If you’re working to pay down credit card debt, you’re not alone. Finding ways to earn extra income can really help you meet your goal. One strategy to consider? Picking up a side hustle.
But before you dive in, you might be asking: “How much can I actually make from a side hustle?” The short answer is... it depends. While different gigs pay differently, the largest factor is usually how much time you can spend on them.
Below, we break down popular side hustles and their average earnings, time commitment, and upfront costs, so you can see if any fit your goals and schedule.
Average earnings: $15–$25/hour after expenses
Time needed to earn $500: ~20–35 hours/month
Startup costs: Access to a reliable vehicle, insurance, gas, maintenance
Overview: Rideshare driving is a go-to side hustle for flexibility. You can drive nights, weekends, or whenever your schedule allows. However, don’t forget to factor in gas, wear-and-tear, and vehicle depreciation - which can eat into profits quickly. Your insurance costs can also go up when you start using your personal car for rideshare.
✅ Best for: People who enjoy driving, already have a car in good condition, and live in a busy area with enough demand for rides.
Average earnings: $12–$22/hour after expenses
Time needed to earn $500: ~25–40 hours/month
Startup costs: Smartphone, vehicle or bike, insulated bag, gas or transit costs
Overview: Similar to rideshare, food delivery offers flexibility but doesn’t involve passengers. Many platforms let you deliver by car, bike, or scooter. Tips can significantly boost your earnings, especially during peak meal times.
✅ Best for: People who want minimal interaction with others or live in high-demand urban areas.
Average earnings: $50–$1,000/month (varies widely)
Time needed to earn $500: Depends on inventory and pricing; often 5–15 hours
Startup costs: Minimal if selling personal items; more if sourcing inventory
Overview: If you have gently used clothes, toys, or furniture sitting around, selling them online is a quick way to generate cash. Of course, this only lasts until you run out of items you want to sell. Some people scale this into a full-blown resale business by thrifting and flipping for profit.
✅ Best for: People who have items to declutter or want to try e-commerce without upfront investment.
Average earnings: $20–$75+/hour depending on skill
Time needed to earn $500: ~7–25 hours/month
Startup costs: Computer, internet, portfolio (depending on niche)
Overview: If you have skills in writing, editing, marketing, design, or admin work, freelancing on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.com can be a great source of income. Building a client base takes time, but the earning potential is high once established.
✅ Best for: People with marketable skills and a few hours a week to dedicate.
Average earnings: $15–$40/hour
Time needed to earn $500: ~15–35 hours/month
Startup costs: Minimal; may need tools for specific tasks
Overview: These apps connect you with people who need help with moving, cleaning, assembling furniture, or yard work. You choose which jobs to accept, and rates are often higher than minimum wage.
✅ Best for: People who are handy or physically active, have transportation, and want fast payouts.
Average earnings:
Room rental: $200–$1,500/month
Car rental (Turo): $300–$1,000/month
Storage space (Neighbor): $50–$300/month
Startup costs: Varies by platform; may include insurance and cleaning fees
Overview: If you have extra space, a car you don’t drive daily, or even an empty garage, you could rent it out for passive income. These side hustles require less time once set up, but come with maintenance responsibilities and added risk. Consider whether you can afford repairs if a guest were to damage your car or property.
✅ Best for: People who have assets to rent and want more passive income streams.
Here’s a quick comparison to give you an idea:
| Side Hustle | Hourly Pay After Costs | Time to Make $500 | Startup Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rideshare Driving | $15–$25 | 20–35 hours | High (car, insurance) |
| Food Delivery | $12–$22 | 25–40 hours | Medium (bike/car, gas) |
| Selling Online | Varies ($10–$100+/item) | 5–15 hours | Low (depends on items) |
| Skilled Freelancing | $20–$75+ | 7–25 hours | Low (skills, laptop) |
| Task-Based Gigs | $15–$40 | 15–35 hours | Low (transportation, maybe tools) |
| Renting Out Assets | Mostly passive ($50–$1,000/mo) | Minimal time | Medium to High |
Every dollar you earn outside your 9–5 can be a direct hit to your debt. Being able to pay down an extra $500/month can make a huge dent in the total amount of interest you pay.
Before jumping into any side hustle:
Be realistic about your availability
Calculate your potential earnings after expenses and taxes
Start with low-cost or no-cost options to reduce risk
And remember - the goal isn’t just to make more money, it’s to pay off your debt faster. When possible, try to put your extra income directly toward your top-priority debt. This is the smart way to pay less interest!