritize your well-being and avoid burnout by setting boundaries and practicing self-care. Don’t let your side hustle take over your life or interfere with your teaching responsibilities. Instead, find a balance that allows you to pursue your passions while still being present and effective in the classroom.

Remember, a side hustle should be a way to supplement your income and enhance your life, not a source of stress or exhaustion. By choosing a side hustle that aligns with your skills and interests, marketing your services effectively, and prioritizing your well-being, you can create a successful and fulfilling side hustle as a teacher.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs on Side Hustles for Teachers

Here are some frequently asked questions about side hustles for teachers:

1. What are some part-time jobs for teachers?

Some part-time jobs for teachers include tutoring, freelancing, dog walking, and house sitting.

2. Can teachers work remotely?

Yes, teachers can work remotely as online tutors, freelance writers, or virtual assistants.

3. What are good side hustles for teachers during the summer?

Good side hustles for teachers during the summer include pet sitting, house sitting, and summer camps.

4. How much can teachers make from a side hustle?

The amount teachers can make from a side hustle varies depending on the job. However, teachers can earn anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per month.

5. Can teachers do freelance work?

Yes, teachers can do freelance work as writers, editors, graphic designers, and more.

6. Is it legal for teachers to have a side hustle?

Yes, it is legal for teachers to have a side hustle as long as it does not conflict with their teaching job.

7. How can teachers balance their side hustle with their teaching job?

Teachers can balance their side hustle with their teaching job by setting a schedule, prioritizing tasks, and practicing self-care.

8. What are some networking tips for teachers?

Some networking tips for teachers include joining professional organizations, attending conferences and workshops, volunteering in the community, and connecting with alumni.

9. Can teachers sell their lesson plans?

Yes, teachers can sell their lesson plans online or to other teachers.

10. Are there any tax benefits to having a side hustle?

Yes, there are tax benefits to having a side hustle, such as being able to deduct certain business-related expenses on your taxes.

References

• 30 Best Side Jobs For Teachers
• 35 Easy Side Jobs For Teachers (The Best Second Jobs)
• 60 Best Side Jobs for Teachers to Make Extra Money